Whenever I contemplate the future the view is clouded by the past. It may be that Ive been working in South Floridas health system since this time in 1973. It may be that much of what I can predict for 2007 has surely occurred in one or more of the intervening years. Of course those of you who know me arent surprised at the cynics view. Youve seen me quoted here and elsewhere about such seemingly irresolvable challenges as growing numbers of uninsured, expanding burden of uncompensated care, growing rift between hospitals and doctors, looming shortages of appropriately educated and trained healthcare professionals, and increasingly curious consumers and patients who actually believe they have a right to pick between ever-more competitive health plans and providers.
- A national shift away from war and toward interest in domestic policies, including the American Hospital Associations leadership role in the development of solutions for the uninsured, liability reform, mental health parity, realistic quality measures.
- Idealistic new leadership in Tallahassee that appear open to working with the South Florida Hospital & Healthcare Associations (SFHHA) membership on some doable deeds such as reauthorization of mandatory personal injury protection automobile insurance, and funding for the next steps of our South Florida Health Information Initiative and more public-private affordable housing partnerships.
- An SFHHA strategic plan that assigns each committee and task force specific objectives for the next two years of work. The most dedicated and ambitious leadership and enthusiastic membership of the Association has agreed to commit time, talent and resources to getting these things done and success is the only option. In addition to those group efforts, the Board will be hosting trips to Tallahassee and Washington, DC, and convening another “summit” in the spring so that we can showcase “what works” from around the country and around the block.
- Strategic alliances are also reasons for optimism and provide promise for even the most weary among us. SFHHA has developed a terrific working relationship with WorkForce One, the workforce development board for Broward County, and are now beginning to find common initiatives with Miami-Dades South Florida Workforce as well. The Florida Hospital Association has a new board and new members from South Florida, and a chance to once again be the unified voice of all the states hospitals. SFHHA will continue to work with FHA on legislation and regulation impacting our mutual membership.
Finally, on a practical note, 2007 should be a very good year. SFHHA is getting new association management software and revamped website that will facilitate communications among our members and our staff. We will be finding a new home for our offices and have already begun acquiring the technology we need to be more efficient and effective. What wont change is the organizations commitment to identifying the health systems needs and pursuing the collective action needed to be taken. My crystal ball is very clear about that.
