If you wonder, then grab two colleagues and join the South Florida Hospital and Healthcare Association (SFHHA). For the past 65 years the SFHHA has been providing ‘good things’ three at a time by pursuing goals of: Advocacy, Leadership Development and Education for its 100 + members.
For example, Linda Quick, SFHHA President for the past 16 years, discussed advocacy success regarding insurance coverage. In Florida, roughly 4.5 million people are uninsured and the Association has advocated diligently to get legislation passed requiring mandatory insurance coverage.“Now 2.8 million more people will be covered and that will go a long way to reducing the collective annual $2 billion debt of Dade, Brower and Palm Beach County hospitals for delivery of uncompensated care,” she said.
Advocacy, such as government liaison work, monitoring and reporting on regulatory processes and representing the industry to both the general public and elected officials enhances its value to members and provides a current source for information and services that affect them. It may be clinical issues, such as trauma certification requirements; financial affairs, including reimbursement guidelines; or, even environmental issues involving ‘greening’ of hospitals and sustainability of facilities.
Quick cites simple arithmetic noting that there is strength in numbers.
“When our members unite and speak with a strong and unified voice, people listen and greater impact on our industry occurs. For example, during three recent challenges to South Florida utilities proposed rate hikes our pooled resources not only brought the issue’s implications to the forefront but also resulted in blocking the increases – a major victory for hospitals each time,” she said.
Anthony Degina, Chairman & CEO of University of Miami Hospital, has been involved with the SFHHA Board for over 20 years and is currently Board Chairman. He wholeheartedly agrees with the Association’s role as advocate, but ups the ante calling Leadership Development another a vital responsibility for the association. One of the benefits of membership at all levels is to promote professional excellence – as either a mentor or apprentice.“Our goal is to provide access to formal and informal information exchange which can prepare tomorrow’s leaders with the best practice guidelines to stay current with changes in technology, operations, legislative issues, and governance,” according to Degina.
“In addition to providing timely news and background information through electronic and printed articles, Association involvement provides access to the collective experience and best practices available through committee work, task forces and events designed to stay up-to-date with the industry changes,” he said. “I encourage newer members to join committees and roll up their sleeves to contribute and learn simultaneously,” Degina noted.
Getting involved, either virtually through webinars or teleconferences or in face-to face presentations and events, offers options for the most time-challenged manager to climb the leadership development ladder.
“Networking and involvement in any of several committees can help a financial or marketing officer or a clinical manager transition into a senior leader of their organization; prepared with an agenda and solutions to tackle future challenges,” he claims.
Last but certainly not least, educational programming which draws topical experts to enlighten members is a great planning resource. Members need to figure out responses on everything from pandemic planning to seasonal disaster preparedness including hurricanes or oil spills; and learning how others have coped is a major boost. Most members claim they leave the event better prepared to tackle issues from robotic surgery to workforce shortages than upon entering.
Quick addressed some constants and changes in the past two decades as a result of the organizational focus.
“The caliber of Board leadership is just extraordinary,” she said. “Tony, our current chairman, has been involved for the past twenty years during three different career positions and manages to give considered attention to details that make this organization work. He serves with 20 volunteer board members who just ‘get it’ and share their counsel and guidance on association initiatives,” she summarized.
On the other hand, a major by-laws change in 1996 to open membership to related industry providers, consultants and vendors has changed the complexion of the organization.
“Most members agree, however, that the diversification of occupational membership has opened doors for collaboration and cooperation which has supported solutions to improve the health delivery and financial viability throughout the So Florida Health care system.
So, if you are considering SFHHA membership, check out the application details at www.sfhha.com. You will be in good company and maybe it’s just ‘good karma.’
