Iroquois’ stepped up, continuous, and prominent media presence relentlessly pushing the State to release financial relief, assisting members coping with the health care worker bonus implementation, using member survey data to cut through rhetoric and highlight for policymakers the severe financial distress hospitals are experiencing, planning for post-election and the coming legislative session, and seeing the fruits of new and innovative members only tools to address recruitment and retention – these priorities keep IHA on its mission driven path to represent the unified voice of and support for Upstate New York’s hospitals and health systems and the dedicated workers that are employed by them.
IHA’s newsletter features highlights and updates on our advocacy efforts, programs & initiatives, United Iroquois Shared Services (UISS) group purchasing updates, as well as what’s happening inside IHA. We want to take a moment to fill you in on all the association is doing thus far in 2022. We hope you enjoy this edition!
Although the legislature has not been active in Albany since its extraordinary session in July, IHA has been busy at work this summer. The Health Care and Mental Hygiene Worker Bonus (HWB) program was launched, comments on the CMS CAH mileage proposed rule were solicited and submitted, and primary elections were held. Upstate hospitals continue to face unprecedented staffing challenges and critical levels of financial distress, threatening their ability to provide care. In the past several months, IHA has been speaking with agencies, collecting budget priorities, and speaking up for our hospitals who can no longer wait for the State to release financial relief that was promised in the current budget, while readying our legislative agenda for the upcoming 2023 legislative session and budget season.
Kevin Kerwin
Deputy Vice President of Advocacy
and Government Relations
IHA is poised to continue voicing the needs of Upstate healthcare to State decision makers, and working with our members to create a stronger and more sustainable future for our hospitals and the patients they serve.
The IHA WIO team is looking forward to introducing several new initiatives this fall, and continuing to bolster workforce development with our existing programs. The Upstate Works staffing agency has been established to help contain contingency staffing costs. A Robotics Process Automation pilot program has been started as a means of automating processes that are manual in order to gain staffing efficiencies in support areas. The Caring Gene® recruitment website is now open to all member hospitals to post available positions, using cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology to identify candidates The IHA Scholarship program is making a positive impact on the education of healthcare workers and the IHA training program has added exciting new content.
Iroquois Healthcare Association has officially launched Upstate Works! An exclusive, members-only contingent staffing program that gives member hospitals the ability to decrease their reliance on high-cost traditional staffing agencies. Thereby cutting costs and providing the opportunity for greater staffing agency cost management.
The summer of 2022 was anything but lazy and hazy for UISS. Mike Bevivino, who was with IHA/UISS for over seven years retired as of September 30, 2022. Mike was well respected and will be missed by all.
Francine Freise replaced Mike and will be working with the members to support their supply chain needs and help UISS members with their financial recovery and margin improvement plans.
We announced the formation of a new board and board chair who will each help support the for profit’s work to help members maximize savings, reduce costs, and improve outcomes through the power of group purchasing.
And we announced the renewal of our energy management agreement with Zenith Energy and have added several new programs and value add services to assist the IHA members. Read more
Inside IHA
Get To Know the IHA Team! 5 Fun Facts...
In the last issue we started introducing you to the people that make IHA a team. Our team members are excited to share with you a little insight into who they are.
“Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has.” ~ Margaret Mead
As we all know, the most important asset of any organization are its employees. We are eager, experienced, full of positive energy, and we all believe in IHA and are committed to its mission - to serve as a resource and leader to support our members and the communities they serve through advocacy, education, information, cost-saving initiatives and business solutions. This is why we want you to get to know us.
In this issue you’ll learn that several of us have dogs, are left-handed, and enjoy a wide-array of activities outside of the office! Read more
A BIG Thank You to all who Sponsored the 2022 Iroquois Invitational
Elite Business Associate Member Sponsors
By becoming a Business Associate Member of IHA. Increase your visibility within the upstate NY healthcare marketplace, expand networking opportunities, and take advantage of premier discounts and advanced sponsorship opportunity at IHA events.
IHA Business Associate Membership gives your company access to upstate NY healthcare leaders and can help you foster positive relationships with new and current customers, anticipate trends and changes in the healthcare environment, and identify new opportunities for reaching the upstate NY healthcare sector.
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