OAHHS Hospital Voice Fall/Winter 2019

22 » A magazine for and about Oregon Community Hospitals. creating greater transparency of data, whether it’s cost information, what our charity care policies are, or our quality performance. That level of transparency is rare in other parts of the country. I think the willingness to put it out there, get the accolades and, at times, the lumps, says a lot about our health care leaders. And I’m really proud to have worked for a group of leaders that values these things. The other theme that we’ve talked so much about today is collaboration. And that’s where an association can provide a ton of value. One of the questions my staff and I always ask as we consider prioritizing the myriad issues that come before us is this: What could our members do better together that any one member could do on their own. If doing it together makes sense, then OAHHS is the perfect safe space to explore the matter. Additionally, I look at more regional collaborations like the Central City Concern “Housing is Health” program, where all five health systems in the Portland area came together with CareOregon, a Medicaid insurer. All of us said the social determinants of health really do matter, housing is a key determinate, and we should play a role in increasing that capacity in our region. So, $22 million and almost 400 units of supportive housing later, and the Portland metro region is better for all parties having come together. It’s incumbent upon the association and its members to continue to look for opportunities for doing well, by doing good. As your time winds down at OAHHS, how are you feeling about the state of the organization, and the ability to be part of and lead the discussions on key health care issues? The end of this great run is near, and in December I will be handing the reins of the association over to our next CEO, Becky Hultberg. I could not be prouder of the people that I work with. This group shows up every day and rolls their sleeves up to solve the challenges that we face as an industry. They do that with passion, grace, and with a member-driven mindset. They are outstanding! The board is also so key to our work. They are very engaged and are investing more time than ever in setting the direction of OAHHS. They are our critical thought partners, together with the broader membership at-large. I would just close by saying that I feel so honored to have been selected in 2005 to come to Oregon to lead this association. It has been a privilege to be at the helm of an association that represents such important community assets. I love working with our board and members and will truly miss the “power of the possible” that exists when 62 hospital leaders get in a room to solve a problem. They are the most resilient group of executives I’ve ever known. The other theme that we’ve talked so much about today is collaboration. And that’s where an association can provide a ton of value. One of the questions my staff and I always ask as we consider prioritizing the myriad issues that come before us is this: What could our members do better together that any one member could do on their own. If doing it together makes sense, then OAHHS is the perfect safe space to explore the matter.