The Oregon Caregiver FALL/WINTER 2020 www.ohca.com 4 From the COVID-19 pandemic to the devasting Oregon wildfires, this year has tested the long term care sector to the extreme. Our members have endured a record number of COVID-19 cases, everchanging regulations, and the heartbreak of loss from the fires. Not only have caregivers and medical staff pushed through the challenges, but they have also come out stronger. Never have I seen such incredible displays of resilience, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to those in their care. In this issue, we focus on embracing the unknown and share what lies ahead for the long term care sector. In one of our feature articles, caregivers and staff from several communities across the state share their harrowing experiences, escaping the wildfires during a pandemic. In another article, members from community-based care and home care show how their staff put some life back into the holidays. Phil Bentley takes a deep dive into the potential impacts of the November elections and shares upcoming public policy proposals from both the state and federal levels. Mauro Hernandez addresses the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the long term care sector and outlines how OHCA’s new DEI work group will tackle some of those challenges ahead. Oregon is among the top states in the country when it comes to long term care. Walt Dawson analyzes the state scorecard and shares important insights into how these metrics play a role in the long term services and supports systems. While families are eager to spend time with elderly loved ones, Gwen Dayton addresses the limitations of the new indoor visitation guidance and the dangers they could impose. OHCA hosted its first virtual convention this year that went off without a hitch! We value our members’ time and we appreciate them joining us both live and OnDemand. During the virtual convention, we honored our OHCA Award recipients and celebrated the many “healthcare heroes” in our sector. Review the award recipients and read a Q&A with from some of these recipients in our leader profiles. In our policymaker profile, House Republican Leader Christine Drazan (R-Canby) shares her vision for her party’s future in Oregon and where her priorities lie in 2021 and beyond. OHCA’s events calendar will once again allow for virtual learning opportunities for providers for at least part of next year. Review some of our upcoming events at the end of the magazine and on our website. I also want to share that this will be my last “Letter from the CEO.” At the end of the year, I will be transitioning into an advisory role for OHCA, while Philip Bentley, JD, our current senior vice president of government relations, steps into the role of OHCA CEO and President, starting in January. It has been a pleasure to serve OHCA and our members these past two decades and I look forward to seeing our sector grow and continue to provide vital services for Oregonians long into the future. 2020: A Year of Perseverance 11740 SW 68th Pkwy, Ste 250, Portland, OR 97223 Phone: (503) 726-5260 www.ohca.com OHCA STAFF Libby Batlan • Senior VP of Government Relations Philip Bentley, JD • President & CEO, Starting January 2021 James A. Carlson • President & CEO Gwen M. Dayton, JD, CHC • Executive VP & General Counsel Cheryl Durant • CRM Administrator/Accountant Melodie King, CMP • Director of Education Linda Kirschbaum, LNHA • Senior VP Quality Services Brenda Michael • Assistant Controller Lori Mueller • CFO Sara Schouten • Member & Administrative Services Coordinator Catherine Van • Communications Coordinator Rosie Ward • Senior VP of Strategy BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIR Steve Fogg, Marquis Companies, Inc. VICE CHAIR Kathy LeVee, Generations, LLC TREASURER Mark Kinkade, Gateway/McKenzie Living IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Fee Stubblefield, The Springs Living NON-PROPRIETARY REPRESENTATIVE JoAnn Vance, Providence Child Center MULTI-FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE Ryan Delamarter, Prestige Care, Inc. BUSINESS PARTNER MEMBER REPRESENTATIVE Gabriela Sanchez, Lane Powell, LLC ALF REPRESENTATIVE Mauro Hernandez, PhD, Hearth & Truss; ITA Partners, LLC MULTI-FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE Jonathan Allred, EmpRes Healthcare Management, LLC INDEPENDENT NURSING FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE Kathleen Parry, Maryville Nursing Home BUSINESS PARTNER MEMBER REPRESENTATIVE Scott Reese, Alliance Insurance Group NON-PROPRIETARY REPRESENTATIVE Mark Remley, Aidan Health Services, Inc. IN-HOME/SENIOR HOUSING REPRESENTATIVE Kevin Call, Adeo In Home Care ALF REPRESENTATIVE Lisa Maynard, The Springs Living MULTI-NURSING-FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE Rick Miller, Avamere Health Services ALF REPRESENTATIVE Tom Stanley, Cascade Living Group, Inc. OC EDITOR Rosie Ward •
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