The Oregon Caregiver SPRING/SUMMER 2020 www.ohca.com 4 I have never been prouder to work in this profession than I have been over the last several months. When COVID-19 first made its way into the United States, with a large number of cases in Washington, our members acted quickly to implement their emergency preparedness plans, which included the steps needed in the case of a pandemic outbreak. Members across the state began to implement rigorous measures to keep residents and staff safe. These actions were taken weeks in advance of such measures being required by state and federal officials. Since then, I’ve heard story after story from members about heroic and heartwarming actions their team members have taken to prevent and contain the virus all while providing care and support to residents. In this issue, we focus on and celebrate these heroic efforts. In our feature article, representatives from three communities share their unique experiences in dealing with COVID-19. Phil Bentley examines the state’s response to COVID-19 and public policy conversa- tions happening at the state and federal levels. Data and information have never been more important, and Walt Dawson addresses key questions information-seekers should consider when looking at COVID-19 data. Gwen Dayton looks at the issue of liability in the time of COVID-19 and what steps Oregon might take to protect healthcare providers. I have enjoyed seeing photos and videos from providers and community members across the state who have participated in our #ORHealthcareHeroes social media effort. These photos and videos highlight creative activities for residents, staff dedication, thank you messages from community members, and so much more. Here, we include just a few of the hundreds of photos that have been shared. View them all on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram by searching for the hashtag #ORHealthcareHeroes. Representative Rachel Prusak, a nurse practitioner, shares how her career in nursing has informed her work as a legislator. Senate President Peter Courtney shares his experience as a resident earlier this year at Salem Transitional Care and talks about the exceptional relationships he formed with his caregivers. OHCA’s events calendar has been updated exten- sively to allow for virtual learning opportunities for providers. Review some of our upcoming events at the end of the magazine and also on our website. You can read the magazine anytime on our website, www.ohca.com, or on the magazine app “OHCA Caregiver,” which is available for Android and iPhone. Celebrating Oregon’s Healthcare Heroes 11740 SW 68th Pkwy, Ste 250, Portland, OR 97223 Phone: (503) 726-5260 www.ohca.com OHCA STAFF James A. Carlson • President & CEO Philip Bentley, J.D. • Senior VP of Government Relations Gwen M. Dayton, J.D., CHC • Executive VP & General Counsel Cheryl Durant • CRM Administrator/Accountant Melodie King, CMP • Director of Education Linda Kirschbaum • Senior VP Quality Services Chris Madden • Associate Director of Government Relations Lori Mueller • CFO Alyssa Phares • Member & Administrative Services Coordinator Rosie Ward • Senior VP of Strategy Catherine Van • Communications Coordinator BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIR Steve Fogg, Marquis Companies, Inc. VICE CHAIR Rick Miller, Avamere Health Services TREASURER Dr. Mauro Hernandez, Concepts in Community 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 RCF REPRESENTATIVE Mark Kinkade, Gateway Living Residential Care AT-LARGE REPRESENTATIVE Kathy Levee, Marquis Companies, Inc. 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/RCF REPRESENTATIVE Todd Woollard, Woollard-Ipsen Management, LLC OC EDITOR Rosie Ward •
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[email protected] Design & Layout • Jon Cannon James A. Carlson President and CEO Oregon Health Care Association LETTER FROM THE CEO Stay connected with OHCA! Contact Catherine Van,
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