(Dec. 1, 2023) – One of the most important roles for a successful association is the engagement of members and the development of resources. This week, we had an eventful week of diverse member education, launching new resources and member committee meetings.
On Tuesday, the Kansas Hospital Association and governWell wrapped up our first-ever, two-part Hospital Board Chair Leadership program with nearly 40 board leaders in attendance. We were pleased to bring KHA members to this new program specifically designed for new board chairs and chair-elects. The two sessions were packed with topics focused on the board chair's leadership role; how to build purposeful agendas; facilitation and executive sessions; understanding the Open Meetings Act; enhancing the board chair/CEO relationship; best practices for board conduct and orientation; and developing an effective board self-assessment.
This virtual program included two 90-minute sessions on Zoom and an opportunity for several of our attendees to take advantage of an optional individual coaching session. Breakout rooms were used so trustees could connect with others in their location and in similar facilities. The feedback we received from attendees was positive, and we hope to offer this program again in 2024.
On Wednesday, KHA and Healthworks hosted a webinar covering our revised Healthy Kansas Hospital toolkits. As the primary source of health care in many communities, hospitals have an opportunity to establish norms and influence health decisions for patients, employees and the communities they serve. The Healthy Kansas Hospital program was originally launched in 2014, and it was time to update and refresh resources to aid our members in their efforts.
The first toolkit of resources and templates is focused on creating a worksite wellness committee. Creating a worksite wellness committee is the first step in a sustainable wellness program. The second toolkit of resources and templates was created to assist and support hospitals as they improve environments in Kansas hospitals. The third toolkit was created to further assist and support you as you cultivate strategies for a healthy culture in your hospital and beyond. The materials for all three toolkits can be found online at www.HealthyKansasHospitals.org.
Thank you for your continued commitment to establishing a healthier environment and being a leader in your community by establishing norms and influencing health decisions. Your efforts are helping us provide the healthiest choices possible for patients, visitors and staff. Please let us know if there are additional resources that could assist you in helping us meet this shared goal!
--Chad Austin