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NAHSE's 23rd Annual Educational Conference, Business Meeting, Exhibition and Diversity Recruitment Expo and 40th Anniversary Celebration a Huge Success, Record Attendance
Charlisa Watson, Executive Diretor and Denise Brooks-Williams, President of NAHSE address attendees at the NAHSE's Opening Reception and Exhibit Hall Expo |
Robert Currie, Conference Co-Chair, Cliff Barnes, Counsel, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Chairman and CEO, Magic Johnson Enterprises, Charlisa Watson, Executive Director, Denise Brooks-Williams, President |
Washington, DC (BlackNews.com) - The National Association of Health Services Executives' (NAHSE) Annual Education Conference was a huge success when nearly 600 attendees and 35 exhibitors and sponsors converged on Atlanta, Georgia last month for their 23rd Annual Education Conference, Business Meeting, and Diversity Recruitment Expo and 40th Anniversary Celebration. The conference theme, "Closing the Healthcare Divide to Improve Health Outcomes" -- The Integration of Services, Technology, Finance and Training" was very well received by all who attended, corporate partners, alike. The conference experienced tremendous growth in 2008, far exceeding expectations with record attendance which is evident of the exponential growth the health care industry is currently experiencing. Veteran attendees who are NAHSE members commented that they learned something new in every session and this was a wonderful and rare opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals-to share information, experiences, and enthusiasm. It was particularly inspiring that so many established minority health care professionals who are dedicated to NAHSE's cause and encouraging of their efforts were able to network on this level. The students presented case analysis to compete for scholarships during the Everett V. Fox Student Case Competition that were of exceptional quality and the University of Michigan took the first place winning title.
The conference was hosted by the Atlanta Chapter of NAHSE, president, Reinetta Waldrop and other NAHSE committee members as well as co-chairs: Neysa Dillon-Brown and Robert Currie. "This is the first time that this many people involved with the NAHSE have come together and the event featured a number of workshops which gave people the opportunity to look at and share ideas of how to improve the world of healthcare disparities and health care services in African-American as well as other underserved communities," commented, co-chair, Robert Currie. Denise Brooks-Williams, President-elect of NAHSE, presided over the conference during the four- day period in which she was officially sworn in as the new President. Brooks-Williams expressed the many ways in which NAHSE is working alongside their members to improve services and increase the number of African-American and minority executives in the healthcare profession. Brooks-Williams was thrilled and overjoyed with the results and successful events that took place during the conference.
"It was a very inspirational week," said Brooks-Williams. "This conference has affected a number of people in a really positive way. We here at NAHSE really feel that together with our members we are making a difference and working toward making the world a better place for all."
There were several highlights of the conference, starting with Mr. Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Chairman and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises; who addressed NAHSE's national board of directors as well the attendees of the opening of NAHSE's Diversity Recruitment Expo Hall. Johnson discussed his latest venture, SodexhoMagic, a partnership between Sodexho and Magic Johnson Enterprises that provides winning, single-source management solutions for clients and customers. Johnson made the Expo Hall come alive when he discussed the importance of educating and informing the African-American and minority communities as well as "older" African-Americans in particular about HIV and AIDS. He also discussed his vision for the healthcare services industry as it relates to African-Americans and minorities which is one of respect, honesty, communication, tolerance, patience and partnership. He stated how "proud and honored" he was to be in the company of NAHSE members who in turn were in the business of "saving lives".
Judge Glenda Hatchett addressed the standing only crowd during the Scholarship Luncheon and told of the numerous cases that had appeared before her courtroom where mother after mother had to choose between feeding and/or clothing their families and an affordable health care plan. She thanked NAHSE, for their commitment to improving the lives of African-Americans and minorities and although she understood that they do not have direct impact on the lives of patients, she offered that certainly NAHSE members are to be commended for their exceptional work in bringing to the forefront healthcare issues that affect African-Americans and minorities alike in the profession.
Dr. Michael Eric Dyson gave a thought-provoking address at the President's Luncheon in which he challenged NAHSE members to stay the course and fight the fight as they address the needs of the underserved communities. He urged NAHSE to stand up for those who couldn't stand up for themselves.
The week finished on a truly celebratory note with Honorable John Lewis (D) eloquently addressing the Awards Celebration Banquet.
Charlisa R. Watson, MHSA, executive director, NAHSE noted, "With the huge success of last month's conference along with the recent changes in our nations' policies and priorities [the election of President-elect, Barack Obama] augmented by the fact that there are over 40 million uninsured Americans; NAHSE will continue to work with our members, leadership and corporate partners to ensure that healthcare reform remains a top priority during the Obama administration.
About NAHSE
The National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE) is a 501-(c) 3 non-profit association of Black health care executives founded in 1968 for the purpose of promoting the advancement and development of Black health care leaders, and elevating the quality of health care services rendered to minority and underserved communities. Since its inception, NAHSE has sponsored and participated in local and national programs and projects designed to improve quality, access and availability to health services and to expand educational opportunities in the field of Health Services Administration. For more information about NAHSE, log onto www.NAHSE.org
CONTACT:
Diane Larche'
Dlarchepr@aol.com
404-273-3227 cell
202-429-6060 NAHSE Office
media@nahse.org
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