June 8, 2018
The Values of Our Hospitals
"In medicine, you are asked to open yourself to others' lives and perspectives-to people as well as to circumstances you do not and perhaps will not understand." - Dr. Atul Gawande 
 
Last week, Dr. Atul Gawande delivered a commencement address to graduates of the U.C.L.A. Medical School.
 
His message was straightforward and inspiring: hospitals are among the few places where one encounters the whole span of society. The special role of health care professionals is to recognize each patient, no matter what their circumstances, as having a common core of humanity - as being a person.
 
By exercising a sense of warm curiosity, caregivers can better serve those entrusted to them. Dr. Gawande shared with the future doctors an interesting story: he was able to convince a patient, a former prisoner, to open up and share the hardships and effects of being in solitary confinement. This revelation, and the connection it forged between caregiver and patient, enabled Dr. Gawande to more easily tend to the man's physical injuries, but also offered a deeper message about the role of a caregiver.
 
In his closing remarks to the graduates, Dr. Gawande said: "...You will be given trust to see human beings at their most vulnerable and serve them. That trust is earned because of your values, your commitment to serving all as equals, and your openness to people's humanity. The renewal of these values is why we're all so grateful to be here and so grateful that you will carry those values on, beyond us."
 
It's certainly timely that Dr. Gawande will be with us next week to deliver the Dick Davidson Lecture at MHA's Annual Membership Meeting . Because you and the caregivers in your hospitals are about to embark on a new statewide system of care whose success will depend not just on meeting financial goals, but also on treating people who are part of "a common core of humanity." Whole-person care, person-centered care, call it what you will. We will be, along with those new physicians, taking care of people, not just patients.
 
There are still a few registration slots available for the meeting. Just contact Kathy Gotwalt if you'd like to join us.

Bob Atlas
President & CEO

2018 Bond Program Deadline is June 22
The deadline to submit applications for the 2018 MHA Bond Program is Friday, June 22. Application forms and other supporting documentation must be submitted via the hospital-specific SharePoint site. If you have any questions regarding the application or submission through the SharePoint site, contact Jane Krienke . All application materials are available at www.mhaonline.org/bond .
MHA Offers High-Utilizer Webinars
A two-part webinar - Improving Care for High Utilizers: The MAX Method - is designed for hospital teams focused on reducing potentially avoidable utilization, specifically addressing high utilizers of the emergency department or inpatient settings. The webinar, hosted by MHA and Amy Boutwell, MD, MPP, the developer of the MAX Method, will explain core concepts and key operational aspects as well as the impact it has on patients, teams, cross-setting partnerships, and outcomes. Part one is June 13 from 9 to 10 a.m. and part two is June 27 from 9 to 10 a.m. The webinar is free, but you must register ( June 13 registration ; June 27 registration ).
Health Connection to Hold Regional Forum
The Maryland Health Connection will hold a regional forum with state and community leaders on Wednesday, June 13 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to explore ideas to strengthen the marketplace for 2019 enrollment. The forum will be at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center in Salisbury. Health care leaders will also review upcoming state and federal actions. Please RSVP to Jenny Mancha at jenny.mancha@maryland.gov or 410-547-6323.
Conference on Harm Reduction Scheduled
In conjunction with a new program focused on harm reduction and syringe services, the Baltimore County Department of Health is holding an event to provide tools and resources to health professionals working with people experiencing substance use disorders. The "Compassion in a Crisis: A Deeper Dive into Harm Reduction" Conference will be held Thursday, June 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The Valley Mansion in Cockeysville. The event is aimed at social workers, mental health and substance treatment providers, public health professionals, policymakers, and other health care and social services professionals, peers, family members, and anyone who is personally or professionally impacted by substance use. The event will be interactive, with a component on understanding and involving peers/people with experience in the delivery of services. Click here for the event flyer and here to register .
Productive and Convenient Leadership Education
 
The question around investing in leadership education often circles around "impact and value"- what are we getting for the money and time invested?

Reduce Lighting Energy Costs Up to 50 Percent
 
Lighting accounts for 30 to 60 percent of annual electric costs for many facilities, and many new advances in lighting technology can help your organization conserve energy and save money.

Report: Hospitals Drive Nearly $3 Trillion in Economic Activity
 
America's hospitals supported 16.5 million jobs and almost $3 trillion in economic activity in 2016, according to the AHA's latest annual report on hospitals as economic drivers in their communities.

THE WEEK AHEAD
Monday, June 11
MHA Executive Committee meeting
- MHA Annual Meeting - Welcome Reception

Tuesday, June 12
MHA Annual Meeting - General Session
MHEI Board meeting

Wednesday, June 13
Webinar: Improving Care for High Utilizers: The MAX Method
Health Services Cost Review Commission meeting

Thursday, June 14
MHA Technical Work Group meeting
TOP NEWS FROM THE WEEK
CBS Baltimore , By Devin Bartolotta, June 2
 
WCBC , By Staff, June 1
 
Baltimore Business Journal , By Morgan Eichensehr, June 5
 
Baltimore Business Journal , By Morgan Eichensehr, June 6
 
The Baltimore Sun , By Chase Cook, June 6
 
SoMdNews , June 7
 
Baltimore Business Journal , By Morgan Eichensehr, June 6
 
The Daily Record , By Tim Curtis, June 6
THANK YOU TO OUR 2018
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