History 2006:

October  2006  Regional Conference

      Our Regional Conference was held at  “The Inn of Spanish Head” in Lincoln City, Oregon.  If you were unable to attend, you missed an awesome conference. The food was wonderful, the view was breathtaking, the program was impressive, and the remarkable staff waited on us hand and foot. What more could you ask for?

    As our new president, Jacque Branford, did an outstanding job in her first duties, announcing and hosting the conference.

     The first day we had excellent programs that were both educational and fun. Gail Hand had a  program titled “Power of Laughter”. She said, “That laughter is the shortest distance between two people, and that a day without laughter is a day wasted”. Denise Arnold gave a very informative program about Medicare. She was able to answer and clarify many questions that we had on what the provider’s role is in collecting the correct Medicare information. There was a “Teamwork hour” that stressed how important it is to work together as a team.  And, on Thursday evening, there was a fun social hour followed by a superb, plated Vendor Appreciation Dinner.

     Welcome GNHAMA, was written in gigantic letters in the sand by the staff from “Inn of Spanish Head”, which was really cool.

Click Here For More Pictures From the Conference

    On the second day, “Accessing the World of the Blue” was the program given by Angie Gibson from Regence Blue Cross. She was very knowledgeable, and gave terrific handouts and information. Catherine Stevens,  NW Regional Rep for NAHAM, National Organization of Healthcare Access Management, (East Coast based) shared information about the NAHAM website, and about the NAHAM journal that has very informative Patient Access information. Sister Aileen, from Sacred Heart Medical Center spoke of “The Healing Power of Play”. As always, she had everyone giggling and laughing with her wonderful sense of humor. The last program of the day was by, well known, Vicki Norris with her “ Restoring Order and Reclaiming Your Life”, program. She talked about re-setting your priorities, and how to live “your dash”.

     We don’t want to forget all of the terrific vendors that participated in our conference. All of their products were to die for, and I’m sure we all wish that we could have each and every one of their products and services for our own hospitals. You can go to the GNHAMA home page, click on sponsors, and this will take you to the sponsors and their links to get more information about their services.

   We all had a fantastic time with such great programs and all of the splendid food, but I’m sure I was not the only one that said, “ I don’t think I can ever eat another bite again”.