Dear Northeast Member,
Change…..we are seeing it with the leaves turning colors here in the northeast, and also within our national and regional association. As you are all aware, our national association has taken a very different look over the past several months. Many of you have asked me the status of the association and my thoughts on the recent changes. I am here to tell you that AAOHN is alive and well and on the road to recovery with our new association management firm, Dancy Callan & Associates.
The national board has worked tirelessly over the past several months, and have implemented a sound financial recovery plan that is working slowly but surely. The Board of Directors continues to focus on member value, communications and improving transparency. AAOHN will be holding its annual conference in 2010 in Anaheim, California from April 13 to April 15, 2010. Come celebrate with us and be a part of this historic event! The new web site has been launched. It is beautiful and is much more user-friendly. Check it out, if you haven’t already: https://www.aaohn.org/. The new toll-free telephone number to contact AAOHN is 850-474-6963. I have also had members ask…..”How can I help????” There are several ways that you can help your professional association including: renewing your membership, purchasing AAOHN products (Webinar’s, CNE’s, etc.) advertising with AAOHN, and sharing your ideas for organizational improvement with your Northeast Region Board representatives: Catherine Pepler, Sheila Litchfield, and Jeannie Hanna. The national board needs to be commended for their work in keeping our organization thriving!!!!!
In October, the Northeast Board held their fall board meeting. We too asked……”How can we help???” The board unanimously voted to provide AAOHN with a $1000 financial donation for educational purposes. Several states in the Northeast have also decided to do fund raising, etc… and to also make a financial contribution. I challenge every state to consider making a donation or participate in a fundraiser if possible. Any chapter or individual who is interested in making a financial donation should designate the monies for educational purposes. Donations can be sent to: AAOHN National Office, 7794 Grow Drive, Pensacola, FL 32514
As some of you may have heard, we have had a significant change to the landscape in the Northeast association as well. The state of Rhode Island has decided to disband at the end of this year. The board had struggled with this decision for many months, and decided that with decreased membership and resources, it would be best to close the chapter. Pat Bose, the President of Rhode Island, informed me that their member celebration held on 10/16/09 was much fun and that the tears shed were happy ones! Rhode Island’s members and leadership should close the chapter by feeling very proud of their accomplishments, and their commitment to the association. Be sure to watch the NEAOHN website for more information on the Rhode Island State Chapter and their closing celebration. Also, keep watching the website for the new addition of the State website portals!
Mark your calendars now for the 2010 Northeast Conference to be held September 22-24, 2010 at Mills Falls Inn and Spa in Meredith, NH.
As we move closer to the holiday season, I wish you all a safe & Happy Holiday season, and look forward to seeing you in New Hampshire!!!
I continue to encourage you to contact your state President, myself, or any Northeast Board member with your ideas and input. This is your organization, and we want to be sure we are meeting your needs!
Sincerely,
Kim Olszewski MSN, CRNP, COHN-S/CM, FAAOHN
NEAOHN President
Kim Olszewski MSN, CRNP, COHN-S/CM, FAAOHN
Mid State Occupational Health Services Inc.
Lewisburg, PA 17837
Phone: 570.523.7774
Email: Kim@midstateohs.com