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August/September 2006

August 01, 2006 

Dear HCO Members and Friends,
As we are heading toward the end of summer, there are many loose ends to tie up: news about our joint meeting with PRSA in September; information about the HCO Fall Conference in November, and board elections.

HCO and PRSA PDX joint lunch event is Wednesday September 27. Please see detailed information below.

Save the Date -- Fall Conference Don't forget to put Friday, November 3 on your calendar. The Fall Conference will be held at the Embassy Suites in Tigard. We're planning an exciting event and booking speakers on the most important topics for health care communicators. You'll be hearing more about the Fall Conference soon.

It may be a bit early, but I'd like you to start thinking about your nominations for HCO board positions. Please think about volunteering your time to help keep our organization running for the benefit of all. We can only do it with your help. Feel free to call or e-mail me at (503) 848-3640, belaf@earthlink.net with any questions about board positions or committees. You can also find board descriptions on our website: www.healthcarecommunicatorsoforegon.org.

Best regards,

Bela Friedman
HCO President 2006


JOIN PRSA PDX AND HCO FOR A JOINT LUNCH EVENT -- Trendspotting: Hot topics in advocacy and consumer involvement in Oregon
The art and science of public relations in health care is better known as advocacy. While many different definitions of advocacy exist, in its simplest and purest form, advocacy is the effective engagement of individuals. It is about building support and allies through interest groups and coalitions: to support a cause, a program or an organization. What kind of advocacy programs have worked in Oregon and why? How do you tap into the progressive energy of physician organizations, patient groups and community coalitions? Or, how do you mitigate misinformation about your organization from these entities? And are you fresh on your coalition building skills?

Healthcare Communicators of Oregon and the Portland Metro Chapter of the Public Relations Society invite you to hear these local health leaders discuss local health trends influence on consumerism and the impacts in this diverse environment; tips on successful coalition building; and examples of proven, successful advocacy programs:
  • Thomas Aschenbrener, President - Northwest Health Foundation
  • Kitty Powell, Director of Strategic Planning - Providence Health Plans
  • Tabitha Engle, Executive Director - Tobacco Free Coalition of Oregon
Date & Time: Wednesday, September 27, 2006, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Lunch will be served at 11:30)

Location: Lorenzen Conference Center at Legacy Emanuel Hospital & Health Center
2801 N. Gantenbein, Portland, OR 97227
(Parking is available on the hospitals south side and along Gantenbein Street)

Cost: $20 for HCO and PRSA chapter members, $30 for non members. Pre-registration is required to ensure an accurate meal count. Register now online at https://www.prsa-portland.org/events.cfm.
 
 
MEMBER OF THE MONTH: Bob Tatum
Organization:
Samaritan Health Services
Role: Marketing Account Manager
Health Care Connection: Samaritan Health Services operates five acute-care hospitals and 25 outpatient clinics in Benton, Linn and Lincoln counties.
Background: US Navy public affairs officer for eight years prior to joining Samaritan Health Services in 2001.
Biggest Health Care Communications Challenge:  Getting the message through to referring physicians.  Since physicians are the gatekeepers for most health care services, it’s important to understand their knowledge, opinions and attitudes about various health care services.
Greatest Professional Passion: Helping my clients resolve marketing and communication problems.
Most Recent Read:  Rules & Tools for Leaders, by Perry M. Smith
 
 
HCO MEMBERSHIP -- Join now!
Healthcare Communicators of Oregon (HCO) members include professionals who work in the field of health care in a variety of specialties, including:
  • Hospitals and health systems
  • Health plans
  • Long-term care and skilled nursing facilities
  • Medical groups
  • Pharmaceutical companies
  • Non-profit agencies
  • Advertising/public relations firms
  • Consultants
  • Entrepreneurs
From consultants to hospital executives, we truly represent a cross- section of Oregon's health care communications industry. HCO's goals include fostering a better understand of the role and responsibilities of health care communicators, and providing opportunities for professional development and networking.

Click here to find out more about joining HCO. For membership questions, please contact our Membership Chair: Tom Eiland (tome@cfmpdx.com).
 
 
JOB OPENING
Asante Health System seeks a Marketing Associate, with an emphasis on public relations. The position fosters relationships with the media, the communications team, hospital staff and the public to ensure the mission, vision and values of the organization are positively communicated. Position requires a Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Journalism, Communications or Public Relations or equivalent work experience; and four years of Marketing/Communications experience with at least two of those years in Public Relations or Media Relations. Apply online at www.asante.org.
 
 
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
Julie Manning, vice president for public relations, marketing and development at Samaritan Health Services, has been elected to the board of directors of Employers for Education Excellence (E3). E3 works with employers and schools to boost student achievement. Read more ...
 
 
BE FEATURED IN THE NEWSLETTER!
Do you have news for HCO members? Do you have ideas for member of the month or the organizational profile? Would you like to post a job opening? Has your company done something newsworthy recently? Contact Hannah Clegg at clegghe@ah.org to submit your information in the HCO newsletter.