West Virginia Rural Health Association

Board of Directors Meeting

Monday October 25, 2004

Members Attending: Rosie Cannarella, Patty Crawford, Sara Jane Gainor, Sharon Giles, Julie Lejeune, Richard Meckstroth, Sandra Pope, Phil Schenk, Sonnie Strader, Henry Taylor and April Vestal.

Absent: Joe Barker, Sister Rebecca Fidler and Dave Sotak.

Guests: Renate Pore, Drema Mace, Norma Bowyer.

Welcome & Introductions: The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Sandra Pope.

Approval of Minutes: Phil Schenk moved that the minutes for the July 30, 2004 Board Meeting be approved as presented, second by Henry Taylor. All approved, motion carried.

WV Rural Health Conference Update:

Drema Mace welcomed WVRHA board members to the 12^th Annual West Virginia Rural Health Conference. She announced that she has accepted another position and will be leaving the Bureau in 30 days. Drema said that she hopes to continue her good relationship with the West Virginia Rural Health Association.

Drema Mace reported that 273 people have pre-registered for the conference. The registration fee included $25.00 for individual membership, for 2005. Stipends given to some individuals did not include the membership fee. Phil asked if there were any questions about automatic charge for membership. Answer was no.

Patty thanked Drema for all that she has done to promote the West Virginia Rural Health Association. She also suggested that following the concurrent sessions, there should be an announcement reminding everyone to attend the WVRHA membership meeting scheduled from 5:00-6:00 p.m., in the Tygart Room.

Drema suggested that since the WVRHA is increasing membership and is now solidified, we should consider coordinating the Rural Health Conference next year. There will be a meeting on Wednesday, October 27, during the Golf Tournament, to begin planning next years WVRHA Conference.

Sandra Pope also expressed appreciation and thanks to Drema for her support of WVRHA, and stated that the association will continue to work with Bureau.

The following board member terms will end on 12/31/04: Joe Barker; Sharon Giles; Dave Sotak; Sister Rebecca Fidler; and Julie Lejeune.

Update on Policy Sessions scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 27^th:

The Plenary Session will begin at 8:30 a.m. with speakers, David Sniff, President, NRHA and Allen Morgan, VP of Government Affairs and Policy, NRHA. They will speak on national policy issues.

Concurrent sessions are scheduled for 9:45 a.m. A panel of legislators will discuss rural health and the 2005 Legislative session. Both Dan Foster and Roman Prezioso dropped out of the forum, suggestions were offered on possible representatives as a replacement. Suggestions were: Mike Oliverio and Donna Brenner. Phil suggested contacting Nancy Tyler for assistance.

Update on Golf Tournament-Phil Schenk:

• 20 Golfers (4 teams, consisting of 5 players)
• 2 firms donated money for prizes
• Will not hit $1,000.00 mark. Should clear $600.00-$900.00
• Lots of stuff to give away!
• Issue-No way to watch debate, play golf, and have lunch at same time. (Working on trading in meal ticket for box lunch.)

Sandra Pope reported that Jean Aul will be present AHEC Grant award on Wednesday, during lunch. WVU is currently working on a press conference for the presentation. Be prepared to make comments to press, if approached.

Membership Report - Rosie Cannarella and April Vestal:

Board members received 2003-2004 group and individual membership lists. Rosie reported that not all members listed have signed for to attend the WVRHA conference. Membership committee will send reminder letter and registration form to any members who did not attend the WVRHA conference and to those members who did attend the conference but did not pay the $25.00 dues.

The following issues were discussed:

• There were a few glitches last year in last year’s membership list. Joe Barker’s name was not on the former or current membership list. Membership dues had to be current in order to serve on the board. Joe will be asked to pay last years dues. Membership committee will be sure to review list before electing members this year.
• Membership Committee should get new ballots out by 12/01/04.
• Norma and Sr. Rebecca have paid twice for all 3 years.
• Phil asked if we are going to count the 91 individuals who paid for dues as part of the conference cost as voting members at the membership meeting this evening. There was some confusion whether membership started and ended with the conference, or followed the calendar year. By-laws state that dues paid after 10/1 shall continue membership through following year. Therefore persons who paid membership fee with conference cost would not be allowed to vote this evening.

Membership report, continued.

• Dr. Taylor suggested that we revise the by-laws to include membership from conference to conference. Phil will work on an amendment to by-laws and present motion tonight.
• If any nominations are received tonight for board members, we will accept them. Patti expressed concern that we have an active board but no communication with general members. Send message that “all” are welcome.
• Rosie expressed some concern regarding instructions on Membership Brochure to send membership dues/sign up, is “Eastern Division.” Brochure will be changed, dues should be sent to Martha. Some comments were made that the new membership form is a little confusing. New Brochure is not available due to printing glitches.
• List of attendees and new members (Sandra is checking).
• A brief discussion was held on taking the display to conferences. Norma asked if we want to participate in conferences when there is an exhibitor charge. Phil suggested a “policy” for moving the WVRHA display. Renate suggested the possibility of having three separate displays for different areas (Morgantown, Charleston and the Eastern Division). Sandra suggested returning the exhibit to Charleston for now.
• Sharon will man the display during the WVRHA Conference, but may need some assistance.

Treasurer’s Report-Sandra Pope: Finances in order / committee voices will be assuming finance duties. See attachment for details of report.

· Norma, Dr. Taylor, and Sharon will help with grant proposal.

· Rosie asked if we can order badges by legislature day. Sandra will put in budget.

· Policy “work group” responsible for putting together plans for conference/legislature day. Association will take an active role in legislature day.

2004-05 Vision and Goals-Renate Pore: Announced some minor changes. Put health professionals and education together. Include Mission Statement - as changed on 4/04 at retreat and board meeting.

· Phil suggested further changes in light of where Health Care is today. Need to include chronic care management in next year goals.

· Moving from acute care toward chronic management and prevention.

· Create awareness to membership of what legislators are interested in hearing. (Medicare/Medicaid payments will be based on Pain Management and Chronic Disease being pushed)

· Sara asked if the 2004-2005 Vision is our vision or our “purpose”.

Discussion followed on plan for future board meeting dates. Rosie suggested meetings need to be standing. Julie thought it a good idea to schedule dates. (General membership meeting is held during the annual conference. One suggestion was a standing telephone conference call for board members on the 2^nd Monday of each month, between 1-2 p.m. Tentative dates discussed were: 11/08/04, 12/13/04, 01/10/05, 02/14/05, 03/14/05, 04/11/05, 05/09/05, 06/12/05, 07/11/05, 08/08/05, 09/19/05 and 10/10/05. Some dates were identified as RHEP days (Dec., March, June, and Sept.)

Discussion was held regarding a Quarterly Meeting during the Legislature Day, Feb. 21, 2005.

Wrap Up:

Agenda for membership meeting scheduled for 10/25/04, 5-6 p.m.

· Introductions-Sandra.

· Progress report and synopsis of accomplishments - Sandra.

· Treasures report and review of web site and membership benefits.

· Question and Answer session, facilitated by Dr. Meckstroth.

· Nominations for board.

· Influencing Policy - Dave Sotak.

· Drawing for giveaways.

· E-News - Renate

Sandra asked for volunteers to serve on the board member nominating committee. Board members can succeed themselves for 2^nd term. April Vestal is chairman for nominating committee.

Patty Crawford solicited a gift certificate for a bed and breakfast weekend at Stonewall Resort, to be given away at the membership meeting. We just need to put the request on WVRHA letterhead.

Julie Lejeune moved that the meeting be adjourned, 2^nd by April Vestal. Motion carried.