by Jeff Tieman, CEO of VAHHS One of the best parts of my job leading the hospital association is seeing members at our annual meeting. Each year we gather to share ideas and information, network with one another, meet new colleagues and spend some thoughtful time away from our daily work lives.
Last year, we lost that important opportunity because of COVID-19. Over the past 18 months, we have accomplished so much as a community of hospitals but we have done it largely on Zoom screens and phone lines.
Now we are fortunate to be part of the nation’s best pandemic response, including a high vaccination rate and low virus transmission rate. That means it is safe to be together again, and it is time to make it happen!
I am pleased to announce that we will hold the VAHHS Annual Meeting in person this year at the beautiful and historic Equinox Inn in Manchester. We look forward to seeing everyone on September 23 and 24 to explore our theme, “Forward Together.”
While we are still working out details for the program, our keynote speaker will be Aron Ralston, outdoorsman and mechanical engineer known for cutting off his own arm to survive a hiking accident.
Aron will relate how his canyon entrapment and self-rescue is evidence of how we can overcome our own “boulders.” I attended middle and high school with Aron and we both competed on the debate team. While we didn’t keep up with each other through the years, what I remember about Aron is how smart and fun he is. I think he will bring a great energy and message to our group.
The program will also feature:
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retrospectives on our COVID response, including a conversation with Vermont policy leaders
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the premier of a mini-documentary about COVID-19 in Vermont in 2020 and 2021
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a program on promoting resilience and reducing burnout among health care providers
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a presentation by Dr. Mercedes Avila, who was keynote speaker for our virtual 2020 conference
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a visit from producing director Bess O’Brien, who will have just wrapped up the tour of the Listen Up Project, an original musical inspired, created and performed by Vermont teens through a multi-year health outreach program.
We will share more details about the agenda and activities in coming days and weeks. And look for an announcement later this week about registration being open. This year, more than ever, we look forward to connecting with you!!