NAHVRP Future

The NAHVRP board of directors met at St. Elizabeth’s Regional Medical Center in Lincoln on Friday, July 24th at 10:00 a.m. Susan Harris-Broomfield was unable to make the trip to Lincoln but was able to join us through Telehealth (thank you Robin for getting that set up for us). Telehealth is available at almost every hospital in the state of Nebraska and is a great way to meet without travel expense and taking time away from work. It was like Susan was in the room with us the whole time (I have a picture that I am trying to put on the blog but don't know how to do it! I will figure it out!). The board will attempt to use Telehealth from each member’s respective hospital for our next meeting which will be held on Friday, August 21.

Much of our discussion revolved around the future of NAHVRP. Currently, two groups exist in the state of Nebraska for hospital/health care volunteer leaders – Midplains and NAHVRP:

Midplains is a group of hospital volunteer leaders from Omaha, Council Bluffs, Lincoln, Fremont, Seward and Blair that meet on a monthly basis to network and discuss various topics related to volunteer management. One hospital hosts the meeting for the month and provides lunch for the group. Midplains is a very informal group - there are no dues, budget, or by-laws. It provides a way to network and connect with others in our profession. Currently, there are 29 names on the roster for Midplains with an average of about six participating at each meeting.

NAHVRP is considered more formal as we pay dues, have by-laws, and are affiliated with the national association, AHVRP. This year’s board has been taking a hard look at what benefits we are providing our members – currently workshops and an annual meeting are offered in the fall. We have recently started the blog and inviting NAHVRP members to Midplains monthly meetings. The question is: Are you truly getting what you need from NAHVRP for the money that you spend to be a member? We have also been questioning what benefits AHVRP members are receiving.


Here are some facts to consider:
- In order for us to continue to be an affiliate of the national association, at least 25% of our current membership has to be members of AHVRP.
- Currently, 12 out of 22 NAHVRP members are also members of AHVRP.
- Balance of NAHVRP funds as of July 24, 2009 - $3,561.85. Three years ago, twice as much was available.
- Workshop attendance has dropped significantly over the past 5 years.
- Of the current NAHVRP members, 12 members are also affiliated with Midplains.
- It has become increasingly difficult to fill board positions.

What are we thinking? We propose that NAHVRP have a discussion at the annual meeting about our future. Does NAHVRP want to disband? Do we want to continue? Should NAHVRP continue to be affiliated with AHVRP? Can we use Telehealth as a way to meet monthly/quarterly/biannually so that no one has to travel? We want everyone to attend so that some real thought and discussion can be put into this and a viable decision can be made that will work for everyone.

These are very tough questions that we feel need to be discussed and a decision needs to be made about our future.

More information on the workshop and annual meeting will be coming soon!