President's Message

The holidays are rapidly approaching, and it’s apparent we’re all going to continue making more changes in our lives and traditions. While there is always the family story of the infamous in-laws or strange cousins who typically sidetrack a smooth Thanksgiving get-together, we will miss even weird Uncle Al this year! I pray you are all planning to be safe and will remain healthy. Luckily, patience is something inherent to value analysis!

Healthcare Supply Chain is also changing traditions, such as our department potluck dinners and Secret Santa surprises at the office. I know in my facility, we normally practiced in November for our December caroling throughout multiple locations to bring candy and cheer. We will miss these events even more than old Uncle Al!

Hope for our traditions to return is near. The secret weapon we’ve been anxiously awaiting is so close – the vaccines from two sources. While the media continues to share information (and misinformation), we in Value Analysis are knee deep in solutions and logistics to bring this miracle to our internal and external customers. We’re all waiting for the clinical data to be published and the financial impact in training and man hours to be handed to our analysts. As AHVAP members, we will be sharing our trials and successes with the distribution, tracking and supply/equipment needs unique to this situation, so please stay tuned as we gear up for another round of podcasts.

I’m hoping to see all of you join our AHVAP Annual Business Meeting on Dec. 3, 2020. The calendar invitation and social media posts are being shared soon. Normally, this occurs in conjunction with our national meeting, but we felt that it was critical not to take away from our education and sponsors. You will hear from our whole team about our organization’s current status and the new strategic plan to expand out the previous three-year plan that ends in December. Our regional directors and committee chairs will each review their progress this year and will share exciting new things happening in 2021. Erin Arnold from the Membership Committee will also present the results of our 2020 Practice and Compensation Survey. Last but certainly not least, we will be sharing the six nominees for the 2nd annual Brooke Berson Founder’s Award and presenting the award itself to the winner.

So, join us for the exciting event and help us celebrate one of the most challenging years I can remember. AHVAP is stronger than ever and is gearing up for 2021 and our new president, Sue Toomey!

-Laura L. Polson, BSN, RN-BC, CVAHP

2020 President