Illinois Association for Healthcare Quality
Formed in 1976, the Illinois Association for Healthcare Quality’s
(IAHQ) primary purpose has been to provide healthcare professionals
with a forum for education, networking, and opportunities for
professional growth. IAHQ is a not-for-profit association formed
as a State Chapter of the National Association for Healthcare
Quality. Its Board of Directors is made up of elected and appointed
volunteers from the membership.
President’s Message
It is my great privilege to serve as President of IAHQ beginning in 2011. We believe this will be a pivotal year for the healthcare quality field and IAHQ, as we adapt to the many changes that are occurring in our profession. The IAHQ Board has updated it’s strategic plan to address not only member needs, but what we foresee as needs over the next few years to ensure we can provide our members long term value. IAHQ is a state affiliate of the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ), and provides a link for our members to NAHQ.
Some of the things we will be working this term on include:
- Increasing our educational programs. You've asked for this as part of program evaluations at state and electronic events. The new programs will include webinars, CPHQ certification preparation/review courses, and we will continue and expand everyone’s favorite program, the Annual Conference. These education programs will provide CPHQ re-certification credit.
- Introducing “Quality Counts” conference calls. This will be an opportunity for members to share successes, and ask others for advice about barriers and challenges.
- Reviving the newsletter in an electronic format.
- Continuing our collegial relationship with IHA and inaugurating the same type of relationship with our IL QIO.
- Expanding membership categories, e.g. Student, Academic, Organizational
- Actively recruiting new members from around the state.
These are just a few of the projects we will be working on during this term. Plans are great, but none of this is possible without good people willing to give their time to the cause. As you know, IAHQ does not have any paid staff, but functions solely on the support of our volunteers. I invite you to join with us in implementing these exciting plans by joining a team! Go to the About Us page of iahq.net, and click on Leadership Board, where you can contact team leaders directly. Listen to your heart and please join in the work, camaraderie, and fun of serving your profession!
If you are not currently a member of IAHQ, we hope that you will consider joining our organization for continuing professional education and networking opportunities. Log on to iahq.net and click on Membership Info for information on benefits and a membership application.
We look forward to an exciting year!
Mary K. Lewis, RN, CPHQ
IAHQ President, 2011-2012
