ASHE President's Letter

Take the next step
By Leo M. Gehring, CHFM, SASHE

ASHE is your organization, existing for and because of you.  Your needs are the driving force of the organization, but we can’t do this alone. In order for ASHE to continue to be the premier organization for health care facilities management professionals, we need your support and your commitment. Thus, I encourage you to take the next step by completing the “volunteer resume” on the ASHE Web site at www.ashe.org. Offer your services and I guarantee that you will find it a rewarding experience well worth your time and effort.

There are many ways for you to be involved and to show your support. For example, if you are fortunate to live in an area that has a state or local chapter, you can become involved on that level. That is a great way to begin your volunteer career. In fact, many of our committee and task force members, board representatives and past presidents used this as their first step. Finding ways to work on behalf of your peers and colleagues enables you to give to your community. I know that a number of chapters work on community projects and enable you to see first-hand the impact you have on local and state issues.

Involvement with ASHE can also be on the national level. Each year, we ask hundreds of members to provide their expertise by sitting on committees or task forces. While this can require a substantial commitment in terms of time, the committee members gain a great deal from this experience. The ability to share ideas and help shape ASHE’s future and the future of health care is thrilling and gives you the chance to give of yourself. 

For many of us, time is a valuable commodity. We never seem to have time to do all that we need and want to do, but the time that you spend working for ASHE gives you so much in return. From my personal experience, my work on committees has expanded my knowledge of the health care environment and increased my understanding of the issues that we face each and every day. It has been pivotal in my growth as a professional and has given me the opportunity develop life-long friendships.

I encourage you to take the next step and get involved. For information, contact ASHE by phone at (312) 422-3800 or e-mail at ashe@aha.org.

Leo M. Gehring, CHFM, SASHE
Vice Chancellor for Campus Operations
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Little Rock, Ark.

Update

Resources you need at special prices

ASHE makes important educational resources available to the health care industry. To order any of the following products, call (800) 242-2626 or log on to www.ashe.org/ashe/products/pubs/importantresources.html.

  • The Guidelines for Design and Construction of Health Care Facilities (2006 edition). Published by the American Institute of Architects Academy of Architecture for Health and The Facilities Guidelines Institute, with assistance from the Department of Health & Human Services, the new edition of the “AIA Guidelines” is now available from ASHE. Authorities in 42 states, the Joint Commission and several federal agencies cite the guidelines. Catalog number: 055370; price: $98 for ASHE members, $140 for nonmembers.
  • Preparing for the Certified Healthcare Facility Manager (CHFM) Exam … A Compendium of Resources. This reference is one of the resources that should be used to prepare a candidate for the CHFM examination. Topics include compliance, operations, finance, maintenance, administration, planning, design and construction. Catalog number: 055354; price: $75 for ASHE members, $95 for nonmembers.
  • Space Planner Tool Kit (2002 Edition). This useful reference is ideal for hospital planners, facilities managers, programmers, administrative and departmental managers and others who need help analyzing physical space needs, master planning and project initiation. Catalog number: 055233; price: $495 for members and nonmembers.
  • ASHE Fire, Electrical & Life Safety Compendium (2006 edition). This reference enables you to sort through the maze of codes and safety standards that impact the construction and operation of health care facilities. Catalog number: 055561; price: $65 for ASHE members, $85 for nonmembers.

This article first appeared in the May 2007 issue of HFM.

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