President’s Message – December 2022
Melissa Zavadil, RHIT, CCS, CPMA, CRC, COC
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year ArHIMA members!
It truly amazes me every year just how fast the months can come and go so quickly. I am not one who dwells in the past. Instead, I choose to reflect just long enough to acknowledge the things I can do better in the next year. I keep reminding myself of this one thing, “If it doesn’t challenge me, it doesn’t change me.” I encourage each of our members to reflect on the things that challenged you in 2022 and let those things change you in 2023, for the better.
Let me first thank the ArHIMA Board for their leadership and guidance through the first half of this administrative year. The hours and days spent making sure that we always find ways to put our members’ best interests at the front of our agenda and continuing to move our profession through the many hurdles that life brings to us.
Thanks to all who volunteer in the various committees, who work to ensure that we are mentoring, advocating, and sharing our knowledge through every changing facet of social media and all other networking platforms. These teams are great to work with and hands down, one of a kind.
As we wrap up all the activities that occurred during this past year, I want to encourage all members to act on the various advocacy focus areas that are found at AHIMA. It has never been easier to become an advocate for our profession. The tools are available, and it takes as little as 60 seconds to submit a letter to our state legislative teams in Arkansas and help them realize who we are and where we stand. We want to be represented well in Washington, DC.
Here are some ways you can help:
- Take action by contacting your federal legislators concerning key legislative initiatives impacting the health information profession or the collection and use of health information.
- Participate in the development of AHIMA’s comment letters on public policy issues.
- Serve on AHIMA’s Advocacy and Policy Council.
- Serve as a state advocacy leader.
- Participate in the advocacy process by exercising your right to vote.
It is more important than ever before that we work together to advocate for the profession. It is collectively within each one of us to “empower people to impact health.” Take some time this next year to learn more about how you can help advance our profession through these pathways to success.
Thank you!
Melissa Zavadil, RHIT, CCS, CPMA, CRC, COC