Events

Archimedes Movement holds first membership meeting

The Archimedes Movement, the grass roots organization founded by former Gov. John Kitzhaber, held its first membership meeting June 14 at Lewis & Clark College.The Archimedes Movement was founded “to create a new space for civic engagement outside of our traditional legislative and governance structures so that we can work on solutions to the common problems we face.”Its first project is addressing the health care system, which was put in place when the needs were much different than they are now. The Archimedes Movement is trying to reframe the debate to show why the existing structure won’t lead to a solution.“It's a tall order but I believe we are up to the task,” Dr. Kitzhaber says.For more information about the organization, see the Web site. For information about chapter meetings around the state, visit www.wecandobetter.org, or visit the individual websites for these chapters:

• Albany

• Baker City

• Beaverton

• Brookings

• Canby

• Central Oregon

• Coos Bay

• Corvallis

• Depoe Bay

• Eugene

• Florence

• Grants Pass

• Hillsboro

• Hood River

• La Grande

• Lake Oswego

• Madras

• Newberg

• Pacific City

• Pendleton

• Philomath

• Portland (Cedar Mill/Forest Heights)

• Portland (Downtown)

• Portland (Eastside)

• Roseburg

• Salem

• Seaside

• Silverton

• Sixes

• Southern Oregon

• Tigard

• Welches

• West Linn

• Yachats

Kitzhaber addresses IHI conference

Former Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber was the keynote speaker at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s Ninth Annual Office Practice Summit, March 30-April 1, 2008, in Dallas, Texas.

Kitzhaber’s speech was titled, “The Unfinished Business of the Baby Boom Generation” and goes to the heart of health care reform. You can view it at the IHI web site.

Oregon Health Fund Board seeks public input

In May and June, members of the Oregon Health Fund Board crisscrossed the state to participate in a series of community meetings on health care.

The "Your Oregon, Your Health" meetings gathered public input on broad reform concepts on health care quality, access, cost and delivery. A report to the Oregon Legislature and Gov. Ted Kulongoski is due this fall.

Although the public meetings are completed, the board will still accept your comments, concerns and suggestions. You may send an e-mail, or write to OHFB, 1225 Ferry St. SE, Salem, OR 97302.

You can also get involved in the conversation online at a new web site on health reform in Oregon. TalkHealthReform.org is sponsored by the Northwest Health Foundation as a forum for Oregonians to learn about and discuss statewide health policy. Share your views at www.talkhealthreform.org.

July 22: Oregon Health Forum breakfast: "Health Care Quality: Thumbs up in Oregon?"
Multnomah Athletic Club, 1849 SW Salmon, Portland; 7–9 a.m.

Panelists at the Oregon Health Forum breakfast forum in July will propose some answers to that question. Panel moderator will be Vickie Gates, health care consultant. Invited panelists are: Nancy Clarke, executive director, Oregon Health Care Quality Corporation; Jim Dameron, administrator, Oregon Patient Safety Commission; and Bruce Sheppard, MD, professor and vice chairman of surgery, Oregon Health & Science University.

What does "quality and affordable health care" really mean. How can the various health care industry factions, with competing bottom lines and varying operational procedures, agree on standards to define quality?

The Delivery Systems Committee of the Oregon Health Fund Board has received final recommendations from the Quality Institute Work Group. The work group's report calls for a public-private organization, governed by no more than seven board members, to "ensure the collection and timely dissemination of meaningful and accurate data about providers, health plans and patient experience," among other things.

One hour of continuing education credit is available for insurance agents, brokers and pharmacists. Cost is $40 for Oregon Health News subscribers, $45 for non-subscribers, $25 for coffee/tea only. For information, visit the Oregon Health Forum web site.

July 17–19: Social Forces and System Dynamics that Influence Health: An Experiential Conference
McMenamins Edgefield, 2126 SW Halsey, Troutdale; 3:15–9 p.m. July 17, 9 a.m.–9 p.m. July 18, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. July 19.

Those interested in learning more about how systems influence health are invited to attend a three-day, nonresidential conference. In addition to those who work in public health and health care, leaders of nonprofit organizations that provide services to disenfranchised members of our communities are particularly encouraged to register.

For information, visit the Northwest Health Foundation web site or download a brochure.  

Oregon Health Forum's 2008 conference: Opportunities in Health Care: A World of Potential for Oregon—September 16, 2008. Location: Oregon Convention Center, Portland, OR. See the Oregon Health Forum web site.

Thanks to Oregon Health Forum and OHSU for upcoming event listings

12th Annual Merle Pennington, MD Lectures—Aug. 8, 2008, Center for Health & Healing, 3030 SW Moody Ave., Portland. See the OHSU web site.

25th Annual Rural Health Conference—Sept. 24–27, Riverhouse Hotel and Conference Center, 3075 N. Business 97, Bend. See the Oregon Office of Rural Health Web site.