Chicago, IL – Speaking to a crowd of nearly three thousand today, legendary baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, Jr. brought a message of perseverance to the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) at the Opening General Session of their 60th Annual Convention & Expo in Chicago, IL. The long term care group gathers in the Windy City this week to advance their message of Quality Care Plus.
“The long term care profession has long focused on quality – quality of life for patients, residents and staff; and quality of care for the millions of frail, elderly and disabled individuals who require our services,” stated Bruce Yarwood, President and CEO of AHCA/NCAL. “Cal Ripken, Jr’s. message that perseverance makes the difference in success inspires our membership to meet the challenges of our profession and continue to provide professional, compassionate care for millions of Americans every day.”
Reaffirming their commitment to quality of life and quality of care for our nation’s most vulnerable, AHCA/NCAL gathered in Chicago for their annual convention, offering over 60 specialized education sessions and workshops spread across thirteen educational tracks. AHCA and NCAL leaders took the opportunity to reflect on a successful 2009 and to lay out their vision for 2010 and beyond. In releasing the first of its kind Quality Report to the attendees, Rick Miller, Chair of AHCA’s Board of Governors, stated, “As providers and caregivers, we know that our patients, residents, and families are the ultimate arbiter of the quality we provide. The Quality Report highlights the progress we’ve made in advancing quality, but equally important, takes an honest look at areas where we need to bring even greater attention to improve.”
Baseball’s “Iron Man” shared his insight on The Keys to Perseverance, from his latest book, Get in the Game: 8 Elements of Perseverance That Make the Difference.” Recently named a special envoy for the US State Department, Ripken promoted the principles of teamwork and cross-cultural communication.
Dixie Taylor-Huff and James Unverferth are this year’s recipients of the Advocacy in Action Award, for their dedication and passion for the promoting the long term care profession. The AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo is an opportunity for long term care providers from around the country to network, share best practices, cutting-edge education tracks, and embrace their commitment to quality care. The Convention & Exp will be held in Chicago from October 4-7, 2009 and features over three hundred top vendors in the long term care profession.
As the nation’s largest association of long term and post-acute care providers, the American Health Care Association (AHCA) advocates for quality care and services for frail, elderly and disabled Americans. Compassionate and caring employees provide essential care to one million individuals in our 11,000 not-for-profit and proprietary member facilities.