The Health Management Academy Study Profiles Health System Supply Chain Success

The Health Management Academy Study Profiles Health System Supply Chain Success

"Profiling Success: Supply Chain Management Practices of the Largest Health Systems."

Alexandria, VA (Vocus) September 18, 2008

The Health Management Academy announced the results of an extensive research study profiling successful supply chain management practices in large health systems. This study, sponsored by Broadlane, is one of the first to independently tie supply chain attributes and management practices to actual financial metrics from the largest healthcare institutions in the country. With healthcare costs skyrocketing, these benchmarking and best practices data form a guide for senior executive teams to achieve supply chain management success.

The study - "Profiling Success: Supply Chain Management Practices of the Largest Health Systems" (https://broadlane. wufoo. com/forms/hma-2008-supply-chain-white-paper/) - examined supply chain management in 60 of the largest health systems in the United States with an average annual net patient revenue of $2.7 billion and an average annual supply spend of $483 million. The study found:
 A wide variation in supply chain performance  Leadership, management and organizational factors resulted in significant supply chain savings, ranging up to an estimated $130 million annually  Physician relationships can be improved via effective involvement in supply chain teams and improvement processes

The study examined more than 180 variables to determine the practices most common among the top 10 percent performing systems. The key differences were identified as corporate office direction, leadership, system-wide policies, physician engagement and measurement by product type. Notably, these operational factors were more important to supply chain performance in this study because a critical mass of purchasing power had already been reached.

"There are many factors that affect supply chain spend other than system size," said Gary Bisbee, Ph. D. chairman and chief executive officer, The Health Management Academy. "Our study found that the most important predictor of lower supply chain expense was the full engagement of the health systems' leadership. Corporate office direction, support and recognition by the board of directors and involvement by physicians were key factors in lowering supply expenses."

"Our goal was to evaluate and benchmark our tactics and strategies in order to confirm they were effective measures in reducing supply chain expense costs and improving supply chain operations," said David Ricker, president and chief executive officer. "Broadlane was pleased to learn the results of the study did indeed validate that our processes and service offerings were effective measures in supply chain improvement and were widely respected and practiced by these large healthcare facilities."

The white paper can be downloaded at no charge at:
Https://broadlane. wufoo. com/forms/hma-2008-supply-chain-white-paper/ (https://broadlane. wufoo. com/forms/hma-2008-supply-chain-white-paper/)

About Broadlane
Broadlane is the leading technology-oriented healthcare services company, reducing costs and creating operational efficiencies for thousands of acute care hospitals, ambulatory care facilities, physician practices and other healthcare providers in the United States. Its core services include supply chain management and clinical workforce management services.
Broadlane's comprehensive supply chain services include:
 Unparalleled national and custom contracting for supplies, pharmaceuticals, equipment and purchased services  Innovative Procurement Services and purchase transaction management  Clinical Services for managing clinical preference items and operating room and cath lab spending  Comprehensive Materials Management Services - including outsourcing  Informatics - benchmarking, advanced analytics and reporting  Supply chain technology and e-commerce

Broadlane Workforce Management™ addresses nurses and allied healthcare practitioners and includes:

 External shift and agency management services  Internal shift management, including electronic shift auctions  Regional nurse float pool management and internal agency management  E-commerce workforce exchange linking healthcare providers, clinical staff and agencies, enabling efficient shift management and fulfillment and reconciliation

The Preference Group™, a division of Broadlane, consults with healthcare facilities to help manage the cost of clinical items and processes. The Preference Group's specialized clinical programs include:
 Medication Use Management (MUM)  Orthopedic Management Program  Cardiovascular Management Program  And many others Broadlane's clients include leading providers such as Advocate Health Care, Ascension Health, Beaumont Hospitals, CHRISTUS Health, Continuum Health Partners, Kaiser Permanente, Kindred Healthcare, MedCath Corporation, New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Health System, St. Luke's Episcopal Health System, Tenet Healthcare, The Health Alliance of Greater Cincinnati, US Oncology and UMass Memorial Health Care.

The company is headquartered in Dallas with offices in Cincinnati, Detroit, Houston, New York City and Oakland. For more information, visit www. broadlane. com.

About The Health Management Academy
The Academy provides an open environment for the senior executives of the country's largest health systems and corporations to exchange best practices and benchmarking information, focused on increasing the quality and efficiency of care.

The Academy implements its strategy with member-driven executive study groups, fellowship programs, benchmarking studies, workshops and publications. By virtue of the size and position of their healthcare systems and corporations, The Academy members have similar opportunities and challenges. They view The Academy as a knowledge source for identifying and monitoring tactical and emerging strategic issues. The Academy was formed in 1998, the same decade many of the largest health systems were created. The Academy's model of educational programming assesses the top priorities of its members, monitors the organization and development of large health system executive teams and facilitates structured interaction among its health system members. The Academy is an accredited CE provider and is independently owned and operated. Its members agree to adhere to The Academy's Code of Conduct and Principles of Participation.

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Abstinence Educators Rally in Tallahassee

Abstinence Educators Rally in Tallahassee

Youth and adult advocates for abstinence education will gather on the capital steps Tuesday, March 14, 12:00-1:00 p. m. to show their support of abstinence-only education.

Tallahassee, FL (PRWEB) March 12, 2006

Youth and adult advocates for abstinence education will gather on the capital steps Tuesday, March 14, 12:00-1:00 p. m. to show their support of abstinence-only education.

Initially funded in 1997, abstinence education has played a significant role in the reduction of Florida’s birthrate among 15 to 19 year old females. According to the Fla. Dept. of Health Vital Statistics Report, it has dropped from 60.2 per 1000 females in 1996 to 44.6 per 1000 females in 2004. Abstinence-only education is being provided in 54 Florida counties through private, state, and federal funds.

“Over 150,000 teens and pre-teens receive abstinence-only education from private and government funded community-based programs each year,” said Pam Mullarkey, president of the Florida Abstinence Education Association. “We are also able to reach parents and guardians through these programs as well.”

These organizations uphold the Florida Statute 1003.46 which states that “throughout instruction in acquired immune deficiency syndrome, sexually transmitted diseases, or health education, a school shall (a) Teach abstinence from sexual activity outside of marriage as the expected standard for all school-age students while teaching the benefits of monogamous heterosexual marriage.”

Students throughout Florida provide feedback daily on the importance of abstinence education. “Your staff came to my school this week for three days. Since they have come, my friends are reaching out for help to stop drinking alcohol and stop drugs. Some are even stopping having sex,” wrote as Bradford High School student. “I am so thankful for you and your staff coming to my school. I believe that our school will have a great amount of less drugs and other things. I loved your staff, they were great. I now realize that that getting drunk and partying is not the best thing to do and that there are better things in life to do. Without you I would have never understood these things.”(High School Student quote, 2006)

The Florida Abstinence Education Association (FAEA), founded in 2000, is comprised of organizations throughout the state of Florida that range from 100% volunteer based to those with State and/or Federal funding - but all with the passion to preserve the health of our teens. "FAEA members believe that abstinance-only education is risk elimination – the only 100% effective way to prevent pregnancy, STDs, social setbacks and emotional consequences for our youth.

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Daniel GaleÂ’s Marie Montchal and Joan Erni Win Top Honors at National Relocation Conference

Daniel GaleÂ’s Marie Montchal and Joan Erni Win Top Honors at National Relocation Conference

Marie Montchal and Joan Erni of Daniel Gale Real EstateÂ’s Relocation Division each received the PresidentÂ’s Service Award at RELOÂ’s National Relocation Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Northport, NY (PRWEB) June 29, 2005

Marie Montchal and Joan Erni of Daniel Gale Real Estate’s Relocation Division each received the award equivalent of a big “thank you” at RELO’s National Relocation Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona. Marie Montchal, Vice President of Relocation and Joan Erni, Relocation Director, were each recognized with a President’s Service Award. The President’s Service Award acknowledges relocation professionals who make an outstanding commitment of their time and expertise to the profession. RELO is a network of the leading real estate companies of the world.

“Marie and Joan both put a tremendous amount of energy into their professional pursuits,” said Patricia Petersen, President and CEO of Daniel Gale Real Estate. “They are recognized experts in the relocation field and continuously share their knowledge by participating in seminars, presentations and panels. I believe they run the top relocation office in the business.”

Ms. Montchal, a Certified Relocation Professional (CRP) for over 20 years, manages Daniel GaleÂ’s Relocation and Customer Service Center and its Home Services and Internet Lead Management programs. In addition, she serves on the Industry Advisory Council of the Employee Relocation Council and is past Chairperson of the Relocation Directors Council, a national trade organization for relocation directors. In addition to her professional affiliations, Ms. Montchal is active in the community and dedicated to the collaboration between education and industry. A lifelong resident of Long Island, Ms. Montchal is a member of the Long Island Association and serves on the Board of Directors of the Huntington Township Chamber Foundation.

Ms. Erni is a Certified Relocation Professional and Global Mobility Specialist (GMS) with more than 16 years of real estate and relocation knowledge and experience. She serves as Vice Chair of the RELOâ Advisory Council, a select group of the top relocation directors from across the country and is a member of the RELO Xchange Task force and RDC. Appointment to the Advisory Council is based on qualifications and commitment to the relocation industry. Ms. Erni is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Daniel Gale Long Island Relocation Center in Northport, NY. She is a long-time resident of St. James.

Daniel Gale Real Estate Relocation Center provides those moving to or moving off Long Island with residential and corporate relocation services, from buying, selling or renting properties, to coordinating movers. For more information, call toll free: 1-800-445-4460 ext 14.

Daniel Gale, the largest non-franchised, independent broker on Long Island is a $2 billion organization with offices spanning the North Shore of Long Island from Manhasset to Stony Brook, a New Homes division and Corporate Headquarters. In addition to having an award-winning Relocation Center, Daniel Gale has been the exclusive affiliate of Sotheby’s International Realty for Long Island’s North Shore since 1976 and has gained exceptional recognition, including taking top honors as the leading affiliate worldwide for the sixth consecutive year. Daniel Gale is the exclusive North Shore affiliate for Leading Estates of the World, is a member of Residence, and is a member of RELO®, a network of the leading real estate companies of the world. More information may be obtained at their website, www. danielgale. com.

Contact:

Kathleen Caputi

631-427-1713

Epoch 5 Public Relations

Digital photo attached

Kcaputi@epoch5.com

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Vaestro Launches Voice Community Web Site

Vaestro Launches Voice Community Web Site

Vaestro interactive voice forums empower everyone who uses the Internet with their own voice. Web sites can create their own free Vaestro Voice Channel at Vaestro. com.

Sequim, WA (PRWEB) June 5, 2006

Vaestro, http://www. vaestro. com (http://www. vaestro. com), today announced the open beta of its voice community web site which allows people from around the world to talk to each other using voice powered message boards.

"Hearing the voice of a person in Taiwan or Scotland is simply more powerful than reading a text message from those same people," Vaestro founder Matt Ready explains. "Voice conveys personality and emotion that is often lost when reduced to text. I want to empower everyone who uses the Internet with their own voice - literally."

On Vaestro, user comments are recorded via microphone and instantly uploaded into threaded discussions within different "Voice Channels". Visitors to the site can listen to and participate in these public discussions at their convenience. To help find topics of interest, users browse the channel directory or perform a search of topic titles and descriptions.

Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach, Doctoral student in Educational Technology and writer for the 21st Century Collaborative Blog says about Vaestro, "I see about a thousand uses for this tool! I am always on the look out for anything to help make this Brave New Web 2.0 World not be so text-based. My hat is off to Matt Ready, Vaestro founder, for creating such a cool new community collaboration tool."

Early users of Vaestro include people from every corner of the globe. There are channels in German, Icelandic, Hebrew, Hungarian, Swedish, and Spanish despite the fact the Vaestro web site is currently only available in English. "I didn't expect to have such an immediate International appeal," explains Ready. "My goal all along has been to connect people and cultures around the world in a new and powerful way, so I am thrilled it is happening so fast."

Vaestro introduces the concept of persistent interactive audio to the podcasting revolution sweeping the web. “Podcasting is democratizing radio by allowing anyone to broadcast audio to the world,” explains Ready. “Vaestro adds an entirely new dimension to the idea of democratic audio, creating a medium where the listener is also a participant.”

Vaestro immediately caught the attention of teachers looking for new tools for education. Brandi Caldwell, a High School English teacher in Alabama says, "I think Vaestro is quite visionary and revolutionary. I think teachers are going to find it a refreshing way to break down the walls of the classroom and collaborate world wide."

Some users of Vaestro see it as a type of interactive podcast tool while others are using it like the ultimate audio blog. "People are experimenting with Vaestro," says Ready. "We have people making audio birthday cards and guestbooks while others are telling stories and playing games. Vaestro is a very flexible tool and people are coming up with new ways to use it every day."

The Vaestro team is open minded about the future. "My long term vision is for Vaestro to evolve into a type of global open source democratic interactive talk radio web," explains Ready. "But for now we are just putting the tool out there and letting the world decide how they want to use it."

For further information about Vaestro visit http://www. vaestro. com (http://www. vaestro. com).

About Vaestro, LLC:

Vaestro, LLC was founded in 2006 to develop tools to improve voice communication and collaboration for people world wide. For more information about Vaestro, LLC please visit http://www. vaestro. com (http://www. vaestro. com).

Contact:

Matthew Ready, President

Vaestro, LLC

360-477-1447

Http://www. vaestro. com (http://www. vaestro. com)

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Personal Trainers Thrive, Even in Tough Economy

Personal Trainers Thrive, Even in Tough Economy

While economists are projecting more future gloom, some creative fitness trainers are staying strong in today's economy. "Every day we receive letters and emails from personal trainers doing better than ever. This tells me that people are concerned about their health regardless of the economy," says Dr. Sal Arria, CEO and Founder of the International Sports Sciences Association (www. ISSAonline. edu).

Carpinteria, Calif. (PRWEB) April 21, 2009

While economists are projecting more future gloom, some creative fitness trainers are staying strong in today's economy. From helping new moms get in shape, to working with older adults concerned about heart disease or osteoporosis, personal trainers have carved out dozens of niche categories to help people look and feel better.

"Every day we receive letters and emails from personal trainers doing better than ever. This tells me that people are concerned about their health regardless of the economy," says Dr. Sal Arria, CEO and Founder of the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), the first and only nationally accredited organization that certifies personal trainers (www. ISSAonline. edu).

"I have had to increase my rates 300% because of client demand," says Brian Theiss, President of Theiss Institute in Westlake, CA, who receives a large portion of his business from of a strong network of referring medical doctors. With two out of three people in the US considered obese or overweight, Theiss has chosen to help corporate executives whom he says, "cannot afford to get it wrong."

Certified personal trainer Sara Flemming is a stay-at-home mom and part time trainer for Crossfit in Raleigh, North Carolina and has realized a 500% increase in clients over last year. Flemming trains groups of new moms, and says it makes it financially easier for her clients to work out on a regular basis as they focus on strongman techniques where "we flip tires, throw medicine balls and do Olympic lifts."

In order to assist new fitness trainers with gaining experience, some fitness schools offer job placement assistance. "The ISSA online job listings service is full of wonderful opportunities for people who want to gain experience," says Dr Arria. "If you love fitness, enjoy helping others and want to earn more income in today's economy, personal training can offer many career options for the right person."

About the ISSA
Founded in 1988, the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) has provided fitness education and certification to nearly 125,000 students in 85 countries worldwide. ISSA is the first and only fitness organization in the U. S. to be nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), in Washington, DC. For more information about a career in fitness, visit www. ISSAonline. edu.

For more information, contact Sabeen Sadiq 805-745-8111.

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Global Media Guru Chooses Organizations to Receive CreatAthon Services

Global Media Guru Chooses Organizations to Receive CreatAthon Services

Global Media Guru, providing pro bono services for a total of five non-profits, as a part of the international annual Creatathon event.

Downingtown, PA (PRWEB) September 4, 2006

Advertising agencies across America are assisting 15 New Orleans non-profit organizations as beneficiaries during National CreatAthon week, scheduled September 11-16th, 2006.

In addition to the New Orleans nonprofits, CreatAthon affiliates will be serving more than 150 nonprofits in their local communities during the program this year.

Locally, Global Media Guru, based in Downingtown, with former local reporter/editor, Michele Paiva, as its Creative Director, will be serving and underwriting the following nonprofits with free advertising, press and media relations, branding, brochure and newsletter development and more; in a 24-hour around the clock creative blitz that will officially commence with a “normal” workweek on September 11th.

Of the agencies who expressed interest, we congratulate the following organizations chosen:

The Second Mile: Executive Director, Mr. Sean Saunders. The Second Mile, founded in 1977 by Jerry Sandusky, former Football Defensive Coordinator for Penn State, provides a network of prevention, early intervention, and community-based development programs and services free of charge to school-aged children across Pennsylvania.

Chester County Women: Executive Director: Dr. Bronwyn L. Martin. The mission of Chester County Women is to create a diverse network of women helping women: actively supporting them through educational and interactive networking events, aiding their businesses and increasing their visibility as leaders in the community.

Also: The Feingold Association: A nonprofit serving the United States, dedicated to helping children and adults apply proven dietary techniques for better behavior, learning and health.

Mondesa Youth Opportunities: Founded and directed by United States business executive, Mr. Rob Myers, this boutique charity located in Western Namibia, Africa, focus’ exclusively on providing youth development programs and services to the impoverished community, and to help the children develop confidence to resist negative peer pressure, achieve academic excellence and to obtain life skills to pursue their dreams. MYO is run by a volunteer staff and is the pioneer of a new model of nonprofit management.

Lastly, the New Orleans Nonprofit: Pyramid Community Resource Center: Mission to strengthen the community by reaching underserved families of children and young adults who have disabilities with information, training and support they deserve to achieve their maximum potential. Before Katrina, the PCRC served many, however post-Katrina, they now not only serve thousands more because of being displaced, but are displaced themselves. Their office was destroyed, and they work now from a grassroots effort from homes of volunteers.

CreatAthon, developed by the Riggs Agency in North Carolina, was born of a desire to reach out to the local and international community. Global Media Guru is proud to be the chosen firm of the region, and one of 30 firms across North American and Canada as a part of their network. All services and products, are underwritten by Global Media Guru and served by volunteer professionals. Temple graduates, Philadelphia Film Office Hotline Volunteers and global professionals make up the local CreatAthon Team. Team leaders are Mariellen J. Ward-Kane, Visual Artist, of West Chester; Clarance Tokely, Producer, of Paris, providing an estimated market value of over $25,000.

The next event will be in April, “Peace is Every Step” -- please check site in early 2007.

Www. globalmediaguru. com

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Trustnode Introduces Thematic Social Games via Facebook to Engage and Educate Public About Direct-to-Consumer Insurance Products

Trustnode Introduces Thematic Social Games via Facebook to Engage and Educate Public About Direct-to-Consumer Insurance Products

Trustnode has launched the first of a series of interactive thematic games designed to engage and educate the general public about the benefits of insurance products. Gaming is a powerful tool for cutting through information overload and enabling education of complex, often difficult to grasp topics. The first game – Carl’s Bicycle Adventure – educates players about disability insurance.

San Francisco, CA (Vocus) July 27, 2010

Kevin Dunn, Trustnode co-founder, today announced that the Company has launched the first of a series of interactive thematic games designed to engage and educate the general public about the benefits of insurance products. The first game – Carl’s Bicycle Adventure – educates players about disability insurance. Trustnode is the creator of an online, interactive benefits education and enrollment platform for those involved in the provision and sale of voluntary group insurance products.

Facebook members access the game via a Facebook search for Carl’s Bicycle Adventure. They’re then asked to press a “go to application” button and click on “play.” Once players have entered the game, they use their mouse or arrow keys to direct Carl’s ride through a variety of obstacles. Capture of a floating disability policy during their ride, provides “extra lives” and enables players to continue to ride, post accident and receipt of care. The message: don’t be stopped by an accident because you’re not covered.

“We’re very excited about the launch of Carl’s Bicycle Adventure. This is the first time gaming has been used to engage and educate the general public about insurance products. Gaming is a powerful tool for cutting through information overload and enabling education of complex, often difficult to grasp topics. Players can have fun with these high quality ‘retro’ games, and invite their friends to play and compete with their network for highest score, all while learning about something important. The public wins by becoming more knowledgeable about the value proposition of these products. Brokers, agents, and carriers win with a compelling new tool for lead generation,” stated Kevin.

About Trustnode
Trustnode is the creator of an online, interactive benefits education and enrollment platform driven by The Potters and Friends™, a cast of programmable, animated cartoon characters linked to an insurance knowledgebase. The Trustnode platform enables insurance carriers and agents, benefits brokers, and employers to quickly and easily provide a personalized online experience that more effectively engages employees in the benefits enrollment process. Additional information is available at http://www. Trustnode. com.

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