ICHA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT - January, 2010

RECENT ACTIVITIES

Since the Executive Director's last report in November 2009, ICHA's Finance Committee has met as well as the ICHA Board of Directors.  Other meetings included the ICHA Advocacy Representatives to discuss the upcoming legislative agenda and the Diocesan Vicars and System Ethicists to select topics of discussion and plan a face-to-face meeting later this year.

The Executive Director met with Board members of the National Catholic Bioethics Center in early December and visited their offices in Philadelphia.  ICHA also met with the Metropolitan Chicago Healthcare Coalition (MCHC).  ICHA's Executive Director has begun his annual meetings with Board members, Sponsors and CEOs throughout Illinois. ICHA's Executive Director has also been a frequent guest on Relevant Radio's "Catholic Conference Hour".

2010 UPCOMING MEETINGS

The Finance Committee will meet again on February 16th and the ICHA Board of Directors will meet in Springfield on March 2, 2010.

The Nominations Committee has scheduled their initial meeting for February 23rd.  The Board has five members whose terms expire in 2010.  After speaking with each Board member, four of the five have agreed to continue to serve on the ICHA Board.  The Mission Leaders will meet in Mokena on May 13th and, as noted above, ICHA is planning a date to bring the Diocesan Vicars and Ethicists together.

ADVOCACY UPDATE

As mentioned above, ICHA recent convened their advocacy representatives in collaboration with the Catholic Conference of Illinois (CCI) to set an agenda for the upcoming legislative session.

We discussed and continued to refine the Women and Infants Supportive Healthcare Act (the WISH Act) for introduction when the new legislative session begins.  We also discussed the agenda and logistics for "Catholics at the Capitol" which will take place on March 3, 2010, in Springfield.

Finally, with the election of Scott Brown (R) in Massachusetts, health care reform seems to be on hold until the Democrats decide which direction they decide to go now that they do not have the filibuster proof 60 votes in the Senate.  We discussed the available options and will continue to remain diligent if the process begins to move forward again.

MISSION EDUCATION

ICHA issued a request for proposal (RFP) to begin the process of developing a 6-hour education program for Catholic chaplains.  RFPs are due by mid-February and program development will begin soon after that.

ICHA FINANCES

ICHA continues to operate under a balanced budget and has collected over 100% of its 2010 dues. 

In an effort to hold dues constant as we develop the 2011 budget, ICHA has issued a request for proposal (RFP) for grant writers to assist ICHA in identifying and seeking outside funding for our educational and other programs.

CONCLUSION

Thank you for all you do on behalf of the ministry.  We continue to look for better ways to serve you and are always open to new ideas.  If ICHA may assist you in any way, please contact me anytime at pcacchione@il-cha.org. 

Patrick Cacchione, Executive Director