Tag Archives: Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-Iowa

Diversity & Inclusion Partnership Presents 6th Annual Summit for Business Professionals

The Diversity & Inclusion Partnership of the Alliance & Chamber is presenting the 2016 Executive Diversity & Inclusion Summit. This is the 6th year for this educational event for owners and managers of businesses and organizations of all sizes. The Summit will be held on October 14, in Winter Hall Atrium and McKinstry Student Center at Allen College, 1990 Heath St, Waterloo, from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm, with registration beginning at 7:30 am.

Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-Iowa is the premier sponsor for the event.

The Executive Diversity & Inclusion Summit is designed to strengthen the Cedar Valley Economic region by providing tools and information to implement effective inclusive practices. The Summit provides attendees a concentrated and focused experience with multiple activities including a keynote speaker and a dramatic presentation. Additionally, two workshops are offered: Generations in the Workplace, and Employing Immigrants – What Every HR Professional Should Know. Lunch, provided by Cedar Valley Society of Human Resource Managers (SHRM), will be served during the workshops.

Attendees include CEOs, Human Resource directors and upper management of businesses and organizations of all sizes.

Two keynote presentations will be given during the morning session. Diversity & Inclusion Strategist James Wright will present Moving the Race Conversation Forward. Wright will explore the changing face of America and how this will affect our workforce and political climate; how to interpret US Census data and proactively begin discussing racial differences openly, honestly and respectfully; and will provide keys to introducing inclusive concepts that are useable by all leaders, managers and employees.

Theater instructor and director Andy Paris of the Tectonic Theater Project will introduce the company’s latest project, Uncommon Sense: An Exploration of Autism using Theatrical Form. The project is rooted in Iowa stories about Iowa families and communities affected by life on the Autism spectrum. This three-year collaboration began with interviews of Iowans. Their stories have been woven into a theatrical play. The play will premier January 21 and 22, 2017 at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center on the University of Northern Iowa Campus in Cedar Falls.

Andrew Duff is a theater major and recent college graduate and has been working with Tectonic Theater on the project. Andrew, will share his employment experiences as an individual on the Autism spectrum.

Also during the Summit, the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber will announce the call for nominations and application processes for the Diversity & Inclusion Awards to be presented at the 2017 Annual Celebration, March 30, 2017 at the Park Place Event Center, Cedar Falls.

These awards will be given for outstanding contribution by a business or organization for leadership in creating and strengthening an environment of diversity and inclusion in the workplace culture, business practices and in the community. Deadline for nominations is November 15, 2016. A nomination form can filled out online at cedarvalleyalliance.com.

Continuing education credits for human resources professionals are available for Summit attendees. There is no cost to attend, but registration is requested no later than September 30. Workshops details, event agenda, speaker bios and registration can be found at cedarvalleyalliance.com, by contacting Danny Laudick, Director of Talent Solutions at dlaudick@cedarvalleyallaince.com, or by calling 319-232-1156.

REGISTER HERE

The Diversity & Inclusion Partnership is a workforce initiative of the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber. The purpose of the Partnership is to strengthen the Cedar Valley economy by collaborating with businesses to promote inclusion and to make sure all residents have the opportunity to benefit from a thriving Cedar Valley economy. The Partnership is led by a taskforce of volunteers dedicated to promoting the business case and positive impact of diversity and inclusive practices in the Cedar Valley workforce. More information can be found at cedarvalleyalliance.com, by contacting Danny Laudick, Director of Talent Solutions at dlaudick@cedarvalleyallaince.com, or by calling 319-232-1156.

Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare Transfer Agreement Final

Alliance & Chamber investor Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – Iowa has joined Mercy Health Network. They recently released the following information.

Wheaton Iowa Ministries Join Mercy Health Network

The Wheaton Franciscan Sisters finalized an agreement making the Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – Iowa (Wheaton Iowa) operations – Covenant Medical Center, Waterloo; Sartori Memorial Hospital, Cedar Falls; and Mercy Hospital, Oelwein – part of Mercy Health Network (MHN) as of May 1, 2016. MHN is based in Des Moines and is an integrated system of hospitals, clinics and other health and patient care facilities working to achieve the “triple aim goals” of better health care services, better health, and higher efficiency.

“We are excited to become part of Mercy Health Network, an Iowa-based health care system focused on continuity of care for patients, payers, and employers,” said Jack Dusenbery, President and CEO of Wheaton Iowa. “Our hospitals and clinics positioned throughout northeast Iowa add strength to a statewide network of health care services focused on improving access and creating efficiencies.”

MHN was founded in 1998 under a joint operating agreement between two of the

largest Catholic, not-for-profit health organizations in the US: Catholic Health Initiatives, based in Englewood, Colorado, and Trinity Health, based in Livonia, Michigan. With the addition of Wheaton Iowa, MHN includes 15 owned hospitals and medical centers, 26 community hospitals affiliated through contracts, and 207 physician clinics.

“As an Iowa-based health care system with access to two national sponsors, MHN is positioned to best meet the needs of patients, families, employers, insurers and communities throughout the state,” said Dave Vellinga, President and CEO of MHN. “Together, we strive to be the premier health care system offering the highest value to those we serve by improving quality of health care, increasing accessibility of care, enhancing services to patients and their families, and reducing costs.”

The Wheaton Franciscan Sisters engaged in a lengthy discernment process to determine the future disposition of their corporate ministries while they are healthy, fiscally sound, and have a strong sense of mission and values. Sister Pat Norton, Chair of the Sponsor Member Board for Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare stated, “The choice to transfer our ministries ensures that the needs of the times will continue to be addressed in each community, as the Sisters have worked to do for more than 140 years.”

Under the terms of the agreement, MHN becomes the owner of Wheaton Iowa properties. The transaction will not change the complement of local services and will not result in changes in leadership. MHN will have representation on the local Board of Directors.

“We have the highest regard for Jack Dusenbery and his leadership team,” Vellinga said. “We are fortunate to have such a strong group of leaders partnering with us in our mission of healing and improving health.”

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GREATER CEDAR VALLEY ALLIANCE & CHAMBER NOW ACCCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR ANNUAL DIVERSITY & INCLUSION AWARDS

The Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber announces nominations will be accepted now through the end of Oct. 31, 2014 for Diversity & Inclusion Business Awards to be presented during the 2015 Annual Celebration on Thursday, March 26th at the Park Place Event Centre.

This recognition is given for outstanding contribution by a business or organization for leadership in creating and strengthening an environment of diversity and inclusion in the workplace culture, business practices and in the community.

Nominations can be made through the nomination form on the Alliance & Chamber website, www.cedarvalleyalliance.com/diversity through the end of October. Nominees will be invited to complete an application and interview process to determine winners.

Past award winners from the 2014 event include Allen College Unity Point and Veridian Credit Union. Past award winners from the 2013 event include Em’s Coffee of Independence, Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare, Iowa, Inc., and Wartburg College.

The Cedar Valley Diversity and Inclusion initiative is designed to strengthen the Cedar Valley through promoting diversity, full inclusion, and cultural competencies in business, and to focus on the importance, impact and benefits to business of effective diversity and inclusion practices. The partnership also hosts an annual educational summit in the fall and two multicultural receptions throughout the year. The next reception will be Oct. 28^th at Hawkeye Community College from 4:30-6:30pm.

Descriptions of the awards, nomination forms, and application form are available at the Alliance & Chamber offices or online at www. cedarvalleyalliance.com/diversity . For additional information, please contact Alliance & Chamber Vice President of Community Development, Cary Darrah at cdarrah@cedarvalleyalliance.com or 232-1156.

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Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber Diversity & Inclusion Summit

The Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber is hosting the fourth annual Executive Diversity & Inclusion Summit, an educational event for professionals on Friday, September 26th. The Executive Diversity & Inclusion Summit, sponsored by Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-Iowa, Inc. will be held at Allen College, 1990 Heath Street, Waterloo, from 8:00am to 1:30pm, with registration and breakfast beginning at 7:30am. The Summit provides attendees a concentrated and focused experience with multiple activities including a keynote speaker, a featured speaker, and authoritative workshops. Recertification credit hours toward PHR, SPHR and GPHR recertification through the HR Certification Institute are available to attendees.

Summit Topic: Identifying Unconscious Bias in the Work Place

The keynote speaker is Armers Moncure, whose areas of speaking, consulting and training focus and expertise include: Unconscious Bias, Cultural Competency and Employee Engagement. Most recently, Armers piloted new approaches to integrating best practices in Diversity and Inclusion and Employee Engagement. One of his signature and most popular workshops for increasing engagement is called Discovering WorkLife Passion and Purpose.

The focus of the keynote presentation will be Unconscious Bias in the Work Place. Attendees will gain an understanding of the dynamics of hidden or unconscious perceptions and how it can show up in daily activities and reinforce stereotypes. The presentation will also show how unconscious bias impacts talents management and inclusion within the workplace and offer ways to mitigate the impact of unconscious bias.

The featured speaker is Deanna Kosaraju with her presentation How to Create and Sustain a High Performing Team Through Diversification. This presentation will look at how diversity in an organization can increase innovation and enhance productivity, resulting in higher sales and profits. Creating a plan for the recruitment, retention and advancement of diverse employees, while eliminating unconscious bias and stereotype threat, will shift an organization from a stifling culture to one where ideas and innovation thrive.

Two breakout sessions will be presented by local experts; Effective Workplace Communication in a Pluralistic Society presented by Karris Golden and Diversity and the Impact on Your Organization presented by Quentin Hart.

Also during the Summit, the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber will announce the call for nominations and application processes for the Diversity & Inclusion Awards to be presented at the 2015 Annual Celebration, March 26, 2015 at the Park Place Event Center, Cedar Falls.

The Summit’s premier sponsor is Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare Iowa-Inc. It is also supported by gold sponsors Allen College Unity Point and Veridian Credit Union. CUNA Mutual Group is the silver sponsor. There is no cost to attend, but registration is requested no later than September 19th by going to the Events Calendar at www.cedarvalleyalliance.com. More information about the initiative and the awards can be found there.

The Diversity & Inclusion Initiative helps the business & institutions of the Cedar Valley region recognize and act on the business case for adopting and implementing inclusive practices in hiring, employee development, marketing and environment.

For more information about the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber Diversity & Inclusion Partnership, Summit or awards call Cary Darrah at (319)232-1156 or email cdarrah@cedarvalleyalliance.com.

Go to the event page on our website by clicking here.

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Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare Launches Convenient Care Express Partnership with Hy-Vee Puts New Walk-In Clinic at College Square

Cedar Falls, Iowa (July 21, 2014) – A partnership between Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-Iowa (WFH) and Hy-Vee will bring the first walk-in health clinic to a retail setting in the Cedar Valley. The new clinic, Convenient Care Express, will be located inside College Square Hy-Vee, 6301 University Avenue in Cedar Falls. It is scheduled to open July 29.

Convenient Care Express, a division of Covenant Clinic, will offer affordable health care for minor conditions and symptoms provided by a nurse practitioner. Among those symptoms seen and treated are allergies, sore throats, fevers, flu, cold, ear and sinus infections. Insurance can be billed or cash pay is also an option for consumers.

The WFH and Hy-Vee partnership allows access to health care in a setting that is already common to consumers. Hy-Vee started construction at the College Square location in March, enlarging its pharmacy and accommodating space for the clinic.

“We’re excited that we could help bring this convenient health care solution to the community,” said Jeff Sesker, store director at the College Square Hy-Vee. “We understand our customers’ lives are hectic, and through our in-store pharmacy, dietician and walk-in clinic services, we strive to make it easy for customers to live happier and healthier.”

With two busy walk-in clinics already in place – Convenient Care is in Cedar Falls and Waterloo – Covenant Clinic is making this move to provide more opportunities for patients to access health care providers in a convenient setting.

“This health care model exists in other metro areas across the country and it provides another opportunity for busy families to get treated for acute symptoms,” said Peter Camilli, director of clinic operations for WFH. “We encourage patients to build a relationship with a primary doctor but walk-in clinics exist for less serious conditions like colds or sinus infections, not the chronic conditions that require ongoing treatments. We feel this is a great opportunity to reach those people that might not otherwise have time in their busy day to schedule an appointment.”

The clinic will be open Monday through Friday, noon to 8:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It will also be open on holidays. Patients must be 18 months or older and some age restrictions exist for select services.

Electronic medical records for patients already a part of the Covenant Clinic network will be available to providers; however, one does not need to be a current Covenant Clinic patient to be treated at Convenient Care Express.
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