Valued Voice

The WHA Wisconsin Rural Health Conference is June 4-6 in the Wisconsin Dells. Have you registered yet? For all information on the conference, including full agenda, speaker bios and registration, please click here.

Day 2 of the conference offers universal and timely topics that you won’t want to miss.

Achieving a Culture of Zero Violence: Leadership Strategies to Improve Healthcare Safety and Security Programs
Brian Uridge, Michigan Medicine Security Director, University of Michigan Health System

Violence is one of the largest occupational hazards facing healthcare workers today. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2011 and 2013, just over 70% of all workplace assaults occurred in healthcare or social service settings. Violence reduction programs should be focused on developing a system-wide approach that recognizes every health care system as a community, with every floor being a unique neighborhood, each with different dynamics. Building trust, transparency and training along with implementing a system-wide strategy focused on reducing risk and anxiety through exceptional experience-based nontraditional contacts, staff training, professionalism, and critical incident response, forms the basis from which a strong security program is built. Program topics include: 

• How to implement community policing-based security models focused on trust, transparency, and training. These include engaging stakeholders using nontraditional methods, applying CPTED principles and changing traditional incentive models to reshape how security officers approach security.
• How to effectively implement security strategies such as firearms programs, Taser Programs, and Security K-9 Programs. Topics such as policy development, selection, and training along with clinical engagement prior to implementation.
• How to create law enforcement-based training scenarios designed for the healthcare environment clinical environment. Role-playing, simulation, use of proper venues, training safety, along with effective use of force simulators will all be covered. 

The Human Margin: Building Foundations of Trust
Katherine Meese, PhD, CEO, HuMargin Group

With 15 years of experience in health care management, leadership and research, Dr. Meese is an award-winning scholar and author on organizational behavior, well-being and leadership. Most importantly, she is on a mission to rehumanize the work of healthcare by using science to help leaders keep their people and keep them well. She currently serves as the CEO of HUmargin Group, which takes a data-driven, scientific approach to help healthcare organizations solve their complex human challenges.  She has co-authored two textbooks on organizational behavior in health care used in over 160 schools nationwide, and The Human Margin: Building the Foundations of Trust with Quint Studer. Dr. Meese also teaches and mentors graduate, doctoral and executive students at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). 

We have golf spots still available. If you have already registered for the conference, did not select golf, but would like to, please email us at education@wha.org and we will be happy to adjust your registration.