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North Sound ACH

North Sound Accountable Community of Health

Archives for November 2019

New Administrative Staff

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Our team is thrilled to have two new staff members! Kassy Kadoun joined us as Finance Associate, and Vanessa Diaz as Administrative Associate earlier this month.

Originally from Shelton, WA, Kassy Kadoun moved to Bellingham in 2015 to attend Western Washington University, where she received her degree in Business Administration with a focus on Management. Kassy has experience working in the fields of administration, finance, and marketing. Most recently, she managed the scheduling, production, and finances at a local branding company.

At North Sound ACH, Kassy will handle all expense reports, payroll processing, and various financial statements, along with assisting in other administrative tasks to support the team. Although she is new to the field of healthcare, she is excited to further her knowledge and experience in the field of finance while learning more about public health.

Vanessa Diaz grew up in the Skagit Valley and is an enrolled Samish Indian Nation tribal member. She earned her degree in Medical Assistant Phlebotomy and has over twenty years experience working in the medical community, supporting the front and back office of medical offices ranging from primary care to specialty clinics. Most recently she worked at the Upper Skagit Tribal Community as the Purchased and Referred Care Clerk. In addition to her work, she is part of the wrestling team board and coaches soccer.

In her role, Vanessa will provide administrative support to staff, senior leadership, and various advisory groups focused on health system transformation initiatives and strategies. Vanessa brings much positive energy with her, and excited to join the team that can make a difference in the communities that have helped shape and mold the person she is today.

Welcome, Kassy and Vanessa!

Kassy Kadoun, Finance Associate; Vanessa Diaz, Administrative Associate

Chief Operating Officer Selected for National

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Nicole Willis has been selected to serve on the American Medical Informatics Association’s inaugural Health Informatics Certification Commission. The Commission’s work will expand health informatics certification opportunity for professionals and complement the clinical informatics subspecialty certification.

The 14 member Commission will be responsible for eligibility, examination development, and recertification requirements. Commission members represent different primary health domains, practice settings, and career stages. The Health Informatics Certification Commission is a committee of AMIA that will be autonomous with respect to all certification decisions and operations.

“I am excited about the opportunity to participate in the Health Informatics Certification development process,” shared Nicole. “AMIA is well-positioned to help shape, strengthen, and build leadership capacity in the wide spectrum of health informatics, and I am eager to be part of this inaugural national effort.”

The Commission members bring a broad range of perspectives and significant expertise to their work. They represent individuals who have training in nursing, health informatics, public health, pharmacy, medicine, dentistry, and nutrition.

For more information visit: AMIA Health Informatics Certification Commission:

https://www.amia.org/ahic-certification-commission

Note from Liz (Nov 2019)

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A growing number of communities are observing Indigenous Peoples’ Day in October rather than Columbus Day. Our team, as part of our learning journey, has been exploring the (incorrect) mythology of our nation being ‘discovered’ as a ‘new land’. In reality, the nation was rich with culture, history, and people who had been here, and remain here, even after many attempts to remove them and eliminate them from the history books.

To honor Indigenous communities is to acknowledge the horrors and injustices of the past, and those that continue today. There is much to learn. We are thankful to gracious teachers in our region’s tribal communities who share with us, patiently offering correction and further resources when we inevitably make mistakes.

We reached out to Candice Wilson, former North Sound team member, to hear her thoughts on this time of year. An article was shared by our team that we want to share with you: For Native Americans, Fall is the Least Wonderful Time of the Year.

Please continue to join us on this learning journey.

Liz

Another recommended reading: An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States for Young People (ReVisioning American History for Young People) – Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz. You can get this at your local library.

Candice Wilson: Fall Holidays (Nov 2019)

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I read the article, For Native Americans, Fall is the Least Wonderful Time of the Year. There’s a lot of truth to it. I didn’t realize that Fall is like this for us, but it is. I’d like to ask you to take a moment to reflect on what it would mean for you as an Indigenous person.

Now Si’am Ne Schalecha Si’am – Greetings Friends & Family

The ambiance of Autumn. For those of us blessed to live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest of the North Sound we feel the welcoming cooler weather, the cool crisp air, the morning dew, we see the fog that blankets the landscape, and we change our clocks back an hour for daylight savings. It’s the transformation of seasons. A reminder that change allows us to find purpose.

I am hopeful that you find a sense of purpose to change the way you observe the norm, to look at a perspective differently, to summon and evoke thoughtful and meaningful considerations.

‘What would that look like?’ you may ask. It would look like a consciousness of reckoning. An acknowledgement of People who have been here since time immemorial. There would be a recognition of “Indigenous Peoples Day,” without controversy, but a mere validation of salutation. Imagine even more so, that there would be no more derogatory mascots or chants for schools, colleges, or professional sports teams. No more Native American caricature Halloween costumes or outfits. Visualize a transformation of the normative and envision a gratitude for Indigenous People. A symbolic appreciation to be right and just, to be the norm.

Could this possibly be? It’s up to you. Because during this time of the year, we as Indigenous People, either avoid the ignorance altogether, excuse it, or never-it-mind, or cringe at the thought of being dishonored or disgraced. By chance we speak up, in hope to educate others.

The change of season is good. Change of heart & mind is even better. Transformation is meaningful when we evolve with compassion and understanding. It is the purpose of change. I hope you consider change.

Est’itemsen – I am doing the best that I can.

Hy’shqe – thank you.

Quatz’tenaut – Candice Wilson