Notes from last Friday’s meeting:

Tim Lehman provided our opening prayer, and Doug Wogoman led our singing of “The Star Spangled Banner,” “R-O-T-A-R-Y,” and “Smile.”

Vern Heacock introduced visiting Rotarians and guests.  Visiting Rotarian Doug Risser was present.  Justin Joldersma and Lindsay Mason were on hand as guests. 

President Risser noted that the Board meeting will take place this coming Friday on October 19 at the Goshen Chamber at 7:30 a.m.  Stop in for an attendance credit.  She also reported that twelve Goshen Rotarians attended the Foundation Dinner at the Lerner Theater.  As a result, Goshen Rotary will receive an additional $500 for its next major project.

Ben Bowerman announced that he will be participating in the 100 Cooks fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club on October 20.  David Birky invited Goshen Rotarians to the monthly social After Hours event.  This month it will take place on Tuesday, October 16 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Goshen Brewing Company.  Join in for a drink and an attendance credit.

President Risser invited participation for the upcoming District Friendship Exchange that will take place in early 2019.  The Rotarians will be visiting India and participating during the trip on a national immunization day.  Costs are around $3,000.  If you are interested, contact Doug or Sharon Risser.

Sharon Risser also offered the opportunity to participate in an upcoming Rotary workshop entitled “Simply Irresistible.”  That will take place on October 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Christos in Plymouth.  The $15 sponsorship fee will be paid by Goshen Rotary if you are willing to attend.  The event focuses upon Club membership, but its principles can also be beneficial for your business and its marketing and advertising programs.  For more information, check with Sharon Risser. 

The Rotary World Affairs Conference will take place this year on November 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Goshen College.  The theme is “Peace and Conflict.”  If you are able to attend and serve as a discussion leader, please contact Casey Yerger. 

Steve Fidler noted that sign-up sheets are available for the Salvation Army Pancake Day which will take place on Friday, November 16.  You may also sign up on the Rotary website.  Tickets for the event and sponsorships are still available as well.  Please volunteer and help out for this worthwhile event.

Tonya Detweiler recognized Rotarians with birthdays in October.  Those celebrating this month included Steve Warner, Tim Lehman, Jamie Stickel, Richard Miller, Cathie Cripe, and Tonya Detweiler.  Happy birthday to all of the birthday celebrants.

Jim Caskey introduced our speaker from Goshen Health Systems.  Susan Franger is Vice President of Marketing and Cancer Services at Goshen Health Systems.  She graduated from Elkhart Memorial High School, DePauw University, and IU where she earned a master’s in health administration.  She and her husband have three children.  Jim identified Susan as a true team builder.

Susan provided an outline of the procedures utilized to perform the most recent Goshen community health needs assessment conducted by Goshen Health Systems.  The community assessment is completed every three years.  While it is a requirement under the not-for-profit standards of the ACA, Susan noted that Goshen Health Systems performed a community health needs assessment even before it was a requirement.  The health needs assessment is driven by data obtained directly from the community as well as secondary sources.  Community participation is required as well as an endorsement from the local public health officials.  Board approval is an aspect of the health needs assessment as well as public reporting.  An action plan is adopted and published as well with a finalized report.  An advisory council led the process and drew in information from community engagements and specific community groups including the Amish and Hispanic/Latino population in the area.  Focus groups involving businesses, schools, and not-for-profits were also involved.  The IU School of Medicine provided secondary data for the study.

In comparing the results of the 2018 assessment with 2015, improvements were noted with respect to primary care access, smoking cessation, and the infant mortality rate.  Declines were noted in the areas of obesity and drug deaths.  Twenty-eight factors were considered with 13 selected as the most relevant for future focus and action.  Those 13 areas in order in terms of needing more attention included mental health, obesity, substance abuse, diabetes, mental health provider access, tobacco, poverty, nutrition, physical fitness, access to primary care, insurance coverage, family support, and health education.  Susan stated that the study is nearly complete with the report now being finalized.  Efforts will then continue to be devoted toward implementing the action plan.  Thank you to Jim Caskey and Susan Franger for the report on the Goshen community health needs assessment.

Quote for the week: “It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.” – Mahatma Gandhi