PCPA President Julie Weaver addressed the Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting on March 21. Her comments, printed below, reflect the changes and challenges of the Association and build on her remarks from 2000. Weaver is the first President to serve a second one-year term, following changes in policy last year allowing a second term.
"I would like to make just a few brief remarks.
First of all I would like to thank PCPA for the privilege of allowing me to serve as your President for a second year. I am very excited and energized by this opportunity and challenge.
Last year when I became President and I addressed you for the first time, I spoke with you about diversity, transition and leadership. I would like to briefly comment on these areas again today.
Diversity remains one of PCPA's strengths, as well as a challenge. I won't repeat the scope of our diversity as it includes all that I mentioned last year. Our diversity spills out in every direction one looks; be it the staff, our Board and membership, those groups we work with, technology, legislation, our Annual Conference or the issues we try to impact. As an Association we cover many fronts and we do it well. This would not be possible without the dedication of the staff of the Association or without the many committed members who represent PCPA in a multitude of forums. I offer my heartfelt "THANK YOU" to all of you and ask for your continued commitment.
In terms of transition, a major focus this last year, of course, was the transition in the Executive Director position. George Kimes came on board as PCPA's Executive Director in June of last year. I believe that the transition has been a smooth one to the credit of all. The staff, members and Board have all contributed to the successful nature of this transition and again for that I thank all of you.
Transitions will continually be at the core of our activities. The systems in which we work are perpetually in a state of transition. We, PCPA, must always be prepared to impact and capitalize on these transitions and the opportunities that they represent, in order to positively affect those whom we serve and ultimately the entire service delivery system.
In terms of leadership, I know that I do not have to remind you that each and every one of you is a leader. The Association relies on all of its members for input and direction. PCPA, as an association, is a leader. With a growing regularity it is PCPA whom individuals, other Associations, legislators and those from other offices and departments look to for direction, for information and for leadership. The time is ripe for us to truly help to sculpt and design the changes that are rapidly occurring within systems in which we operate.
Our challenges are many. Within each of the service areas we focus - Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Addictive Disease, PCPA is committed to all of the individual and specific issues. We direct our energy and resources to effecting the necessary changes needed in all of these areas. Aside from that, we face some system-wide challenges that we must aggressively tackle as an Association.
Although there are various multi-system issues such as Cross Systems Licensing, Rate Setting, HIPAA, HealthChoices and system transformation, there are a couple that require some specific comments.
First is the crisis that we are facing in terms of Recruitment and Retention of employees. Our battle on this issue is just beginning. We must capitalize on each small success and maintain our momentum in an effort to gain some significant changes that will positively effect this situation. We must be aggressive in our strategies and approach this issue from every possible angle. As always, we must work collectively in finding positive solutions.
Another troubling challenge that continues to rear its ugliness is the publics' reaction to those individuals for whom we provide services. The "not in my back yard" mentality continues to be pervasive in far too many communities. The media's negative portrayal of issues, program and individuals continues, which is extremely disheartening. This Association, as well as each one of us, has a duty to step up our efforts at educating the public and media and we have a moral obligation to confront and correct the rumors, misinformation and inaccuracies that are continually reported and recycled.
In conclusion, I am compelled to repeat our mission statement:
PCPA promotes a community-based, responsive and viable system of agencies providing quality services for individuals receiving mental health, mental retardation, addictive disease and other related human services.
The depth of skill, experience and knowledge within the staff and membership of this Association is staggering. I am acutely aware of the fact that none of our workloads is diminishing and yet I must ask each of you to dig a little deeper in terms of sharing your time and expertise with your colleagues and with PCPA in efforts to continually forward PCPA's mission.
As Johann Wolfgang von Goethe so eloquently stated, 'Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do.' Let's keep the momentum going, we have a lot to do! Thank You!"