Spring, 2006

Dear GPA Members,

We are in the planning phase for Thoroughly Modern Georgia, the 20^th Annual Meeting and Conference for GPA!  It is scheduled for September 13 - 15^th, 2006 at Sea Palms on St. Simon's Island .  We have some wonderful speakers slated already, and will have another Silent Auction this year!  The Program Committee, chaired by Tracey Easterling this year, has secured a delightful comedian for our entertainment!  Plan to come, share time with friends and colleagues, learn about the latest and greatest developments in our ever changing environment, and take away a special treat from the silent auction.  This year promises to be even more exciting than ever before!  Watch for the Save the Date cards and brochures.  We will load program information onto the website for ease of registration, so visit www.georgiaperinatal.org and see speakers, topics, and get the registration form.

As many of you know, the roll out of the changes to the Medicaid restructuring to managed care has been delayed, but is just around the corner!  We need to remember one of our roles as healthcare providers is that of patient advocate!  GPA is planning some educative sessions to help providers and families access care.  Watch for announcements of those sessions.  We will try to arrange them in each of the six regions.

Ballots will be coming out this summer!  Be sure to take time to vote and return your ballots so they may be tallied.  Election results are announced at the Annual Meeting in September!  Be thinking of someone who deserves the Tee Rae Dismuke Award.  This award is presented by GPA at the annual meeting to a member of GPA who has provided leadership and / or contributed to the improvement of perinatal health in Georgia .

It is a great honor to serve as the President of Georgia Perinatal Association.  When I accepted the honor, the six year commitment loomed large and seemed almost insurmountable!  As I write this, I am approaching the close of my term as president.  It is amazing how quickly the time has passed!  This fine Board of Directors makes my job a snap! 

Sandra Mobley Pittman assumes her duties as President in January 2007.  We can look forward to great accomplishments under her leadership!  Stay active!  Get even more involved!  We are blessed with a dynamic membership, but we are always looking for more eager and enthusiastic participation!

Sincerely,  

Beth Lambertz-Guimarães, MSN, RNC
President, Georgia Perinatal Association