Thanks to our FHT members, AFHTO has built a strong foundation to serve family health teams. We are reaching out to FHTs to move to the next stage in your association’s development: 1. As FHTs and AFHTO have matured, it’s time to renew the strategic vision and priorities for this association. You are each invited to give input on AFHTO’s strategic direction, to ensure your association continues to reflect the aspirations and respond to the priority needs of the AFHTO membership. Responses are requested by February 5, 2013. 2. A key platform for expanding AFHTO’s capacity to serve its members is the $2000 funding increment for FHTs last August – an increment the Ministry has indicated can only be used for membership in AFHTO (and/or AOHC for the 28 FHTs that are community-governed). At the October 16 Annual Meeting, AFHTO members approved a plan to request a voluntary contribution to enable each FHT to make full use of the funding they have received, but not yet used, within this 2012-13 fiscal year. AFHTO board members will conduct webinars to provide additional background and answer member questions. Click here to register for one of these sessions:
- Tuesday, January 22, 2013, from 4:30 to 5:30 pm
- Thursday, January 24, 2013, from 12:00 to 1:00 pm
Why should FHTs make a voluntary contribution to their association? FHTs are facing immediate pressures and opportunities – delivering operating plans by February 20, making the case for new Quality Improvement Decision Support Specialist positions, delivering the first Quality Improvement Plans by April 1, and some are leading or participating in development of Health Links. With the addition of contract staff and consultant assistance, AFHTO is immediately adding to our capacity to help you navigate these uncharted waters. This expansion of service is made possible by the Ministry’s $2000 funding increment for FHT membership fees in AFHTO (and/or AOHC). The Ministry has indicated these funds are specifically earmarked for this purpose. For AFHTO members who paid 2012-13 fees that were less than this, or those who expensed their membership fees in the previous fiscal year, you are invited to calculate a voluntary amount based on your own unique budgetary circumstances. Please note that 2013-14 membership renewal notices will go out after April 1. Auditors have advised that membership fees should be expensed in the year in which the benefit is received. Since the AFHTO membership year runs from April 1 to March 31, AFHTO is adopting the practice of issuing renewal invoices at the start of the membership year. FYI – One hard copy of this package has been mailed to each FHT. This invitation is also being e-mailed to the addresses we have on file for the board chair, lead physician and executive director for all member FHTs. If you have any comments, questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact AFHTO’s Executive Director (angie.heydon@afhto.ca or 647-234-8503) or Membership Coordinator, Sal Abdolzahraei (info@afhto.ca or 647-234-8605). AFHTO looks forward to continuing to support FHT success in improving and delivering optimal, sustainable interprofessional care.
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