President’s Message Amanda Thrash

Message from Our President

We made it. 2021 is here. Ringing in the New Year on December 31st never felt so fulfilling. And although 2021 hasn’t been as new or different as we had hoped (SNOVID-21), we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. And as we recognize the oneyear anniversary of the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is much to celebrate and be proud of as a healthcare community: local healthcare organizations coordinated more than ever before, we stepped up to coordinate the massive effort of administering vaccines and managed a large-scale weather disaster, to name a few. You all have shown resilience and courage in the face of major obstacles, both professionally and personally, and I commend you for all you have overcome.

The ACHE of North Texas board, committee chairs and volunteers have pivoted to a new normal, offering virtual everything, from virtual education to virtual networking, to even virtual mentor/ mentee meetings. Through it all, we have found a way to stay connected while being miles apart. As we move forward to inperson events later this year, I expect we will retain some level of virtual events because we have heard from you that you like the convenience these events offer. Don’t worry though, we know how important in-person networking and connecting are to you and we all are anxiously awaiting the opportunity, when it is safe to do so.

I am filled with optimism as we return to a ‘new normal.’ I am thankful to be given the opportunity to lead the ACHE of North Texas chapter this year and look forward to seeing you - both virtually and in-person - in the coming year.

Amanda Thrash, FACHE Vice President of Professional & Support Services Texas Health Plano

Message from Our ACHE Texas – Northern Regent

Dearest ACHE Colleagues,

I pray this message finds you well. First of all, I would like to thank you all for allowing me to serve as Regent of Texas Northern. I am honored to serve in this capacity and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to represent you in this appointment. There’s much that has been achieved by my incredible predecessor and we will continue on this upward trajectory in upcoming years. Thank you for believing in me.

This year has already been one that has been trying for many of us. From the political to the medical, we’ve faced challenges that have caused many of us to wonder “what’s next?” Although we’ve been stretched, we have faith that things will soon improve. We’ve seen many triumphs in the initiative to get COVID vaccinations administered to our communities. We continue to see COVID hospitalizations and deaths decrease in our North Texas facilities and communities. There is now a glimmer of hope at the end of this long, frightening tunnel because of the dedication and vigilance of healthcare professionals like you. Thank you for all that you do for our communities and healthcare organizations. You are greatly appreciated and the world would not survive without each of you doing what you do each day. Thank you. As we continue the journey that is 2021, please remember to take care of yourselves. As healthcare professionals, we are taught to take care of all by giving all. We do this well, but how do we care for ourselves? Do we care for ourselves as well as we care for others or do we see this as “being selfish?” The most important thing we can do for those who depend on us is to care for ourselves. As one anonymous author states, “you cannot pour from and empty cup.” Simply put, you cannot give what you do not have. If we who have dedicated our lives to the health and well-being of the human race are not mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually whole, we are limited in what we can give to others. Our gifts are depleted and casualties may result if we lack self-care. The verbiage of airline flight attendants resonates in this moment: “Please put your oxygen mask on first before attempting to help others with theirs.” It is not selfish to care for ourselves. Self-care is imperative to ensure those who count on us receive the best that we can possibly give.

What is that makes you smile? What do you enjoy? What beloved activities can you safely perform now that will bring you a little joy? Please take time to do some of those activities. Factor in a little time each week to do something for yourselves. You are worth it.

I look forward to working with and for you. Until then, be blessed, be safe, and take care of you.

Dr. Trinette K. Pierre, DHA, BSN, RN, CCC, CEC, CHLC, FACHE, NEA-BC Executive Consultant/Advisor, Career Consultant, Professor & Unit Manager TRImani Consulting, LLC/Parkland Health & Hospital System