The 5 Ws of the NEHA Board Advisory Council
The 5 Ws of the NEHA Board Advisory Council
Interview With Carolyn Miazga, PhD., Secretary, NEHA Board of Directors
Posted: February 14, 2023. Originally printed in NEHA’s Fall 2022 Newsletter.
WHAT is the Board Advisory Council?
The NEHA Board Advisory Council is an informal group that meets semi-annually to discuss ideas and feedback regarding NEHA programs, events, fundraisers, and more. This feedback is then discussed amongst the Board and presented to the NEHA Staff. Whether you have a piece of feedback to offer or want to participate in the discussion, the Board wants to hear from you!
WHY did it launch?
We know many community members have ideas and feedback to express on a variety of topics, but with the exception of post-event surveys and needs assessments, there was no structured way to share them. The NEHA Board Advisory Council was created as part of the Board of Directors’ five-year strategic plan to help increase transparency and facilitate feedback from all areas in our community.
WHO can participate in the Board Advisory Council?
All community members over the age of 13 are invited to participate in the Advisory Council; whether you have feedback to offer or simply wish to participate in the discussion. You do not need to be a member of NEHA to attend. Industry partners and health care providers are also welcome. We welcome your participation for as often and frequently as you would like.
WHERE and when are meetings held?
The Board Advisory Council meets twice per year: once in the spring and once in the fall. The spring meetings will be held virtually, via Zoom, to allow all community members, regardless of their location, to participate. The fall meeting took place in-person at FallFest during the ‘Meet the Board Breakout Session’. Meeting registration reminders for 2023 will be sent out via email and posted on NEHA’s social media pages.
WHEN has the council met and what feedback what learned?
Our first meeting was held in December 2021. In 2022, we met virtually in June and in-person at FallFest in November. Overall, the feedback has been positive! Those in attendance were happy with our programming offerings, the split in locations and the return of some in-person events. Suggestions included providing programming for coping skills in the context of mental health as well as personal advocacy in the workplace and schools in the context of managing one’s bleeding disorder. People also want to learn more about clinical trials as well as basic research. Finally, stay tuned as we respond to requests to expand the items offered in our NEHA Store!
The Board of Directors is eager to hear from you! We are listening and always available to hear feedback! Feel free to email us with any questions or thoughts: [email protected].