Member ParticipationOne of the things that makes Group Health successful is our tradition of member governance and participation. Our members receive care from our system, but also help guide it. In addition to voting in annual elections, members serve on advisory councils and the Board of Trustees. Help Govern Group HealthIn 1947, our founding members were dedicated to creating a responsive, viable health care delivery system for their community. Voting members have had a direct voice since the beginning. That includes you! Become a voting memberVoting members elect our Board of Trustees, the governing body that hires the chief executive officer and makes major policy decisions, and vote on changes to our bylaws. Log in to MyGroupHealth to access the voting membership registration form. Members who are 18 years or older are eligible to vote. For more information or to register by phone, call 206-448-2888 or 1-800-252-3305. Attend a Board meetingPublic Board meetings begin with an open microphone session during which any Group Health member can address the Board directly on all matters except those related to personal health care. For notices of public board meetings, see Classes & Events. You also may contact the Board of Trustees Office at 206-448-5790 or 1-800-252-3305, ext. 11, or governance@ghc.org. Attend the annual meetingAll members can attend our annual membership meeting, which takes place this year on Oct. 17. Voting for Board members and bylaws amendments takes place at the annual meeting, as well as by mail. Also see: 2009 Annual Membership Meeting Sign Up for Our NewslettersGroup Health eNewsWe provide eNews, our e-mail newsletter, as a service to voting members. eNews is published about twice a month and provides an inside look at the important work of Group Health Cooperative. Subscribe Group Health News blogGet breaking news about Group Health, including events, community involvement, and research. Subscribe Be Involved Throughout the YearBesides voting, there are plenty of ways to get involved and have a say in how we operate. Join a focus groupWe seek member input in a variety of ways, including focus groups for new or existing programs and services, advisory and special interest groups, and usability testing for our Web site. The time commitment can vary from a single hour to regular meetings a few times per year. Sign up online. VolunteerGroup Health offers many volunteer opportunities, from transportation assistance to staffing our Resource Line. Participate in Senior CaucusGroup Health Senior Caucus is consumer participation in action — the hallmark of Group Health's unique approach to patient-centered health care. Senior Caucus membership is open to all adults who receive their health care at Group Health, but is particularly relevant to those aged 60 years and older. Those who care for an aging parent may also find Caucus membership valuable. There are no fees or dues associated with membership. Senior Caucus has regular chapter meetings in the Puget Sound area and Spokane, and monthly committee meetings. See Classes and Events for meeting announcements. Senior Caucus makes a difference. The Caucus sponsors an annual forum to meet Board of Trustees candidates and annual Medicare information meetings about changes to Group Health's Clear Care&174; plans. The Caucus provides editorial guidance for Vitality, Group Health's healthy aging newsletter, which is mailed to Caucus members. These are just a few examples of what Senior Caucus offers. If you'd like to learn more about the Senior Caucus, consider attending a chapter meeting. To join or to ask questions, e-mail governance@ghc.org or call 206-448-2080 or 1-800-252-3305, ext. 13. Join a Medical Center Advisory CouncilSome of our medical centers have volunteer-led Medical Center Advisory Councils (MCACs). The councils and medical center staff work together to improve the care and wellness of members and their communities. Each council meets at least four times per year. The MCACs are open to all members who reside near or receive care at a respective medical center. Some medical centers share an MCAC. Our MCACs include:
Members who live outside our medical center service areas can join district advisory councils or network services advisory groups. For more information about joining an MCAC or advisory council, e-mail governance@ghc.org or call 206-448-2080. Why I Vote"I vote because it is our responsibility as consumers in a consumer-governed organization to have a voice in the way Group Health operates. It is our responsibility to make sure that our needs are heard."
2010 Academic ScholarshipsGroup Health offers two academic scholarships for members and their dependents. Guidelines and applications forms are available at Group Health Academic Scholarships. The application deadline is May 14, 2010. Additional Resources |
