Alliance
I attended the inaugural Alliance Annual Meeting, where I recruited exhibitors for our Annual Meeting and sleuthed out speakers for Melissa!  The Alliance staff met with the state associations prior to the conference to learn what more they can do to support us. They also created a State Association Award, which honors a state association that has demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to advancing care at home. This was awarded to the Home Care Association of Florida, recognizing the association's impactful advocacy, member support, and initiatives that elevate quality, access, and awareness in the care at home community. Florida is a great example for us all to follow. They have a terrific staff and their members are actively engaged in advocacy - on both the state and federal levels. I'm not sure how many came to DC in September but they used to have about 20 members attend advocacy events in DC!

It was a joy to see a couple of home care colleagues from Bayada and LHC Group receive Life Time Achievement awards, as they head into retirement - Dave Totaro and Richard McMillan. In other Alliance news, Mary Carr is retiring this month and was recognized by Bill Dombi. In just one year, Dr. Steve Landers has built a remarkable Alliance team.

Advocacy
We made a decision not to continue raising funds for the MN Home Care Political Action Committee (PAC) a few years ago, as our members were not strong supporters. I am presenting checks to the Senators who have been the two greatest home care supporters: Sen Hoffman and Sen Abeler<https://www.jimabeler.com/> and leaving just a couple hundred dollars in the account, should MHCA decide to put more energy into the PAC.  Sen Abeler has been asking me to spread the word about donating to his campaign. I encourage you to do so, if you feel led. Sen Abeler always reminds me that an individual can give to a Gov or legislator's campaign and have it fully refunded each year. A couple can receive a $150 refund. So you can give at no cost. The individual may send you a form that you complete or you can get the form online<https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/2025-05/pcr-25.pdf>. This may be a good substitute suggestion for our members who haven't been PAC fans.

Sen Hoffman doesn't appear to have an active website up at this time and it may be for security reasons. If you'd like to donate, I can facilitate that for you. I was able to visit with him and his wife, Yvette briefly last week. They are doing surprisingly well, considering what they survived. John is having his last major surgery today - please send prayers!

We participated in the annual HOSA conference, building awareness of home care careers. 1,100 high schoolers attended this year and we had an incredible team of volunteers from SGM (legacy Accra Home Health), Triniti, and Pediatric Home Services.

Operations
Our committee applications are down a few from last year. We are still hoping a few more trickle in. Staff will be working on the assignments next week and will share those with you at the December board meeting.

Paulette's hours decreased November 1st, as she focuses primarily on the consulting emails. She will relinquish staffing two of the committees in 2026.

The Finance Committee will be reviewing the proposed 2026 budget this week and I'm looking forward to sharing a more positive outlook for 2026!

Lastly, I am orienting the new board members this week and they plan to attend the December meeting. I will be sharing the 10 Responsibilities book with them and have included the top ten list in the slide deck.

Kind Regards,

Kathy Messerli
Executive Director
Minnesota Home Care Association

2909 S. Wayzata Blvd. | Minneapolis, MN 55405
Direct: 651.635.0038 | Main: 651.635.0607
www.mnhomecare.org<http://www.mnhomecare.org/page/A17> | kmesserli@mnhomecare.org<mailto:kmesserli@mnhomecare.org>
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