Speaking to a crowd of more than 300 providers and other industry constituents assembled at the Atlanta Metro Chamber rooftop for last week’s American Association for Homecare’s Standup for Homecare reception, Drive Medical CEO Harvey Diamond had a challenge for the industry.
Diamond called on attendees to “check their egos at the door,” and do more to support the industry and AAHomecare. Specifically, Diamond called on attendees to step up their financial contribution to support industry advocacy, and pushed for each attendee to contact five of their friends, colleagues and competitors and convince them to become an AAHomecare supporter by contributing $1,000 and to attend the next Stand Up for Homecare, bringing potential attendance up to 1500 supporters.
“We care about this industry, we care about this business and we care about the people we serve,” Diamond said in his well-received address. “We come from different backgrounds, but we share a common goal.”
“Harvey Diamond has challenged the industry to do what it takes to move the needle,” said AAHomecare President and CEO Tom Ryan. “The Diamond Stand Up for Homecare Challenge is exactly the type of big thinking that will help energize the industry. AAHomecare is very thankful to have Drive Medical as a Corporate Partner and Harvey as a passionate advocate for the HME community.”
Last week’s reception raised over $50,000 for consumer advocacy groups such as the American Association of People with Disabilities, the United Spinal Association, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the National Council on Independent Living, as well as consumer-facing initiatives run by AAHomecare, like Save My Medical Supplies.
“To raise thousands of dollars for great organizations out there working with our patients is a great achievement in an industry where everyone is facing a struggle,” Ryan said. “This goes to show how giving this HME industry is, we’re always looking out for one another.”
Also, the association took time at the event to honor the 2014 recipients of its Homecare Champion Award, which honors leaders in the home medical equipment sector for their commitment to industry advocacy. This year’s awards were awarded to Cara Bachenheimer, senior vice president of government relations at Invacare Corporation and Joel Mills, chief executive officer of Advanced Homecare, at the reception.