August 2021

Now that the lazy, hazy days of summer are winding down, you probably are winding up for a busy and hopefully “COVID-free” fall. So are we! 

In fact, we’ve been “zooming” ahead all summer with virtual programs and planning in-person events in fall. For example, we hosted an Innovator Showcase program on July 23, 30, and Aug. 3, featuring a variety of hi-tech health management apps and platforms. in case you missed this program, you can check out seven innovative benefits solutions HERE.

 

We are co-hosting TBGH’s virtual Regional Benefits Forum for DFWBGH, SABGH and HBCH on September 14 and 15. The program features 4 sessions (2 per day) and an impressive line-up of speakers. Click HERE to find out more about the sessions and to register (complimentary for Texas employers).

 

Despite the resurgence of the Delta variant of COVID-19, we sense an eagerness to return to in-person programs, as our “Readiness to Return“ Survey in July indicated. Many thanks to all who completed this survey, and congratulations to Elma Ramirez, Benefits Manager, Atmos Energy Corp., who won the drawing for a $100 Amazon Gift Card as an incentive to complete this survey! Please be assured that we will make these popular learning and networking experiences as “COVID-safe” as possible.  

 

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We’re excited to present our first in-person program since 2019: DFWBGH General Membership Luncheon on Thursday, Sept. 30, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm at the Omni Park West hotel. The topic is “The role of benefits in supporting a diverse workforce”, which has become a top priority for many businesses. Our speaker is Dr. Carol Scott, a nationally recognized expert on diversity and inclusion. Dr. Scott will provide valuable insights on the health and healthcare needs of a diverse workforce and how to ensure equity and inclusion in benefits designs. REGISTER HERE.

17^th Annual Benefits Forum - Dec. 2

Please mark your calendars for Thursday, Dec. 2, for our in-person 17th Annual Benefits Forum at the Irving Convention Center.  Sponsorship opportunities are available (contact our office at menbership@dfwbgh.org) and topic ideas are already pouring in, so you can count on a full day of stimulating ideas, insights, and experiences. Click HERE to register for this event.  

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While educational programs are the backbone of our coalition, we also engage our members in innovative demonstration projects to “road test” new approaches to benefits designs and employee engagement strategies. 

Here’s some exciting news: We have received generous funding from several Allied Members (Genentech, Exact Sciences, Merck) to launch an “Employer Demonstration Project” focused on the impact of delayed cancer care during COVID on employee health and employer healthcare costs. The first phase of this unique project is a survey to assess changes in cancer screenings and treatment during the pandemic. Next, we will take a deeper dive into the impact of delayed cancer care with a small group of DFWBGH employers to learn how to mitigate the fallout through value-driven benefits strategies and effective employee communications.

More exciting news: Our regional leadership role for the past 2 years in the national “Path Forward for Mental Health & Substance Use” has opened a new partnership opportunity for DFWBGH with Meadows Mental Health & Policy Institute (MMHPI). MMHPI recently won a $10 million award to address depression in North Texas over the next 5 years. DFWBGH has been invited to partner with MMHPI in this initiative with significant funding. Our role will be to engage DFWBGH employers in improving access to diagnosis and quality treatment for depression and related conditions. We hope to launch this initiative in late fall. Stay tuned for more information.

 Welcome New Members!

DFWBGH members, both Corporate and Allied, are the lifeblood of our coalition and the reason for DFWBGH’s prominence and success. We all benefit from opportunities to share best practices and learn from each other. Please welcome our newest members: 

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Finally, we are gearing up for our annual Membership Renewal process. We hope that the extraordinary value we provide you and your benefits team through our programs, projects and connections will prompt you to renew your membership in DFWBGH for 2022 without hesitation.

Warm regards,