I heard a story this past week about an art teacher and a little boy.  The art assignment was to draw a story on a piece of paper and turn it in to the teacher.  So, one little boy turned in a blank sheet of paper. The teacher looked at one side, blank, turned it over and looked at the other side, blank.  He asked the little boy, so tell me about this drawing, what is it?  The little boy responded that it is a cow eating grass.  The teacher’s response, “Oh really, will where is the grass?”  The little boy replied, “The cow ate it all up.”  “So, I see,” said the teacher, “then where is the cow?” The little boy replied, “she went to look for more grass.” 

As Network Leaders, we are always looking for more grass!  How do we sustain the network? Are there potential new products or services that the network should be offering? Are there additional organizations in the service area that should be members of the network? NCHN, your professional membership organization is also always looking for new grass.  We are currently in the mist of conducting phone interviews with all NCHN members.  This is the first such activity that NCHN has undertaken, at least in the past seven years and maybe the first time ever.  Everyone is busy.  We know grant deadlines are looming, but it is so important that we have 100% participate in this project.  As the NCHN Board of Directors, elected by you the membership, look toward the future, they need your input. 

As Christy and I are constantly out looking for grass, we need your feedback. What is working, what can we improve on, and what new opportunities should we be exploring to support your work as a network leader.  If you have not already responded to the email requesting a time and date for the phone call, please do so today, or just send us an email and say we are ready!  Please give us 30 minutes of your time before the end of 2013. 

I received some happy/sad news for networks over the weekend.  Leticia Manning, Program Coordinator for the HRSA Rural Health Network Development Program is leaving ORHP the first week December.  She is not leaving HRSA, but moving to Maternal and Child Health Bureau in the Division for Children with Special Health Care Needs.  Prior to coming to HRSA, she had worked on issues related to children with special health care needs and is excited to be returning to field.  She stated that she will truly miss the NCHN family, but knows that the relationships she has formed over the past four years will remain despite where her job posting will be.  Leticia has been an advocate for not only rural health, but specifically for health networks.  We will miss her, but wish her all the best in her new career adventure.  

The NCHN staff and Directors wish you and your family a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.