CAHIMA Chapter Dissolution
As you may have noticed our membership and its participation has been dwindling over the past several years. Each year, we have had fewer members willing to participate in leadership positions, placing the continued burden on existing officers. As there is no longer a Health Information program in our area, we do not foresee an increase in our membership.
Additionally, changes within AHIMA have put an increased burden on THIMA and on Local Association. We are now required to obtain pre-approval for speakers and their presentations.
However, this was also a financial decision. THIMA leadership has voted to increase, temporarily, cost-based fees to the Local Associations, and with our current participation, we are unable to continue.
Therefore, it is with sincere regret that we must notify you that the CAHIMA Board has voted unanimously to dissolve the CAHIMA Chapter. Our plan is to donate remaining funds to the THIMA Foundation.
We have been in talks with KAHIMA, Knoxville’s Local Chapter, and they are excited about receiving Chattanooga THIMA members. KAHIMA’s membership fee is only $15 per year. I have included a link to their website. Of course, you have the option to join any local association of your choosing.
Please know that we did not make this decision lightly. We have worked through every possible solution, but we feel this decision best supports our members.
Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do to advance Health Information in our area.
Sincerely,
Angela Pruitt, MHIIM, RHIA, CAHIMA Current President
Angela M. Duncan, RHIA, CHPS, Current, Past President
CAHIMA Board