We Are #HIMstrong

The global pandemic known as COVID-19 snuck up on the world and impacted everyone. The healthcare industry was hurt in multiple ways as the balance between readiness and safety had unintended consequences. Elective surgeries were canceled everywhere and ED visits slowed due to fear of contacting the coronavirus while at the hospital. Physician practices closed and many people delayed important medical care.

Most facilities were prepared for the anticipated surge of COVID patients but most hospitals never saw the volume expected. Social distancing helped flatten the curve but now many hospitals stood empty. Without the revenues from elective surgeries and with a historically low census, many facilities started to make tough choices. Many provider organizations were forced to reduce pay, furlough, and even let go of many of their staff. The HIM industry was impacted greatly.

Many of my clients were forced to reduce or pause entire medical coding teams. As the furloughs and layoffs mounted I started to hear from many HIM professionals that were hurting and just wanted to work to provide for their families. I have worked for himagine solutions for 17 years and worked very hard to find everyone new opportunities. I was able to help many with reduced hours and special projects but I wanted to do more.

I had launched a shirt that said "Free ICD-10" back when everyone wanted to keep delaying the implementation of ICD-10. The HIM community knew we were ready and I thought the shirt could be another way to put pressure on the government and move forward. Over 50 shirts were sold and we know how expertly the HIM community handled ICD-10.

I decided to make a shirt that showed the solidarity and pride of the HIM community that I could use the profits to help HIM professionals impacted by the coronavirus. That night the term HIMstrong came to me and I quickly designed and launched the shirt. The campaign went live and I shared on social media and I waited to see if it resonated with anyone. The next day I saw a big spike in purchases and so many people reaching out to me telling me they bought one for themselves and even some for their teams.

I decided the best place to donate the profits would be the AHIMA Foundation HIRO Fund. It is such a great program and they had already pivoted to helping HIM professionals impacted by COVID-19. The campaign ended on 5/31/2020 and I am pleased to announce we raised $869.66!

I completed the donation and for transparency, purposes I have attached the sales numbers and donation receipt. The HIM community always rallies to help each other even when it is very hard to do so. Thank you to everyone who was able to participate and once again this confirms we are all #HIMstrong!

I received my first message yesterday that someone's shirt has arrived and it looks great. When you get your shirt, please take a picture of you wearing it and tag yourself on social media with the hashtag #HIMstrong!

Thank you and stay safe!

PS - If you still want to help please consider making a direct donation to the AHIMA Foundation HIRO Fund