Introduction:

In addition to the two membership meetings and luncheons held each year, we will be periodically highlighting events available to PROs.  If you have suggestions for events, please contact us. It will be necessary to have all such events to the Board in advance to allow posting on the web.  We request that such events do not require reservations or that specific information be given to instruct potential attendees how to obtain passes or tickets.

Future events:

Check out the IN THE NEWS tab for our next meeting information

Past events:

Membership Meeting and Luncheon: 10:30AM to 2:30PM, Tuesday, September 15, 2009

The Parkland Retirees Organization (PROs) met for a Luncheon and Membership Meeting at the MCM Elegante Hotel, 2330 W. Northwest Highway, Dallas, Texas on Tuesday, September 15, 2009.  President, Judy Henley presided.   The day began with registration and gathering time at 10:30 AM.  At the registration table toiletry items were collected to give to Parkland Guest Services. Following registration and the distribution of tickets for prize drawings, members were encouraged to socialize and visit the exhibits of items some had brought to share. 

AT 11:30AM Judy Henley welcomed those present.  She introduced Robert Behrens, Public Relations Specialist, who was here to interview anyone who was involved in the move in 1954 from Woodlawn to Parkland.  She then introduced Viola Black who gave the invocation.  Members then enjoyed a Mexican buffet with peach cobbler for dessert. 

A video, “The Place You Want to Be” from the I Stand For Parkland campaign, was scheduled to be shown.  Because of a malfunction, members were referred to the web site at http://www.parklandfoundation.com for viewing of the video.   

Our speaker for the meeting, Dr. Ron Anderson, President and CEO, Parkland Health & Hospital System, was introduced by Helen Maynard, Program Director.  Dr. Anderson’s presentation was on “Rethinking and Rebuilding the Safety Net for Dallas”.  He stated that the recent bond issue to build a “New Parkland” passed by an 82% margin.  Portions of the funding will be from the national stimulus package. We now have a AAA bond rating, enabling the hospital  to borrow at a 3.71% interest rate.  The new Parkland will be a “green” hospital—with 996 beds.  The aim is to move from acute care to a health system of choice, not last resort. 

Currently 16,000 babies are delivered per year at Parkland.  The advent of community-based clinics has decreased the mortality rate as 98% of mothers have had some degree of prenatal care.  The advent of low cost mammograms has brought about a decrease in the breast cancer rate.  ER visits are also down as more community clinics are added.  There are currently 2350 nurses at Parkland.  Many exciting features are being considered as Parkland moves into the future.  Public hospitals will be busier as we move toward health care reform.   Following the presentation, we had an opportunity to ask questions.  Dr. Anderson did state that the decision as to what to do with the old building has not been decided. 

Following Dr. Anderson’s presentation, Melissa  Atkinson, Vice-President of Community Strategies and Gift Planning at Parkland gave us a brief message concerning contributions to Parkland.  The goal for the building program is $150 million of which $85 million has been raised.  There are 3 ways individuals can help:   1) Share your story and tell the story of Parkland; 2) Give to the capital campaign; 3) Include Parkland in your estate plans. 

The program was followed by the membership business meeting.            

The Secretary report, Treasurer report and Membership report were given.   We have 120 members.  A new directory will be published in March, 2010.    

The PROs members voted to give a $1000 donation to the Parkland Foundation to help with the capital campaign.  Individual members may also give donations if they choose.

March 2009 Luncheon:

The Parkland Retirees Organization (PROs) met for a Luncheon and Membership Meeting at the MCM Elegante Hotel, 2330 W. Northwest Highway, Dallas, Texas on Tuesday, March 24, 2009.  President, Judy Henley was presiding.   The day began with registration and gathering time at 10:30 AM.  Following registration, members were encouraged to socialize and peruse the exhibits of items some had brought to share.

AT 11:30AM Judy Henley welcomed the participants and introduced Judy Rumfield who gave then invocation.  Members then enjoyed a Mexican buffet.

Our speaker for the meeting, Ann Foster, Volunteer Coordinator for the Parkland Health & Hospital System was introduced by Helen Maynard, Program Director.  Ann gave an informative, interesting, and entertaining presentation of how the volunteer department operates.  There are many opportunities for volunteers—not just at the hospital itself wearing a “pink dress”, but in other ways thorough out the community.  There is a standard screening process that all volunteers must pass.   She stated that the average age of a Parkland Volunteer is 33. In a number of cases volunteering has led to a career in the medical field.  Copies of the “Wish List” of needed items were available.  Members had brought a number of toiletry items for donation.  Following Mrs. Foster’s presentation there was a question and answer session. This was followed by the business meeting and drawing for door prizes.

September 2008 Luncheon:

The Parkland Retirees Organization (PROs) met for a luncheon and Membership Meeting at the MCM Elegante’ Hotel, 2320 W. Northwest Highway at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday September 16, 2008 with President Barbara Kalo presiding.  Members, who had begun arriving at 10:30 socialized until Barbara called the meeting to order at 11:30 am.  She welcomed the members and thanked everyone for coming.  She then introduced Judy Henley, who gave the invocation.

 fter lunch was served, Barbara introduced the speaker, Sharon Phillips, Senior Vice President for Community Services at Parkland.  Ms. Phillips gave an interesting and informative presentation regarding the jail health program which Parkland operates for Dallas County under contract.  The PRO members were clearly surprised by the extent and complexity of the jail health program.  Sharon answered several questions posed by the members in attendance.

Following Ms. Phillips presentation and the question and answer session, Barbara thanked her for her presentation, and after a brief pause began the members meeting at 1:10 p.m.  This concluded with drawings for door prizes.