Volunteer Locally, Impact Nationally: The CA Connection
AHIMA Component Associations (CAs) are the heartbeat of the health information (HI) profession at the local level, offering members a powerful way to connect, contribute, and grow within their communities. AHIMA has 50 CAs with one in nearly every state and Puerto Rico.
Professional members and students of AHIMA gain access to this incredible local network once they join or renew membership with AHIMA. The AHIMA Component Relations Advisory Council says CAs provide a wealth of support to members by:
- Advancing the quality, efficiency, and accessibility of professional support and valuable education
- Offering diverse networking and collaboration opportunities
- Developing existing and future HI professionals and leaders
- Advancing HI advocacy initiatives
- Amplifying the voice of members and nurturing the membership experience
From hosting education and networking events to mentoring students and engaging with academic and government leaders, these impactful opportunities are often made possible thanks to the support of volunteers.
Why Volunteer with Your CA?
Volunteering with the CA is for anyone who wants to grow professionally, expand their network, and make a difference. Volunteering with the CA:
-
Strengthens the HI community by fostering collaboration, innovation, and advocacy at the local level.
-
Provides a platform for members to contribute their expertise, shape the future of the profession, and support initiatives that directly impact the region where you live.
-
Ensures members' voices are heard and represented through CA programming, outreach, and education.
Professional members and students can find which CA they are affiliated with by visiting their MyAHIMA profile. CAs often share updates via newsletters, social media, and member portals, encouraging active participation and awareness. Each CA may have its own unique opportunities such as volunteering at a more micro-level (less time commitment) or volunteering to be on a committee or board (more time commitment).
CA Opportunities at AHIMA25
With AHIMA25 approaching in October, now is the perfect time to explore how you can get involved with your CA while in Minneapolis, MN. You can engage with leaders, volunteers, and members of your CA at the conference to ask questions and learn more during the following events and activities
- Sunday, October 12:
- 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. CT – See what it’s like to volunteer at the local level by observing the House of Delegates Meeting.
- 3-4 p.m. CT – If you’re new to attending an AHIMA conference, find other members of your CA at the New Attendee Meet-up & Orientation.
- 7-10 p.m. CT – Find fellow CAs during the VRC Opening Reception.
- Monday, October 13:
- 12:30-1:15 p.m. CT – Enjoy a networking luncheon organized by state.
- Tuesday, October 14:
- 6-8 p.m. CT – Find fellow CAs during the Closing Reception.
One of the top reasons that individuals do not volunteer is that they were not asked. So, will you volunteer with your CA?
Not to mention, you won’t be in the dark. AHIMA has a yearly Leadership Symposium to provide virtual training and education to volunteers at the CA level to help prepare for their journey as a volunteer. Of the nearly 400 CA volunteer leaders, 250 were engaged in the training for this year.
Connect with your CA by visiting the Component Association section of the AHIMA website where you’ll find links to each CA’s webpage and details on how to get involved.
Rebecka DeRoos, MHIM, RHIA, CCS, is President-Elect of the Alaska CA (AKHIMA), and Nikki Shanks, MBA, CAE, is AHIMA Senior Manager, Component Relations.