WITH THE FIRST BUSINESS quarter of the year now behind us — and with providers, manufacturers and distributors forecasting double-digit growth — the outlook for the home care industry during the remainder of this year is positive.

Amid these sunny predictions, the home care industry will come together this month in Las Vegas for Medtrade Spring. Attendance promises to be strong, and the list of new exhibitors is extensive. This year's show will offer providers a glimpse of the future, as manufacturers unveil revolutionary new products in all of the major categories — particularly in the area of technology for enhancing business efficiency.

Unquestionably, Medtrade Fall and Medtrade Spring continue to be the leading events for the home health care industry, featuring innovative exhibitions and offering education and networking opportunities. And the recent exciting news that the American Association for Homecare and Medtrade have joined forces to expand the show's fall educational offerings brings providers more opportunity than ever before.

Reflecting the breadth of the home care industry, the newly developed “Medtrade Continuum of Care” program — scheduled for this fall's Medtrade event in Atlanta — will feature three educational tracks, focusing on respiratory therapy, rehabilitation and assistive technology, and home health nursing. Participants will receive Continuing Education Units for attending the seminars, thus furthering the industry-wide push for credentialing that has been center stage at recent industry gatherings.

Announcing the new program, James Jorkasky, vice president of membership and strategic development for AAHomecare, and Cory Smith, Medtrade's group show director, asserted that these educational tracks will promote the vision of a united home care industry and will provide solutions to help our industry succeed.

HomeCare applauds these educational initiatives and continues to support Medtrade and AAHomecare. By defining home care's role in the continuum of health care, these organizations are helping providers understand our industry's unified message and limitless value. As the market continues to change and evolve, education is the element that will allow our industry to remain competitive.

We look forward to seeing you at the Medtrade Spring show!

In other news, the HomeCare family in March welcomed a new member, when Roy Felts and his wife Anne became the parents of a healthy baby girl.

Known to many as a devoted colleague and champion of the home care industry, Roy also celebrates five years with HomeCare this month. Congratulations, Roy!