WASHINGTON, DC – The HME industry took another move toward unity last week with the merger of the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) and the National Association of Independent Medical Equipment Suppliers (NAIMES). The newly formed unit will maintain the AAHomecare name and do business at AAHomecare’s existing headquarters in Washington, DC.
“The merger is a wonderful development,” says Georgie Blackburn, vice president, Government Relations, BLACKBURN’S, Tarentum, Pa. “I have long awaited the day when we can speak with one voice. Kudos to the team who engineered this new face of the industry. Independent providers, regional providers, national providers, state associations, and manufacturers—we are all important spokes in one wheel.”
Although the two organizations share 60 members in common, the merger will bring nearly 140 new home care companies into AAHomecare.
“The addition of the NAIMES members to AAHomecare will benefit the entire home care sector and, ultimately, our patients,” says Joel D. Marx, a Cleveland-based provider and chairman of AAHomecare. “This merger truly displays the inclusivity of our Association and the desire of all parties to move us forward.”
As part of the merger agreement, Wayne Stanfield, president of NAIMES, will become vice president of Provider Relations at AAHomecare. Stanfield will focus on growing membership and developing strategic partnerships, such as those with state associations, provider organizations, and consumer organizations.
“I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished at NAIMES over the past 6 years, and now am equally as proud to join the AAHomecare team,” he says. “My goal is to use my experience to create a stronger AAHomecare that speaks for the DME industry as a whole, both small and large.”
“The merger between AAHomecare and NAIMES is welcome news at a time when it has never been more important for the industry to speak with a clear, strong, and unified voice,” adds Seth Johnson, vice president, Government Affairs, Pride Mobility Products Corp. “This merger is a win for the industry that will result in a stronger AAHomecare.”
The merger will be effective on May 22 at the conclusion of the AAHomecare annual business meeting, which is scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C, as part of the Washington Legislative Conference.