Healthcare Communication and Marketing Assn. Goes Belly-Up

A press release announcing its closure is just about all that’s left of the HCMA website (thehcma.org), although nosy Web surfers could still find the agenda of the association’s last national meeting (hcmathefamily.org), held last spring. “The current market environment has significantly affected the organization’s ability to provide members with quality services, programs, and benefits they deserve,” says the press release, also noting that the Board of Directors had communicated to its members that “With reduced corporate support and an increased number of unemployed members, the HCMA Board agreed that this is the most prudent action during these challenging times.” With that, the group filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and closed its doors.

HCMA was formed in January 2008 by three groups: the Healthcare Marketing & Communications Council, Inc., the Midwest Healthcare Marketing Assn, and the Medical Marketing Assn. (MMA). Merging the three brought them a national presence, and the initial plans were to emphasize education and training of members, and industry networking via national and regional meetings. National meetings were held in 2008 and this year, as well as several regional events. The group also continued the In-Awe (International Award of Excellence) award competition of MMA.