By Dr. Colleen Morley, DNP, RN, CCM, CMAC, CMGT-BC, CMCN, ACM-RN, FCM, FAACM Vice President, CMSA Foundation
Spring is often seen as a season of renewal and growth—and I can’t think of a better time to spotlight something growing and making a real difference in our profession: the CMSA Foundation.
April marks CMSA Foundation Awareness Month, and I’m inviting you to join me in celebrating what this organization is doing for case managers across the country and supporting its continued impact.
The CMSA Foundation is a catalyst for advancing the science and practice of case management. By recognizing best practices, process improvements, and CM-focused research, the Foundation helps ensure that our profession is evolving with evidence, innovation, and inclusivity at its core.
So, why do I support the CMSA Foundation?
Because this work is personal.
I’ve often said that case management found me before I found it. As a bedside nurse, I would discharge patients and pause, thinking, “What’s next for them? How are they going to manage once they leave here?” That question stuck with me. Years later, I realized I had been working as a case manager long before I officially stepped into the role.
But it wasn’t just my patients who shaped this journey—it was my family. Growing up, my younger brother faced chronic illness, and I watched my young parents struggle to navigate his care, overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. Fast forward to my own experience as a parent of a child with complex health needs, and even with my clinical knowledge, I felt that same sense of overwhelm.
These experiences taught me that case management is essential—not just for patients, but for families, communities, and the systems that support them. The CMSA Foundation is helping ensure that more people understand this and that those who strive to take the leaps to improve healthcare outcomes, through compassionate, coordinated care are recognized and further inspire others to do so.
This April, I challenge you to think about your “why.” Why did you become a case manager? Why do you stay? Why do you advocate, teach, lead, or mentor?
And when you think of your “why,” I hope you’ll also think about how supporting the CMSA Foundation helps protect and promote that purpose.
Here’s how you can get involved during CMSA Foundation Awareness Month:
- Donate: Support the recognition of innovation, excellence, and advancement in case management.
- Fundraise: Start a campaign (personal or chapter) or host a themed fundraiser to generate excitement and impact. How about a Facebook fundraiser?
- Share Your Story: Use your platforms to talk about why you believe in the work of the Foundation. Stories connect people—and your voice matters.
- Learn More: Visit the Foundation’s website and see the impact of the Foundation and the projects that have been recognized for excellence in case management.
We often talk about the importance of investing in the future of healthcare. This is one way to do exactly that—by recognizing the people who connect the dots, champion the patient, and bridge the gaps.
Let’s make April not just a month of awareness, but a month of action.
Let’s do it together. For our profession. For our patients. For our “why.”
With gratitude,
Colleen
Join the CMSA Foundation this month as the celebrate the unwavering dedication of case managers who are shaping the future of healthcare. Together, we can champion initiatives that drive education, advocacy, and innovation in the field, inspiring action and encouraging healthcare professionals and supporters to contribute through donations, awareness campaigns, and sharing success stories. By investing in the future of case management today, we ensure that case managers are equipped to lead in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape. Join the Foundation in making a difference and shaping the future of healthcare. Visit www.cmsafoundation.org/cmsafmonth to participate in this month's activities.
Bio: Dr. Colleen Morley, DNP, RN, CCM, CMAC, CMCN, CMGT BC, ACM-RN, IQCI, FCM, FAACM is the Associate Chief Clinical Operations Officer, Care Continuum for University of Illinois Health System and the current Immediate Past President of the Case Management Society of America National Board of Directors and President Elect of CMSA Chicago. She has held positions in acute care as Director of Case Management at several acute care facilities and managed care entities in Illinois, overseeing Utilization Review, Case Management and Social Services for over 14 years; piloting quality improvement initiatives focused on readmission reduction, care coordination through better communication and population health management. Her current passion is in the area of improving health literacy. She is the recipient of the CMSA Foundation Practice Improvement Award (2020) and ANA Illinois Practice Improvement Award (2020) for her work in this area. Dr. Morley also received the AAMCN Managed Care Nurse Leader of the Year in 2010 and the CMSA Fellow of Case Management designation in 2022. Her 1st book, “A Practical Guide to Acute Care Case Management”, published by Blue Bayou Press was released in February, 2022. Her 2nd book, "Practical Gude to Hospital Readmission Reduction =, published by Blue Bayou Press was released in February 2024. Her 3rd book, "Practocal Guid eto Acute care Case Management Leadership" is in the works, targeting publication in 2025. Dr. Morley celebrates 25 years of nursing experience and 20 years in case management in 2024. Her clinical specialties include Med/Surg, Oncology and Pediatric Nursing. She received her ADN at South Suburban College in South Holland, IL; BSN at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, FL, MSN from Norwich University in Northfield, VT and her DNP at Chamberlain College of Nursing.