By Janet Coulter, MSN, MS, RN, CCM, FCM
Happy 35th anniversary, CMSA! 35 years of promoting the profession of case management! Amazing! In celebration of our 35th anniversary AND Case Management Month, CMSA is presenting a month of activities – celebrating us! This year’s theme, Innovate. Advocate. Celebrate, is more than a slogan. It is a call to action for every case manager to reflect on our profession’s progress, recommit to our mission, and celebrate the extraordinary impact we make in the lives of our patients and communities.
For more than three decades, CMSA has been the leading voice of case management. From the publication of the first Standards of Practice in 1995 to the launch of CMSA Today and the continued advancement of education, research, and advocacy, our professional organization has championed the value of case management across healthcare settings. Our 35th anniversary is a milestone that not only honors our history but also looks ahead to the innovations shaping our future.
Case Management Month 2025 is designed to bring case managers together wherever they are to learn, connect, and celebrate. The schedule is packed with opportunities that reflect the diversity of our roles and the breadth of our impact. Throughout the month, members and non-members are encouraged to engage on CMSA’s social platforms and take part in special daily deals, a reminder that Case Management Month is as much about community as it is about professional growth.
The month begins on Wednesday October 1, with a specially curated Spotify playlist and a Case Management Month Treasure Hunt, inviting case managers to start the celebration with music, connection, and fun. It is the perfect way to kick off Case Management Month, offering a chance to win through the treasure hunt while enjoying many other opportunities to celebrate and honor the incredible impact case managers make every day.
On Wednesday October 8, the first live webinar, Empowering Healthcare Professionals to Combat Human Trafficking, will take place. This important session sets the tone with a powerful reminder of the vital advocacy role case managers hold in safeguarding vulnerable populations. The focus on empowerment underscores the responsibility and opportunity professional case managers have to recognize, respond to, and help prevent human trafficking, ensuring protection and support for those most at risk. This webinar has been approved for RN, SW, CCM and CDMS continuing education credits.
Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 11 to attend CMSA’s 2025 Virtual Leadership Conference! This will be a one-day interactive learning event designed for mid-to-senior-level case management professionals, emerging leaders, and healthcare executives. This inaugural conference brings together thought leaders and experienced practitioners to explore the critical skills and strategies needed to lead effectively in today’s complex healthcare environment. There will be an adynamic mix of sessions including financial management, advocacy at the executive level, innovative acute care models, resilient leadership, virtual team management, and intentional culture-building. Six continuing education credits are pending for RN, SW, CCM, CDMS, and CPHQ. An option to watch recorded activities after the event is also available.
On Monday October 13, case managers will gather for Case Manager Mixer: Compassion in Action, a live storytelling event that invites colleagues to share the personal and professional experiences that define the very heart of case management. This unique presentation celebrates the stories behind the work we do every day, highlighting the compassion, resilience, and dedication that make our profession so vital. Through shared narratives, participants will find connection, inspiration, and a renewed sense of purpose in the collective journey of case management.
On Tuesday October 14, a webinar on Case Management Strategies for Accessible Driving and Automobility Options will be presented. This educational session has been approved for continuing education credit for RNs, CCMs, and CDDS professionals. Valuable insights into supporting mobility and independence for those in need will be included.
On Wednesday, October 15, the webinar Blogs: The First Step to Getting Published will be offered. This session, approved for RN, CCM, and CDMS continuing education credit, provides guidance on how blogging can serve as a pathway to publication and professional growth.
On Thursday, October 16, the webinar Addressing Social Determinants of Health: The Role of Case Managers in Supporting Patients with Behavioral Health Challenges will be presented. This program will discuss valuable strategies to enhance care and advocacy for individuals facing complex behavioral health needs. It has been approved for continuing education credit for RNs, social workers, CCMs, and CDMS professionals.
On Friday, October 17, enjoy a full day of Mindfulness and Wellness Moments. Three ten-minute pre-recorded wellness activities will be available to help you unwind after a week filled with learning and celebration. These sessions can also be bookmarked and revisited on demand throughout the year, offering ongoing opportunities to pause, refresh, and restore balance.
On Saturday, October 18, join the inaugural networking session of CMSA’s Behavioral Health Special Interest Group (SIG). This engaging event will feature lively conversation and meaningful opportunities to connect with colleagues while exploring innovative approaches in behavioral health. This networking session has been approved for RN, CCM and CDMS continuing education credits.
On Wednesday, October 22, the webinar Navigating High-Risk Populations: Case Management Realities and Strategies will be presented as a panel discussion. Approved for RN, SW, CCM, and CDMS continuing education credit, this session offers valuable insights and practical approaches for supporting individuals with complex needs.
On Wednesday, October 29, the webinar Collaboration in Action: Winning Strategies for Case Management and Utilization Management Teams will be presented. This session will provide practical strategies to strengthen teamwork and improve outcomes across disciplines. It has been approved for continuing education credit for RNs, CCMs, and CDMS professionals,
Case Management Month 2025 isn’t just about events. It’s about honoring the essential role of professional case managers. Whether through patient advocacy, care coordination, or policy leadership, case managers are innovators, advocates, and champions of person-centered care. Our 35th anniversary reminds us how far we have come since CMSA’s founding. From a handful of pioneers in the late 1980s to a thriving international community of thousands today, case managers have shaped healthcare delivery in ways that are measurable, meaningful, and enduring.
Join us as we Innovate. Advocate. Celebrate Case Management.
While the official celebration runs October 12–18, we’re recognizing case managers all month long with inspiring education, CE opportunities, valuable resources, networking events, prizes, and more. Let’s honor the vital work of case managers and the impact they make every day! View all CM Week activities and register here: https://cmsa.org/about/national-cm-week/
Bio: Janet Coulter, MSN, MS, RN, CCM, FCM is President of CMSA. She is a transplant case manager with a wide variety of experiences including educator, administrator, team leader, and Director of Case Management. Janet holds a Master of Science in Nursing from West Virginia University and a Master of Science in Adult Education from Marshall University. She has published many articles in CMSA Today and the Professional Case Management Journal and served as a reviewer for the Core Curriculum for Case Management Third Edition. She has served as President-Elect of CMSA, Chair of the CMSA Today Editorial Board, Chair of the Nominations Committee, and Vice-President of the CMSA Foundation board. Janet was the recipient of the CMSA National Award of Service Excellence and Southern Ohio Valley CMSA Case Management Leadership award and was recently inducted as a Case Management Fellow from CMSA.