HEMA Federal Credit Union Merger Vote

On behalf of your volunteer Board of Directors and credit union executives, we're pleased to share exciting news. We have received regulatory approval to pursue a merger with PAHO/WHO Federal Credit Union. PAHO/WHO Federal Credit Union already serves MedStar's Georgetown University Hospital, Faculty Practice Network, and Community Practice Network. This expansion combines all of the MedStar community in Washington, D.C. into a single Credit Union with broader product and service offerings.

Like HEMA Federal Credit Union, PAHO/WHO Federal Credit Union is committed to helping members live healthier financial lives, serving those working with and retired from MedStar and other health-related fields and organizations. That includes MedStar employees and faculty, staff at both George Washington University and Georgetown University, members of the D.C. Public Health Association, and employees of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

In addition to all the added benefits of membership with PAHO/WHO Federal Credit Union, your accounts and finances will continue to be federally insured through the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF).

We will merge with PAHO/WHO Federal Credit Union to form one combined organization. As part of this merger we will move forward under a new name that reflects our shared future: Bienestar Federal Credit Union.

This new name reflects who we are today, and who we are becoming together. Bienestar, Spanish for "well-being," represents our shared commitment to improving the financial welfare and well-being of all members across our one organization. The combined credit union will operate under the new name of Bienestar Federal Credit Union.

As we move forward, this name better reflects the unity and future of our expanded membership, while continuing the mission of helping people live healthier financial lives.

The Board of Directors of HEMA Federal Credit Union and management support this merger. However, the final decision is up to you. Your vote to approve this merger is very important. The merger must have the approval of the majority of the members of the credit union who vote on the proposal. There will be a special meeting to consider the merger proposal on Friday, July 10 at 5:00 pm at The DoubleTree Hotel located at 8777 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

To cast your vote, choose one of the following:

• Select the Begin Voting button below to vote now
• Complete the enclosed ballot and return it to: CUBallot - Election Processing P.O. Box 3156 Dublin, OH 43016-9842
• Bring your ballot to the special meeting
• Drop off your ballot at the branch: 8701 Georgia Avenue, Suite 407, Silver Spring, MD 20910

If you wish to submit comments about the merger to share with other members, you may submit them to the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) online form at https://www.ncua.gov/support-services/credit-union-resources-expansion/credit-union-merger-resources/comments-proposed-credit-union-mergers or mail to the Office of Credit Union Resources and Expansion (CURE), NCUA, 1775 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. The NCUA will post comments received from members on its website, along with the member's name, subject to the limitations and requirements of its regulations.

We greatly appreciate your membership and thank you for your support.