LWVSJ Observer Corps: SJC Public Hospital District #1, July 24, 2024
Ellen Wilcox, SJC Health Communities Manager briefed the commissioners on the 2023 SJC Community Health Assessment. Thirty-four percent of the county population is over 65; 65% have college degrees. The median household income is $68,577; $70,000 is needed for a family of 4 and $51, 562 needed for 2 seniors. Three top health care needs/deficiencies: 1) mental health services for anxiety, depression, and substance abuse; 2) access to housing, with the highest unaffordability rate in the state; and 3) access to health care services, including bureaucratic barriers; lack of providers for reproductive health, urgent care, and dental care; and ferry reliability impacting off-island access to care.
PHD/EMS Superintendent Butler presented the financial report for the first half of the year, where the budget is on track. The finance department issued its first round of paychecks. EMS calls for June 2024 were 121, up from 101 in June 2023. New rates for EMS outreach services established.
Evan Perrollaz, Executive Director of Home Care Services, said the Village at Home provided 40 hours of services last week amidst a continuing challenge to find employees. Integration of EMS Community Paramedicine program with Village at Home services is complex, with paramedicine chief Cuddington’s departure. The Commissioners affirmed their support for continuing paramedicine services, with paramedics doing initial visits and evaluations and then transitioning follow up services to the Village at Home.
The feasibility study for solar installation estimated a $3 million cost for adding solar and batteries to both the EMS building and the Village at the Harbor. The Village buildings would require a new roof, but the EMS building requires no changes. The Commissioners agreed the district should move forward in exploring possible lower cost options and applying for grants..
For the proposed expansion of the Village at the Harbor they will not seek to rezone the site as commercial since health care facilities cannot operate in areas zoned commercial. The town would not support a height variance. They will need to meet with the town and county to clarify what the rules impact an expansion. They will hire an attorney to advise on code requirements and get all opinions from the town and county in writing.
The commissioners hear a presentation on the Washington Reproduction Action Alliance (WRAA.) It is a joint venture between the Attorney General’s office and the University of Washington offering telehealth and coordinated care for patients who cannot get reproductive services at a local health care facility. The program also supports transportation costs. PHD will do outreach. PeaceHealth not participating.
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization encourages informed participation in government. The Observer Corps attends and takes notes at government meetings to expand public understanding of public policy and decisions. The notes do not necessarily reflect the views of the League or its members.