LWVSJ Observer Corps: SJC Public Hospital District #1 April 17, 2024

A member of the public who runs a social purpose organization that seeks to address community health through public dance events introduced himself to the Commissioners. He is looking at doing some events at outdoor venues and partnering with other community organizations.

The PHD Finance Officer reported the conversion to the new financial management system went very smoothly with none of the possible glitches manifesting. In May they will move to bi-weekly paychecks and shift entirely to electronic payments to and from vendors. Most of the Spring tax revenue will come in in May. Their new volunteer pay system is working well.

The Current EMT class is winding up and will graduate on April 27. Class members will then work to get their final certifications in June in time for summer field training. The Deputy EMS director is training trainers on most of the islands. Staff members are getting credentialed to teach wilderness first aid, babysitters’ courses, and car seat inspections. The PHD# 1 is now a state credentialing agency so that people in the county can test here without going to the mainland.

Call volume was at a five-year high in the first quarter with January and February calls unusually high. Response times remain good. The PHD is developing plans to manage the many retirements that will be coming in the next few years. They have concluded three joint agreements with the SJI Fire District and the first joint OTEP training has begun for firefighters and EMTs.

The Commission discussed what kind of payments The Village at Home homecare agency would be able to accept. Initially it will be private pay and long-term care insurance. The agency needs to get up and running and be able to show a profit on that basis before looking at becoming a Medicaid provider. The program director will be creating a 501 (c) (3) and meeting with potential funders for providing charitable support for services to low-income members of the community. The Commissioners approved the dispatch fee agreement with the county.

The Public Hospital District is planning an Open House on the afternoon of June 7thto thank the community for all their support for the district’s initiatives. The event will kick off at the Village at the Harbor, but will include the EMS building, The Village at Home, and the PHD administrative offices.

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.