LWVSJ Observer Corps: SJI Public Hospital District March 26, 2025

At the Village at the Harbor there has been a recent turnover of 9 units, 6 of which are available. They are seeking to hire for the front desk position. The state fire marshal rated the Village 100% on compliance.

Superintendent Butler reported that the EMS loaned Lopez EMS an ambulance for a few days when their ambulances went out of service. There are seven new EMTS on board. Community Paramedicine had 54 direct patient interactions in February. February training included required periodic training sessions for paramedics. Assistant Chief Bishop finished his BS in EMS Administration from Eastern Oregon University. Village at Home Director Evan Perrollaz is delivering the Medicaid application to Seattle.

Chris Chord, Superintendent of Public Hospital District #3 on Orcas Island reported the District is seeking a levy lid lift of 41.5 cents to 71 cents in the special election on April 22, mostly for capital to expand the health clinic and establish a dental care program. They have a new 10-year agreement with Island Health (Anacortes) to continue the health clinic operation. He thanked Nathan Butler and Evan Perrollaz for their collaborative efforts.

The EMS Committee will meet to consider proposals for building expansion and a new ambulance. The San Juan Island Health Care Foundation completed a needs assessment and adopted bylaws. The Board decided to streamline meetings, with speakers and presenters given an allotted time limit on the agenda. The Board approved a new monthly report format. The April 17 Special Board Meeting will include financial presentations by Commissioners Frazer and Clary; and discussion of Village at the Harbor expansion; the proposed employee housing project; EMS expansion and an additional ambulance; and The Village at Home.

In new business Mount Baker Planned Parenthood is now part of Planned Parenthood of Greater Washington and North Idaho, and the name needs to be changed on the subsidy contract. The Board moved and approved adoption of the new name on the contract, and designated Chair Anna Lisa Lindstrum to sign on behalf of the Board. Friday Harbor Planned Parenthood is now located in the SJC Department of Health on Rhone Street and is open on Thursdays.  

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.