LWVSJ Observer Corps: SJC Public Hospital District #1, November 15, 2023

The meeting began with honoring retiring Director of Community Outreach Lainey Volk. During her 33-year career she made major contributions to our county’s improved health, including that we lead the nation in rural heart attack survival rates, leaving a legacy of lives saved.

The PHD has submitted its application for a home care services license and hopes to begin services in late January with a few current community medicine clients with a full opening in summer when the facilities are complete. It is possible they may be able to accept Medicaid payments before the usual 3-year waiting

period for new providers. The renovations at the Village are nearly complete. They now have three Medicaid rooms filled and Medicaid reimbursements have been higher than expected. They are working with the town on rezoning the Village at Harbor to allow for expansion.

The financial balances are solid and the PHD is managing cash to take advantage of high rates to earn more interest revenue. The full transition of financial management from the county is now projected for late spring. The former Fire Chief has retired and the Superintendent met with interim Fire Chief Monin; they are establishing a good working relationship.

An internal survey indicated half of employees were interested in PHD housing with most interested in one-bedroom units, but with significant call for 2-3 bedroom units.

Looking at next year they will welcome newly elected commissioner Rick Frazer to the Board. A new volunteer EMT class will start in January so far there have been 18 applicants for the 12 slots.

The Board approved final subsidy payments and a raise for the PHD Superintendent.

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.