LWVSJ Observer Corps: SJC Public Hospital District June 28, 2023

Finance Director Wambsganss reported finances are balanced and the transfer of financial duties from the county to PHD is starting, with a soft target of October for PHD taking over financial components starting with payroll.

Village at the Harbor Administrator Perrollaz reported the Medicaid contract is ready for execution. The Village is 100% occupied and has restarted its respite program. The Care Coordination program, with grant funding, serves 47 patients. Recent survey results for islanders 65+ indicated that it was difficult for the aging population to identify services. The majority of the 85+ population reported poor health and had the greatest need for services. Many go off island for assisted living and memory care. Administrator Perrollaz is moving to a new position in the PHD as Deputy Supervisor to oversee the home care program and to institute a medical training center for health care workers. Tina Smith will be the Interim Administrator for the Village.

Assistant EMS Chief Bishop, operations and training: In April there were 81 calls, and 120 in May. The EMT class has graduated and is in service. There is a significant increase in Fentanyl overdoses requiring Narcan treatment. The new sprint rig arrived, and the EMS building was repainted. Chief Bishop ran a full training schedule in May, and renewed WA Department of Health accreditation of the SJC EMS Council EMT Training Program.

PHD Superintendant and SJI EMS Chief Butler: The PHD mailer will be going out soon. He introduced Al Shilton, the landlord for the PHD’s 535 Market Street office space, to answer any questions about the proposed new office lease for the Home Care Program. The Commission approved the new lease, 4 -1, with Commissioner Loring dissenting due to increased cost.

The Commissioners reviewed their May strategic planning session and goals for the next 2 to 6 years, including supporting residents county-wide.

The Commissioners considered the draft resolution for the Family Resource Center subsidy to support their outreach and health/wellness programs. After discussing funding sources and compliance with PHD’s health care role, they tabled it for future consideration in July.

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.