Submitted as a letter to the Editor to the Fort Bragg Advocate-News, and published in the May 4, 2006 edition.

A Change in Course

On April 27th, our Hospital Board Members voted to accept the unanimous recommendation of the Hospital Planning Committee to apply for Critical Access Hospital (CAH) designation, a turning point toward hospital solvency. This action also allows the hospital to retain the ambulance service. CAH had been under consideration since July, 2005.

We would like to thank the Board for its willingness to look at the new information presented through public input by concerned citizens. This process turned the tide and allowed the Board to override the recommendations of the hospital administration and its consultant. This decision recognized the fact that there were no other viable alternatives for additional new funds on the horizon.

CAH will bring in over a million dollars of additional reimbursement to our hospital for Medicare expenses. We believe this is clearly another positive step toward saving the hospital. We would also like to recognize the outstanding efforts of the citizens group who along with board members John Kermen and Camille Ranker formed the Mendocino Coast Ambulance Service. This heroic effort is a great example of what can be done in our community with a positive can-do attitude. We should all be inspired by their energy and accomplishment. Please visit our website: www.savethehospital.org.

The Hospital Resource Council
Tom Birdsell
Mike Dell’Ara
Richard Miller, M.A., Ph.D
Vince Taylor, Ph.D