Members of the Hospital Resource Council (HRC), having directed their skills and resources in support of  the Mendocino Coast District Hospital (MCDH) during a time of need are now moving on to pursue various personal projects and interests.

Tom Birdsell is continuing to serve on the Finance Committee of the MCDH and has been a moving force in bringing clarity to the hospital’s financial condition.   Tom is also active in fundraising and membership activities for the Mendocino Coast Ambulance Support (MCAS), ensuring our community will be provided the best possible emergency care.

Mike Dell’Ara remains active in ongoing Caspar Community projects as well as serving on the Planning Committee of the MCDH.  He is continuing his commitment to the improvement of the MCDH by throwing his hat into the ring for a seat on the Board of Directors of the MCDH.  A vote for Mike this November will ensure that your hospital will benefit from the thoughts and actions of a candidate who will balance the interests of the entire community and bring fresh insights and ideas to the table.

Dr. Richard Louis Miller continues his health care work at his psychotherapy practice in Fort Bragg, his offices in Tiburon, at Wilbur Hot Springs, on his radio/TV  program  Mind Body Health  (KZYX FM Tuesdays at 9:00 AM) and the Mendocino Coast Healthcare Alliance which produces Town Hall meetings in Fort Bragg  to help our community  envision and create positive changes to our health and healthcare.

Vince Taylor will continue to work to reform management of Jackson State Forest and to obtain better bridge and railing designs for California.

HRC Accomplishments

Commissioned a survey and report by Rural Health Management Corporation of Nephi, Utah of the operational and financial condition of the Mendocino Coast District Hospital (MCDH).

Commissioned a report by David Squire, Medicare analyst, regarding an analysis of the MCDH Medicare Cost Reports from 2002 through 2005.

Developed a website www.savethehospital.org   to be an objective resource for pertinent information affecting the hospital’s continued viability.  Our research underscored to the Board of Directors the need for an immediate change in the administration in order to affect positive results.

Performed extensive research on the issue of Critical Access Hospital Designation (CAH)).  Published and distributed a twelve page document illustrating that adoption of CAH was likely the only viable option available on the horizon to quickly increase income to help ensure survival of the hospital.  Election of CAH potentially adds 1.2 million dollars to the hospital’s annual income, a portion of which can be applied toward retaining the ambulance service within the hospital.

Introduced the MCDH Board and the Hospital Foundation to Philanthropic Professionals, Inc. (PPI) headed by Laura Nelson.  PPI has been engaged by the hospital administration to take the first steps in defining a fund raising program that may obviate the need for a parcel tax or GO bond, both of which have been seen as problematic by some in our community.

For specifics on the above, please visit our website www.savethehospital.org which will remain as an informational resource to chronicle past events.

Many people have thanked us for our service to the community.  In turn, we want to acknowledge the many people who worked hard behind the scenes through these challenging times and gave much of their emotional energy in support of their hospital and community.  We hope that our efforts can serve as a model of how community members can join together to make a positive difference.

Tom Birdsell
Mike Dell’Ara
Richard Louis Miller, M.A., Ph.D.
Vince Taylor