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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
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Letter from David Alden 11 Apr 06 