San Juan Island PHD meeting notes: Paramedic Weyshawn Koons received national award
LWV Observer Corps*: Public Hospital District #1 March 22, 2023 Meeting: San Juan County Public Health District #1 (SJPHD) met for the first time in its new office and meeting space at 535 Market St., Suite E Wednesday, March 23, 2023. Supervisor Nathan Butler reported that the new office space is set up with multiple cameras for hybrid meetings, and designed for multiple uses.
There are two new PHD hires: Oswyn Eshelman as a finance specialist to assist Finance Director Steve Wambsganss; and Josh Blain as a maintenance technician. Eventually the Finance Department will take over finances from San Juan County. Supervisor Butler plans to make a new hire by June for a home care coordinator/trainer and will have home care policies and procedures in place.
HR specialist Hannah Johnson will handle public works compliance for the Village expansion, and there will be a project manager. There is need for a pickup truck to handle maintenance and equipment transfer needs.
The Village is coming close to receiving its Medicaid license. Once licensed, the Village has five rooms currently that meet Medicaid ADA compliance that can be filled as they become available. The expansion will add more Medicaid beds.
Peace Heath has subcontracted its Emergency Department operations management to a third party. The Commissioners agreed that the Peace Health contract should be reviewed in light of this change.
Old Business: Commissioner Chair Anna Lisa Lindstrum informed the board that the code of ethics update will be reviewed by the PHD attorney. The Board scheduled a strategic planning special meeting in May.
New Business: Captain Weyshawn Koons, in recognition for her exemplary 30 years of service with San Juan Island EMS, has been honored with a national award for outstanding paramedic service.
The Board tabled approval of the fee agreement with the Sheriff’s Office for dispatch services, pending receipt of further information. They approved three resolutions regarding financial authorizations and to join the MSRC roster to access MSRC’s list of public works-qualified contractors and venders.
The Board discussed the funding request from the Family Resource Center to fund certain medical services to underserved community members. They will invite Jennifer Armstrong to speak at the April meeting.
*The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization, encourages informed participation in government. The Observer Corps attends and takes notes at government meetings to promote public understanding of public policy and decisions. The notes do not necessarily reflect the views of the League or its members.