Health Commissioners discuss consultants, town halls, the roof

— from Susan McBain, Orcas Issues reporter —

Driven by rising costs and service limitations, the Orcas Island Health Care District has been exploring all its options in supporting health care in rural areas. Commissioners are considering three possible structures that could enhance revenues and care options: Rural Health Clinic status, Federally Qualified Health Center status, and partnership with a hospital of 50 beds or fewer. (The District’s recent letter to the community has more details on these structures.)

Because of the complexity and importance of the choice, the District sent a description of its information needs to four consultants with in-depth knowledge of these structures. By the time of its August 6 meeting, two responses had been received and two were expected soon. The commissioners expect to select one of the four at their next meeting on August 20, and get the work under way immediately.

The District’s 2020 budget is already in the planning stages, and results of the consultant’s work will be an important part of the budgeting process. Those results will also be part of the presentations at the District’s next Town Hall meetings, planned for October.

Money was also a big part of the continuing discussion on replacing the roof and HVAC system in the UW Neighborhood Clinic’s building, which the District owns. Proposals so far have been both comprehensive and expensive, so the commissioners are continuing to explore options. The biggest considerations are keeping labor costs down and minimizing clinic closures or other disruptions to care. The complications will probably delay the work until next summer.

The commissioners also discussed forming a community advisory group consisting of islanders with background and knowledge on particular issues.

Finally, the commissioners voted to continue the 5 p.m. start time for their regular meetings through the end of October. Those meetings will be on first and third Tuesdays at the Eastsound Fire Hall.