Lee Sturdivant, I agree with Monica Harrington’s assertion that we need “unambiguous information on ‘death with dignity.’” I, however, see two totally different parts to “death with dignity”.

First, the “Washington Death with Dignity Act” (approved by San Juan voters) is solely about allowing competent, adult patients to self-administer lethal drugs after they have been confirmed terminally ill by two physicians, had psychiatric consultation and then waited at least 15 days before picking up the prescription to self-administer in a private place. Pursuant to Section 19a of the Washington Death with Dignity Act, physicians do not participate in this act while on the Peace Island Health campus.

This should not be a concern to us as this is not a hospital or clinic procedure.

The second part of “death with dignity” includes all other end-of-life care/treatment issues. While not part of the “Washington Death with Dignity Act”, these issues should be of great concern to us. Using a ”POLST” (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) and/or a “Health Care Advance Directive” Peace Health patients are encouraged to choose their own end-of-life care/treatment ranging from no interventions or comfort measures only to full life-sustaining treatments.  In addition Peace Health is participating in a San Juan County health care consortium. This consortium is working on providing an even broader base of information/care regarding palliative end-of-life care.  This, in my opinion, is “death with dignity”.

I believe Monica Harrington creates ambiguity and confusion when she continually commingles these two parts. Peace Health is committed to providing a full range of palliative end-of-life care.

I am voting for Jenny Ledford. I believe she is a woman of integrity who will work on clearly defining the real issues in providing high quality medical care to all of our island residents within the constraints of our size and funding.

Janelle Teasdale

San Juan Island