The League of Women Voters of the San Juans will host a panel discussion to explore issues related to publicly supported healthcare facilities and religious institutions as part of its Nov. 18 membership meeting, at the Grange Hall in Friday Harbor.

The League intends that discussion will help “weed out fact from rumor” in light of local debate over San Juan Island Hospital District’s contract with PeaceHealth, and services provided at Peace Island Medical Center.

The meeting is noon to 2 p.m., and open to the public.

In a program entitled “Controversy and Clarity: Healthcare and Religious Institutions,” speakers will give introductory remarks, after which the discussion will be open to written questions from the audience. Featured speakers are Jeff Mero, executive director of the Association of Washington Public Hospital Districts, David Miller, president of the Greater Seattle Chapter of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, Cynthia Stewart of LofWV of Washington Lobby Team for Health Care, and Monica Harrington, part-time San Juan Island resident and healthcare activist.

Position papers by The League of Women Voters of Washington on its beliefs on separation of church and state can be accessed online at the state league’s website.