Submitted by San Juan County Public Hosptial District #1
During the month of July, the San Juan County Public Hosptial District #1 board worked to define its mission with strategic planning.
When it came down to it, its mission was simple but crucial: “To ensure the delivery of high-quality healthcare services that are accessible, affordable, and consumer empowered.”
As the district moves forward, it vows to adapt to evolving community needs with high-quality healthcare from beginning to end of life.
“I think I’ve spent most of my career with SJCPHD #1 having to explain what a public hospital district is,” Superintendent Pam Hutchins said. “It’s not automatically a hospital. We’re basically a taxing entity, a way that the public can fund needed healthcare services from long-term care to clinic services to EMS — whatever the public needs and is willing to fund.”
The versatility of a hospital district means that from time to time it’s especially important to take a pause and think through what our objectives and goals should be. The district directly operates San Juan Island EMS, pays a large subsidy to help support PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center, and has smaller agreements to help fund Mount Baker Planned Parenthood, Community Paramedicine, and the local Prevention Coalition. The district is currently working to find solutions to long-term care (stay tuned for exciting news in the next few weeks!).
These simple assertions are the guiding principles behind what we do and who we are and were used to develop the District’s goals over the next five years. “Our District is involved with many different community partners and projects,” said Board Chair Anna Lisa Lindstrum. “We want to make sure that everything we do is consistent with who we are and what we’re trying to accomplish to meet gaps in care. We’re so proud of our community partnerships and of our strong EMS Agency!”
Superintendent Hutchins added that she appreciated the uplifting values that our board choose to endorse. Adding, “I think they capture who we are and who we want to be.” These values are responsible stewardship; diversity, equity, and inclusion; integrity; collaboration, innovation, and teamwork; and compassion.
The district would like to invite public comment at our Aug. 26 board meeting regarding our mission and vision, goals, and values statements before they are formally adopted. Visit www.sjcphd.org and click the link at the top of the home page to read them in full. Comments can also be emailed to Superintendent Hutchins at hutchins@sjcphd1.org.
