A Financially Sound Health System is Vital

Local taxpayers long ago agreed to provide support for Dayton's hospital and other local healthcare ser- vices through the formation of the Columbia County Hospital District, which includes the Waitsburg area, as well as all of Columbia County. A portion of the taxes paid by each property owner in the district goes to support local healthcare.

However, for the management and directors of what is commonly known as the Columbia County Health system, the ultimate goal has been to maintain a break-even operat- ing margin. That means that the taxpayers' money would go toward growth and capital improvements, not subsidizing operations.

For the first time in years, CCHS achieved that goal for two straight months near the end of last year. CEO Dale Polla and Board Chairman Ted Paterson both credit the employees of CCHS for their efforts to control costs and improve billing practices.

Not long ago, the picture was much bleaker. From 2001 to 2007, CCHS had net losses (after taxpayer subsidy) that totaled about $3 million. That included a loss of nearly $1.2 million in 2003. That's a hole that many hospitals wouldn't be able to climb out of. And those losses would ultimately end up in the laps of the taxpayers.

Through the diligent efforts of CCHS's board, man- agement, and especially its employees, the organization climbed out of that hole and began operating in the black in 2009 (with tax revenue included). It is now close to running continually with a positive operating revenue (tax revenue not included).

Besides Dayton General Hospital, CCHS operates rural health clinics in Dayton and Waitsburg, as well as the Booker Rest Home in Dayton. The organization has more than 100 employees, making it one of the largest employers in the Touchet Valley.

The importance of having a financially sound health care system in a region like ours cannot be overstated. DGH's emergency room receives around 100 visits per month. We can all take great comfort in knowing that facility is there.

We have a large senior population, many of whom couldn't continue to live here without CCHS's facilities. Sixty percent of CCHS's operating revenue comes through Medicare payments, which shows its vital importance for seniors.

Approximately 40 residents live at Booker, most of whom would have to live much farther from loved ones if that facility wasn't there.

When families consider moving to the Touchet Valley, modern and financially sound healthcare facilities are al- ways one of the most important factors they look for.

Morgan Smith's stories about Evelyn Himmelberger's experience at Dayton Hospital and in her rehabilitation are a perfect example of how extremely important CCHS's ser- vices are. Its employees provided Himmelberger with not only a physical recovery but also a mental and emotional recovery from her injury.

For CCHS to continue to be financially healthy in the coming months and years, we all must support it. That means, not only paying our taxes, but also making use of CCHS's services. And it means making use of those ser- vices not just when we need to go to the E.R., but when we need non-emergency care as well.