Positive Experience with Sheriff Turner

Dear Editor,

I am writing to share an experience I witnessed and was a small part of with Sheriff John Turner. While employed with Providence St Mary Medical Center, I was a member of the Revenue Cycle Dept. which was approached by Sheriff Turner regarding the billing for care of inmates at the jail. Sheriff Turner urged St Mary's to help his team come up with a solution that would benefit the community while maintaining the exemplary care St Mary's is known for. As a result, a contract was put into place for services which saves the taxpayer 50% while still providing high quality medical care to all inmates.

The positive reaction to this effort prompted St Mary's to approach both the Walla Walla Police Dept. and the College Place Police Dept. with the same contract offer. Sheriff Turner was instrumental in opening that line of communication between parties. The contracts combined with prompt payment also decreased the need for additional collection efforts.

Sheriff Turner was focused on creating a solution and maintained a collaborative, respectful community attitude. He was very easy to work with as was his entire staff. I believe the result was one that will benefit the community for years to come.

Becky Smith

Milton-Freewater