[Vision2020] Gritman's Community Service

[Barbara Richardson Crouch]

Mark and Community,

I have reviewed Gritman's Form 990 from the year 2003 (the latest 
available).  And I think it is important for the community to know the 
exact amount of Griitman's Community Contributions.  In 2003 Gritman 
provided $11,699,750.02 in direct patient care that was not reimbursed.  
Gritman absorbs these costs for the community.  In addition to this 
amount, Gritman provided another $1,223,791 to promote health care in the 
community by providing services such as Gritman Adult Day Health, CPR 
classes, smoking cessation clases, etc.

As a community board member, I have been very impressed with Gritman's 
concern for the cost of health care.  I know the baord does everything in 
their power to ensure that our community receives the best health care at 
the best price.  The costs associated with Health Care are a concern 
nationwide.  Moscow is no exception.  But because Gritman and its Board of 
Directors have been fiscally repsonsible and carry a fund balance, they 
are able to keep the increases to a minimum.  As a not-for-profit, it is 
imperative that reserves be maintained to ensure the long-term viability 
of the organization.

As for Donovan's comments.  Gritman did not play a role in the University 
requiring health insurance for its students.  We all know that one injury 
or illness can create thousands of dollars in medical bills.  If a student 
is not insured, they run the risk of ruining their credit for many years, 
plus the rest of the community pays for their health care.  I know that 
college is expensive, however, when I attended the University of 
Mississippi in the early 1980's I paid more per semester than resident 
students pay in fees today at the Univeristy of Idaho!   

Barbara

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