[Vision2020] Health Facility Must Not Be Closed

[Tom Hansen]

>From today's (December 8, 2006) Moscow-Pullman daily News with special
thanks to Tom Ivie.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Health facility must not be closed 

The board of Latah Health Services voted to terminate its lease with Latah
County, terminate its contract with Valley Vista and disband the board by
Dec. 31. As of Jan. 1, the Latah Health Services facility reverts back to
the county commissioners. 

Gritman Medical Center has approved pursuing the acquisition of the building
if the county will sell it to them for $1. They would consider using the
facility as a wellness center with adult day health, day care, wellness
classes, diabetes classes, weight-loss classes, etc. They also would try to
keep the assisted living open if they can find someone to run it. Now, 26
old and infirm residents will have to vacate by Dec. 31 unless someone takes
charge. 

The building needs massive amounts of renovation and repair. Gritman would
need to own the building in order to apply for grants and loans to aid in
this enormous undertaking. The time frame for applying for grants and loan
applications through Idaho Housing expires toward the end of January. This
is a complex process that should be started immediately. IHA has funds
available that will be revoked by HUD if not applied for ASAP. 

Gritman Medical Center has already shown its competence and good will by
taking over the pool area. The pool is now safe and well run. They have
involved pool users in the discussion of the use of the pool and have many
good ideas on further utilization of this wonderful pool. They have even
honored pool passes through Dec.31 even though they are getting no
reimbursement from the financially insolvent LHS. 

Time is of the essence for funding. Please contact your county commissioners
at (208) 883-7208; PO Box 8068 Moscow, ID 83843; or bocc at latah.id.us.
Contact Jennifer Barrett, county commissioner elect, at jbarrett at moscow.com 

Tom Ivie, Moscow

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Evicting 26 elderly/infirmed residents and closing down the building that
houses Latah Health Services should NEVER be considered as any type of
viable option.

If/When this situation is favorably rectified, perhaps we should take a
closer look at the Latah County Board of Commissioners and ask them why this
came to be and why they failed to take appropriate action earlier.

Seeya round town, Moscow.

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

"Don't tell me why I can't.
Show me how I can."

- Author Unknown