The board of trustees for Syringa Hospital convened on December 17 to explore strategies aimed at enhancing community engagement and provider visibility. Among the topics discussed were wellness exams, weight loss consultations, and building trust within the community, highlighting the importance of these initiatives for local healthcare.
Hannah Seitz, the community relations and marketing coordinator, presented her vision for improving the clinic’s profile and increasing the volume of bariatric surgeries. She emphasized the need to communicate the clinic’s extended hours for the walk-in service, stating, “That’s something we want to get out there and let people know.” Seitz also proposed a focus on showcasing the unique skills and passions of each healthcare provider to foster community connections.
During the meeting, Trustee Jim Paradiso raised a pertinent question regarding geriatric care. “Is there any provider specifically geriatric-focused?” he asked, noting the significance of addressing the needs of the area’s aging population. Interim CEO Bruce Shepard clarified that while there is no provider solely dedicated to geriatric care, the clinic will continue prioritizing Medicare wellness exams. These exams, also known as Annual Wellness Visits (AWV), are essential preventive services designed to assess a patient’s overall health and develop tailored prevention plans.
Paradiso highlighted the necessity of effectively communicating the importance of these wellness exams. “Plenty of my friends and I feel this is BS,” he remarked, stressing the need for better marketing to explain their benefits and significance.
Trustee Terri Tackett raised concerns about weight loss consultations, advocating for increased community education regarding weight loss medications and their possible side effects. “People often don’t go to their doctors to answer questions, but go straight to social media,” she noted, emphasizing the need for reliable information.
Seitz pointed out that provider Nathan Winder possesses expertise in weight management and is committed to assisting patients before they consider surgical options. “He is the stop before surgical options,” she explained, underscoring Winder’s unique approach to weight-related challenges.
Chief Operating Officer Michelle Schaeffer affirmed that all providers at the clinic have access to the same resources for patient care, although Winder’s focus on weight management is particularly noteworthy. “Dr. Smith wants to be in the O.R. but also ensures that surgery is the best option for patients,” Schaeffer added, emphasizing a holistic approach to patient care that considers various factors, including medications that may affect weight.
As the meeting concluded, trustees expressed optimism about the discussed initiatives, aiming to bolster community trust and ensure that residents have access to vital healthcare information.
In a related matter, Valley County officials met with representatives from Perpetua Resources to negotiate a road development agreement related to the Stibnite Gold Project. During the meeting, which took place on January 12, 2024, County Commissioners characterized Perpetua’s proposed annual contribution of $50,000 for road maintenance as insufficient to address the anticipated impact of increased traffic on local roads.
Commission Chair Sherry Maupin referred to the contribution as “peanuts,” highlighting concerns about the extensive road use due to the mining project. The agreement aims to mitigate the effects of the Stibnite Gold Project on county roads, including Warm Lake Road, Johnson Creek Road, and Stibnite Road east of Yellow Pine.
Valley County Road and Bridge Department Director Kerstin Dettrich confirmed that while the proposed amount aligns with Idaho Code requirements, it does not adequately cover necessary road maintenance. The draft agreement also includes stipulations for improving Warm Lake Road by 2029, though county officials expressed hesitance to commit to these repairs, citing the road’s current condition.
Discussions surrounding the specifics of the agreement and necessary improvements are ongoing, with both parties acknowledging the need for further negotiation. Valley County Prosecuting Attorney Brian Oakey stated, “There’s still a little bit of work to be done” to reach a mutually acceptable baseline status for the road.
Perpetua Resources will be responsible for performing seasonal maintenance on Warm Lake Road, while also making improvements to highway intersections as mandated by the Idaho Transportation Department. The outcome of these negotiations will shape the future of both community healthcare initiatives and road infrastructure in the region.
