The Many Services a Healthcare District Can Provide

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California’s health care and hospital districts were created by law in 1946 by policy makers and community leaders to address specific health needs- especially the need for hospital beds, physicians and medical resources in rural communities. The law allowed for the formation of independent districts that could access dedicated, controlled funds to meet specific health needs. There are currently 85 health care districts in California and a majority of the districts manage public hospitals or rural health care facilities and fill gaps in local services. Many offer services ranging from dental care, substance abuse programs, long term care assistance and community health education services, while some function as philanthropic foundations by providing grants to meet specific community needs. Health care districts and their dedicated health care dollars are a significant value in a time of limited health care resources. A guided focus and local input has the potential to improve the health status and to promote a greater interest in community health.

The overall focus of health care has evolved over the past ten years to a system that promotes disease prevention and wellness. In Cambria we have a significant percentage of residents who are retired, well educated and keenly aware of the costs for health care services. This population is active. While experiencing the normal aging process, they interact with children, grandchildren, friends and intend to stay as healthy and in their own homes as long as possible.

In support of this lifestyle, many community-based health and wellness organizations are available at little or no cost to provide seminars, training, information and services. Agencies such as the Area Agency on Aging, the Alzheimer’s Caregivers Association, Hospice Partners of the Central Coast, the American Heart Association, the America Diabetes Association and more are eager to provide information on a local basis. Currently in Cambria, EOC sponsors Senior Health Screening (free and low cost) by a registered nurse at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church once a month. In addition, there are several agencies here in Cambria that support health, wellness, non-emergency medical transportation and independent living, among them Cambria Anonymous Neighbors (CAN), CARES (Adult Day Care Center), the Cambria Connection, the Senior Nutrition program and all the local Churches.

The Cambria Community Healthcare District is currently in place providing emergency medial services to the residents. I believe this provides us with the unique opportunity to bring together under the umbrella of the Cambria Community Healthcare District all the local organizations that are currently providing services that provide for and encourage our residents to maintain a healthy quality of life and remain independent for as long as possible.

Cooperation and collaboration between all the groups that provide services that protect the health, wellness and safety in a community should be working together for the benefit of all Cambrians.

Over 40 years of experience as a clinical laboratory scientist, administrator supervisor, certified medical assistant and a clinical healthcare educator lead me to the conclusion that the residents of Cambria deserve a more comprehensive service level from the CCHD.

I suggest that in addition to providing emergency medical ambulance services that the Cambria Community Healthcare District assess its ability, commitment and resources to providing a healthcare district that promotes a greater focus on community health, safety and wellness.

My commitment to the residents of Cambria as a Trustee of the Cambria Community Healthcare District is to promote an organization that continues to respond appropriately to the emergency medical needs of the North Coast, to enhance the scope of the district in patient education and preventative services areas, to maintain a fiscally responsible organization with accountability for expenditures and to comply with the direction of the voting residents in the community. Thank you for your vote.

Kristi A. Jenkins, Candidate Cambria Community Healthcare District 2008

Editor’s Note: Today’s post was contributed by CCHD Candidate Kristi Jenkins. All candidates for office are welcome to contribute to AboutCambria.com. Contact Amanda at aboutcambria.com or call 4191.