Hospitals’ Role in Community

As chairman of the St. John’s Regional Medical Center Foundation board of directors, I want to remind Times readers what an asset St. John’s and Pleasant Valley hospitals are to the communities of Oxnard and Camarillo.

Much has been reported in the media lately regarding reassignments, resignations and nursing shortages, none of which is unusual in today’s health care marketplace. Regardless of these difficulties, the two hospitals are vital institutions, surviving in an environment where hospitals both larger and smaller are having to close their doors.

Beyond merely surviving, these hospitals work hard to give back to their communities in ways unknown to most people. Consider:

* In fiscal year 1998-99, nearly $4 million in care was provided to people unable to pay.

* More than 120,000 people received free or at-cost wellness and prevention services.

* Free health screenings and educational programs were provided to 62,513 women, children and seniors.

* More than 500 pregnant women and teenage girls below the poverty line were provided comprehensive perinatal services either free or below cost.

* In addition to free health care programs and services, St. John’s assists the poor with daily living needs such as food, clothing and shelter, including small loans.

* Every Thursday at noon, St. John’s Regional Medical Center provides a hot lunch for 200 people on the steps of a church in La Colonia.

* St. John’s hospitals have collaborated with other nonprofit agencies, Ventura County and the state to raise the county’s childhood immunization rate from 53% to 72% in one year, with a goal of 90% by 2000.

* In conjunction with Oxnard Unified High School District and others, St. John’s is making headway on reducing the problem of teenage pregnancy through programs such as “Baby, Think It Over.”

None of these services could be provided to our communities if the hospitals were not financially sound, and it is to that end that operational decisions are directed. St. John’s is not in the business of maximizing profits to increase investor returns; it is in the business of securing long-term financial health, with improvements in the bottom line flowing back to the community in the form of better health care and outreach services.

Finally, beyond the dollars alone, none of the services could be provided to our communities without the commitment of the sponsoring Sisters of Mercy or the hospital employees who often donate their time and talents.

Although the hospitals may have changes at the top, issues with staffing and with payers, the mission remains focused on caring for all members of our community regardless of their ability to pay. The hospitals need our support. The hospitals deserve our support.

STEVEN L. KINNEY, Chairman, St. John’s Regional Medical Center Foundation, Oxnard