New EvergreenHealth Bond initiative will feature an "Outpatient Behavioral Health Care Clinic"

The Board of Commissioners of the EvergreenHealth Public Hospital District approved Resolution 898-19 authorizing a $345 million Bond for submission to the voters in August 6th special election.  A similar bond was rejected by the voters in the April special election by a margin of 1.52%.

According to the Resolution: "The EvergreenHealth District specified and adopted a Plan to construct new health care facilities and renovate and equip existing health care facilities including:  

a. Seismic and Infrastructure upgrades and renovations;
b. A new and expanded Critical Care Unit;
c. An expanded and refurbished Family Maternity Center;
d. Camps-wide Infrastructure Improvements;
e. New Medical Office Buildings for Outpatient care; and
f. Biomedical and Information Technology Systems Improvements

The Plan is to be more fully described in the specifications to be prepared by the District's architects and engineers.  *The Board may modify details of the foregoing Plan where necessary or advisable in the judgement of the Board and make addition capital improvements as it may find necessary or advisable.  The estimated cost of carrying out the Plans specified and adopted is declared to be, as nearly as may be, $395,000,000."

It was stated prior to, and after the May 21st Board, meeting *the New Medical Office Buildings are designated for behavioral health outpatient care.  The community is in dire need of additional mental health care services and the Bond is more likely to pass because of it.  After all, 1 in 5 residents have a mental health condition and many will vote.  I am thrilled and respect the Board's decision.  Questions?  Call Laurene Burton at: 425.899.2667

-- Bob Yoder
    Sources:  Resolution No. 898-19
    Kai Peterson, V.P. EvergreenHealth Foundation
    Kay Taylor, Senior V.P. Marketing, Communications