Showing posts with label Bob Yoder. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bob Yoder. Show all posts

Sunday, August 3, 2025

EvergreenHealth Community Healthcare Access Team (CHAT)


Sahayra Bororjas Tapia, Outreach Liaison with the EvergreenHealth Community Healthcare Access Team (CHAT), discusses CHAT’s resources, from housing, transportation services, to helping a patient find a provider.

If you or someone you know are in need of assistance, please call CHAT at (425) 899-3200 or email CHAT@evergreenhealth.com.

The EvergreenHealth Community Healthcare Access Team (CHAT) is levy-funded.

Saturday, August 2, 2025

EvergreenHealth Board Appoints Ettore Palazzo CEO, December 2023


Ettore Palazzo, MD, FACP  assumed his new role as CEO of EvergreenHealth 

on Dec. 10, 2023.  Since then, he's reached out to over 14 organizations addressing the community's  "State of Healthcare."  

 

KIRKLAND, WA – The EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners appointed Ettore Palazzo, MD, FACP, CEO of EvergreenHealth, a public hospital district and two-hospital healthcare system effective Dec. 10, 2023. Dr. Palazzo assumed the role following the retirement of CEO Jeff Tomlin, MD.

 

“Over the past 20 years, some of the greatest, as well as most challenging, moments of my personal and professional life have taken place at EvergreenHealth,” said Dr. Palazzo. “It is the honor of a lifetime to work for this organization and serve its community as the next Chief Executive Officer.” 

 

Dr. Palazzo has served EvergreenHealth and its community for 20 years. He joined EvergreenHealth in 2003 as a hospitalist and most recently served as the Chief Medical and Quality Officer.

 

When Dr. Palazzo joined EvergreenHealth, he was soon elected managing physician of the Internal Medicine hospitalist service, acting as the liaison between hospitalists and the EvergreenHealth Administrative Council. He then spent almost nine years as IT Medical Director of Inpatient Services while continuing to see and treat patients.

 

In 2014, Dr. Palazzo was appointed Quality Medical Director and was tasked with improving EvergreenHealth’s readmission rates. He created and implemented successful strategies that not only achieved lower readmission rates but also led to patient safety and outstanding outcomes awards and recognitions from organizations like Healthgrades, Leapfrog and the Lown Institute.

 

In 2019, just months before EvergreenHealth would be the first hospital in the U.S. to report community spread of COVID-19, Dr. Tomlin offered Dr. Palazzo the role of Interim Chief Medical and Quality Officer. Dr. Palazzo accepted the role and began overseeing risk management, quality/patient safety, regulatory, infection control, pharmacy services and hospitalist/intensivist services. Throughout the pandemic, Dr. Palazzo demonstrated his ability to lead compassionately as he guided his teams through unprecedented issues and helped the hospital system to continue delivering high-quality care.

 

“The last several years have been incredibly challenging for the organization, both clinically and financially, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftereffects,” said Dr. Palazzo. “Despite those challenges, EvergreenHealth has remained true to its mission, vision and values, achieving its highest marks in quality and patient safety in the history of the organization, as our staff consistently strives to achieve even better outcomes.”

 

Ultimately, Dr. Palazzo accepted the permanent position of Chief Medical and Quality Officer. In addition to his roles at EvergreenHealth, Dr. Palazzo has been a member of the Eastside Health Alliance Quality Council since July 2017 and is currently a Board of Directors member and Appointed Chair of the Washington State Hospital Association’s Patient Safety Committee. Dr. Palazzo also served as a Quality Committee member for the Eastside Health Network from July 2017 to May 2023.

 

“We’re delighted and honored to confirm Dr. Palazzo’s selection as CEO of EvergreenHealth and look forward to his leadership in the years to come as we continue our journey of 50-plus years, enriching the health and well-being of every life we touch,” said EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners Chair Virgil Snyder.


About EvergreenHealth

Serves Kirkland, Redmond, Woodinville, Bothell, Kenmore, Mill Creek, Duvall, Carnation, Sammamish, Monroe, parts of Snohomish.

EvergreenHealth is a community-owned hospital system serving more than one million residents in King and Snohomish counties. Since 1972, EvergreenHealth has evolved alongside the Eastside community into a two-hospital health system with a network of primary care practices (12), urgent care centers (7), specialty clinics (28), extensive home care and hospice services, and 24/7 emergency care in Kirkland, Monroe and Redmond. As a public hospital district, the health system’s purpose is to enrich the health and wellness of everyone in the community by providing equal access to high-quality, high-value care, partnering with local organizations to perform outreach and offering health education to address our community’s needs now and for generations to come. The hospital system is named one of Healthgrades America’s 50 Best™ Hospitals and holds a 5-Star Overall Rating from the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS). Learn more at www.evergreenhealth.com. 

Thursday, July 24, 2025

King County "Transparency Assessor Tool"


Transparency Assessor Tool: 
https://localscape.property/#kingcountyassessor/My-Property

The King County Assessor developed an invaluable Localscape "transparency assessor tool" to calculate individual 2025 taxes and levy rates based on your home's appraised value.  Current and past taxes, area median household income, area sales, and other useful data are resourced.   

In 1981, I bought my 1,800 sf home on Education Hill for $92,000.  According to the calculator, the 2023 average sales price in my area is $999,375.  

My total property taxes in 2023 were $8961.80 (up $1,630 from 2022.)  The calculator showed 2024 King County levy rates and dollar amounts on my property, as follows: 

  • Local School 29.30%  - $2475.48
  • City 11.04% - $849.3
  • County 10.9% - $1311.16
  • Library 3.57% - $282.98
  • EMS 2.85% - $222.24
  • Hospital 2.57% - $151.47
  • Transit 2.12% - $160.53
  • Port 1.03% - $102.61
  • Flood .92% - $69.26
  • STATE Taxes $2467.16 (schools, fire, roads, parks & recreation) 
Total 2026 taxes may increase from 2025 owing to voter approved levies, bonds and the 1%/year allowable increase.  

In 2024 voters passed a 14 cents /$1000 property tax for the King County Mental Health Crisis Centers; and King County's homeless hotel.  LWSD passed a  6-year $676.9 million construction levy refresh measure. EvergreenHealth District No. 2 is proposing a 50 cents/$1000 levy lid-lift August 2025; and King County is proposing a 23 cents/$1000 parks, trails & open space 6-year levy refresh August 2025.

To check out the tax data on your home:  


-- Bob Yoder, 7/25/2025

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Vote "yes" for Osman

Osman Salahuddin was appointed to the 48th Legislative District and now faces a Primary to keep his position. 
 Osman also currently serves as a Redmond city council member. 
                     

As your representative in the Washington State House for the 48th Legislative District, I am deeply honored to listen to your concerns and be your voice in Olympia.

I approach governance as a collaborative effort rooted in listening, understanding, and action. As we move forward together, I remain focused on addressing the issues that matter most to our district.

One of the greatest challenges we face is the rising cost of living. Addressing the interconnected needs of housing, childcare, healthcare, and economic stability requires thoughtful, comprehensive strategies. To better accomplish this work, I am honored to serve as a member of the House Capital BudgetCivil Rights & Judiciary, and Postsecondary Education & Workforce Committees.

My office is here as a resource for you and your family. Often, we can help you directly, but if for some reason, we don’t have all the answers, we can connect you with others who can help.

It is an honor to serve the people of the 48th District.

Sincerely,

State Representative Osman Salahuddin

EvergreenHealth CEO Honors King County Paramedics

It was an honor to be present today for the graduation ceremony of Class 51 of the King County Medic One Paramedic Training Program. These exceptional individuals, along with those who came before them and those who will follow, carry forward a proud tradition of delivering some of the highest quality prehospital emergency care anywhere in the nation. Their dedication, skill, and service are a true credit to our community.
-- CEO Ettore Palazzo, EvergreenHealth

Monday, June 30, 2025

Redmond Code Enforcement Officers


If you have concerns to report like campaign sign placement, commercial signs, and tree removal, please use this link.  Request for Service - Redmond, WA 

­Elena McKee

Code Enforcement Officer, City of Redmond


 425-448-0964  (cell phone)

 425-556-2412 (land line)

 emckee@redmond.gov (email)

 

The Code Enforcement system is used to report non-emergency concerns and is only monitored during City business hours.

Our Code Enforcement Team addresses concerns regarding potential code violations on private property like tree removal.  We collaborate with other City departments and Redmond residents to develop and implement solutions for issues related to health and safety codes in our community.

Our primary goal is to inform and educate you while promoting voluntary compliance. Please note that the City does not intervene in civil disputes, such as disagreements over property lines, hazardous trees on neighboring properties, or tenant-landlord issues.

Please include the following information:

  • Detailed description of the concern
  • Complete details of the location
  • Your contact information

Please note this request system is public domain. Any correspondence from, to, or contained in this system is a public record. Accordingly, this request, in whole or in part, may be subject to disclosure pursuant to RCW 42.56, regardless of any claim of confidentiality or privilege asserted by an external party.

-- Redmond.gov  6/30/2025

Sunday, June 29, 2025

Vote "yes" On Evergreenhealth Proposition 1, Endorsements

EvergreenHealth, Our Independent Community-Owned Hospital

Submitted by: Barb Jensen, Josh Pratt, Kevin Hanson

As a nurse, emergency department physician and firefighter/EMT, we’ve witnessed the health care needs of our communities growing as the region has. We know the Puget Sound area has a critical shortage of available hospital beds and wait times for primary and specialty care appointments can be long. We’ve seen a growing number of healthcare mergers leading to consolidated services and longer travel times for many services.

Proposition 1 will address these challenges and renew support for EvergreenHealth - our independent, community-owned public hospital - to meet the needs of the Eastside on the Eastside.

Vote yes to reduce wait times and expand access. Prop 1 means more physicians and clinical staff and expanded access to primary, emergency, and specialty care including maternity services and behavioral healthcare.

Vote yes to maintain high quality. EvergreenHealth is nationally recognized for its quality of care receiving five stars from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service and ranked a top-50 hospital nationally by Healthgrades. Prop. 1 allows investments to maintain this high quality.

Vote yes to keep quality care close to home and protect local decision-making.  Prop 1 ensures EvergreenHealth stays independent, avoiding the need to merge with a larger organization where services and staff will be consolidated and local residents will likely have to travel to Seattle or other urban centers for many services.

When our families need medical help – in an emergency, for regular check-ups or specialized care – we want to access high-quality healthcare close to home. Join physicians, nurses and emergency responders in voting yes on EvergreenHealth’s Prop. 1 to expand access here on the Eastside and protect our independent, locally-controlled community healthcare.

-- Submitted by: Barb Jensen, Josh Pratt, Kevin Hanson,              www.yesevergreenhealth.com

Sunday, June 22, 2025

Downtown Station Light Rail Mural


Light Rail Line 2 Downtown Station Art Mural / photo Yoder

This 8'x4' piece sits on a pedestal directly north of the light rail bicycle/pedestrian trail.  It visually screens some buildings.   

Saturday, June 21, 2025

Updated, 6/24/25: Another Small Business Bites The Dust

 

Tian Tian Noodle, 16421 Cleveland Street

My wife and I enjoyed an awesome Chinese dinner at Tian Tian Noodle tonight! I ordered "Cranequin Spicy & Crispy fish" and liked it so much I tossed away the chop sticks and dug in with the fork. Pam enjoyed the savory broccoli and pork dish.  [Orders to go: 425-242-1915.]

The waitress said the "owners are taking a break" and will be shuttering the restaurant July 3.   Tian Tian  Noodle will be the last small business standing in an old one-story "Redmond Square" mall.  All the other  businesses are gone including the developer's remnant EASTLINE leasing office. 

A proposal is under review  to remodel the exterior and interior of the existing retail mall in which Tian Tian is located. 

-- Bob Yoder
    redmond.gov 
   6/23/25, updated 6/24

Thursday, June 19, 2025

CEO Palazzo Updates Kirkland Alliance Of Neighborhoods

 

I'm grateful to the Kirkland Alliance of Thirteen Neighborhoods (KAN) for the opportunity to provide an update on King County Public Hospital District #2 / EvergreenHealth, including information about our upcoming levy lid lift on the August 2025 ballot. As a Kirkland resident for over two decades, it’s an honor to live and work in such a special city!

-- Ettore Palazzo, MD
    EvergreenHealth CEO
    6/19/2025

UPDATED: Old Fire House Teen Center Analysis

Old Fire House Teen Center

After two listening sessions Council still hasn't made a decision on saving the Old Fire House Teen Center.  Councilmenbers Steve Fields and Jessica Forsythe see the 50-year old builidng as a city treasure. 5/19.

Background:  It took years of deliberation on funding and design for "rebuilding" and expansion of the Senior Center.  Council actually considered a $17,116,000  "councilmanic"  bond fundiing that doesn't require a vote of the people. Later, they decided to discard and replace this funding with "one-time money" (funds from retail construction excise taxes.)

Thus, I agree, Council could find the money to renovate  the Old Fire House Teen Center, but Mayor Birney would have to work with the One Redmond Foundation, with backing from the historical society and Director Helland to make it happen.  According to historical society President John Oftebro, the building isn't safe.  

The Mayor has to conclude the Old Fire House a totally unsafe while taking heat from the development community. The Center is used primarily by a tiny, vocal segment of the city in a time with affordable housing is at a premium.  The longer this teen review process goes on, the more deteriorated their mental health will be.    

An unwelcome alternative to renovating our cherished firehouse is tear down the entire Old Fire House  (including the basketball courts)  and expand to 5-6 stories for affordable housing with the lower 1-2 stories reserved the for the teens. The teens would have final say on the programs there, as per listening sessions.

-- Response to a reader's comment, by Bob Yoder, 6/19/2025, 6/23/25

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

City To Partner With County On Crisis Response

 

City Plans to Partner with King County's Mobile Rapid Response Crisis Team.

  • In 2018, the Police Department launched their co-response model, utilizing a mental health professional on police calls. In 2021, the City expanded to a tiered community health model called THRIVE including homeless outreach, mobile integrated health, and community care coordinators.
  •  As an addition to the current program, the Redmond may partner with King County’s Mobile Rapid Response Crisis Team (MRRCT) to provide the city with 24/7 mental health response.
  • OUTCOMES: Staff has recommended partnering with MRRCT to provide de-escalation services 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. MRRCT is equipped with two-person units, staffed by behavioral health professionals and peer counselors. The teams respond to incidents involving adults aged 18 and older experiencing mental health crises. 
  • King County placed a team in Redmond, stationed at the Together Center  "SOUND," office. although there are other Crisis Teams countywide. All teams are a part of King County’s Behavioral Health Program and the teams are dispatched through 911, 988, or their direct line. 
  • Utilizing King County’s services comes at no additional cost to Redmond as it is funded through the King County Crisis Care Levy. 
  •  SOURCE:  Committee of the Whole - Public Safety and Human Services (Tuesday, June 17, 2025, 4:30 p.m.)

EvergreenHealth Receives Environmenal Sustainablily Award


There are many ways hospital systems can impact the health of our communities including minimizing our environmental impact. Congratulations to
David Reed and the entire Environmental Services Team at EvergreenHealth for once again earning Practice Greenhealth's Partner for Change Award. Your continued leadership in sustainability helps create a healthier environment for everyone we serve.

-- Ettore Palazzo, CEO EvergreenHealth

One of EvergreenHealth’s core values is to provide high-quality health care while minimizing our environmental impact. The Greenhealth Partner for Change Award recognizes our ongoing dedication to improving our environmental performance and our efforts to integrate sustainability and resiliency into the operations and culture of our organization.

-- David Reed, EvergreenHealth Environmental Services Team