Thursday, November 9, 2023
Saturday, September 2, 2023
UPDATED: 9/17: EvergreenHealth Commissioners Considering $789,500,000 Bond, 8-story Tower
EvergreenHealth Public Hospital |
The proposed North Tower would have:
- two underground parking floors
- 1 mixed-use underground floor
- 2 above ground support and ancillary care floors
- 7 floors of inpatient care
- expanding capacity and modernizing surgical services,
- address community health needs for behavioral health services (how?)
- increasing seismic resilience
- improving Emergency Department capacity,
- and improving energy efficiency and environmental stewardship
Additionally, it was noted that the public hospital district taxes are 2.1% of the entire King County levy.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Paul Hess, Kenmore resident, asked if EvergreenHealth has implemented lean organizational strategies, noting that it will help close the gap. Additionally, he spoke about the Foundation, how their staff report to EvergreenHealth, and hopes that no Foundation funding will be used for a UTGO Bond. He also spoke critically about how he and other District residents pay taxes to fund the hospital but don’t use the services, while others who don’t pay taxes to fund the hospital use the services.
SOURCES:
Monday, June 19, 2023
UPDATED, EvergreenHealth Levy
EvergreenHealth's Board of Seven Commissioners has the final say on the distribution of levy funds each year with the recommendations of a standing levy committee.
30% of the Levy is allocated to "programs." (The remaining 70% is allocated to capital expenditures via a bond.) Many of the levy-supported programs specifically address the special needs of under-served and high-risk community members, most of the programs are for use by the entire community.
Levy-Funded Program Directory
Supporting Students in Crisis
EvergreenHealth provides social workers to Lake Washington School District high schools to assess students with high-risk behaviors and mental health concerns for free. The EvergreenHealth social workers meet with students 1:1, conduct groups, provide support to parents, and coordinate with school officials to keep students safe and connected to community providers. In 2021, our social workers helped 401 high school students during mental health crises.
High School Mental Health Therapists
Community funds also help the Northshore School District provide students access to mental health counselors. They meet individually and in small groups to address student needs. Supportive resources are also made available to students grieving the loss of a loved one. In 2021, our therapists served 1,264 students and responded to 47 crisis visits.
Youth Mental Health First Aid
EvergreenHealth's free Youth Mental Health First Aid training provides educators, coaches and other volunteers who work with students the tools to help adolescents experiencing a mental health crisis or addiction challenge.
Participants are taught how to recognize signs and symptoms of mental health challenges and crises, what to say and how to talk with someone, and how to refer to professional resources for help.
[NAMI Eastside and LWSD also provide free Youth Mental Health First Aid training. I took it - great program]
STEM Global Health Education Partnership
EvergreenHealth partners with our local school districts to give students the opportunity to learn about global health initiatives through job shadowing, attending Grand Rounds and hearing from guest speakers. These kinds of partnerships give students the opportunity to immerse themselves early on in learning about careers in science, health care and so many other industries.
Community Health Needs
EvergreenHealth Nurse Navigator & Healthline
In 2021, our 24/7 Nurse Navigator & Healthline served more than 108,000 calls from our community for free, helping you with scheduling, referrals and answering those health-related questions even Google can't help with.
Healthline played a pivotal role in 2021, connecting thousands of neighbors with accurate information on COVID-19 and pandemic resources. More than 50,000 callers received nursing triage advice, getting help with home remedies for common ailments as well as diagnostic support for various illnesses.
Call (425) 899-3000 to be connected to the Healthline.
Community Health Education Services
EvergreenHealth's Community Health Education Services provided more than 790 community-funded classes and programs in 2021. Roughly 4,300 community members participated, taking the opportunity to enrich their lives with the kind of lessons only we can teach. As a community-owned health system, our curriculum and programs look to address the diverse needs of our region while building a sense of community for you and your neighbors around common interests.
Hospice Care Center
The Gene & Irene Wockner freestanding hospice center has 15 beds and serves hospice patients in King and Snohomish counties. It is the only hospice center in both counties and provides you or your loved ones with short-term acute care, with the goal of discharging home once symptoms have been stabilized.
For more information, call (425) 899-3300.
Tuesday, October 19, 2021
Vote Katie Grainger For "EvergreenHealth" Public Health Hospital Commissioner District No. 4
Katie Grainger lost to Chuck Pilcher
Commissioners are elected to 6-year terms! The incumbent has been at EvergreenHealth for 47 years. Is that long enough? We need a leader with a fresh perspective, who's a good listener and a community neighbor who will reach out to us! Vote for Katie.
Katie Grainger is endorsed by the LD 48 Democrats and the National Women's Political Caucus of Washington state.
Nice to meet you. I'm Katie Grainger. I'm the first in my family to do many things and that now includes running for office.
I never thought I'd have the courage to do something like this, but then I was diagnosed at 28 with an autoimmune disease. I lost my best friend at 30 to a rare cancer. I developed a rare renal condition at 31. Since then, I've served as a volunteer ambassador for the Sjogren's Foundation, and I've lobbied on behalf of the Sarcoma Foundation of America.
All of these experiences motivated me to work in healthcare. Having worked in clinical care operations for the third-largest non-profit health system in the United States, I see both the challenges facing healthcare and possibilities for reform.
I know firsthand the struggles of navigating a system that is not always affordable or accessible. I continue to be an advocate for health by promoting awareness for autoimmune diseases and fundraising for cancer research. I don't need to be the medical expert in the room to provide governance that positively impacts my community.
I intend to help make healthcare better for all Americans and that starts with impacting decisions made at the local level as Public Hospital (EvergreenHealth) Commissioner for District 2.
Incumbent Chuck Pilcher, District #4 retired in 2010 after 36 years of service in the Emergency Department at EvergreenHealth. We've discussed mental health at Public Meetings several times. He's numb to psychiatric care services. Sadly, there are no full time community psychiatrists or Advanced Nurse Practitioners at Evergreen, this at a time when we need them the most.
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
EvergreenHealth Property Taxes Approved
The "Silver Tower" of EvergreenHealth Med. Ctr. |
An Excess Proper Tax Levy authorized for 2019 for repayment of UTGO bonds is $8,292,000 for calendar year 2020 was approved (Resolution No. 907-19.) These bonds are the residual of a bond measure passed by 60% years ago to pay for the Silver Tower and new Emergency Department.
-- Source: Public Record Request
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
The gem of EvergreenHealth's Proposition 1
The 5K "National Alliance For The Mentally Ill" Walk to "bust stigma" supports in part, EvergreenHealth's goal to build an outpatient mental health clinic |
- One in 25 have a serious mental health illness like bipolar, eating disorders, major depression and severe anxiety.
- Only 41% of adults in the U.S. with a mental health condition received mental health services in the past year. Among adults with a serious mental illness, 62.9% received mental health services in the past year.
- Just over half (50.6%) of children with a mental health condition aged 8-15 received mental health services in the previous year
- Suicide is now the Number 2 killer of our teens.
Friday, June 21, 2019
EvergreenHealth Proposes $345 Million Bond Measure
EvergreenHealth residents participated in the 5K NAMI Walk to support mental health care |
On August 6, 2019, residents in our district will vote on Proposition 1, to fund a $345 million general obligation bond measure.
- Primarily a critical safety project, with over 60% allocated to seismically retrofit our oldest buildings and replace aging 1970s-era infrastructure in the core of the hospital. In the event of a major disaster, this is critical for EvergreenHealth to continue to function and serve the community.
- Relocate and upgrade our Critical Care Unit so patient rooms will be able to accommodate vital modern equipment and technology.
- **Construct a medical building for programs such as outpatient mental health.
- Upgrade and expand our Family Maternity Center.
- Provide life-saving medical equipment, technology and facility upgrades to support these projects, and poise our organization for ever-evolving technology and the next generation of care.
Friday, April 19, 2019
Vote "YES" on the local measures
As for the LWSD Capital Bond Levy, I will be voting "YES" for all the right reasons. My only concern is about the money we are dumping into 11 of our schools for geothermal heating. Yes, geothermal is a wonderful thing but the payback period is 35 years for a 75-year school.
I wish I could be more excited about paying for all these valuable improvements coming to our schools and the hospital. In voting "YES" I feel passing these measures significantly moves our community forward during these critical times. Please vote.
-- Bob Yoder
On King County's "Localscape" I ran the numbers to find my 2019 tax from the proposed LWSD and EvergreeHealth public hospital measures, Simply enter your address. Also, find your 2019 taxes for the library, sound transit, port, flood control, city, county and other jurisdictions.
https://localscape.spatialest.com/#kingcountyassessor/Tax
Based on 2018 property values, the LWSD Capital Bond Levy would cost me $196.04.
My 2018 LWSD local taxes cost $1735. Thus, my total local taxes if Proposition 1 passes is $1931.04. Approximately $196.00 will be levied for six years. If you have questions e-mail Shannon Parthemer at sparthemer@lwsd.org
Based on 2018 property values, the EvergreenHealth Proposition 1 Bond would cost me $121.68/year
My current 2019 property tax is $197. Current capital bonds debt retirement is $60.77. Thus, my total EvergreenHealth tax for 2019 after Proposition 1 is $257/year. If you have questions call Laurene Burton at 425.899.2667.
Thursday, February 15, 2018
Updated: LW School District hit hard by higher State property taxes
Results: Proposition #1-- Replacement Education and Operations Levy YES by 65% of vote
Results: Proposition #2-- Replacement of Existing Capital Projects Levy YES by 55% of vote
Results: $299M Bond --- 54% Yes; 46% No; 60% supermajority required NO by 6%
My King County state property taxes increased 18% this year. My Education Hill home is 2020 sf.
FACTOIDS:
EvergreenHealth is a public hospital district: Their tax represents 3.3% of total King County property taxes or $200.42/ year.
ST-3 is a Transit tax. Their tax represents 2.3% of King County property taxes or $140/year.
B. Yoder
Monday, November 19, 2012
The benefits taxpayers receive from EvergreenHealth
EvergreenHealth |
The total 2013 Regular Property Levy for EvergreenHealth King County District #2 was $15,190,664 and is broken down into: 1) Regular levy for Debt Service = $ 10,970,493.65 and 2) Levy for Community Programs = $ 4,220,170.45.
So what do we get for our money? Laurene Burton, Administrative Director at EvergreenHealth (Hospital) provided the following answers:
"2013 Bond proceeds of $10,970,493.65 are used to pay costs of acquiring, construction, remodeling and equipping the Districts’ health care facilities and have been used for:
· Acquiring equipment and furnishings for the ESPC
· Completing improvements to the inpatient services areas within the hospital
· Remodeling certain areas of the hospital
· Acquiring and installing equipment
· Acquiring and installing clinical and administrative IT
· Constructing the DeYoung Pavilion
· Acquiring equipment and furnishings for the DeYoung Pavilion.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
UPDATED: Evergreen Hospital to hold budget hearing and educational session - Commissioners propose raising the 2013 Regular levy
The Evergreen Health Hospital Budget Hearing and Educational Session will take place on Friday, November 9th at 7:00 a.m. in Tan 250 of the Physicians and Surgeons Building. The Board of Commissioners will be approving the most recent allocation of General Obligation Bonds from King County which aligns with the most recent taxation. According to Laurene Burton, Government Affairs, the Commisssion is not voting on any proposals or increases to the 2013 Regular Property Tax Levy itself. The public is invited to sit in on the Educational Session and speak at the Budget Hearing.
The Hearing offers the public an opportunity to give input into how Regular levy dollars are allocated for expenditure and to learn where the hospital spends it's $15,285,968 levy funds to promote community health and wellness. Currently, 74% of the regular levy monies are allocated to paying debt service for growth and 26% for "health and wellness." The 24-hour nurse line is one program Evergreen provides - similar to many health insurer programs. Some citizens want to see more funding for "hands-only" cardiac resuscitation.
The Board will vote to fund the $9,242,180 General Obligation bond excess levy to pay down a $112.7M bond approved by voters on November 10, 2004. The bond raises money to pay for Evergreen Hospital's Emergency Department in Kirkland and the Silver Tower surgical aftercare beds.
The Board of Commissioners raised the Regular Property Tax Levy 1% in 2012, 2.1% in 2011 and 1.7% in 2010. Commissioners Greenfield and Hirt are up for re-election in 2013. The Commission accepts public comment on the 3rd Tuesday of every month in the Public Meeting Room, Tan #250.
By Bob Yoder
King County Public Hospital District No. 2, was established in 1972 to serve citizens in north King and south Snohomish counties. Registered voters in District number 155,154 (2010). Serving more than 400,000 citizens every year and three school districts, the District operates a 290-bed hospital and a network of primary and urgent care centers. Evergreen Healthcare district boundaries include Bothell, Duvall, Kenmore, Kirkland, Redmond, Woodinville, part of Sammamish and parts of unincorporated northeast King County. The District’s specialties include a maternity center, a cancer center, hospice and home health care, 24-hour emergency care, a critical care unit, cardiac care and surgical services.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
State Audit triggers Evergreen Commission to strengthen oversight of levy-funded services
Charles Pilcher Evergreen Hosp.commissioner |
This triggered the Board to take action on key Levy items in their July 6, Board meeting. The Minutes state, "Commissioner Pilcher is concerned about oversight of levy-funded services and would like to see that strengthened."
Commissioner Greenfield commented "that levy programs should be able to answer the questions of how they are making the community healthier, what is the measure and rate of change, and are they supporting the strategic objectives of Evergreen?"
Commissioner Hirt commented, "that while the number of beneficiaries is important, program effectiveness is also key." Ms. Hirt is taking a more active role on the Levy Committee.
Ms. Laurene H. Burton, Administrative Director,* presented the draft of a new "Levy Committee Charter" on July 19, 2011. The Charter bolsters oversight of the Levy by identifying and formalizing the Levy Committee purpose, composition, responsibilities and duties. The Commission was operating without a Levy Charter up until July, 2011. Read More >>
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Evergreen Hospital Commissioner incumbent August Kempf copes with State audits during 2011 election
R. August Kempf, Commission Pos 3 Represents Redmond / Sammamish |
Commissioner August Kempf's financial expertise hasn't appeared to help Evergreen resolve problematic annual state audits. Should Commissioner Kempf oversee Evergreen Healthcare for another six years?
Evergreen Hospital is a property-tax supported county hospital. $24,153,945 in levy monies were collected last year from Redmond, Sammamish, Kirkland, Woodinville, Bothel, Duvall and other district property owners. Most tax dollars fund debt service for growth; a modicum goes to "community healthline services."
"Five publicly elected hospital commissioners have the ultimate responsibility and accountability for the Evergreen district. Citizens entrust their elected commissioners to approve major financial decisions and provide legal oversight of Evergreen." But, do they?
R. August "Auggie" Kempf is an incumbent, running unopposed this year. He's an 11 year commissioner for Evergreen Hospital and he's asking the electorate for another 6 years on November 8. If you live in Redmond or Sammamish, "Auggie" is your designated representative. He runs an insurance, investment and financial planning firm in Redmond with probably the most financial skill sets of the five commissioners. Mr. Kempf attended seven "Audit and Finance Committee Meetings" last year - more than four commissioners.
Mr. Kempf's financial expertise hasn't appeared to help the hospital pass annual state audits. The State Auditor's Office (SAO) charged Evergreen in recent years with twice the serious audit "Findings," of Lake Washington School District and City of Redmond combined. 2009 was not a good year either. The SAO reported 3 findings:
- the hospital was paying contracted staff hourly rates almost double their employed nurses. SAO recommendations to reduce contracted nurses resulted in an estimated $7.5 million in savings.
- Evergreen collected $1.8 million in cash (deli, pharmacy, gift shop) in 2008. SAO findings: internal control weakness increase risk of misappropriation. Status to be reviewed in 2010 audit.
- "Evergreen Healthcare did not comply with competitive bid laws on two projects totalling $1,223,856 in 2008. In 2009 the SAO determined corrective actions were taken.