Discussing Mental Health with King County Executive Candidates

Please listen to the video for accuracy and completeness. The last half is most telling.  

The major theme was managing (Balducci) and coordinating (Zahilay) resources to achieve a continuum of care.  Implementation of voter-approved behavioral health resources is terribly slow (Balducci.) Zahilay listed his coalitions that will disrupt the cycle of addiction and improve behavioral health care.  Balducci insisted the revolving door should have only one entrance.  She stressed wider use of medical records towards this end.

Financial pressure:  Balducci has working experience with state officials on both sides of the aisle.  Prioritization and accountability of spending is needed for this and other levies.  Zahilay co-sponsored the new stabilization .1% sales tax -- 10 cents on a $100 purchase!)  This tax funds 1) fewer sheriff layoffs 2) gun and domestic violence advocacies, 3) courts / victim support, 4) behavioral health treatment.  Balducci said needs evolve and these funds need re-prioritization; accountability, with proactive audits and quarterly reports.     

Youth struggles:  Balducci says she has two children and witnessed first-hand the emotional and health pressures on students during the pandemic. She supports providers (LWSD  councilors, Y.E.S. EvergreenHealth councilors, NAMI.)  Zahilay organized a stakeholder youth group to focus on solutions.  

Full Disclosure:  I lean towards Balducci because I know her better. I just like her.  I've chatted with her at Redmond City Hall meetings and a Hero House gala, I see her riding a bicycle everywhere; not just for transit awareness but demonstrating that exercise is awesome for mental health. She's the county's representative for EvergreenHealth community hospital, She participates with the community in social media, including my blog.  😊

- Bob Yoder, 10/12/2025

  Sources:  Seattle Times & Seattle/King County League of Women Voters forum, 10/9/25

EvergreenHealth Among Nation's Top 100 Community Hospitals

Becker's Hospital Review has named EvergreenHealth Medical Center in Kirkland among the nation's 100 great community hospitals for 2024. EvergreenHealth was selected for improving the health of their communities, staying focused on personalized care and clinical excellence. Our 354-bed hospital is only one part of our system, which is community-owned. As a public hospital district, EvergreenHealth also provides health outreach, community education and free services that benefit the community as a whole.

Becker's Hospital Review's list was based on nominations and several outside rankings and ratings organizations, including U.S. News & World Report, Healthgrades, CMS, The Leapfrog Group, the National Rural Health Association and The Chartis Center for Rural Health.

Coffee-time With EvergreenHealth Commissioner Robin Campbell

CANCELLED, 10/12

EvergreenHealth Commissioner Robin Campbell, PhD
Coffee with the commission reschedule to October 27

 

I spent ~ hour with EvergreenHealth Commissioner Campbell today at his coffee-time at Roasters in Redmond.  I told him my wife's United Healthcare HSA policy was cancelled at Overlake two days ago.  It's too bad medical care is at the mercy of the insurance business.  I recommended Pam go to my doctor at EvergreenHealth since it's close by and coverage is still available there.  My Evergreen internist doctor will refer her to the type of medical services she needs.  

It's good Commissioner Campbell is reaching out to the community with his "Meet the Commissioner" coffee-times.  I learned he is on the influential Levy Committee and has many endorsements. His next coffee at Victor's was rescheduled  to October 27.   

Victor's

7993 Gilman St. 

Monday, October 27th

1:30 - 3:00 PM

ENDORSEMENTS:  

Angela Birney
Mayor, Redmond

Kelli Curtis
Mayor, Kirkland

Davina Duerr
State Representative, LD 1

David Edwards
Coucilmember, City of Woodinville

Michelle Evans
Councilmember, City of Woodinville

Nigel Herbig
Mayor, Kenmore

Shelly Kloba
State Representative, LD 1

Mike Millman
Mayor, Woodinville

Amy Walen
State Representative, LD 48

Meet Commissioner Robin Campbell

 

Dr. Robin Campbell

Robin Campbell, PhD is running in the General election to retain his EvergreenHealth Commissioner seat.  He invites you to his "Meet The Commissioner" coffees:  

Roasters

8397 - 158th Ave. NE, Redmond 

Wednesday, September 17

2 - 3:30 PM

Victor's

7993 Gilman St. 

Monday, October 20th

1:00 - 2:30 PM

EvergreenHealth Honors Redmond Resident with "2024 Community Service Award."

 

Bob Yoder (l)  Virgil Snyder (r) 
(click picture to enlarge)

"Since 1998, EvergreenHealth has recognized individuals who make a meaningful impact on community health through its Community Service Award. This year, Redmond resident Bob Yoder was honored for his outstanding leadership and advocacy in mental health care.💚

Through his thoughtful presentations and compassionate voice, Bob has helped deepen the Board of Commissioners’ understanding of mental health challenges and emphasized the importance of expanding behavioral health services. His work has shaped EvergreenHealth’s response to community needs and strengthened support for vulnerable populations.

We are grateful for Bob’s dedication and proud to recognize his contributions to advancing the health of our community."

-- Virgil Snyder, Chair, EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners

Learn more here: http://bit.ly/4luYEKh

8/19/2025 

Jessica Forshee-Setzer, LMHC, -- EvergreenHealth's "Living Our Values" Honoree

Jessica Forshee-Setzer, LMHC

 

Jessica was honored  with EvergreenHealth's "Living Our Values" award during a July 28 ceremony at Canyon Park Behavioral Health Clinic.   

Jessica's Nomination Story:

"I would like to highlight an inspiring story from our Canyon Park Behavioral Health Clinic — one that reflects the power of compassion, persistence and expert care. It centers on Jessica Forshee-Setzer, LMHC, whose dedication made a profound impact on a young patient’s life in just a few months.

"When this young patient first arrived at the clinic six months ago, his family was deeply concerned. He was experiencing frequent outbursts at school, difficulty communicating and severe challenges with focus. At his initial appointment, he wouldn’t make eye contact or speak, remaining glued to his video game and barely acknowledged those around him. 

"Jessica met him where he was — starting with simple, non-threatening games to build trust. Over time, her gentle persistence and thoughtful approach began to pay off. Session by session, she slowly introduced more engaging activities, and soon the patient began to open up, sharing bits about his school life and family. 

"Milestones followed. He began checking in at the front desk independently, helping himself to water, and even assisting other patients by pressing the automated door button. As more sessions passed, and Jessica was able to work with his school to learn background information and Improvement of Performance (IOP) treatment details, she was able to address his emotional and social needs, helping him to utilize opposite action and positive behaviors.

"Now, as he nears the end of his program, the transformation is nothing short of remarkable. He has developed strong communication skills, learned effective coping strategies, and gained a newfound confidence. He will even greet the psychiatric provider (Dr. Brian Wasicek) at the Behavioral Health clinic.  

"His bright “Hi, Dr. Wasicek!” in the hallway is a small but powerful symbol of how far he’s come. 

"Once a boy who hid his face behind his hands and wouldn’t speak a single word is now a cheerful, talkative adolescent. 

"Jessica’s commitment to this patient’s growth reflects the excellence we strive for every day. Her work reminds us of the incredible difference one person can make. 

"Thank you, Jessica, for the heart and skill you bring to every session. We are honored to have you as part of our team."

Evergreenhealth Commissioner Campbell Certified, Governance And Executive Education

Robin Campbell, PhD earned the prestigious Governance & Executive Education certificate by completing 12 intensive Washington State Hospital Association educational sessions. Dr. Campbell is running in the General Election to retain his EvergreenHealth commissioner Position #5 seat.  The term is 6-years.  

BACKGROUND:

    

Association of Washington Public Hospital Districts (AWPHD) in partnership with Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) offers its members educational opportunities to increase their knowledge and understanding of hospital governance in Washington state. This education assists executive leadership and board members in assessing and enhancing hospital operations and board effectiveness.

For more information on Dr. Robin Campbell visit his website at:  https://www.robin4evergreenhealth.com/

-- Bob Yoder, 8/27/25

EvergreenHealth Honors Redmond Resident, "2024 Community Service Award"

 

(l-r) sister Joanne Dearth from No. Carolina, Bob Yoder, Pam Yoder

"Since 1998, EvergreenHealth has recognized individuals who make a meaningful impact on community health through its Community Service Award. This year, Bob Yoder was honored for his outstanding leadership and advocacy in mental health care.

Through his thoughtful presentations and compassionate voice, Bob has helped deepen the Board of Commissioners’ understanding of mental health challenges and emphasized the importance of expanding behavioral health services. His work has shaped EvergreenHealth’s response to community needs and strengthened support for vulnerable populations.

We are grateful for Bob’s dedication and proud to recognize his contributions to advancing the health of our community."

Learn more here: http://bit.ly/4luYEKh

-- Virgil Snyder, Chair

Board of Commissioners

EvergreenHealth

EvergreenHealth Commissioner Robin Campbell Runs To Retain Seat

Robin Campbell, PhD

Commissioner Position #5 

At-Large representative
Board member since 2024
Term ends Dec. 31, 2025

In 2023-24, Dr. Campbell served as an  EvergreenHealth Community Advisor and was

appointed EvergreenHealth Commissioner in 2024.  His term ends December 31, 2025

and he is on the ballot in November to retain his seat.  He has earned a Health Care

Governance Certification from the Washington State Hospital Association.

Robin Campbell is a retired executive and board director with over 35 years of

experience in management and executive roles in several life science companies such

as Ciba-Geigy Pharmaceuticals and Amgen.  

From 2004 to 2008, he was President and CEO of  Naryx Pharma , a specialty pharmaceutical company. From 2011 to 2021, he was the Executive Chairman of Aptitude Medical Systems. He has served on the Board of Directors of several public healthcare companies and was also Chairman of the Board of the Cancer Support Community in Ventura County, California, a non-profit organization that provides free support and resources to people with family members fighting cancer.

From 2009 to 2018, Dr. Campbell held an appointment as a Lecturer in the Technology

Management Program at the University of California, Santa Barbara, teaching courses

on life science business, general business strategy and marketing.  

Currently, he volunteers with SCORE, offering free coaching to small business owners,

as well as serving as a Zoo Ambassador volunteer at Woodland Park Zoo.  Campbell

holds a BA in Zoology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a PhD

in Microbiology and Immunology from Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

EvergreenHealth Quality of Care Top 10% of 4,500 Hospitals Nationwide

 

Ettore Palazzo, MD, FACPEttore Palazzo, MD, FACP   Premium • 1stChief Executive OfficerChief Executive Officer 4 days ago • Visible to anyone on or off LinkedIn

"Congratulations to the hardworking staff at EvergreenHealth for earning a 5-Star hospital designation from CMS again this year, our 10th consecutive! We are proud to be among just 291 hospitals nationwide to receive this recognition in 2025. Thank you to every member of the EvergreenHealth team for making quality and patient safety the foundation of everything we do."

EvergreenHealthEvergreenHealth17,294 followers17,294 followers4 days ago • Edited • Visible to anyone on or off LinkedIn

EvergreenHealth Medical Center has earned the five-star designation from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for the 10th year in a row!

This award recognizes the incredible quality of care our providers and staff deliver every day to every one of our patients, putting EvergreenHealth in the top 10.1% of over 4,500 hospitals nationwide.

Historic 'win' for EvergreenHealth Proposition 1, Levy Lid Lift

With 24.12% of EvergreenHealth Prop 1 ballots counted on August 5th, 25,453 (60.54%) were approved and 16,591 (39.46%) were rejected.  Passage of this measure was an historic 'win' for the community! 

8/6/2025

ELECTION RESULTS

 

Election closes August 5, 8 PM  

 

ELECTION RESULTS

(click)

FOR CANDIDATES AND MEASURES

Previous results reports will be made available by 4:30 p.m. the next day

• August 5 results report  UPDATED
• August 6 results report
• August 7 results report
• August 8 results report
• August 11 results report
• August 12 results report
• August 13 results report
• August 14 results report
• August 15 results report
• August 18 results report
• August 19 results report  (certification) 

Of 21.37% of EvergreenHealth Prop 1 ballots counted, 25,453 (60.54%) were approved and 16,591 (39.46%) were rejected.  Amazing 'win' for the community!

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.

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.