Chelan, WA, May 16, 2023– Lake Chelan Health (LCH) Board of Commissioners and hospital Administration staff will be attending the Chelan City Council Special Meeting on May 18, 2023, at 2PM to discuss Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Tax Increment Area (TIA). Community members are encouraged to attend in person or via Zoom using Meeting ID: 818 1549 2192 and Passcode: 571047. The Council Chambers is located at 135 E. Johnson Avenue in downtown Chelan. LCH Board members and Administration will also be attending the City Council Airport Board Meeting on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, and City Council Special Meeting on Wednesday, May 24, 2023. Meeting Agendas and login information are made available on the City of Chelan’s website www.cityofchelan.us
On Monday April 3, 2023, Washington State Department of Health (DOH) will remove the Secretary of Health Mask Order that requires masking in healthcare, long-term care, and adult correctional facilities for people age 5 and older. While there is the removal of the Secretary of Health Mask Order, it is still possible to contract and transmit COVID-19, FLU, RSV, TB and other infectious diseases that pose a risk to infecting others. For this reason, it is recommended (not required) that staff, outpatients, and visitors should still utilize a well-fitting mask.
Masking at LCH Hospital, Primary, Express Care and Specialty Care clinics will still be required for certain situations and recommended when:
• There has been close contact or a higher-risk exposure (healthcare providers) with someone with COVID-19 for a total of 10 days after their exposure
• During COVID-19 outbreaks
• Have been directed to utilize source control by public health authorities
• Are experiencing respiratory symptoms (e.g., runny nose associated with seasonal allergies)
• Visitors will not be permitted if they have been positive for COVID-19 within previous 10-days, are having COVID-19 Symptoms or have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 and are unable to be tested or wear a mask.
Required masking for patients, employees, and visitors will be implemented when Chelan County COVID-19 transmission rates are high and/or when employee COVID-19 illness prevalence rates exceed hospital-defined thresholds.
Lake Chelan Health (LCH) staff, patients and visitors are encouraged to voluntarily wear a mask or a higher-level of respiratory protection (e.g., N95) in clinical settings as a measure to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, respiratory illnesses, and other communicable diseases to highly vulnerable individuals who are susceptible to severe illness from COVID-19. People experiencing cold or flu symptoms (even if COVID negative) should stay home. For emergencies dial 9-1-1 or visit your nearest emergency room.
The health and safety of our staff, patients and visitors is our priority and we appreciate your patience and understanding when visiting Lake Chelan Health.
Chelan, WA, March 31, 2023– Lake Chelan Health Board of Commissioners appointed Doug Gibson to fill the vacant seat of Commissioner #5 at the regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Board held on March 24, 2023.
Doug is a graduate of the University of Washington with an M.S. degree in Pharmacy. He began employment as a hospital pharmacist specializing in oncology services at the University of
Washington Hospital in Seattle, WA. Doug was Director of Pharmacy and later Vice-President of Professional Services at Overlake Hospital in Bellevue, WA. Doug left hospital management after 14 years and moved to outpatient services managing radiology practices and joint ventures between radiologists and hospitals for more than 20 years. He brings over 40 years of experience working closely with providers, patients and communities to improve healthcare services. Upon retirement in 2020, Doug and his wife moved to Chelan. Upon seeing the Board Commissioner opening, Doug realized this was an obvious and natural opportunity to support the community using his experience and expertise. Doug brings a broad healthcare perspective and enthusiasm to support the future of Lake Chelan Health and move healthcare forward in the Lake Chelan Valley.
The position for Commissioner #5 will be up during filing week in May for a 6-year unexpired term.
Founded in 1948, Lake Chelan Health Hospital is a DNV-Accredited Critical Access Hospital with supporting Express Care, Specialty Care and Primary Care clinics in Chelan, Washington. The health system provides a 24-hour emergency room, surgical center, inpatient and skilled recovery care, labor and delivery services, pain management, wound and lymphedema care as well as physical, occupational and pelvic health rehabilitative therapy.
Press Release: Chelan, WA, January 25, 2023– Lake Chelan Health Commissioner Jeremy Jaech has announced his resignation from his position effective April 1, 2023. The Commissioners and Lake Chelan Health are deeply appreciative of his years of service, dedication, and leadership.
Lake Chelan Health Board of Commissioners is accepting letters of interest from candidates that have a passion and interest for community involvement, leadership and a desire to grow and advance healthcare offerings in the Lake Chelan Valley. The selected candidate will fill the board seat vacated by Jeremy Jaech.
Chelan County Public Hospital District No. 2 Board of Commissioners directly oversees hospital policy and governance and will appoint the new commissioner to fulfill the remainder of the term ending on December 31, 2023. The appointed member will serve until the next election. Persons wishing to be elected to serve after the term ends would need to file for the general election in May. The candidate must be a resident and registered voter in the hospital district.
Letters of interest should include candidate’s credentials and experience, as well as reasons why they want to serve as a Lake Chelan Health board member. Serving on the Board will require the candidate to attend meetings, review and study material and serve as an advocate for projects supporting Lake Chelan Health. Commissioners are offered medical, dental and vision insurance for self and eligible dependents; must pay premiums for dependents. Entitled to compensation as set and adjusted by statute. See RCW 70.44.050 for more information.
Interested candidates should submit letters to P.O. Box 908, Chelan, WA 98816. Attention: Executive Assistant, or email admin@lcch.net, or drop off at 110 S. Apple Blossom Drive, Chelan WA 98816. Interested persons are encouraged to submit letters of interest by February 17, 2023. To learn more visit https://lakechelanhealth.org/about-us/board-of-commissioners/
Founded in 1948, Lake Chelan Health hospital is a fully-accredited Critical Access Hospital with supporting Express Care, Primary Care and Specialty Care clinics in Chelan, Washington. The health system provides a 24-hour emergency room, outpatient and inpatient services, including physical therapy.
Welcome to the world Victor Espinoza Cruz! Victor was born at 1:05pm on Thursday, December 15, 2022, and weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces. At 20.75 inches, he is the first baby to be born at the new Lake Chelan Health Hospital (LCH) facility, which opened on December 5, 2022. Parents Esther G. Cruz Padilla and Mario Espinoza Lopez were shocked and overjoyed when they were told that their baby was the firstborn at the new LCH facility. Excitement was equally shared by CVCH Dr. Jennifer Snyder and resident Dr. Matt Acosta, who delivered baby Victor in one of the four Labor and Delivery, Recovery and Postpartum (LDRP) rooms. The new LDRP rooms are not only spaciously designed to comfortably accommodate patients and staff during the birth process, but they allow mother and baby to stay together in the same room throughout their stay. They no longer must be transferred to another room as was the case in the old hospital. “We received great care and attention from everybody. We are happy that our baby is the first born here in this nice hospital.” said Esther and Mario. Staff presented a baby basket donated by ADAMS Management Services Corporation. ADAMS specializes in transition and occupancy planning and were an integral part of moving Lake Chelan Health from its old Highland Campus to the new 110 South Apple Blossom Drive hospital campus and helping minimize interference with daily operations. Congratulations to the new parents!
The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who have contributed or had contributions made in their name of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation. It is awarded in “appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world.”
Lake Chelan Rotary Club has selected three community members to be recognized as honorary Paul Harris Fellows. Viki Downey, Dr. Bob Jankelson, and Ray Eickmeyer have each given much to enrich the Lake Chelan Valley. All three have moved beyond just doing their job into serving a passion for that job.
Viki Downey learned to swim at free swim lessons in Lake Coeur d’Alene, Idaho when she was a child. Her love of swimming became a commitment to American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor qualification and to providing free lessons for anyone wherever she lived. Moving from Coeur d’Alene to Wenatchee in 1961, she began visiting Lake Chelan and later began what has become a 25-year history with swimmers at Manson Bay. In 2011, with help from Judy Phelps, co-owner of Hard Row To Hoe Winery, Viki realized her dream and has been offering free swimming lessons for anyone aged 4 or above through the Manson Parks organization. The fun side of Viki’s passion is seen in her organization of 8k swims and The Polar Bear Splash in the dead of winter. The rumors are true. She does swim in cold Lake Chelan every day of the year with exceedingly few exceptions.
Dr. Bob Jankelson thought he was a retired dentist, world authority and lecturer in neuromuscular dentistry when he moved to Chelan in 1994. Retired from that portion of his life, maybe. But a passion for Tuscany and wine and a drive to help out at a low point in the Valley apple industry led him to plant grapes and develop an award-winning winery Tsillan Cellars. Making quality wine employing local people has proven to be a very worthwhile venture with the Winery being awarded 2020 Winery of the Year in competition with 1,000 other wineries. Bob shares credit with his two winemakers Nic Stevens and Garret Grubbs, along with many others. The 911 Glass Rescue, Lake Chelan Fire Department Advisory Board, and Senior Housing Project are a few of the local projects and activities that have benefited from his quiet support and enthusiasm.
Ray Ei
ckmeyer married (Christina Eickmeyer) into the Chelan valley from his home in Spokane. His position as Director of Lake Chelan Health EMS services, Paratransit, Safety and Preparedness at Lake Chelan Hospital began with training as a volunteer firefighter. The medical aspects intrigued him and led to certification as a paramedic. Though he did not intend to stay long in this small town, he found opportunities here like no where else. Ray led the way in covid pandemic interventions for the Chelan valley as well as Chelan, Okanogan, and Grant Counties. He credits his team with setting the example for Washington State taking immunizations and testing not only to large inoculation centers like the Town Toyota Center in Wenatchee, but also to homes, packing sheds and even among the orchard trees. Ray also recently received a two-thousand dollar grant to purchase and install handrails in peoples homes. The handrails will be given to Lake Chelan Rotary who will coordinate the installation work.
Rotary’s motto and guiding principle for Rotarians across the world is “Service above Self.” The concept isn’t limited to Rotarians. We are proud to recognize the exceptional contributions these three individuals have made to the local community. It is additionally noteworthy that each of them when being interviewed eagerly and easily shared credit for their accomplishments with others in the Lake Chelan Valley. We agree this is a special place filled with special people.
-reported by Lake Chelan Rotary & Lake Chelan Health
Wenatchee, WA – On Thursday, June 30th, 2022 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Providers from a variety of EMS agencies gathered in Pybus Market, Wenatchee, WA for the annual EMS awards presentation. Greater Wenatchee EMS Council and Dr. Lance Jobe, EMS Medical Director for Chelan/Douglas Counties presented the awards.
Five EMS providers received clinical excellence awards in recognition of their superior patient care skills, for being an effective advocate for patients and their families, for working with peers to foster a positive work environment, and demonstrates professionalism in interacting with patients, their families, and other medical professionals.
- Mike Pirotto, a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician with Lake Wenatchee Fire and Rescue, received the 2021 Volunteer EMT of the Year Award for clinical excellence who shows superior patient care, is an effective advocate for patients and their families, works with peers to foster a positive work environment, and demonstrates professionalism in interacting with patients, their families, and other medical professionals.
- Leilani DiPaula, a Emergency Medical Technician with Ballard Ambulance was awarded the EMT of the Year Award for clinical excellence who shows superior patient care, is an effective advocate for patients and their families, works with peers to foster a positive work environment, and demonstrates professionalism in interacting with patients, their families, and other medical professionals.
- Austin Diamond, a Paramedic with Lake Chelan EMS, received the 2021 Paramedic of the Year Award for clinical excellence who shows superior patient care, is an effective advocate for patients and their families, works with peers to foster a positive work environment, and demonstrates professionalism in interacting with patients, their families, and other medical professionals.
- Mike Battis, a Paramedic and Manager with Ballard Ambulance, was honored with the 2021 Leader of the Year Award for his exemplary EMS leadership through noteworthy contribution to local EMS, who is an advocate for patients and community, who actively works with other agencies to foster a positive teamwork approach.
- Yvonne Kennedy, a EMT with Lifeline Ambulance, received the Darrel C. Kirking 2021 EMS Educator of the Year Award. For her efforts in brining high quality education and training to the providers of the Greater Wenatchee area.
- EMS Agency awards was presented to:
- Chelan Fire Department (CCFD#7) received the 2021 Best BLS Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Skills of the Year Award having outperformed all other EMS agencies in Chelan/Douglas Counties during the High-Performance CPR skills testing completed by the GW EMS Council’s Quality Improvement Officer for both team and individual performance.
The GWEMS Council also recognized EMS providers from several agencies for their contribution in saving the life of a patient in 2021 who experienced an out of hospital cardiac arrest. Those receiving a Lifesaving Award for a successful resuscitation in 2021 include:
Ballard Ambulance-Hayes Clawson, Dan Craig, Leilani DiPaula, Mike Battis, Shawn Ballard, Tyler Nikols, Erin Adams, Baxter Ceci,l Christian Soper, Erin Adams, Jacob Ward
CCFD#1-Terry Mathews, Luke Nichols, Jesse Stone, Matt Rise, Mitch Marcusson Peter Rigelman, Blake Larson, Lyle Stewart, Leon Furan, Hugo Santana, Clint Webley, Austin Clemens, Jeremy Anger, John Gutierrez-Zamora, Blake Larson, Trystan Daniels, John Gutierrez-Zamora, Jon Brown, Jerry Lopez, Cody Martinez, Josh Barnes, Donnie Etherington, Robert Johnson, Jacob Potent, Peter Rigelman, Blake Larson, Chris Paul, Clint Webley, Matt Rise, Mitchell Marcusson, Jesse Stone, Jon Riley, Elijah Barber
Lifeline Ambulance-Julia Anderson, Kyle Holborn, Aaron Jacobs, Chris Horton, Jonah Dobbs-Shill, Alexander Scott, Caden Bryant, Chris Horton, Maxwell Milburn, Chris Horton, Dale Smith, Tanner Randall-Gosselin, Brett Minor David Gettman, Jonah Dobbs-Schill, Raymond Salazar
DCFD#2-Jordan Givens, William Turner, Cole Clark, Herb King, Jacob Toevs, Elijah Weber, Jordan Givens, Josh Barnes, Tony Alabastro, Cole Clark, William Turner, Jacob Toeys, Elijah Weber, John Glenn, Herb King, Donn Etherington, Robert Johnson, Jacob Potent, Shane Flatness, Jason Koster, Kevin Weed, John Glenn, Herb King, Donn Etherington, Robert Johnson, Jacob Potent, Shane Flatness, Jason Koster, Kevin Weed
Lake Chelan EMS-Rachel McCall, Christina Eickmeyer, Austin Diamond, Kurt MIddleton, Jared Eygabroad, Austin Diamond, Kurt Middleton, Jared Eygabroad, Tom Smith, Raynor Baker, Mistaya Johnston, Austin Diamond, Scott McBride, Kurt Middleton
CCFD#7-Brandon Asher, Troy Keene, Stephanie Preheim, Shawn Sherman, John Steiner Greg Simpson, Brandon Asher, Troy Keene, Shawn Sherman, Brittany Addison
CCFD#5-Mike Knott, Aaron Richmond, Karen Sargent, Chris Willoughby, Beau Alanis, Cody Amsden, Nick Glenn, Aaron Richmond, Karen Sargeant, Chris Willoughby,
Cascade EMS- Chris Hanson, Josh Phillips, Madison McPhee, Zach Robinson, Mike Ing-Moddy, Ryan Swan, Amanda Werdell, Whitney Woodward
CCFD#3-Danny Bachelor, Amanda Werdell, Simon Keyeser, Kory Musilek, Madison Tibbits
CCFD#6- Robert Turner
Ballard Ambulance-
During the awards ceremony, Dr. Jobe also presented statistical information regarding the outcome of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in Chelan/Douglas as compared to state and national outcomes and discussed opportunities for improvement.
Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a leading cause of death among adults in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 300,000 OHCA events occur each year in the United States. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating, and death quickly follows if a normal heart beat is not started again within minutes.
In the first few minutes following OHCA, swift implementation of five critical actions, known as the “chain of survival”, can substantially increase the chances of survival.
1) Early or rapid activation of EMS by calling 911,
2) Early initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR),
3) Early defibrillation or application and use of an automated external defibrillator (AED),
4) Early access to advanced life support by EMS providers, and
5) Early post-resuscitative care.
The first two can be initiated by anyone, and the 3rd if an AED is available.
Survival rates vary widely across the United States. The likelihood of surviving an OHCA is about 10% according to America Heart Association. In 2011, EMS agencies throughout Chelan and most of Douglas counties, instituted a new approach to resuscitation, which utilizes a precisely choreographed approach to minimize interruptions in compressions while emphasizing the importance of the basic concepts of chest compressions. We believe this has significantly improved survival from OHCA in Chelan and Douglas Counties. This approach is most effective when at least 6-10 EMT’s are able to respond to the 911 call.
In 2021, in Chelan/Douglas Counties, the survival rate for persons with a witnessed arrest and shockable rhythm was 41%, this is higher than the national average of 10%. The second link in the chain of survival is early CPR. In 2021, citizens-initiated CPR in Chelan/Douglas Counties 69% of the time. This is the highest bystander CPR rate in Washington State for FY 2021, and this is higher than the national average of 47% in FY 2021. Citizens play an important role in survival of early CPR.
To improve the survival for patients suffering an OHCA in Chelan/Douglas Counties, the GWEMS Council is encouraging everyone living or working in Chelan/Douglas Counties to learn how to perform CPR by the end of the year. This can be accomplished by taking a formal CPR class or watching a video on the reliable website like the American Heart Association (www.heart.org ). During recent years, changes in the CPR guidelines, including the adoption of hand-only CPR has been proven effective and important. Anyone who hasn’t taken a class recently is encouraged to take another class.
Early defibrillation provided by the application and use of an AED is another critical link in the chain of survival. Therefore, the GWEMS Council is encouraging larger businesses to consider purchasing an AED that could be used to help save the life of someone suffering an OHCA. Businesses who own or purchase an AED are required, under RCW 70.54, to notify the local EMS system of the existence of the AED and its location. For more information about the Public Access Defibrillation program, including how to register or obtain medical oversight of an AED, contact The Greater Wenatchee EMS Council at gwemscouncil@gmail.com.
Chelan, WA, January 25, 2022–-Lake Chelan Health (LCH) Board of Commissioners voted to hire Aaron Edwards as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), during the Tuesday January 25th, 2022, Board of Commissioners regularly scheduled monthly meeting.
Over the past three months, the Board conducted a comprehensive nationwide recruitment effort with the assistance of the LCH Transition Committee that included two community members, two LCH employees and two Board members. From over 50 interested CEO position applicants, the Board selected several candidates for virtual interviews. From the interview group, Aaron Edwards was selected for an onsite visit to meet with hospital employees, medical staff, and the Board. He also received a tour of the Lake Chelan Valley and visited the new hospital project site at Apple Blossom Drive in Chelan.
Aaron Edwards is anticipated to join Lake Chelan Health on April 18th, 2022. He comes to LCH from Ferry County Hospital where he has been servings as CEO for the past five years. Ferry County Hospital has emergency, medical and long-term care services, assisted living facility, independent pharmacy, and a rural health clinic. Mr. Edward’s experience includes oversight of a Critical Access Hospital similar to LCH, as well as developing patient service lines, revenues and local, and state and federal legislators’ support. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, a Master’s Degree in Health Policy and Administration, and holds a National Rural Health Association Rural CEO Certification.
“We are excited to welcome Aaron and his family to our hospital district and community,” said Board Chair Mary Murphy. “He brings great experience and passion for rural hospitals and community health.”
Mr. Edwards will work with Lake Chelan Health’s current Interim CEO, Emmett Schuster, to ensure a smooth transition for his arrival in April. Priority focus continues to be the new hospital construction project, which is on time and in budget, revenue growth, and quality of care.
LAKE CHELAN HEALTH BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS APPROVE CONTRACT WITH NETWORXHEALTH LLC TO HIRE INTERIM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Chelan, WA, December 2, 2021–During the Tuesday November 30,2021 Board of Commissioners regularly scheduled monthly meeting, Lake Chelan Health Board of Commissioners approved a contract with NetworxHealth LLC to hire Interim Chief Executive Officer, Emmett Schuster if a permanent CEO is not appointed by January 19, 2022. Mr. Schuster has a master’s in healthcare services administration (MHSA) and is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). Emmett Schuster brings over 25 years’ experience as CEO of rural health care facilities and Critical Access Hospitals, including hospitals in Washington State. Mr. Schuster is not a candidate for the permanent CEO position.
The Board is currently conducting the search for a new CEO following the resignation of George Rohrich on October 23, 2021. The recruitment process for a new CEO can often take over three to six months. Transition Committee Chair and Board member Jeremy Jaech shared that “the Board and Transition Committee are making excellent progress evaluating the qualifications of CEO applicants.”
In October, the Board appointed Cheryl Cornwell, Chief Financial Officer to serve as temporary part-time Interim CEO. Board Chair Mary Murphy shared that “Ms. Cornwell, in addition to her full-time CFO responsibilities, is managing key CEO duties very well since October 23, 2021. The Board is pleased with the work she has been able to accomplish. The Board recognizes that a full-time Interim CEO will provide the additional support necessary to keep momentum on many important projects underway now and in 2022, such as the new hospital construction, 2022 Strategic Plan, quality initiatives, and recruiting health practitioners. The full-time Interim CEO will also allow Ms. Cornwell to meet the increasing demands of her CFO duties and continuing to strengthen the finances of Lake Chelan Health.”