Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, November 6, 2024 -- THREE
~ Letters to the Editor ~
The Heppner Gazette Times will print all letters to the Editor with the following criteria met: letters submitted to the newspaper will need to have the name of the sender along with a legible signature. We are also
requesting that you provide your address and a phone number where you can be reached. The address and phone number will only be used for verification and will not be printed in the newspaper. Letters may not be
libelous. The GT reserves the right to edit. The GT is not responsible for accuracy of statements made in letters. Any letters expressing thanks will be placed in the classifieds under “Card of Thanks” at a cost of $15
Email to editor@rapidserve.net or upload to Heppner.net.
Concerned
about the
MCHD
I am writing this be-
cause I am deeply con-
cerned for the Morrow
County Health District.
My family has needed
the services of the emergen-
cy room several times in
the past years. I have been
grateful to have a medical
facility close. However, in
the past year or more the
experiences have greatly
disintegrated. Lack of staff
familiar with the room and
supplies, unavailable doc-
tors and even just the ab-
sence of comfort that comes
from knowing anyone on
the staff is personally look-
ing out for your family. All
these things are happening
at once.
I understand that re-
cruitment is a problem. My
concern is that the health
district’s reputation for
what might be considered
a toxic work environment
will further hinder appli-
cants. I am hopeful that
there is a plan to improve
this reputation and would
be interested in a public
statement explaining what
this might be.
I serve on many boards.
I understand the amount of
work and time this com-
mitment requires. Elected
board members have a
commitment to serve the
community that they rep-
resent and not the adminis-
trative staff that works for
them. I have heard multiple
times that something is bet-
ter than nothing. There are
entire philosophical topics
dedicated to this argument
and very few of them are on
the supporting side of this
statement. I am pleading
with the board to review
the trajectory that Morrow
County Health Districts is
on and take action to cor-
rect the course while there
is time.
Sincerely, Kim Coil,
Heppner, OR.
MCHD
concerns
Although I am retired, I
am proud to say that I spent
19 years working for Mor-
row County Health District.
I have continued to support
the District because I know
how important it is to our
communities. That said, I
do have concerns, which I
addressed at the District’s
September Board Meeting.
I now believe it’s best to
discuss them using this
platform.
The Gazette-Times
front page story cover-
ing that September board
meeting, “Citizen’s voice
concerns to MCHD board,”
took up a good part of the
page and was continued
inside. The article stated,
“The meeting room at Pio-
neer Memorial Clinic was
packed, with more than 25
members of the public pres-
ent and standing room only.
About 13 participants were
also present via Zoom.”
Eleven of us addressed
the board during the Public
Comment period. The com-
ments provided by nine of
us were regarding numer-
ous concerns with MCHD
that included, amongst oth-
ers:
The district’s viability
The lack of doctors
and medical providers at
Pioneer Memorial Clinic
Fear of burnout of the
sole regular clinic provider
who is in clinic 3 days each
week, and for the lone pro-
vider helping out during the
other two days
The disintegration of
the patient experience since
local staff have left the
district
Treatment of past and
present employees, a tox-
ic environment, the large
number of physicians and
employees who have left
in the last three years, along
with the fact that at least 9
local medical providers and
professionals, who were
employed by MCHD and
who still live in Heppner,
now travel to work at med-
ical facilities in other cities
Of the other two people
who spoke, one discussed
the rural healthcare land-
scape, and the other gave
glowing remarks about
working with the CEO in
her last few years before
retiring.
Most interesting to me
is that when the minutes
of the meeting appeared
on the website, only the
names of those of us who
spoke were listed. There
was nothing at all about
the comments given. The
board approved those min-
utes at their meeting last
week. On the agenda, under
Approval of Meeting Min-
utes, it says September 30,
2024 — Regular Session.
After reviewing all of the
previous minutes posted on
the website, it seems this is
their common practice. I’m
guessing that because they
allow public comments
before the meeting is called
to order, they (whoever is
making these decisions)
aren’t putting the comments
on the record. However,
alongside the link for the
September 30 minutes were
links for the two favorable
statements that were given!
I have served on several
boards over the years, in-
cluding a Special Districts
board for 12 years, most
of that time as the Secre-
tary (MCHD is an Oregon
Special Service District).
I know it can be difficult,
to say the least, to serve
on a public board, and that
most of the MCHD board
members are fairly new. I
am not blaming the person
who records the minutes,
but who is responsible for
this No Comments on the
Record tactic? The CEO
serves under the direction
of the board, and the board
is to serve the public.
I started digging and re-
viewed the Oregon Depart-
ment of Justice information
regarding public meeting
law. It states that the law
does not include the right
to participate by public
testimony or comment, but
it also states:
“Other statutes, rules,
charter, ordinances, and
bylaws outside the Public
Meetings Law may require
governing bodies to hear
public testimony or com-
ment on certain matters.”
So, next I went to the
Special Districts Associ-
ation of Oregon website,
and in their Administrative
Handbook found that the
topic of the comments we
gave is allowed, and it
states,
“Minutes, in whatev-
er form, must give a true
reflection of matters dis-
cussed at the meeting and
the views of the partici-
pants.”
What is going on?
Don’t they have to follow
these rules, or is there some
other governing policy or
loophole that allows public
comments made at a board
meeting to be swept under
the rug? Those of us who
took the time to attend, and
comment felt we had im-
portant things to say to the
board. Since board meeting
minutes are normally re-
viewed during any business
audit or survey, I would
think the board would want
an accurate and complete
record of the meetings.
Ironically, at that same
meeting, board members
were given a training course
on Public Meetings Law
through Special Districts.
Should we talk about
trust? Of course, not all of
the staff are unhappy, but
it’s worth noting that the
MCHD nurses unionized
this year, joining the Or-
egon Nurses Association.
Last week I received an
anonymous text message
from an unknown number
about an HR question. This
has happened before from
employees of random em-
ployers. This person was
asking if it is okay to award
a posted position before the
closing date. I answered
with various scenarios and
how they might be handled.
Then the person said that a
position at MCHD had been
awarded to a board mem-
ber a day before the job
closed. I am not weighing
in on the hiring; my point
is the absence of trust. Even
though I’m no longer with
the district, people tell me
about the experiences of
their family members, their
problems with this or that,
maybe out of habit.
Below, from the MCHD
website, is the Values state-
ment. These are very good
values, but is this what is
happening here?
Integrity encompassing
honesty and consistently
adhering to the principles
of professionalism and ac-
countability with our pa-
tients, fellow employees,
and community partners;
integrity is at the heart of
everything we do.
Compassion, being
motivated with a desire
to assist patients and staff
with empathy and kindness
and committed to going the
extra mile to ensure patients
and staff feel comfortable
and welcomed.
Quality creating stan-
dards of performance that
surpass ordinary expecta-
tions; we want to make this
the place where patients
want to come, our providers
want to practice, and people
want to work.
Respect recognizing
and valuing the dignity and
uniqueness of everyone;
respect creates a work en-
vironment based on team-
work, encouragement, trust,
concern, honesty, and re-
sponsive communication
among all employees and
our patients.
Financial Responsi-
bility being good stewards
of public funds; always
considering whether ex-
penditures are in the best
interests of patients and
the community; ensuring
financial sustainability for
the future.
One of the positive
comments made at the
meeting mentioned that a
“Whisper Campaign” was
going on with those of us
with concerns. Not so. We
are not whispering. We
care, we’re very concerned,
and want it on the record.
S i n c e r e l y ,
Patti Allstott, Heppner, Or..
MCHD ignoring
citizen concerns
The duties of the health
board members is to sup-
port local public health
and encourage community
involvement in settling
public health priorities.
Well, the public has spoken!
After attending MCHD
board meetings, I conclude
that they are ignoring our
concerns!
After Bob Hauser re-
tired, the new CEO and
Administration succeeded
in disposing of 30 em-
ployes. Many were fired,
and some resigned under
duress. Susie Thompson,
RN of 35 years, was told
they didn’t need her. Their
offer was for her to answer
phones during lunch hour!
She was demoted. This
act by the administration
was vindictive and cruel!
I am sure that you have
heard similar stories, from
your friends, neighbors, and
family who lost their jobs.
How can the MCHD board
think this is okay?
The board is supporting
the Administration instead
of fulfilling the needs of our
community. Get over your
egos and personal feelings.
We have three providers
who are currently seeing
patients at St. Anthony Hos-
pital. They will not come
back here to work until
there is a new CEO!
As a board member
of the Pioneer Memorial
Hospital foundation, I am
concerned about not having
enough providers to serve
South Morrow County.
Sincerely, Shanny Mill-
er, Heppner, OR.
Moving on
So many thoughts are
rummaging around in my
brain. Not long until elec-
tion day and the closer it
gets, the more I wish I were
one of those “non-political”
types. But then I guess I’d
have to be pretty discon-
nected….and living in the
boonies...just me, my crit-
ters, all my quilting stuff…
and plenty of chocolate.
Actually, sounds pretty
good. But by the time these
words are published, half
the country will be happy
and the other sad….and
mad….and I’ll be right
there with tears of joy (not
Kamala’s joy) or disgust.
Or we may be scratching
our heads, trying to figure
out who really won (le-
gally). Or Donald Trump
may be headed for jail for
another ridiculous indict-
ment. I figure only a miracle
will let Trump see election
day. The Deep State doesn’t
give up easily. I sincerely
hope I’m wrong and he’s
alive and well….and giving
us a fist in the air as our
new President. Thankfully,
we’ve already seen a couple
miracles so far.
But moving on from
Tuesday, there may be a
rough road ahead. If Ka-
mala wins, watching our
country turn Socialist won’t
be fun. But if Trump wins,
maintaining our freedom
won’t be pain-free either.
Those trying to destroy
us from within are still
there. We can’t just sit back
and do nothing. Benjamin
Franklin’s famous quote “A
republic, if you can keep
it” comes to mind. That’s
a big “if”.
When I look at the rap-
id decline of society, it
amazes me and worries me.
Where was the outrage over
the atrocities of October
7 th ? Shouldn’t this whole
country be horrified and
eager to jump to the defense
of Israel? Instead, we have
people marching in the
street, waving Palestinian
flags and chanting “From
the river to the sea”. Really?
Marching for terrorists? But
then where is the outrage
at the barbaric practice of
abortion in which the same
atrocities are committed?
The blindness is incredi-
ble…and scary.
Is America too far
gone? God knows. As a
country, some serious re-
pentance is in order. And
no matter who is elected,
our voices should continue
to be heard. Stand up for
what’s right….no matter
what. Many have prayed
for the outcome of this elec-
tion. Did God listen? Can
we really move His hand
or even make Him change
his mind? I wonder about
that a lot. God isn’t fickle.
He doesn’t just up and say
“Nah…I don’t think I’ll do
that. I think I’ll do this.” He
is reliable, merciful, and He
keeps His promises.
But He gives us a
choice. Yes, we have the
freedom to choose, but
we aren’t free from the
consequences….good or
bad. And our choices will
determine God’s response.
Jesus never demanded we
accept his gift of salvation.
He offered it and we each
have the freedom to accept
or reject it. Whether our
country ends up Red or
Blue, nothing is more im-
portant than where we will
spend eternity. And whether
we accept or reject Jesus, it
is the most important choice
we will ever make.
“If my people, who
are called by my name,
will humble themselves
and pray and seek my face
and turn from their wicked
ways, then I will hear from
heaven, and I will forgive
their sin and will heal their
land.” 2 nd Chronicles 7:14
B y S u s i e C r o s b y,
Prineville, OR.
Faith
I often get asked, “Why
do you have faith?” By that,
they mean faith in God. I re-
ply: “Do you have any faith
in love?” “Yes.” “What do
you consider the supreme
good from which others
are derived?” Often they
say, “I’ve never thought
about that. An excellent
question.” “How about
love?” “Yes; I’d agree.”
“Love of self?” “No, love
of others. Love of self is
selfish.” “Who, more than
anyone, exemplifies love?”
“I know loving people, but I
can’t think of one person.”
“How about God, who wills
the good from and for all
of us, with love?” “Okay.”
“Would you agree that the
highest good, therefore, is
God alone?” “Yeah.” “It
sure wouldn’t be us--would
it?” “No way!” “We’re
talking absolute truth?”
“Yes.” “Doesn’t it make
sense that if we wanted to
be in communion with the
highest good, the love of
God, we ought to have faith
in God?” “Good point.”
“Do you now understand
why faith is important?”
“I do.” “You’re aware that
our nation was founded
on the faith that we are
all ‘endowed by our Cre-
ator (God) with inalienable
rights’ such as ‘life, liberty,
and the pursuit of happi-
ness’?” “Yes.” “Do you
realize that the notion of
‘separation of church and
state’ isn’t in our founding
documents--the Declara-
tion, Constitution, or Bill
of Rights?” “Really?” “Yep.
Jefferson alluded to it in a
letter to a church; that’s it.
Do you see anything wrong
with our nation being guid-
ed by the highest good?”
Keith Gallagher, Mor-
row County, OR.
Three ODA
Approved
Pesticide
Credits for
Farmers
Morrow County (OSU)
Extension will offer a
3-credit class for farm-
ers who need to maintain
their private applicator li-
cense. The class will take
place from 9 AM to noon
on Tuesday, November
12 th . There is no charge.
Featured speakers include
Judit Barroso who will talk
about herbicide resistance
and Larry Lutcher who will
lead a discussion on soil
properties, soil health, and
their influence on herbicide
efficacy. Participants are
encouraged to bring (and
share) one of their recent
soil test reports. Seating
is limited. Please RSVP to
541.969.0580.
THE
UNDERGROUND
OASIS
BREAKING THE BONDAGE OF ADDICTION
AND FINDING FREEDOM IN CHRIST
WE MEET Friday NIGHTS at 7 PM
Fellowship Hall at the
Heppner SDA Church
ALL WELCOME
Medicare Part D Plans
Cigna Healthcare Assurance Rx (PDP)
Cigna Healthcare Saver Rx (PDP)
Cigna Healthcare Extra Rx UHC (PDP)
Wellcare Value Script (PDP)
Wellcare Classic (PDP)
Wellcare Medicare Rx Value Plus (PDP)
AARP Medicare Rx Saver From UHS (PDP)
AARP Medicare Rx Preferred from UHC (PDP)
SilverScript Choice (PDP)
Re-enrollment is October 15 to December 7th
Any changes to plans need to
made in this time frame.
We are NOT a provider for any
HUMANA plans
This also includes Condon
217 North Main St.,
Heppner, OR
Phone 676-9158 Floral 676-9426
murraysdrug.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-6pm • Sat 8am-6pm
Pharmacy- Mon-Fri 9am-6pm