Indian River County Hospital District

Fostering collaboration to improve healthcare in Indian River County

WHAT DOES THE DISTRICT DO?

The Indian River County Hospital District plays a crucial role in enhancing community health and well-being.

We are an independent special taxing district established by a Special Act of the 1959 Florida Legislature. The authority within the Special Act allows us to assist with a broad range of healthcare programs and services within Indian River County.

Through property tax assessments, we secure funding to guarantee that vital healthcare services, spanning primary care, specialty care, dental care, behavioral health, health promotion, disease prevention, and community-based programs are accessible to all residents in our county.

Our collaborative efforts with local healthcare and community-based organizations aim to foster innovation and integration, creating a cohesive community that diligently identifies and addresses gaps in the continuum of care. This collective approach serves to improve the health and well-being for all, uplifts members of our community and lays the foundation for a resilient future filled with endless possibilities.

Legal Notice of Upcoming Meetings: December 2024

Chairman’s Meeting, Wednesday 18th @ 10:00 AM

Indian River County Hospital District Conference Room

1705 19th Pl, Suite G3, Vero Beach, FL 32960

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85059706298?pwd=KB9zWnDaq4ieEt0gsqEApKfVpfFUIJ.1

Meeting ID:

850 5970 6298

Passcode:

794112

Dial In Number:

1 305 224 1968

Regular Monthly Meeting, Thursday the 19th @ 4:00 PM

Indian River County Chambers or Zoom

1801 27th Street, Bldg. A, Vero Beach, FL 32960

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84441899110?pwd=0crXEgfLewaXxVLvDo1uzP5fS8R30M.1

Meeting ID:

844 4189 9110

Passcode:

118830

Dial In Number:

1 305 224 1968

View Past Meetings, Agendas and Resolutions

Pursuant to Florida Statutes Section 286.010 “if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the board, agency, or commission with respect to any matter considered at such meeting or hearing, he or she will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, he or she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based”.

A Letter FroM

Marybeth Cunningham, Chairman &
Frank Isele, Executive Director

As we reflect on the past year’s accomplishments and milestones at the Indian River County Hospital District, we are pleased to share with you a few of the highlights in improving the health and well-being of our community.

Partners in Women’s Health continues to play a pivotal role in providing prenatal care for approximately 88% of annual Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital (CCIRH) births. Our partnership with Healthy Start and CCIRH has reduced our County’s infant mortality rate to a level markedly better than the state average.

In addition, with our support, the Intensive Outpatient Program at the CCIRH Behavioral Health Center expanded services and has added a new Behavioral Health Integration in the Emergency Department program in collaboration with the United Way, John’s Island Service League and the Community Foundation.

The District’s funding has been instrumental in providing over $4.5 million towards Primary Care Services, Dental Services, Behavioral Health Services, and Preventive Services at Treasure Coast Community Health and Whole Family Health Center.

Recognizing the critical importance of mental health and substance abuse services, the District has dedicated approximately 26% of its program budget to Mental Health and Substance Abuse Programs and Services.

Following a successful Pilot Program with Whole Family Health Center, the District has expanded its support of the GlobeChek program. The addition of a mobile GlobeChek unit ensures equitable access to state-of-the-art eye exams and refraction services for all residents of Indian River County.

In February of 2023, the District was confronted with the cessation of three-year grant funding by the Department of Children and Families for the Indian River County Mental Health Court. Despite this challenge, we remain committed to supporting the program’s vital services, ensuring continued support for the 110 active participants in Mental Health Court.

These achievements underscore our unwavering commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility, promoting well-being, and addressing the diverse healthcare needs of our community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated staff, community partners, and residents for their continued support and collaboration.

As we look towards the future, we remain steadfast in our mission “to improve the health of Indian River County residents”.

Marybeth Cunningham
Chairwoman

Frank Isele, PT, MBA, FACHE
Executive Director

Mission & Vision Statements

Our Mission

To improve the health of Indian River County residents.

Our Vision

An innovative and integrated healthcare network that improves the health of Indian River County residents

Strategic Plan

Our Values

Stewardship

Commitment to the careful and responsible administration of funds and assets to promote the health and well-being of our residents and to demonstrate measurable benefits to the community.

Partnership

commitment to building a health collaborative, interdependent relationship with all of our residents for the continuous improvement of the community’s healthcare assets.

Integrity

Commitment to behave with honesty, sincerity and transparency, based upon high ethical standards.

Respect

Commitment to valuing a culture of inclusion and diversity built on trust, respect and compassion for all.

Accountability

commitment to accept full responsibility for our actions and decisions.

Leadership

Commitment to educate our residents towards utilizing the best healthy practices and to ensure the community’s resources are wisely invested and adaptable to the changing health needs of our residents.

WILLIAM COONEY

SEAT 7

William P Cooney MD is an orthopedic surgeon (retired) who has been a resident of Vero Beach since 2004. He practiced orthopedic surgery at Indian River Medical Center from 2006-2015 within the orthopedic practice of Prosports. He served on the IRMC Foundation for four years. Prior to this, he was a Professor of Orthopedics at Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota, Chair of the Division of Hand Surgery and Vice president of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery. He served as the Vice Chairman of the Mayo Clinic Development Department. He has been President of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, Orthopedic Research and Education Foundation, Consultant at Shrine Hospital systems. He was editor in chief of the Journal of Orthopedic Surgery and co-editor of the Journal of Hand Surgery. He held grants in hand and wrist surgery sponsored by National Institute of Health (NIH) and Stryker Orthopedics and has over 250 publications in the field of orthopedic surgery, hand, wrist and elbow surgery and microsurgery- free tissue transfers. Within Indian River County, he has served as Chairman of the Board and President of the Hope for Families Homeless Center, Board of the Indian River Hospital Foundation, We Care and Whole Family Health Center medical practices.

Term:  1/23-12/24

Origination: Elected (2 OC)

Occupation: Retired Surgeon

KERRY BARTLETT

SEAT 6

Kerry Bartlett,  of Vero Beach, has more than 30 years experience in philanthropy, including as vice president of the VNA & Hospice Foundation; VNA chief advancement officer from 2001-2007; and executive director of the Indian River Community Foundation from 2008-2014. Kerry is the founder of The Bartlett Company, which focuses on nonprofit and philanthropic consulting. She also is a managing director for Carter, a Vero Beach company that specializes in advancing philanthropy worldwide. Kerry has spent more than 25 years in the nonprofit sector as a fund development professional and has particular expertise in annual funds, major gifts, endowment campaigns and legacy giving. Kerry is also known for creating and implementing effective donor-centered stewardship programs that build, maintain and strengthen nonprofits’ relationships.

Term:  3/21-12/22   |   1/23-12/26

Origination: Appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis
Elected NOC

Occupation: Philanthropic Consultant/Managing Director

KAREN DEIGL

SEAT 5

Karen has been President and CEO of Senior Resource Association, where she successfully advocates for older adults and their families, since 2006. In that role, she helps provide activities, education and services benefiting older and disabled adults in Indian River County. In addition, Karen provides oversight of the community mass transit system for residents and visitors of the county. As CEO, Karen is responsible for a $7 million operational annual budget and managing more than 100 employees. She ensures that fiscally sound and responsible solutions are created to provide healthcare and a better quality of life for all Indian River County residents. Karen earned a BS in Health Administration from Florida Atlantic University and an MHA from the University of Florida. She was elected to the Indian River County Hospital District Board of Trustees in 2016, and joined the Board in January 2017.

Term:  1/17-12/20   |   1/21-12/24

Origination: Elected 1 OC | Elected NOC

Occupation: President/CEO

PAUL WESTCOTT

SEAT 4

Paul Westcott has been a Board Certified Workers' Compensation Attorney since 1999. In addition, Paul has earned his certification from the Florida Supreme Court as a Circuit Civil and Family Law Mediator. Receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in both Economics and Political Science at Florida Southern College, he continued his education at Stetson University College of Law. He graduated from Stetson in 1988, having been a published member of the Stetson Law Review. Paul has been a member of the Florida Bar since 1988.  He began his practice in a combined civil litigation and transactional practice before serving as an Assistant State Attorney.  He began his career in Workers' Compensation with Rissman, Weisberg, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue & McClain P.A., where he handled Workers' Compensation cases at the trial and appellate levels.  In 1997, Paul opened the Ft. Pierce office of Hurley, Rogner, Miller, Cox, Waranch & Westcott P.A. handling workers' compensation cases at all levels throughout central and south Florida, while managing the operations of that office.  During his nearly 25 year career in Workers' Compensation, he lectured on a wide range of industry topics.


Term:  1/23-12/26   |   1/21-12/24

Origination: Elected 1 OC 

Occupation: Attorney & Mediator

BARBARA S. BODNAR

SEAT 3

Barbara has practiced physical therapy, specializing in orthopedics and sports medicine, in her hometown of Vero Beach since 1981. She was an integral part of the sports medicine team at Vero Beach High School for 35 years. Barbara completed the reserve police academy training, and served with the Vero Beach Police Department from 1982-1989. Her volunteer involvement in the community includes serving on the City of Vero Beach Recreation Committee, Arthritis Association of Indian River County, and the Senior Good Life Games. She and her husband, Michael, enjoy spending their free time traveling in their RV and training their Labradors, Gunner and Chase, in K-9 performance events, including agility and dock jumping. Barbara is a lifelong resident of Indian River County, and received her degree in physical therapy from Chattanooga State College. Barbara was elected to the Indian River County Hospital District Board of Trustees in 2016, and joined the Board in January 2017.

Term:  1/17-12/20   |   1/21-12/24

Origination: Elected 1 OC | Elected 1 OC

Occupation: Physical Therapist

MICHAEL KINT

SEAT 2

Born and raised in Illinois, Michael was a Theatre and Speech Instructor at Lincoln College when he moved to Indian River County in 1984. He was the Director of Education for the Riverside Theatre for a decade, helping to build the Riverside Children’s Theatre and directing many productions. Michael is well known in the community for his 25 years of service at the United Way of Indian River County, 16 of those years as the CEO. He is very proud of his work with dozens of nonprofit agencies and his commitment to creating and strengthening community collaboratives. Michael was also an Adjunct Faculty member at Barry University for 20 years. He has served on many boards and committees over the years, including: Children’s Services Advisory Committee Needs Assessment, Chair of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program for many years, and he was a founding member of the Mental Health Collaborative, the Senior Collaborative of IRC and the IRC Executive Roundtable. As a Hospital District Trustee he is committed to serving all the citizens of our county. In particular, he hopes to see enhanced availability and affordability for behavioral/mental health for all in need.

 

Term: 1/23- 12/26

Origination: Elected 1 OC

Occupation: Retired CEO United Way

MARYBETH CUNNINGHAM

CHAIRWOMAN - SEAT 1

Marybeth’s professional career encompasses 34 years of working for GM/Delphi in a variety of positions. Starting out as a traffic claims clerk, she worked her way through the organization, with roles in Purchasing, Engineering, and Quality and Reliability. She retired in 2009 as the executive director of Global Operations for the Packard Electric Division of Delphi. In this position, she was responsible for 94 plants in 33 countries. Marybeth has served on the board of directors for numerous non-profits, including Northeast Ohio Adoption Agency; United Way of Warren Ohio, where she served as chairman of the annual campaign for two years; Up with People; Head, Heart and Hands of Indian River Club; Indian River Community Foundation, and the Indian River Mental Health Collaborative. She earned her B.A. in Political Science from Albion College. Marybeth was elected to the Indian River County Hospital District Board of Trustees in 2014, and joined the Board in January 2015. She currently serves as Chair.

 

Term:  1/15-12/18   |   1/19-12/22   |   1/23- 12/24

Origination: Elected 1 OC | Elected  NOC | Elected NOC

Occupation: Retired Executive GM