Indian River County Hospital District

Chairman’s Meeting: February 16, 2022

SUMMARY MINUTES
CHAIRMAN’S MEETING
Indian River County Hospital District Conference Room/ Zoom
February 16, 2022
10:00 AM

TRUSTEES: Marybeth Cunningham Allen Jones
Ann Marie McCrystal Barb Bodnar
Kerry Bartlett

ZOOM: Karen Deigl Pat Knipper
Samantha Mesena William Winns
Sabby Hightower Vicki Soule
Marie Andress Jennifer Frederick

STAFF: Ann Marie Suriano Dawn Carboni
Kate Voss Jennifer Peshke, Esq.

ATTENDEES: Kosta Velis Terri Prescott
Brain Gallagher Caleigh Hansen
Dr. William Mallon

Convene Meeting – Marybeth Cunningham, Chairwoman

Mrs. Cunningham convened the Chairman’s meeting of the IRCHD Board of Trustees at 10:00 AM by welcoming those participating via Zoom and in person.

Vero Beach Recovery Center Introduction- Kosta Velis, Chief Operations and Financial Officer & Dr. Terri Prescott, Medical Director

Mrs. Cunningham welcomed the representatives from Vero Beach Recovery (“VBR”) and Mr. Velis introduced himself and Dr. Prescott to the group. Mr. Velis provided a brief introduction of VBR and stated that the Center is an evidence-based facility, which offers Outpatient and Intensive Outpatient Program treatment. Based upon the level of care requirement, their clinical team will provide patients with a unique treatment plan designed to help achieve a more fulfilled life while providing them with the tools and support to cope with life on a daily basis. Dr. Prescott addressed the board and provided the Trustees with her educational background and credentials. She stated that she is a physician who practices psychiatry with children, adolescents, and adults. She has embraced a “bio-psycho-social” approach to patient care throughout the course of her career which began in the Philadelphia Health System working with the child welfare system and courts. Later in her career, she relocated to Vero Beach and began working at the IRMC BHC for 5 years. During that time, she discovered the lack of mental health care available in Indian River County and decided to open her own private practice and then subsequently VBR. She feels that there needs to be stronger case management services for mental health and substance abuse in Indian River County and they are striving to provide that service at a high level at VBR. She further stated that many of the clients who seek services at VBR are lower income and they have created a Foundation to help award scholarships to those individuals. However, there are still many clients who are unable to afford treatment and they also plan on submitting a funding request to the district this spring to afford more opportunities to provide services to those individuals. Additionally, they discussed the need for a detox center within the county and are currently looking at a few properties which are near the hospital. Mr. Velis stated that there could be an opportunity for the District to partner in this venture and hopes the District would be open to discussions on this in the future. There was Trustee discussion and Mrs. Cunningham asked if they were involved with the Mental Health Collaborative. She encouraged them to become members and to work collaboratively with the other members of the group as other agencies are also looking to support detox services within Indian River County.

GlobeChek Test- Allen Jones, Treasurer

Mr. Jones stated that he provided a written report prior to todays meeting, of the proposed test to the Trustees for review. He explained that since last month’s meeting where the Trustees agreed he and Mrs. Suriano would look further into collaborative opportunities with GlobeChek, they have met with Dr. Mallon, Ms. Hansen, and Ms. Andress to discuss the same. The group came up with a proposed 6-month test for consideration and he reviewed the same with the Trustees. It was discussed that the services of GlobeChek would be offered to all patients at Whole Family Health Center (“WFHC”), regardless if they met District financial assistance guidelines. The purpose of this test is to determine the benefit to patients and will be achieved by analyzing data and outcomes. Also, WFHC and GlobeChek will work to contract with specialists to provide further treatment to those patients whose tests come back abnormal. Most Trustees were in agreement with the proposal with the exception of Ms. Bartlett. She was concerned about starting a new initiative before the strategic plan was in place. However, the Trustees discussed how this was only a test and a good way to collect meaningful data. There was further Trustee discussion and with the majority of the Trustees in agreement to the proposal, Mr. Jones stated that they would move forward with next steps and the start date of March 1st.

Strategic Visioning Update- Jim Starr- Carter Associates

Mr. Starr addressed the board and stated he is excited to assist the Trustees with the next phase in the strategic planning process. Since the last meeting, the Trustees were asked to provide feedback concerning a final mission and vision statement, along with choosing 3 priority statements. He reviewed the same with the Trustees and there was lengthy Trustee discussion surrounding some further changes they would like to the mission and vision statements, along with the strategic priorities. Mrs. Suriano stated she would take those recommendations and again circulate the statements to the Trustees for final approval. Mr. Starr then discussed the next steps in the strategic planning process. He explained that an action plan and time frame will be developed through March and the strategic planning committee will meet in the next few weeks to review this plan. They will also ask for public input on the strategic priorities and provide those comments to the Trustees for consideration. He will provide another update to the Trustees at the March Chairman’s meeting.

Other Business

Ms. Bodnar stated that the Gifford Health Advisory Committee met last month and she provided an update to the Trustees from the meeting. She stated that representatives from TCCH; VNA; Healthy Start; We Care; and the Gifford Historical Society were in attendance. Each agency provided an update concerning their work and how it positively impacts the Gifford Community. The committee meets semi-annually and the next meeting will take place in June.

Mrs. Suriano stated that Ms. Frederick provided the Trustees with a program liaison report for their review and is present on Zoom, should they have any follow up questions for her. Additionally, she asked Ms. Carboni to provide the Trustees with an update on the work she has done since she was hired. Ms. Carboni stated that the annual audit of the funded agencies has been sent out along with the pre-audit questionnaire for their completion. All agencies have responded that they received the documents and the pre audit questionnaire is due back to the District by Friday. She plans to begin scheduling the site visits to the funded agencies in the next month and will provide reports of her findings to the Trustees.

Mrs. Suriano stated that she is in the process of reviewing renewal plans for health and dental insurance for the staff. She has provided the details and recommendations in her executive director report to the Trustees for their approval. Additionally, she stated that Governor DeSantis appointment office contacted the District and informed staff that he decided not to make an appointment to fill seat 7, which was vacated by Dr. Weiss at the end of December. This means the seat will remain vacant until the next general election this November. Four other seats will also be on the ballot which includes Seats 1, 2,4, and 6.

Public Comment & Adjourn

Mrs. Cunningham asked for public comment and there was none. The meeting was adjourned at 11:45 AM

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