Indian River County Hospital District

Chairman’s Meeting: May 19, 2021

SUMMARY MINUTES
CHAIRMAN’S/ BUDGET REQUEST MEETING
Indian River County Hospital District Conference Room/ Zoom
May 19, 2021
1:00 PM

TRUSTEES: Marybeth Cunningham Barbara Bodnar
Ann Marie McCrystal Allen Jones
Karen Deigl Michael Weiss
Kerry Bartlett

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

Convene Meeting – Marybeth Cunningham, Chairwoman

Mrs. Cunningham convened the Chairman’s and Budget Discussion meeting of the IRCHD Board of Trustees at 1:00 PM by welcoming those participating via Zoom and in person.

FY 21-22 Funding Requests-

Substance Awareness Center- Carrie Lester, Executive Director

Ms. Lester stated that the Substance Awareness Center (“SAC”) has submitted a total funding request of $164,466, which is a $94,466 increase from last fiscal year. In addition to the Peer Support/Recovery Assistance program that the District currently funds, SAC is seeking funding for three new programs. She first discussed the increased request for the Recovery Assistance program. She explained that the budget for the program has increased substantially due to an increase in the services provided, and the addition of new staff to support those services. Additionally, SAC is now facing a partial loss of funding for the program of approximately $29,500. She further explained that they expect to see an increase in need for these services post-pandemic, and aim to increase their peer staff in order to offer additional recovery support. Next, she discussed the new Teen Intervene program, which provides assistance to youth who have been identified as engaging in health risk behaviors. This early intervention program targets 12–18-year old’s who display the early stages of alcohol or substance abuse. The goal of many of these referrals is to keep youth from entering the juvenile justice system or deeper involvement into substance use. She then discussed their second new funding request which is CRAFT (“Community Reinforcement and Family Training”) for Families. CRAFT is a skills-based program that impacts families in multiple areas and offers support to families of substance users. The program will include education support and skills training to families and research has shown that almost 7 out of 10 people who use the program, get their substance user to attend treatment. Lastly, Ms. Lester discussed their funding request to support the cost of including acupuncture into SAC day treatment program. Day Treatment is a highly structured program offering 16 hours a week of treatment services. Acupuncture and learning the application of acupressure adds a beneficial evidence-based layer to their program and distinguishes it from others. It also provides a sense of relief and calmness to the patient when treated. SAC’s acupuncture program for Day Treatment clients has run in a deficit of $8,000 since FY 18/19. If the requested funding of $8,000 from the District is received, it will create a break-even budget in this program for the first time since its inception. There was further group discussion surrounding SAC and the positive impact its programs have on the community and the importance of supporting these types of services.

Dynamic Life Recovery- Rodger Ball, Senior Pastor & Mike Cianci, Certified Recovery Residence Admin.

Pastor Ball provided a brief introduction with his work in Indian River County and Dynamic Life Recovery. He explained that Dynamic Life is a FARR certified recovery residence. Their services include supportive housing for men in early recovery; recovery mentorship; behavioral health counseling; food and clothing assistance; and referral services to healthcare. The total funding request is $56,000 which would support three initiatives. The first being the Mark2 Scholarship program which would provide housing and treatment costs for the first month of a new resident stay at Dynamic Life Recovery, who would otherwise be unable to access care due to financial hardship. Funding from the District would expand their services to help approximately 30 men. Additionally, they are requesting one time funding of $5,000 to upgrade the camera and internet security systems. The current system at the facility is 15 years old and operating with outdated technology. The need for an upgraded system is essential to the safe operations of the facility. Lastly, they are requesting $1,000 in funding to obtain upgraded drug testing kits, which are crucial in tracking clients in the program. These updated tests would provide a more advanced 16 panel test cup that monitors more narcotics than the tests they are currently utilizing. There was further group discussion surrounding the request.

CCIRH Behavioral Health Center- Anne Posey, Director BHC

Mrs. Posey stated that through the Hospital District’s RFP process, the Behavioral Health Center at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital has proposed to create and implement an Intensive Outpatient Program (“IOP”) beginning with an adolescent program for children ages 13-17. This program would be contingent on a three-year funding commitment from the Hospital District, United Way, Indian River Community Foundation and John’s Island Community Service League. The total funding request being submitted to the District is $203,472, which would cover one year of funding. Mrs. Posey explained that the IOP is intended for youth who need a level of care that will divert them from more intensive services. Those youth will be identified as needing a more intensive level of services than traditional outpatient services. She further reviewed data from the Community Health Needs Assessment that identified many of the youth in IRC continue to faces issues including untreated mental illness and chronic school absenteeism. Additionally, the suicide-age-adjusted mortality rate in IRC rose to 23.7% which is well above the state average from 14.1%. Mrs. Posey stated that the primary focus of the IOP will be to help youth develop resiliency and coping strategies utilizing cognitive and dialectical behavior therapy, and additional evidence-based treatments to cope with behavioral health needs and co-occurring substance use disorders. The IOP will ensure that youth are able to remain in the community and either continue to participate in school or return to school, which coping with their emotional needs. Ms. Posey stated that for the first year of the program, they project to serve 48 clients. Ms. Posey added that they also plan the ramp up of the program June 1st, to be ready to receive patients by September 1st. Further, Ms. Posey stated that they will be requesting an additional $100,000 for hiring supplies and program materials, for the period June 1-September 30, this fiscal year. There was Trustee discussion surrounding this program and the additional funding they are set to receive from the other participating organization.

Agreed Upon Procedures/Special Districts Accountability Bill 1103 Discussion- Ann Marie Suriano, Executive Director

Mrs. Suriano stated that she invited Mr. Jacboy to todays meeting to discuss the District’s current agreed upon procedures and the new Special District Accountability HB 1103, which would potentially require the District to obtain a performance review audit beginning in 2022. Mr. Jacoby stated that for the past several years his office has conducted a review to confirm the validity of the District’s qualifying process, ensuring those organizations that the District funds on a fee-for-service basis are qualifying individuals based off the District guidelines. Although it is often discussed that the District audits all of its funded agencies, those agencies who bill the District on a program or grant basis, are unable to be audited in the same manner. Mrs. Suriano was asked by the Trustees to include those agencies, funded on a program or grant basis, in the audit process moving forward. Mr. Jacoby recommended that the District consider hiring a maintenance audit employee who would review and maintain an internal audit of all funded agencies. Having this data would also align with the reporting requirements within HB 1103. There was further discussion surrounding HB 1103 and Mrs. Suriano stated that in her review and interpretation of the bill, she questioned whether the District would be required to conduct a performance audit. Per language within the bill, it seems that is directed more towards Special Districts who own and operate hospitals. She has since requested meetings with Representative Grall and Senator Mayfield to ask for clarification on this matter, as well as why they both voted in support of the bill. She also has requested that both attend the next month’s Chairman’s meeting to address the board regarding the same.

Public Comment & Adjourn

Mrs. Cunningham asked for public comment and there was none. The meeting was adjourned at 2:45 PM.

WILLIAM COONEY, M.D.

SEAT 7

William P Cooney M.D. 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   |   1/24-12/29

Origination: Elected (2 OC)

Occupation: Retired Surgeon

Email: w.cooney@irchd.com

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

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

Email: k.bartlett@irchd.com

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

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   |   1/24-12/29

Origination: Elected 1 OC | Elected NOC

Occupation: President/CEO

Email: k.deigl@irchd.com

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

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

Email: p.westcott@irchd.com

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

CHUCK MACKETT, M.D.

SEAT 3

Charles “Chuck” Mackett MD is a practicing primary care physician who has a long and storied career in military, academic and executive medicine. Dr. Mackett recently retired from Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital where he served for fourteen years as Chief Medical Officer, Chief of Staff and President of Indian River Medical Associates. Dr. Mackett serves on the Board of Directors of the We Care Foundation of Indian River County and the Mental Health Collaborative of Indian River County. He currently cares for patients at Treasure Coast Community Health. These experiences give Dr. Mackett a unique perspective regarding mental health, substance abuse, maternal-child care, care for veterans, preventive medicine and access to high quality medical care.

Dr. Mackett is a graduate with honors from the University of Notre Dame and is a graduate from the SUNY Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, NY. He is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society and earned his Master of Medical Management degree from Carnegie Mellon University. Dr. Mackett is trained in Aerospace Medicine and is board certified in Family Medicine and Geriatrics. He is a combat veteran, former Air Force Hospital Commander and flight surgeon who served in Germany, Haiti, Japan, Korea, Romania and Iraq. His many military decorations include two Legions of Merit, a Bronze Star Medal, a Defense Meritorious Service Medal and three Air Force Meritorious Service Medals. Dr. Mackett is an Outstanding Graduate of the Air War College.

A native of Upstate New York, Dr. Mackett and his family first moved to Florida in 1996 when he served as Fight Commander and Residency Program Director at Eglin Air Force Base before later serving as Medical Group Commander at Patrick and MacDill Air Force Bases. Dr. Mackett served as Associate Professor, Executive Vice Chairman of Family Medicine and Consultant in the International and Commercial Services Division at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center before returning permanently to Florida and Vero Beach in 2009.

As a Hospital District Trustee, Dr. Mackett plans to advocate for improved access to mental health services and access to affordable high quality primary and specialty care for all residents of Indian River County particularly mothers, children, the elderly, the underserved and veterans.

Term: 1/24-12/29

Origination: Elected NOC

Occupation:  Primary Care Physician

Email: c.mackett@irchd.com

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

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

Email: kintm.irchd@gmail.com

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

ALLEN JONES

SEAT 1

In 1973, Mr. Jones began a 27 year career with Merrill Lynch, eventually becoming a senior executive of the company, Senior executive positions included Chairman and CEO of Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company, serving on the Private Client Executive Committee and various other leadership roles including leading the effort to transition Merrill Lynch to a fee based rather than commission based business. Prior to joining Merrill Lynch, Mr. Jones’ professional career began in the United States Air Force from 1964-1968, achieving the rank of Captain. He then worked with Investment Company Dabbs, Sullivan, Trulock located in Little Rock, Arkansas rising to partner before the firm was sold and joining Merrill Lynch. Mr. Jones received his B.S.B.A in 1964 from University of Arkansas. He further completed advanced management courses at the Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern University, the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and Stanford University. His past community service efforts include serving on the Board of Directors for the John’s Island Club from 2008-2010; Board of Directors for the Indian River Medical Center from 2007-2010; Chairman of the Indian River Medical Center Foundation from 2006-2010; Board of Directors of the Bedens Brook Golf Club; Board of Directors of the Princeton Community Hospital from 1994-1999 and the Chairman of the American Health Association, in Houston, Texas.

Term: 1/24-12/29

Origination: Elected 2 OC

Occupation: Retired CEO

Email: a.jones@irchd.com

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