Indian River County Hospital District

Regular Monthly Meeting- August 19, 2021

SUMMARY MINUTES
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
County Commissioner Chambers/ Zoom
August 19, 2021 at 4:00 PM

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

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

Convene Meeting – Marybeth Cunningham, Chair

Mrs. Cunningham convened the regular monthly meeting of the IRCHD at 4:00 PM by welcoming those in attendance and via Zoom. Pastor Joe Moore provided the invocation and Dr. Weiss led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance

Consent Agenda- Marybeth Cunningham, Chair

Mrs. Cunningham asked for a motion to approve the Chairman’s meeting minutes dated July 14; regular monthly meeting minutes dated July 15, and an August disbursement of $695,185.36. Dr. Weiss made the motion to approve, which was seconded by Mrs. McCrystal. The motion carried unanimously.

District Chair Report- Marybeth Cunningham, Chair

Mrs. Cunningham addressed the board and provided an update concerning Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital (“CCIRH”) and their COVID-19 admissions. Currently the hospital has 107 COVID-19 positive patients, with 30 of those in the ICU. Additionally, the county’s positivity rate is at 26%. She encouraged the public to get vaccinated and wear masks. While she understands that CCIRH has experienced some transitional issues and their reputation within the community has struggled, without CCIRH Vero Beach would be without a local hospital. Also, considering the challenges the last two years have brought to our community healthcare system, CCIRH has supported this community fully. Lastly, she provided an update concerning CCIRH and their hospital scores. Currently they are rated a B from Leapfrog, which is an increase from their previous C rating. Additionally, CMS has rated them a 4-star hospital, which is an increase from their previous 3-star rating.
District Counsel Report – Jennifer Peshke, Esq.

Mrs. Peshke stated that she continues to review the annual deadlines and deliverables due to the District under the Lease with CCIRH. She has completed the right of way transaction with the County and still working with the Cleveland Clinic and VNA’s counsel to amend the existing Agreements the District and the hospital entered into in 2018. Mrs. Peshke further stated that she attended budget funding meetings and the joint board meeting of the District and the We Care Boards as the District works towards finalizing the 2021-2022 FY budget.

Financial Statement Review- Allen Jones, Treasurer

Mr. Jones provided his report and stated that the District remains in sound financial condition. Through the end of July, the District had bank deposits and investments totaling approximately $8.5 million. $1.1 million in disbursements will be spent this month leaving a total of $7.4 million to finish the fiscal year’s final two months. Mr. Jones explained that it will require the District to disburse about $1.8 million to fund its obligations for the remainder of the fiscal year. Therefore, it is projected that the District will complete the fiscal year with a carryover of a little over $5.5 million to begin the next fiscal year. Further, the District has now completed its commitment to pay CCIRH $500,000 a month, per the terms of the Lease Agreement. Additionally, the District committed to support the Women’s Health Initiative with a $500,000 one-time payment to the CCIRH Foundation which will be completed by the end of the fiscal year. This means that in the next fiscal year, the District will have the ability to redirect up to $6 million in funding once provided to CCIRH, to other agencies to enhance the District’s mission of improving the health of Indian River County residents. Lastly, Mr. Jones stated that the board continues to work to responsibly and effectively finalize budget for next fiscal year. As a reminder, he stated that all of the District’s board actions are conducted publicly, and he encourages public comment as they work through the opportunities to support improving public health in our community.

Executive Director Report- Ann Marie Suriano, Executive Director

Mrs. Suriano stated that the District has completed drafting and amending the Strategic Visioning RFP document. The RFP will be posted on August 20th to the District website for a response, along with it being distributed to various professional contacts and recommend firms, who specialize in this type of work. The District will also post a display ad in TC Palm to gather further interest and potential response. Additionally, she has begun to revise the FY 21-22 budget based on the comments and discussion at the Chairman’s meeting yesterday. She plans to disburse the updated budget to the Trustees for the review and consideration, before the meeting on September 7th for their last budget discussion meeting.

Funded Agencies Semi-Annual Report-
Mental Health Association- Angela Guzenski, COO

Ms. Guzenski addressed the Trustees and stated that Dr. Philip Cromer and Ms. Jeanie Shepard are also participating in today’s presentation via Zoom. Ms. Guzenski reviewed data concerning the Walk-In Center and Support Group services for the last 6 months. Ms. Shepard reviewed the clinical outcome measures for the same. From January to June, the MHA clinical team conducted 3 violence risk assessments and 129 suicide risk assessments. Additionally. 65% of clients discharged in the last quarter ended ongoing treatment with a favorable disposition. She further discussed the client satisfaction survey results data which showed favorable outcomes as well. Next, Ms. Guzenski reviewed the Drop-In Center data and stated that for the last 6 months there have been 3,712 member visits to the center and a total of 145 unduplicated members. She further reviewed some client satisfaction data and testimonials from the center. She explained that they have maintained COVID-19 protocols at the center and have had only a few cases of clients contracting the virus. Ms. Guzenski then provided a review of MHA’s financial data, which showed an increase of revenues over expense. She stated that this was due to the fact they have received private philanthropic donations over the last year and additional support to their endowment fund. Lastly, she and Ms. Shepard discussed the School Violence and Suicide Prevention program data. Currently, in the last quarter, they conducted 26 mental health screenings and provided 237 therapy services. She further discussed that MHA has gone over their budgeted funding for this program, but that they experienced a decrease in funding needed for the Walk-In center. Therefore, the funds not being used for the Walk-In center will be reallocated to fund the deficit in the School Violence program.

Tykes & Teens- Eric Garza, CEO

Mr. Garza introduced himself and his team, which included Ms. Andrea Greenlee and Ms. Samantha Messina. Ms. Greenlee provided their report and stated that Tykes & Teens has provided 363 hours of non-billable services. During the 20-21 school year, two therapists served 22 students and 8 of those students successfully completed their treatment plans. At the end of the school year, 4 students successfully transitioned into regular classrooms after learning how to regulate their behavior. Currently, Tykes & Teens is set to begin providing support in schools once again and will be focusing their efforts at Glendale Elementary, the Wabasso School, and Osceola Magnet School. All therapists will provide in-person support and deliver those services on campus. If a student must quarantine, the services can be offered via telehealth. Next Ms. Greenlee discussed the center’s performance metrics. After being informed that the Trustees wanted to receive more substantial performance metrics, she worked with Mrs. Fredrick on creating those. She indicated that many of the metrics she and Mrs. Frederick agreed upon using moving forward, were metrics that the center has already been tracking. She believes this transition will provide better reporting and the data that the Trustees are looking for. Lastly, she discussed a success story of an 11-year-old client who presented in the EBD specialized classroom. After 11 months of treatment, the client was able to transition back into the general population at school. His mother also noticed improvement within her other children, since their sibling had received the counseling. The Trustees thanked them for their presentation and look forward to receiving the new improved metrics data.
New Business-
Special COVID-19 Funding Request- Whole Family Health: Center Marie Andress, CEO
Ms. Andress explained that Whole Family Health Center (“WFHC”) has been one of the main community partners to assist with all things COVID-19. From administering COVID-19 tests; holding multiple vaccine clinics; and providing monoclonal antibody treatments, they have supported the community every step of the way. She explained that since January 1, 2021, WFHC has administered over 9,000 covid tests and over the last two weeks of August, there have been an additional 1,000 tests performed. Additionally, they have provided nearly 450 monoclonal antibody treatments since January 1, 2021. She prepared a spreadsheet for the Trustees to review, which outlined a portion of their costs for these tests and treatments. Therefore, Ms. Andress stated that she is requesting from the District a total of $219,444.61 in reimbursement for these items. There was Trustee discussion surrounding her request. Many of the Trustees felt that Ms. Andress and WFHC have gone above and beyond during this time for the community and she has always been available and responsive to requests for assistance. It was further clarified that this funding request would be reimbursement for services conducted within Indian River County only. Mr. Jones made a motion to approve which was seconded by Mrs. McCrystal. The motion carried unanimously.

Additional Funding Request- Phoenix Rising: Pedro Bernabe, CEO

Mr. Bernabe, along with Phoenix Risings outreach director Ms. Misty Keen addressed the board. Mr. Bernabe indicated that the center has 3 potential clients that have been accepted through their screening process for services. Currently, the center does not have enough District funds left in thier budget for the remainder of the fiscal year, to support these 3 patients. The cost to fully support the treatment of these patients is $30,000 and they are requesting the same from the District board. There was Trustee discussion and many felt that after yesterday’s discussion with Mr. Bernabe at the Chairman’s meeting, that they have been left with more questions about the structure of the funding and success rate at Phoenix Rising. It was further discussed that the District provided an additional $200,000 in funding, which they requested to serve an additional 20-28 clients, back in March, 2021. With these factors in mind, the many Trustees were not comfortable providing further additional funding at this time. Mrs. McCrystal made a motion to approve the request, which was seconded by Mrs. Cunningham. The motion failed 6-1, with Mrs. McCrystal voting in favor to approve. The trustees asked Mr. Bernabe to take the next 30 days to prepare a clearer and more detailed request with metrics and data for their consideration.

Public Comment/Adjourn

There was no public comment and the meeting was adjourned at 5:00 PM

Respectfully Submitted,

Ann Marie McCrystal, Secretary

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