Indian River County Hospital District

Regular Monthly Meeting Minutes – November 18, 2021

SUMMARY MINUTES
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
County Commissioner Chambers/ Zoom
November 18, 2021 @ 4:00 PM

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

ABSENT: Barb Bodnar Michael Weiss
STAFF: Kate Voss Jennifer Frederick
Jennifer Peshke, Esq. Ann Marie Suriano

ATTENDEES: Andrea Berry Karen Campbell
Pedro Bernabe William Wims
Tracy Griffis Shannon Bowman

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 Derrick West provided the invocation and asked for a moment of silence to remember the untimely passing of Pastor Roger Ball. Then, Mrs. Cunningham 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 October 20, regular monthly meeting minutes dated October 21, and a November disbursement of $807,355. Mrs. McCrystal made the motion which was seconded by Ms. Deigl. The motion carried unanimously.

Thank you to Trustees from IRC Healthy Start Collation – Karen Campbell, President

Ms. Campbell addressed the Trustees and provided them with a letter of thanks for their support of Indian River Healthy Start Coalition. She stated that they would be unable to offer these programs and services to the community, without the support of the District. The Healthy Start Board truly values its partnership with the District and values the work the District Trustees do in support of healthcare in Indian River County. Ms. Berry provided a brief update on Healthy Start and stated that the District was one of the first agencies to support the Community Doula program, which has been effective at improving birth outcomes in the County. This morning she was informed that their state entity has voted to take the Community Doula program state wide and use Indian River County as a model for the program. Additionally, because the model has been so well recognized, Anthem Foundation invited Healthy Start to apply for a funding grant which would help support the statewide expansion. Additionally, they were awarded $30,000 from Simply Healthcare, which is a Medicaid managed organization, to also help support the expansion.

District Counsel Report – Jennifer Peshke, Esq.

Ms. Peshke stated that she continues to review the annual deadlines and deliverables due to the District under the Lease with CCIRH. The District completed the right of way transaction with the County and she continues to work with Cleveland Clinic and the VNA’s counsel to amend the existing Agreements to reflect those changes. Additionally, she is looking into how a potential county ordinance change regarding stormwater retention may impact the IRC floodplain and stormwater code, as it relates to the property the Hospital District owns with regard to the hospital campus. She and Ms. Suriano attended a meeting with County representatives, as well as the CCIRH representatives and their counsel to learn more about this issue and she will report more on this matter as it develops. Lastly, she completed the District staffs annual Compensation Committee review with the Trustees this past month.

Financial Statement Review- Allen Jones, Treasurer

Mr. Jones provided his treasurer’s report and stated that the District is in solid financial condition. There is currently $5.7 million in cash and investments in the bank, less the $800,000 in expenses disbursed for the month, which leaves just under $4.9 million in funds. In November the District has begun to see tax revenues being deposited, as Indian River County residents are very prompt in paying their taxes. Next month the District will begin on its strategic visioning process and whatever outcome this brings, there will be sufficient funds to support those efforts.

Executive Director Report- Ann Marie Suriano, Executive Director

Ms. Suriano stated that she has been working with representative from Carter on the strategic visioning efforts and preparing for the District retreat. She then introduced Dawn Carboni, who is the newest employee of the District and will work as an internal audit and data analyst. She further stated that the Mental Health visioning committee is meeting at the end of the month and the District was provided with a thorough update on the IOP program from CCIRH. The Committee is also working to bring a detox center to Indian River County, which is not currently a service that is provided. Lastly, the District staff is preparing the Annual Report for 2021, and it will ready for distribution next month.

Funded Agencies Semi Annual Reports-

Phoenix Rising- Pedro Bernabe, CEO

Mr. Bernabe prepared a semiannual update for the Trustees to review. He provided a brief overview of their accreditations and their staff who work and support the center. He then reviewed the steps of recovery offered through Phoenix Rising and the different levels of care provided to patients. He also reviewed patient data concerning PHP and IOP District qualified patients. He explained that they are also now actively tracking sober days after patients complete those levels of care. Currently 88% of patients have been able to stay sober 30 days after treatment, but the number does decline around 10% when it hits 120 days. The Trustees requested that they begin tracking those outcomes for up to a year, to see where any shortfalls may be. Next Mr. Bernabe discussed patient satisfaction data and outcomes. Through this tracking they discovered that patients were dissatisfied with the pre-admissions process and they have implemented better practices and communication with the patients, before they check into the program. Further, he informed the Trustees that Phoenix Rising is now in network with Tricare. He explained that Tricare is the U.S. military’s healthcare program and functions as government managed health insurance. This will now help support those veterans in our community seek treatment, without them having to go out of county. Additionally, they have also applied for in networks contracts with many additional insurance companies and are awaiting their approval. Lastly, they are continuing to work on opening another sober living facility for men and women with 24 beds, along with future plans to offer detox and residential treatment.

Childcare Resources- Shannon Bowman, Executive Director & Tracey Griffis, Director of Wellness & Early Intervention

Ms. Bowman addressed the board and introduced Tracey Griffis the program director and Tara Beard, the school director, who joined her for today’s presentation. She provided an update on the Wellness Program which began in 2017 as a pilot program funded by the District to support the needs of the children at Childcare Resources. This ensures their healthcare was intact, needs were identified, and early intervention services were initiated. Ms. Griffis stated that it has been almost five years since they started the program and it has expanded to add three additional support staff positions. She stated that through this program they have been able to develop and strengthen relationships with the parents of the children in the program and they just recently were able to intervene on an unsafe living condition a mother and her two daughters was experiencing. Through their team and other collaborative community support, they were able to remove the mother and children from the situation, secure housing, clothing and other living essentials for this mother. Ms. Griffis stated that she will be hosting an upcoming Directors meeting where Childcare Resources will meet with other early childhood educators and share their model for this Wellness Program. She then reviewed the outcome measures and development milestones for the program, and there was Trustee discussion on the same.
New Horizons, William Wims, CEO

Mr. Wims introduced himself and Ms. Robin Kirby, who is the COO at New Horizons. He provided an update for the last fiscal year and stated that they delivered services to 1,575 residents which included 1370 adults and 205 children. He reviewed the data concerning their different service lines of treatment, which include psychiatric services and evaluations, outpatient therapy and medication management. The total amount billed to the District in FY 20-21 was $55,234. He then reviewed patient outcomes and stated that their main objective is for every client to be able to live a functional life within the community. Lastly, he discussed some of the challenges they have faced over the last year from COVID. He stated that the Journal of American Medical Association suggest that the highest demand for medical services because of the effects of the pandemic on the community, should be expected 12 to 18 months after the end of the pandemic. Currently they are already seeing an increased need for services, but are having trouble recruiting clinicians and doctors. They continue to work collaboratively with our mental health agencies in the community to continue to provide those much-needed mental health services.

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