Indian River County Hospital District

Special Meeting Minutes: April 28, 2020

SUMMARY MINUTES
SPECIAL CHAIRMAN’S MEETING
Via Zoom
April 28, 2020
10:00 AM

TRUSTEES: Marybeth Cunningham Barbara Bodnar
Ann Marie McCrystal Tracey Zudans
Michael Weiss

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

OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Lundy Fields Jeanne Shepard
Marie Andress Janet Begley

Convene Meeting – Marybeth Cunningham, Chairwoman

Mrs. Cunningham convened the Special Chairman’s meeting of the IRCHD Board of Trustees at 10:00 AM by welcoming those participating via Zoom. She reviewed the regulations for conducting a meeting remotely as outlined in Governor DeSantis’ Executive Order 20-69. She announced the names of the board and staff members who were participating in the meeting, for the record.

Update on COVID-19- Marybeth Cunningham

Mrs. Cunningham stated that the hospital is continuing to provide COVID-19 testing and there have only been a few new positive tests. Additionally, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis met with Dr. Barsoum and Dr. Rosecrance of CCFL for a press conference, to discuss how CCFL is assisting with the COVID-19 pandemic in the state.

Mrs. Cunningham asked representatives from VNA, Whole Family Health, and the Mental Health Association to provide a brief update concerning their agencies and the impact COVID-19 has had on operations, and any new initiatives they are working on for the community. Mr. Fields of the VNA stated that there are no VNA employees who have tested positive for COVID-19. Currently, the VNA is treating eight COVID-19 positive patients in the community and the providers have the proper PPE and safe guards in place for all home visits. The mobile unit is still located at Walmart parking lot and they continue to see around 10 patients a day. Additionally, with direction from the Department of Health, the VNA will be conducting some proactive COVID-19 testing within vulnerable populations in the county.

Dr. Coppola of MHA stated that no employees of MHA have tested positive for COVID-19. Their Walk-in Center remains open to provide mental health screenings and crisis management. Last week they hired psychologist Dr. Phil Cromer, to provide testing and psychology services. They continue to provided virtual screenings and telehealth appointments for many clients. The Drop-in center remains open but on an as-needed basis, with social distancing measures in place.

Ms. Andress of Whole Family Health stated that the center remains fully staffed and open at both locations. The pharmacy is also open and they are conducting behavioral health appointments via telehealth. Around 50% of their medical visits have been conducted by telehealth as well. They have administered 24 COVID-19 tests and three of those tests came back positive. They have started rapid testing for antibodies for their employees and verified those results through blood work. Dr. Peron, as an infectious disease doctor, believes it is important to collect this data to see who has been previously exposed to the virus, and find out if they have immunity. Lastly, they are working to be able to offer this service to groups within the community.

Executive Director Matters- Ann Marie Suriano

Mrs. Suriano is recommending that the District formally recognize Ms. Alma Lee Loy
who passed away last week, with a memorial. She was a vital member of the community and served on the Hospital District Board of Trustees for several years. She would like to construct a memorial on the hospital campus and is meeting with Dr. Turner and Mr. Depino, to find an appropriate location. The Trustees unanimously agreed with her recommendation.

She stated that District staff continues to work from home and rotates every third day in the office, and Ms. Jacko continues to process applications from home. She is recommending that she, Jenny, and Kate resume normal in office hours starting May 4th or the 11th. The office would remain closed to the public and any Trustee meetings would take place virtually. The District Trustees recommended that before the staff resume in office work, they would like to hear the Governors recommendations on reopening, which should be released today or tomorrow. A decision will be made subsequent to that report.

Ms. Suriano addressed the issue surrounding the District offices and high cost of rent associated with that. She has been looking for space around the county and has spoke with a few realtors. She will update the Trustees with her findings. Ms. Peshke stated that the District should keep in mind the amount of parking space at the new location. There needs to be adequate parking for staff, trustees, and the public for future public meetings. Ms. Cunningham asked Ms. Suriano to reach out to each Trustees individually to discuss their recommendations on office and conference space.

Program Liaison Matters- Jennifer Frederick

Mrs. Frederick provided an update concerning the FY 20-21 District funding applications. To date five applications have been received and she has forwarded the summaries and relative information to the Trustees for their review. She asked that the Trustees provide feedback concerning the applications that they received. If the Trustees have any questions, they are to submit those to Mrs. Frederick for follow up. All funding applications for FY 20-21 are due to the District by May 8th.

GHCAC Update- Tracey Zudans

Mrs. Zudans stated that she met last week with the Gifford Health Center Advisory Committee via Zoom. The District Trustees were sent the meeting minutes from that meeting for their information. The next meeting will take place on May 19th and she continues to reach out to members of the community in Gifford to be of assistance in any way. Mr. Woolfork stated that there are many rumors surrounding COVID-19 throughout the Gifford community. He suggested that a flyer be created that can be handed out at foodbanks, with correct health information relative to the virus. It was discussed that the District would work with the Health Department, United Against Poverty and TCCH to see if they have already created the same. Mrs. Zudans offered to assist in obtaining those flyers for distribution. Mrs. Frederick indicated that Ms. Knipper at the VNA has pamphlets created for the mobile unit and she is willing to contact her to obtain the same.

Other Business-

Mrs. McCrystal informed the board that improvements to the 17th Street/Alma Lee Loy bridge will begin on May 6th.

Public Comment-

Ms. Sheppard, of the Mental Health Association, shared a poem titled ‘When This is Over’ written by Laura Kelly Fanucci.

Adjourn- The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 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