HOSPITAL: Support these three

As an Idaho native who served more than 20 years as the CEO of hospitals in both Idaho and Georgia and after having served as Board Chair of both the Georgia and Idaho hospital associations, I stress to my friends in this community that Kootenai Health is truly an exceptional organization.

Few hospitals in communities our size offer the range or high level of services provided at Kootenai Health. The physicians and employee team are what make KH exceptional as recognized by national accreditation surveys and outstanding local patient feedback.

Add the fact that Kootenai Health is very sound financially, having again received an “A” bond rating from Standard and Poor’s and finishing 2020 with a strong, positive bottom-line. It also was able to weather COVID without any negative financial effect.

This “tax district” hospital has not levied a tax on our community for 27 years! Why would anyone think we need new leadership?

Dr. Terrence Neff and Katie Brodie have been cornerstones of the leadership that has made Kootenai Health a success. I have observed their solid decision making, always informed by their concern for the long-term good of the broader community.

Dr. Robert McFarland, a native of Coeur d’Alene, has served this community as a well-respected family physician and also as a prominent leader in various medical associations, giving him the broad perspective necessary for this Board.

Neff, Brodie and McFarland will provide the strong, compassionate leadership Kootenai Health needs now. I hope you will join me in supporting them on May 18.

ROBERT COLVIN

Worley