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 October Legacy dismantles Meridian Park Foundation Board It was the coward's way out. A certified letter arrived at the home of 15 prominent trustees, dismissing them because of their "inability to work constructively with Legacy Health System and its programs." Enraged by the letter, Kristi Halvorson, the board's chair, said "They could have had a dinner celebrating all our hard work over the years. We're a very close board." Who's afraid of the special session? With a special session looming like a vulture, legislators and lobbyists are shifting into defense mode to protect their constituents. A memo from Gov. John Kitzhauber charged all agencies financed with general and lottery funds to develop reduction plans, but promised, "I will not be recommending, nor will I accept across the board cuts." HIV activists resigned to change Steven Henson has had enough. After years of fighting the implementation of a name reporting system as a member of the Public Health Advisory Board, he's decided to call it quits. A HIV name reporting system went into effect Oct. 1. After delaying implementation to hear the needs of the community, Henson and other activists feel DHS had already made up its mind. And some smell a rat. Pharmacists, advocates fight over copays Strange bedfellows they may be, but pharmacists and consumer advocates are equally enraged over a pharmaceutical copay for Medicaid eligibles awaiting federal approval. Lebanon gets a taste of fluoride Something's in the water in Lebanon. While fluoridation polarizes residents of other towns into warring factions, Lebanon officials slipped fluoride into their water supply on Oct. 5 with little contention. An intense look at drugs A long-awaited program that could impact anti-psychotic and anti-depressant medications is finally rolling off the shelf. The intent is to draw both sides of the health spectrum together -- mental and physical health care, said Joan Kapowich, program and policy section manager. Providence rejoins Providence is jumping back into the Oregon Health Plan. Onlookers claim the deciding factor was money because its hospitals were receiving lower payments when treating Medicaid clients under fee-for-service rates. Valley cuts back Bleeding red ink, Valley Community Hospital is struggling to survive. Recently 32 full time employees were handed pink slips, among them nurses and clerical workers -- representing 25 percent of its work force. A dinner of champions The big event is fast approaching! At the end of October, Oregon Health Forum will hold its leadership awards dinner at the Benson Hotel. The much anticipated event will highlight the acomplishments of Mary Lou Hennrich, CEO of CareOregon and two youth leaders who have made a meaningful impact on the health care of their communities. Reserve a table for you and your friends, or just grab some individual tickets, but do it soon because time is running out! Call (503) 226-7870 for reservations. Also in this issue...
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