Kootenaidemocrats.org

Together, we can beat the nonpartisan virus

WEBOur community is in a crisis. The number of cases of COVID-19 that require admission to the hospital has exceeded our capacity to provide the high level of medical care that we depend on. Kootenai Health was designed for 24 ICU beds, but with prudent foresight KH now has expanded to 46 by occupying most […]

Actived: 3 days ago

URL: https://kootenaidemocrats.org/together-we-can-beat-the-nonpartisan-virus/

Give Blood to Alleviate Local Shortage

WEBA single blood donation can save three lives. With the local blood supply depleted by almost half since the start of summer, and only a day’s worth of O-positive blood available, donations are more important than ever. “We’re in an emergency shortage,” said Jennifer Hawkins, regional director of Vitalant Northwest. “We’re seeing numbers …

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MASKS: Medical unity missing

WEBOn Thursday the CDA Press reported that Kootenai Health is in “a transition to crisis standards of care.” Yet the same day, despite our hospital’s dire situation, I was appalled to visit a large medical clinic in Coeur d’Alene where not a single staff member was wearing a mask.

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Regional blood supply low Donors needed to help alleviate …

WEBTolli Willhite, as she has done for three decades, rolled up her sleeve Friday morning to donate a pint of blood. “There’s a national blood shortage, particularly in our region,” she said. “And I carry a somewhat rare blood type, so I think it’s my responsibility to be here.” Willhite, who has type A negative […]

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Panhandle Health Should Resist Loosening of its COVID-19 Mask …

WEBAccording to a recent report in the Coeur d’Alene Press, Senator Mary Souza wrote a letter to the Panhandle Health District that called for the loosening of its COVID-19 mask mandate. The letter was co-signed by Souza’s fellow Republican lawmakers Senators Steve Vick, Don Cheatham, & Carl Crabtree, and Representatives Ron Mendive, Tim …

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Medicaid: Hands Off Our Healthcare

WEBDear supporters of Reclaim Idaho, Last month, Governor Little included in his budget proposal $118 million in “Medicaid cost containment.” Let’s be clear: These are cuts to Medicaid, and there’s no good reason for these cuts–especially not during a pandemic. Here’s my op-ed published in last Sunday’s Post Register. Hands Off Our Healthcare It …

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Where to get Covid-19 Testing

WEBMany testing locations require a provider referral, but those without a provider can call PHD’s hotline (877415-5225 9 a.m.-noon/1-4 p.m. M-F) to get a referral. Hoyer said due to the increased demand, tests and referrals will be prioritized. Kootenai Health offers testing seven days a week with a referral. Wait times may vary from one to

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Kootenai Health board OKs transition to nonprofit

WEBThe Kootenai Health board of trustees on Tuesday approved moving forward with a transition from the district hospital structure to a nonprofit status. The vote was 6-1, with Steve Matheson providing the dissenting vote. Katie Brodie, Kootenai Health board of trustees chair, said the change will give Kootenai Health the advantages of a …

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Kc Dem Club on-line: Hospital Operations and Future Growth

WEBThis Friday, we will receive an update on the oversight and operation of Kootenai Health, i.e., our county hospital. To guide this discussion, we welcome Kootenai Health’s CEO, Jon Ness, and the Chief Physician Executive, Dr. Karen Cabell.

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KC Dem Club on-line: Dr Robt MCFarland–OBGYN services in ID

WEBThe Dobb’s Decision overturning Roe v Wade and Idaho’s subsequent law criminalizing abortion for a person who performs them, is putting hospitals in Idaho under pressure. The fact is abortion related services are often required to address health emergencies resulting from problematic pregnancies. Yet, doctors and nurses working in …

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Urban Renewal Districts and the Creation of the Health District

WEBBackground and Full Disclosure I am a Coeur d’Alene City Council member and currently serve on the ignite cda board. These are the two governing bodies that created the new Health Corridor urban renewal district late last year. I was also the Kootenai County Clerk-Auditor for 15+ years and have served in various local elected […]

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SPAN of N ID: Suicide Prevention and Awareness Walk–Virtual

WEBThe annual “Break the Silence” suicide awareness and prevention walk is virtual this year. Due to Covid-19, the original public walk was cancelled. The virtual walk was rescheduled for this Sunday, October 10th. This new date coincides with World Mental Health Day. The KC Dems have proudly sponsored this community event since 2018 …

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Bringing Community Together

WEBThe Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber, in collaboration with North Idaho College and Kootenai Health, has scheduled a series of free quarterly public forums. The forums are aimed at bringing the North Idaho community together for discussions on topics affecting the region. “In a time when open dialogue and community engagement are …

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Letters and Opinions

WEBRegan and the IFF insult and undermine voters. Wow, Brent Regan has managed to insult everyone in Coeur d’Alene and, more generally, in Kootenai County. I am addressing his "Opinion: For the kids" screed from April 14. First, he insulted the “Doe” family, who he suggested was a typical Coeur d’Alene middle-class

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Medicaid Expansion Good for Idaho

WEBMedical bankruptcy is a uniquely American medical problem, as is affordable health care for over 60,000 Idahoans. Idaho taxpayers are currently paying for Medicaid expansion in 33 states, but we do not benefit from this program.

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Suicide Prevention Awareness Network – Break the Silence Walk

WEBThe Break the Silence walk is Saturday, September 10th at Riverstone Park in Coeur d’Alene . The walk around the park trail starts at 10 am and ends near the park pavilion. Check in and registration begins at 8:30 am. If you can, please pre-register. Event T-shirts will be available for purchase for $30.

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KC DEM Club: Mental Health Court with Mary Wolfinger

WEBChronic addictive behavior often takes years to correct and a lifetime to manage. To make matters worse, addiction is often a means for dealing with underlying mental health conditions. Moreover, if addicts fail to get help with their mental health problems, they are unlikely to succeed in maintaining a persistent recovery routine. A …

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Democratic Club-Idaho Suicide Prevention Network

WEBThis Friday, the Democratic Club is happy to have Lora Whalen joining us. Lora is the Director of Panhandle Health District. She will be introducing us to SPAN Idaho-the Suicide Prevention Action Network of Idaho. She will be sharing the purpose and function of the Idaho suicide prevention network.

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New Veterans' Home in Post Falls Opens

WEBThe North Idaho State Veterans Home was unveiled in Post Falls on Friday, 23 years after local veterans began working to bring to the region a nursing facility for men and women who have served the nation. More than 300 people, including Gov. Brad Little, former Gov. Butch Otter, Post Falls Mayor Ron Jacobson, local veterans group

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Let's Walk About It-5k SPAN Event

WEBFor the sixth year in a row, Kootenai Democrats are proud to support the Suicide Prevention Action Network of North Idaho’s annual 5k walk. On September 9th at 10 a.m. at Riverstone Park, join neighbors and friends from across North Idaho as we remember those who we have lost, and strengthen our resolve to support people in crisis.

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Support Open Primaries and Rank-Choice Voting

WEBElections are the foundation of American representative government. Bad elections result in bad government. Unfortunately, Idaho’s political parties have gained too much control over our elections, deciding who is on the ballot and who can vote. As a result, Idaho’s taxpayer funded elections are among America’s least competitive. Fifty out of …

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Join the Party of Common Sense

WEBHouse Minority Leader Ilana Rubel of Boise has an invitation for those who are fed up with right-wing politics, or the continued divisions within the Republican Party. “Join the Idaho Democratic Party,” she says. “We are the party of common sense. The goal of our leadership is to be the adults in the room.” Well […]

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