As December 31 draws near, we often reflect on significant events to define the year. In 2020, many things have been unprecedented, but expressing gratitude remains essential and important. COVID-19 took center stage early this year and has not yielded its grip. However, it has not diminished our spirit.
As health care organizations, we have witnessed inspiring levels of compassion and bravery. We’ve also seen actions -- and reactions -- that cause us great concern. We want to recognize those who have continued to dedicate themselves to taking care of others, often making difficult and, at times, controversial decisions.
Our elected and appointed officials, including mayors, county commissioners, school district trustees, and public health officials, as well as business and public health leaders, educators, and others, have strived to implement measures that serve the health, safety, and welfare of our communities. They have had to learn about infectious disease overnight, balancing many factors, including the local economy, public health, education, and the consequences of inaction, to name a few. None of these decisions are clear cut.
These decisions would be difficult even in the best of circumstances. Still, many of our local public officials have faced the added stress of concern for their families’ safety. The threats and intimidation they receive daily by letter, email, phone, social media, and in-person before and during their public meetings, and sometimes at their own homes, must be painfully difficult to endure. They did not and should not expect to face such extreme personal threats. We thank them for their efforts to help keep Idahoans safe in this time of crisis. Their dedication and commitment in the face of such adversity is inspiring.
We want to build on the good and vital work so many across our state have accomplished.
Businesses large and small have innovated in so many ways; investing in safety protocols while their revenue declined; establishing new remote work environments, creating new avenues for patrons to buy essentials, entertainment, and exercise. We applaud the businesses who have implemented changes to protect the health of their employees and customers.
Our non-profits have seen larger numbers of people who need assistance. They have found new ways to provide their services and have given extra hours, often volunteering their time.
Educators have found new ways to teach and connect with our children, providing them with knowledge and ways to cope with a strange new reality.
As we look ahead to 2021, we are filled with optimism. While our optimism, indeed, is bolstered by the promise of vaccines to help us return to a more familiar way of life, it is truly fueled by the spirit demonstrated by our leaders, our businesses, and our community partners who do so much to help others.
A great deal of work lies ahead in the coming days, weeks, and months. As healthcare organizations, we are here for you. We will continue to do everything in our power to care for you, to inform you, and to advocate for you.
With gratitude,
Corey Chiaramonte Andrew P. Wilper, MD, MPH
Emergency Management Specialist Chief of Staff
Boise VA Medical Center Boise VA Medical Center
David Wood, MHA, FACHE Charles M. Davis, MD
Medical Center Director Associate Chief of Staff
Boise VA Medical Center Boise VA Medical Center
Tom Reinhardt Kevan Finley, LCPC, MS, MBA
Chief Executive Officer Chief Executive Officer
Cascade Medical Center Cottonwood Creek Behavioral Hospital
Brian Whitlock Micky Moyers, MBA, MHA
President & Chief Executive Officer Chief Executive Officer
Idaho Hospital Association Intermountain Hospital
J’Dee Adams David L. Peterman, MD
Chief Executive Officer Chief Executive Officer
North Canyon Medical Center Primary Health Medical Group
Odette Bolano, FACHE, MHA, BSN Steven F. Nemerson, MD, MSE, MBA
President & Chief Executive Officer Chief Clinical Officer
Saint Alphonsus Health System Saint Alphonsus Health System
John R. Kaiser, MD Chris Roth
Vice President & Chief Medical Officer President & Chief Executive Officer
Saltzer Health St. Luke’s Health System
Jim Souza, MD David C. Pate, MD, JD
Chief Medical Officer President & Chief Executive Officer (retired)
St. Luke’s Health System St. Luke’s Health System
Brad Turpen, FACHE, FACMPE William Vetter, MD
Chief Executive Officer Executive Director, Physician Services
Valor Health Valor Health
Ryan Zumalt Steven D. Hale, FACHE
Chief Executive Officer Chief Executive Officer
Vibra Hospital Weiser Memorial Hospital
Betsy Hunsicker
Chief Executive Officer
West Valley Medical Center