Collaborative Breakfast draws dynamic group

FALLBROOK — The board of directors of the Fallbrook Healthcare District (FHD) held its annual Community Collaborative Breakfast on Saturday, March 1, in the board room of Fallbrook Public Utility District.

Fifty-four people representing 23 healthcare-concerned and -related agencies gathered for breakfast and a diverse program presentation.

At the event, updates were provided on the following topics.

Fallbrook Hospital

CEO Larry Payton provided a comprehensive update on Fallbrook Hospital, which he said is ranked number four out of the 138 hospitals managed by Community Health Systems (CHS) across the nation.

This is the tenth year of a 30-year lease CHS holds with Fallbrook Hospital.

Payton reported that in the area of orthopedic surgery joint replacement, Fallbrook Hospital is number one of three hospitals in San Diego to get a five-star rating.

The hospital currently has 47 beds for inpatient care and a 93-bed acute care Skilled Nursing Facility.

Fallbrook Healthcare District

President Dan Goldberg reviewed the standing committees of the board that include: Long Range Planning, Finance, Facility, Community Programs and Government and Public Relations.

Director Hollis Moyse reported that the financial standing of the district is strong and growing. Last year’s local agency investment fund (LAIF) account stood at $5.2 million and today is at $6.4 million in reserve funds.

Moyse went on to explain that the source of district revenues is property tax and the district is subject to actions of the state to meet its budgetary shortfall.

The district will closely monitor legislative actions and will define its budget considerations and determinations accordingly.

Director Gordon Tinker spoke of the need for the district to make itself and its work and purpose better known to the community.

A resolute effort will be made to bring information and understanding of FHD to the population through a speaker’s bureau and other communication methods.

Additionally important to the district is to gain input from the community on their needs and concerns in healthcare. A reminder was given that all meetings of the board are open to the public and there is a public comment segment offered at each.

Grants issued by FHD were discussed. Since the grant program began in 2000, 109 grants have been awarded to 34 organizations totaling $2.6 million.

It was announced that this year’s annual Health Fair will be held on Saturday, April 5, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fallbrook Community Center.

The event combines healthcare screenings, education, activities, entertainment and fun plus healthy refreshments at a completely free community event.

Myriam Padilla and John Lopez of the North Inland Community Prevention Program presented the energy drink educational campaign.

The goal of the campaign is to educate parents, educators and law enforcement agencies as well as the general population about the dangers of the content of energy drinks. Statistics are proving that their consumption, especially those drinks that have alcohol content, is increasing, especially among youth.

Lopez is the author of the recent informative articles in the Village News about energy drinks. The fourth article is in development as statistics of a survey of Fallbrook residents are being collected. The survey can be taken at http://www.nipcc.org.

This presentation was ranked number one in interest and value to the community in the completed evaluations of the breakfast.

ThinkFirst

ThinkFirst Program Coordinator Jennifer Seitel presented a screening of the organization’s teen video “My Story.”

The video is designed to show the impact on the life of a person injured in a preventable accident.

With Seitel were John Buchanan and Randy Meers of North County Fire Protection District and Brandon Petrucci and Joanie Sardi.

ThinkFirst also distributed more than 200 car seats at local elementary schools last month and provided educational information on their importance and proper use.

Before the conclusion of the meeting, it was mentioned that Paws in the Park, a fundraising event by the Fallbrook Healthcare Foundation, would be held this year on Saturday, April 19, at Live Oak Park.

The next Community Collaborative Breakfast will take place next January.

This event is co-sponsored by the Fallbrook Healthcare District and Fallbrook Hospital.