The ‘transfer of assets’ proposal put forth by Three Rivers Health was the focus of attention during the Three Rivers Lions Club meeting Tuesday evening (October 25th).
Bill Russell, President and CEO of Three Rivers Health, was the featured speaker and presented information about the issue that will be on the ballot November 8th in the City of Three Rivers and the townships of Constantine, Fabius, Lockport and Park.
Russell explained that the proposal – if approved by voters – would authorize the transfer of assets and liabilities of Three Rivers Health from the current Authority under Act 47 to a 501(c)(3) status.
Bill Russell, President & CEO of Three Rivers Health, discussed the 'transfer of assets' proposal that will be on the ballot November 8th as the featured speaker for the Three Rivers Lions Club's October 25th meeting.
Russell indicated that the current status under Act 47 creates barriers and limitations in handling the hospital’s current economic situation and goals. These goals include creating a better tax environment for the community, creating a system where more tax dollars go into health care and not into loan interest to big banks, maintaining local control of health services, and expanding the availability of lending institutions that choose not to deal with hospitals organized under Act 47.
Russell explained that – with the enactment of the Affordable Care Act of 2010 – there will be accelerating changes to healthcare over the next ten years. He said it is difficult to say what those changes will be, but the governance structure of Three Rivers Health is convinced that – as a community-owned, not-for-profit organization – the hospital will be better prepared to respond than under the current Authority ownership.
Russell stressed that Three Rivers Health is fiscally competent, but needs to restructure its debt repayment situation to put more money into health services.
The club’s next regular meeting on November 8th will feature the ‘official visit’ by District Governor Jerry Pearson.
The Three Rivers Lions Club is always seeking new members. If you are interested, contact any Lions Club member.
Source: Story by Lion Doug Gross, photo by Lion Bruce Snook
