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Healthcare Issues: Palliative Care in Whatcom County

In April, Donna Inglis, Leslie Clements, and Amber Asbjornsen from PeaceHealth updated the Healthcare Issues Team about palliative care services at PeaceHealth.  Leslie Clement, System Director of the Palliative Care at PeaceHealth, informed us that the palliative care program in Whatcom County served 482 patients during 2024. 

She reported that the purpose of palliative care is to manage the chronic disease process better, enabling patients to live their life aligned with their goals for quality of life.  She noted that palliative care also decreased emergency department visits and hospitalizations, benefiting both patients and the healthcare system.  She presented strong arguments for the value of palliative care, answered questions about the sustainability of palliative care in our area, and much more.  Watch a recording of the presentation for more information.  It is posted on the LWVBWC website under the tab, Our Work/Healthcare.

Also in April, a group of Healthcare members met with Sarah Simpson, Whatcom County Health and Community Services, for an update on the Healthy Children's Fund.  She shared her slides with us.  For a copy of the slides please send a request to healthcare@lwvbellinghamwhatcom.org.

The next meeting of the Healthcare Issues Team will be May 19th from 9 am to 10:30 am on Zoom.  Important: Please note the time change. 

Jon Scalon, Whatcom County Council member, will bring us up to date on the changes being considered for the composition of the County Board of Health. 

Currently, the Board of Health is composed of the members of the County Council.  In addition, there also is a Public Health Advisory Board which has 21 members; one member from the County Council, one Public Health Officer, as well as persons with public health expertise, consumers of public health services, and persons with lived experience.  He and Carol Frazey, a former Council member, will provide information about the pros and cons of changes.  Bring your questions! 

As always, we welcome your suggestions for topics and/or speakers.