We are fortunate to live in a rural community that has a hospital; many rural residents must travel long distances for health care. Dr. Emil E. Johnson opened the first hospital in Cortez in 1914 on the site that is now the Turquoise Western Hotel. In 1945, residents realized a new facility was needed. The Lions Club spearheaded fundraising, collecting enough money by 1948 to build a new hospital located in the old Johnson Building on South Broadway. Over the years, our community has supported the hospital, voting to spend taxpayer dollars on a new building situated on a larger campus and most recently on a remodel and the addition of a new professional office building adjacent to the hospital. This community has understood the importance of having health care close to home, and having a hospital in Montezuma County has been a source of pride.
In recent years, we have seen our hospital experience financial difficulties that nearly led to the closure of the Family Birthing Center. However, the Southwest Health System staff, community and board members united to prevent this from happening. Community support of our hospital is vital if we are to continue to have this facility in Montezuma County.
One way of supporting the hospital is serving on the board. Did you know Southwest Memorial is administered by two boards? The Montezuma County Hospital District Board – MCHD – oversees the physical facilities, serving as the landlord for the hospital, medical professional building and the ambulance barn. Voters agreed to levy a property and sales tax on themselves to support the hospital, and the MCHD board oversees how these funds are expended. Look at your property tax statement; your share is reflected in the Montezuma County Hospital District line item.
The Southwest Health Systems Board – SHS – is responsible for the management of the hospital. This board hires the hospital administrator and management company that provides professional and support services to the hospital. It also approves the budget, oversees financials, and develops policies to ensure the hospital provides quality health care, and recruits and retains health care professionals to provide that care.
Successful organizations need good boards. Both hospital boards are volunteer boards that rely on community members willing to give of their time and expertise to ensure health care remains local. In the past, both boards have struggled to recruit members. Looking ahead, three members of the SHS board will be retiring at the end of the year. Openings for these board positions will be announced in the newspaper and on the SHS website https://www.swhealth.org/about-us/boards/ along with information about the application process. Apply online by Oct. 2 at https://forms.office.com/r/7MG8T5pbbQ. If you have questions, contact Bridgett Jabour at 564-2483.
Never served on a board? Begin by attending some meetings. They are open to the public, and public attendance and interest are encouraged. The MCHD board meets the second Wednesday of each month 6-8 p.m. in the EMS Training Room behind the hospital on Cottonwood Street. The SHS board meets the last Wednesday of each month, 5-7 p.m. in the Kiva Room, above the reception area at the hospital. Board service is not for everyone, but you may have the passion, skills and interest that would make you the perfect candidate.
Friends of SW Memorial Hospital: Kent Aikin, M.D.; Doug Bagge, M.D.; Tom Buffalo; Brian Demby, M.D.; Karla Demby, M.D.; Mary Dodd; Eleanor Emery, M.D.; Chuck McAfee; MB McAfee; Abby Nuetzel; Robin Richard, M.D. and Karen Sheek
Cortez
