The board of trustees for Syringa Hospital convened on December 17, 2023, to discuss strategies aimed at enhancing community health awareness and improving the visibility of healthcare providers. The meeting, held in Grangeville, featured presentations from key personnel, including Community Relations and Marketing Coordinator Hannah Seitz, who outlined several initiatives to bolster the hospital’s reputation and service offerings.
One of the primary topics of discussion was the introduction of extended hours for the walk-in clinic, which Seitz emphasized as a vital service to inform the community about. She noted that increasing awareness of available services, such as wellness exams and weight loss consultations, is essential for attracting more patients.
Trustee Jim Paradiso raised a significant point regarding the need for geriatric-focused services, given the demographic composition of the area. “This may be something we want to implement,” he stated, highlighting the importance of tailored healthcare solutions for older residents. Despite the absence of a provider dedicated exclusively to geriatric care, Interim CEO Bruce Shepard assured that the clinic’s staff would continue to prioritize Medicare wellness exams, which serve as a comprehensive health assessment for eligible patients.
The Medicare wellness exam, also known as an Annual Wellness Visit (AWV), is designed to evaluate a patient’s overall health and establish a personalized prevention plan. Many insurance plans encourage their beneficiaries to take advantage of these preventive services. Paradiso emphasized the need for effective marketing efforts to clarify the significance of these exams, stating, “Plenty of my friends and I feel this is BS. We need some marketing on it — why is it good? Why is it important, needed?”
Another critical topic discussed was the community’s understanding of weight loss options and associated medications. Trustee Terri Tackett pointed out that there is a gap in education regarding the side effects of weight loss medications, suggesting that many individuals seek information from social media rather than consulting healthcare professionals. Seitz responded by highlighting provider Nathan Winder‘s expertise in this area, noting that he plays a key role in guiding patients before they consider surgical options.
“Dr. Smith and PA-C Winder work very well together,” said Michelle Schaeffer, Chief Operating Officer. She explained that while Winder has a particular interest in weight management, all providers at the clinic share the same resources to support their patients’ health journeys. Schaeffer added that Winder’s approach is multifaceted, examining not only traditional weight loss methods but also the impact of medications on patients’ weight.
As the board wrapped up its discussions, it became clear that enhancing community trust and education about available health services remains a priority. The board’s commitment to these initiatives reflects a broader goal of improving health outcomes and fostering a proactive approach to community wellness.
