The Coalition for Orcas Healthcare announced its second Town Hall Meeting will be held on Monday, Dec. 18, from 5:30- 7 p.m. , in the Orcas school cafeteria. Residents are invited to hear more information and voice questions about the proposed Public Hospital District (PHD). The focus of this meeting will be how a PHD functions in a rural community like Orcas. The following presenters will share their experiences and answer questions:

Ben Lindekugel – executive director of Association of Washington Public Hospital Districts. Lindekugel will explain how PHDs work in Washington and how they can support health care services in rural communities.

Christa Campbell – PHD commissioner, Lopez Island. Last April, Lopez residents voted to create a hospital district. Campbell will explain what it’s like to start a new PHD and what it can mean for their community.

Sandy Robertson – superintendent of Mason County PHD no. 2. Robertson will speak about how her district works, her role as superintendent, and the benefits and challenges of a rural PHD that has no hospital.

Future Town Hall Meetings will be as follows:

Wednesday, Jan. 24 — Financial and Economic Implications of a PHD

February (date to be announced) — first PHD Commissioner Candidates’ Forum

Wednesday, March 14 — second PHD Commissioner Candidates’ Forum

The Coalition hopes for a large attendance and asks readers to spread the word to neighbors and friends. For more information, visit https://www.coalitionfororcashealthcare.com.