More than 50 Orcas Islanders attended the 2009 annual meeting of the Orcas Island Medical Center Association (OIMCA), held in the Madrona Room of Orcas Center on Thursday, April 30. The meeting included news of Orcas Medical Center’s latest developments, H1N1 flu precautions from Dr. Anthony Giefer, and music by Martin Lund and Bruce Russell.
Treasurer David Sarver reported on financial matters, and he noted that a small number of OIMCA special donors have given hundreds of thousands of dollars each year, in recent years, to provide essential support for the Orcas Medical Center practice.
OIMCA Board Member and “Chief Fundraiser” Gene Flath then reported that, like rural and family medical practices throughout the country, Orcas Medical Center will not likely become financially self-sustaining in the near future, due to inadequate insurance reimbursements and the growing complexity of family medical practice today, which involves billing to dozens of insurance plans.
Flath pointed out that OIMCA has supported quality medical care on-island since the organization was founded 52 years ago and that memberships, special donations and special-project funding will continue to be part of OIMCA’s role. In fact, Flath said that the organization wants to significantly expand its membership and fundraising base.
OIMCA President Leslie Murdock called attention to OIMCA’s Under and Uninsured Program, which provides medical care to those who might not otherwise be able to afford it. She also mentioned the Urgent RX program through Ray’s Pharmacy, spearheaded by the Medical Center to help patients of all three major Orcas practices, if they need funding to get started with their prescription medicines.
Murdock announced that the OIMCA Board had decided to use the trade name of “Orcas Medical Center Foundation” or simply “OMC Foundation” going forward, to stress the 501 (c)(3) nature of the organization. Ed Wilson, a marketing professional and former OIMCA board member, presented a new website for Orcas Medical Center and OIMCA at www.orcasmedicalcenter.com.
Dr. Anthony Giefer, Medical Director, provided remarks about the practice and its reliance upon the OIMCA and its members for ongoing support. He also responded to several questions from attendees about the swine flu epidemic.
Outgoing Board members Barbara Bedell and Gene Flath were recognized and acknowledged for their hard work over the years. New Board Members Diane Jarecki and Tom Ritter were elected to first terms, and Art Lange to a second term.
