Letters from the community

Our family has lived in Goldendale for more than 40 years and has always believed in being part of the community. We are happy to have such a nice hospital and health care facility here and have used their services many times for general health care as well as some emergency situations. On a few occasions where more advanced care was required, it was handled quickly and with great care by either ambulance or flight.

“For No Reason At All” I particularly found offensive.

I am disappointed that our state senator [Curtis King] has seen fit to endorse this [Death with Dignity] bill.

I think the city of Goldendale needs to rethink supporting burnouts in our park. Next year don’t issue a permit to

The 15-day waiting period is there to allow people to seriously consider this decision, not making it during a low point of life—or before hospice options can be embraced. If you know someone dealing with the diagnosis of a terminal condition, I urge you to explore the hospice option. It is the best way to proceed for all concerned.

I contacted the bank for an explanation. The answer was essentially that “we wouldn’t do that.” Then why is it in your documents, I asked. The answer was to send me up the chain of command. The second person gave the same answer as the first and then was to have me con-

Some important changes are needed in the facility. We now have three surgeons: a general surgeon, an orthopedic surgeon, and a podiatrist. Our surgery unit that was built in 1949 is much too small and needs upgrading to accommodate the surgeons and patients in a safer environment.

Also needed is a short-term care unit for those needing a few extra days of hospital care.

Also needed is a long-term care unit. This would allow extra care for that loved one who would otherwise need to be farther away since nothing is available here.

I do believe in our hospital and feel the upgrades would be a huge improvement for our thriving community.

Ken Margraf Goldendale

tially more, here in Goldendale at a time when Yakima and The Dalles are seeing medical facility closures requiring attention in Portland, Seattle, or Spokane.

Our community has an aging population requiring significant care, yet facilities to extensively care for our community and family members are grossly limited. Factor in inclement weather, fuel costs, and lodging costs when traveling to visit these family members; this is both disheartening and staggering. A vote of Yes on our forthcoming hospital bond will ameliorate this and give heart and peace of mind to those with family and community members in this situation. Additionally, the expansion of care and surgical services will flourish and attract additional physicians and nurses to practice within KVH. An expansion and upgrade of existing services not only attracts potential permanent non-traveling staff but increases the safety and efficacy of care and services provided to loved ones.

Darrell Watson Goldendale

Aren’t you fortunate

You’re having chest pain...

You’ve been injured in a car accident...

Your child has an extreme fever...

You’re having trouble breathing... Your parent fell and broke an arm...

Aren’t you fortunate! Klickitat Valley Health is close by!

I am voting to support our community hospital because I could be next. Or you could.

Vote yes on April 25!

Sally Ojala Goldendale

Malinda Reno Goldendale

More can be done

In a time where corporate mismanagement and greed are creating closures and losses in community healthcare, is it not comforting to know that your local Public Hospital District endures and continues to serve? Imagine, a local hometown hospital that offers the services of a general surgeon, an orthopedic surgeon, and podiatric surgeon with extensive experience and care in diabetic wound management continuing to serve and thrive. Imagine, the passing of our hospital bond on April 25 and seeing an expansion of these same services, and poten-

Guidelines for Letters

As a Certified Surgical Technologist and Medical Assistant Certified, I have personally experienced trying to establish the transport and care of patients in critical need while staffing our KVH emergency room. Our current situation may require that we care for a critical patient in our emergency room for several days, sometimes longer, before a bed is available in a qualified facility, often in Seattle or in Idaho. A vote of Yes on April 25 will significantly reduce this, allowing for exceptional and continued care to be bestowed upon our patients and community.

This is your hospital. Join me and make it happen by voting Yes on the hospital bond on April 25.

Brian K. Paul Goldendale

Letters to the editor should be original and comment on an issue. Deadline for letters is noon Monday for the same week’s paper.

Requests to keep letters exactly as they were written when published cannot be honored. All letters are subject to editing for grammar, spelling, clarity, and/or brevity. There is a suggested length limit of about 300 words, though more may be allowed if there are fewer letters.

Unsigned letters (including anonymity requests), letters with fictitious signatures, letters with multiple signatures, or letters to public officials are not accepted.

Please keep the tone of letters free of rants, wild speculation, unsubstantiated claims, or pointedly personal comments. Letters that go overboard in these directions may be refused publication.

Writers must include name, city/town of residence, and phone number for verification purposes. (Street address is not required, only city or town.)