Update: On the Chatham Health District Meeting

Last Night, Thursday Sept 15th, a meeting was held at the Killingworth Firehouse to educate the taxpayers of Killingworth on the purpose, goals, and functionality of a "Health District."  To comply with State regulations townspeople are going to be asked to vote on choosing a Town Medical Director vs. joining a Health District by year's end.  The Board of Selectman outlined a list of topics for the Chatham Health District to expand on during last night’s educational session, which they failed to do properly.  (To see the topics visit my site www.yazmer2011.weebly.com under archives select BOS minutes June 13, 2011).

Unfortunately, we were not given a complete list of services provided by the Chatham Health District and their associated cost.  Instead we were provided an interpretation of what was needed with some costs considered "unknown."  The information provided does not let us make an educated decision on the financial & service line benefit of selecting a Health District over a Medical director (our present system).  An ROI outlining services needed and their costs comparing the two systems needs to be presented to the community. 

If Killingworth joins the Health District it will be a two year commitment.  If the health district added new towns to the program how will they ramp up the staff to service all the towns while deferring cost?  Why are we not considering utilizing a Medical Director again as we have done in the past.  On average do more towns join a Health District or employ their own Medical Director?

As our taxes continue to escalate we need to be more prudent on how our money is spent.  A better understanding of both of our options is required before we are asked to vote on this.