Statement For · Unnamed committee
statement likely AIApproving this bond measure will ensure Newport Hospital District can continue providing safe, modern, and reliable healthcare services close to home. As a community, we need upgrades to meet our growing demands of healthcare. With this bond, the local dollars spent on healthcare will be put back into our community where they are needed. Without these improvements, patients may face delays in care and have more need to travel to Spokane and Coeur d’Alene for essential services. Expanding local capabilities helps keep families together and reduces the burden of travel during times of medical need. This measure prioritizes expansion of emergency department services, helping ensure shorter wait times, improved capacity, and high-quality care during urgent and life-threatening situations. It also strengthens physical and occupational therapy services, supporting recovery for patients of all ages, and improves access to visiting specialists so residents can receive advanced care locally. This bond is a responsible, long-term investment, both for community health and local economy. For every $1 spent by rural hospitals, an additional $2.30 is generated in local business activity. This bond will help recruit and retain healthcare professionals, support timely emergency care, and expand access to rehabilitation and specialty services. Without it, the district may rely more on uncertain state and federal funding with restrictive requirements that may not align with local needs and values. Supporting this bond means better care, closer to home, for Pend Oreille County–now and in the future. Taylor Stewart JoAnn Bell Kevin McNamee