We’re writing to endorse EvergreenHealth’s proposed measure to increase levy funding that will help bring critical upgrades to our community’s health system.
As many of us have seen and read, EvergreenHealth is currently seeking a 20-year bond supported by residents of its hospital district to strengthen its Kirkland campus. As a community, we should vote yes to approve the measure in the April 23 special election.
We understand that one of the major areas the hospital seeks to improve is its facility safety in the event of a disaster like a major earthquake.
At Emerald Heights, where we have lived since 2011, we have a very comprehensive earthquake preparedness response plan that involves both the staff and residents working together to ensure that we’re ready when an earthquake occurs. Having a viable, nearby hospital that’s immediately ready to care for the community is an important part of our planning.
We’re lucky to have a resource like EvergreenHealth in our area that not only cares for us now, but that will also be here for us when we need emergency health care services the most. We think it’s important that we as a community continue to recognize the risks of a major disaster and do our part now, by supporting this initiative, to ensure that we can help each other stay safe in the future.
Gordon and Ellie Lindblom
Redmond
On April 23, our community will have the opportunity to vote on Proposition 1, a bond measure that will provide funding to EvergreenHealth for a brand-new Critical Care Unit (CCU), among many other important expansion projects. I’m voicing my strong support of this initiative based on my family’s exceptional experience with the CCU just last year.
My dear sister fell critically ill last year and spent 51 days in EvergreenHealth’s CCU. From the moment we arrived, I could tell she was in good hands. Her team of physicians, nurses and other providers were clearly dedicated to providing the best possible care. Beyond that, they also made sure to communicate with me regularly, updating me on my sister’s treatment at every step. What made the CCU team stand out was their ability to not only care for my sister, for but me as well, which speaks volumes about their commitment to inclusive, family centered care.
Supporting this initiative means that more families like mine will benefit from an updated critical care unit, relocated to EvergreenHealth’s Silver Tower, which is closer to other specialties, as well, allowing providers to collaborate more efficiently. EvergreenHealth’s plans for the unit also include new state-of-the-art equipment and an updated design that helps families feel welcome and comfortable, just as I did.
The CCU will also be closer to other visitor amenities, like the café, parking garages and the main entrance— small changes that can make a large impact on families and friends visiting their loved ones.
I am so thankful for the care my sister received in her time of need, and EverHealthy will ensure that families like mine can continue to benefit from this extraordinary resource for years to come. I encourage my neighbors to vote yes alongside me on this bond measure.
Tamar Weitzel
Kirkland
