’s
April 1, 2016 edition
The Pulse
Your regular check up on SCKMC activities Share your thoughts, story ideas, and comments by e-mail to claytonp@sckrmc.org.
A Cent Makes Sense A closer look at the SCKMC sales tax initiative – Part 1 Over the next several editions we will be answering some of the most common questions related to a ten-year, one percent sales tax for SCKMC. The tax will be voted on by the citizens of Arkansas City by mail-in ballot this May. How Bad Is It? SCKMC has operated at a loss since 2011 and ended 2015 with a loss of $1.5 million. South Central Kansas Clinic ended 2015 with a loss of $400,000, giving the total organization an unaudited loss of $1.9 million. In addition we owe $1.9 million in accounts payable to our business partners. Should SCKMC remain status quo, the facility is projected to have additional losses each year reaching a $3.9 million annual loss by 2020. SCKMC staff are currently investigating all possibilities for reducing expenses and generating revenue, and expect to break even as early as 2017 by focusing on a strategic plan that centers around improved patient experiences, physician recruitment and expansion of specialty healthcare programs. Initially SCKMC will lower expenses through cost reduction measures estimated at an annual savings of over $750,000, many of which have already been enacted. In addition, the hospital will focus on completing two Federal designation programs (340B retail pharmacy & rural health clinic status) when combined are estimated to generate approximately $800,000 in additional revenues annually. The medical center will also develop the full-time family medicine practice of recent recruit Dr. Willie Posey II, and actively work to expand local orthopedic services. The growth of these two programs are estimated to net a combined $1.5 million in additional revenue for SCKMC. And while all of these items are important steps, they alone will not be enough to support the hospital and the bond payment debt for the long-term. Which is why the 1% sales tax is critical for longterm success. For more information about SCKMC's sales tax initiative visit us online at www.sckmc.org, e-mail us at salestax@sckrmc.org, or call us at (620) 441-5920.
The Pharm Forum with Homer Mah, D.Ph. Rhinocort Allergy Spray (budesonide) joins a growing list of OTC nasal steroids including Flonase and Nasacort. If symptoms are severe or persistent, a nasal steroid is effective in relieving symptoms. It can take about one week for nasal steroids to become effective, so use these nasal sprays daily not as needed. If the nasal spray is not enough, adding an oral histamine may be worth a try.
SCKMC Receives Donations SCKMC’s current financial situation has prompted several donations recently. Local businesses including LG Pike Construction, RCB Bank, Union State Bank, Rogers Family Dentistry and Ark City Industries, contributed to the total of $40,000 for the recruitment of new physician Dr. Willie Posey. The SCKMC Auxiliary purchased a commercial-grade lawn mower to allow hospital maintenance staff to provide the facility’s lawn care. In addition, several individual donations have been received for a variety of purposes including patient linens, general operations, and expenses related to the ongoing onepercent sales tax campaign. “We have had an overwhelming show of support from staff, the community, and local businesses. The commitment is amazing to me. The community is rallying behind this hospital and we are so grateful for what everyone has done and what they will continue to do for this organization,” said Holly Harper, SCKMC’s Chief Financial Officer. Individuals interested in contributing to SCKMC may contact hospital CEO Virgil Watson, or any member of the administrative team. Donations may also be made online at www.sckmc.org or through the Arkansas City Community Health Fund of the Legacy Regional Community Foundation. SCKMC is a not-for-profit organization, gifts are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. (Pictured) The SCKMC Auxiliary raise funds for the hospital during their annual Good Friday bake sale.
April Employee of the Month Congratulations Brigitte Denholm, Cook for the Nutritional Services department, for being named the SCKMC Exceptional Service Award winner for April. Brigitte was nominated by her department manager for her wonderful attitude and always willing to cover any position within the department at any time. Brigitte (pictured right) was presented with a certificate of appreciation by Dietary Manager Christine Hamm. Brigitte will also have a special parking spot reserved for her.
If you are a registered voter who lives within the city limits of Arkansas City, you will receive a mail ballot around May 4. It will ask the following question: Shall the City of Arkansas City be authorized to impose a one-percent (1%) Citywide retailers’ special-purpose sales tax (the “SCKMC Sales Tax”), the proceeds of which will be applied only for payment of debt service previously incurred to construct and equip South Central Kansas Medical Center (“SCKMC”), to commence on October 1, 2016, and expiring ten (10) years after its commencement? If you do not want to see a reduction or elimination of local healthcare services, along with your property taxes increased, please vote YES to this one-cent, 10-year sales tax and return your ballot to the Cowley County Clerk’s Office in Winfield by May 24.
How much is 1%? The median household income in Ark City is $37,139 with annual taxable purchases averaging $8,231. One-percent of those taxable purchases is $82 per year, or $6.84 per month. That equates to an increase for the majority of Arkansas City HOUSEHOLDS of approximately
23¢ A DAY PER FAMILY
Give the Gift of Health Only twenty-three cents per day to support healthcare services locally and prevent an increase in property tax.
Vote to Support Our Local Hospital And to Prevent Higher Property Taxes!
We are 6401 Patterson Parkway, Arkansas City 6401 Patterson Parkway, Arkansas City
www.sckmc.org
(620) 442-2500