Candidate for
Director; Petaluma Health Care District

As a 27-year resident I have witnessed the opportunities and challenges provided by growth in Southern Sonoma County. Health care is in a period of alarming change.

For example, HMO changes are, at the very least confusing to insureds and providers. Physicians are leaving the area or retiring in high numbers. We need a solid base of primary care and specialty physicians to have a healthy community.

Sky-rocketing housing costs leave too many with fewer dollars for health and nutritional needs. Drug, alcohol and tobacco use among teens is still far too high. And I believe the district can do more to coordinate services for Seniors, the fastest-growing segment of our population.

I fully understand that families are only as healthy as their individual members, and communities only as healthy as their families. We are a diverse community and I view that as a great strength.

The residents of South County are fortunate to have a current Board and staff that have worked energetically to create a strategic plan to ensure orderly direction in increasing individual, family and community health.

I have the time, energy and commitment to see that the strategies are implemented and that needs are being continually reassessed.