Healthcare Issues Team Event
Becca J Verda | Published on 11/13/2025
In October the Healthcare Issues Team met with James Hallett, a member of the EMS Oversight Board and Jody Engles, a Whatcom County District 7 (Ferndale) Community Paramedic. James Hallett began by providing a history of EMS services in the county and an explanation of how these services are funded. Jody Engels then described what she does as a community paramedic. Her job involves reviewing previous EMS calls to identify persons with additional needs or whose needs might be better met through a referral to other services. She then contacts the person to learn more about their situation and, if the person agrees, refers them to those services. If you missed the meeting, a recording is available on the LWVBWC website. Click on the Our Work tab and select Healthcare. Also on that page are links to information about CPT classes and the EMS website where there is information about community education services and resources.
Coming soon: Several Healthcare members have volunteered to observe healthcare related County and City Councils meetings. They will be reporting on their observations. If you are interested, they can always use help. “Many hands make light work.” Email healthcare@lwvbellinghamwhatcom.org for more information.
The next meeting of the Healthcare Issues Team will be Monday, November 17th, 10:00 to 11:30 am, on Zoom. Larry Wollencott from the Hearing Loss Association will meet with the Healthcare Issue Team to talk about the challenges faced by persons whose hearing is impaired. Hearing loss affects people of all ages and it is estimated that 65% of persons over 70 have some hearing loss. We have all been exposed to risks to our hearing from things such as concerts, loud power tools, or ear buds with the volume set too high. Come, learn more about hearing loss, and bring your questions.
In December, the Healthcare Issues Team (and anyone who is interested in healthcare issues) will meet in person at COF& to share friendship, camaraderie, and ideas. Save the date, Monday December 8th at 10 am. We will get a head start on the holidays.
As always, we welcome your suggestions for topics and/or speakers or anything else you want to share.
