March 8th, 2018

To all Hospital District constituents,

At the Friend Community Healthcare System (FCHS) Board of Directors’ meeting in January, the Board unanimously voted to approve a resolution to place a bond issue on the May 2018 ballot.

Near the end of 2016, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services conducted a site survey of FCHS. The site survey included a building inspection by the Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s office. In order to continue operating, the Fire Marshal is requiring FCHS to replace the outdated generator and rewire most of the hospital to bring wiring and conduits into code compliance by January 2019. If this work is not completed by then, the hospital will be forced to close.

As most of you are also aware, the hospital has been struggling financially for some time. Increased support and utilization of FCHS services from community members like you have improved the hospital’s outlook. Despite these recent increases in use by the community and the Board’s efforts to save funds for this project, a bond is the only way to complete a project of this size in the time granted to us by the State Fire Marshall and CMS. The estimated cost of this project is at least $600,000. To cover any potential unforeseen costs that might arise during the project, the Board’s resolution authorizes a bond request of up to $800,000.

Ameritas Investment Corp. has been working with us in providing information regarding how this bond would affect our community. Initial discussions by the District Board have led to us working towards not increasing our levy and paying for this bond with tax monies we currently receive, thus minimizing any tax increase on the district constituents.  Exact numbers cannot be confirmed until the bond issue is passed.

Completion of this project does not necessarily save the hospital from other financial struggles. However, without this work, we will not have the opportunity to continue pursuing viable healthcare options for our community. Closure of FCHS severely limits the availability of emergency medical care in Friend and the surrounding community. Although the Friend Rescue Squad would continue responding to emergency calls, the nearest emergency room could be upwards of 30 miles away and helicopter services will no longer be available.

FCHS provides a valuable service for our community and we ask you vote YES on the bond issue when you submit your May 2018 ballot.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the bond proposal, please feel free to contact the Board by emailing FCHSBoard@friendmed.org or attend our regular monthly meeting. The Board meets on the last Tuesday of each month at 6:45 p.m. in the FCHS board room.  We are also planning on having a community meeting to answer any questions you may have regarding the bond.  Stay tuned for a date and time to be announced.

You can also help the hospital by taking advantage of the many services offered by FCHS. Providers at FCHS offer a series of outpatient and inpatient procedures, allowing you to recover close to home. The Zimmer Medical Clinic also offers general preventative care services, as well as specialty clinics in areas such as dermatology, psychiatry, surgery, orthopedics and pain management. Make your appointment today to visit a provider, or request that your lab, x-ray, and other ancillary services be performed at FCHS.

We also encourage you to contact the FCHS main office at (402) 947-2541 to speak to an FCHS Foundation member for information regarding how a tax-deductible donation can be used to bring the hospital up to code and keep critical healthcare in our community.

Thank you for your continued support! 

Sincerely,
Friend Community Healthcare System Board of Directors