Health Care Session Opens Class' Eyes 

APRIL 2007 -- Health Care continues to be a topic that impacts each and every one of us, and each year Leadership Stockton takes a look at the challenges and successes in health care throughout San Joaquin County.

The day began at San Joaquin General Hospital with opening remarks from San Joaquin County Supervisor Larry Ruhstaller and Chamber CEO Doug Wilhoit. They were followed by Ken Cohen, Director of San Joaquin County Health Care Services who provided the class with an overview of the San Joaquin health care system and explained the various type of insurance coverage.

Continuing with the subject of insurance was Charlynn  Harless Chamber President, Leadership Stockton alumnus (1984) and owner of Legacy Enterprises Insurance Services, our sponsor. Harless discussed her views on the insurance industry and the challenges facing all of us in relation to medical insurance.

Charlynn was followed by Bill Mitchell who is the Director of San Joaquin County Public Health. Mitchell spoke about the mission and duties of Public Health and covered two often discussed topics in Health Care -- Avian “Bird” Flu and West Nile Virus.

Following lunch, the class walked to the site of the new Health Plan of San Joaquin building. There the class was greeted by John Hackworth, CEO of the organization. Hackworth explained to the class what Health Plan of San Joaquin does, and how they do it. Following Dr. Hackworth’s overview of the organization, the class toured the facility located near Matthews Road.

From Health Plan, the class walked across the street to the Stockton Veterans Affairs Clinic where it was met by Robert Geldman, program manager for the clinic. Geldman discussed the role of the VA clinic and how it provides service to veterans from World War II thru the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Patiently waiting for our return to the hospital, was the team from St. Joseph’s Hospital including Jerri Randrup, Director, Marketing Communications, Policy & Advocacy Liaison; Candy Simbalenko, Manager, Community Health Outreach Programs; and Arline DelaCruz, Manager, Community Health Care Van Services. Randrup provided an overview of St. Joseph’s and how they are involved in the community and partner with public and non-profit entities to provide services to those in need. Simbalenko spoke about the new mobile mammography van and DelaCruz discussed the role of the Health Care van.

The day concluded with tours of the various departments within San Joaquin General Hospital including the Emergency Room and Neonatal Intensive Care.

This day would not have been possible without the help and coordination of Ken Cohen, whose efforts made the day a great success. Thanks Ken. Thanks also to all of our presenters, to Supervisor Ruhstaller and his Chief of Staff Stephen Reid (LS Class of 2000). And lastly, thanks to Charlynn Harless and Legacy Enterprises Insurance Services for their support of this session.

Visit us here next month as we recap the Economy Session. We are now taking applications for the 2007-2008 Leadership Stockton class.  For more information, visit www.leadershipstockton.com or call Wes Rhea at 547.2770.