Bernard J. Birnbaum |
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Why are you running for the Health
District board of directors? It has been an honor to serve as a board member for the last 4 years. I want to continue to serve to the district for 4 more years and work tirelessly to improve the health of our community. Service on the Health District board offers the opportunity to step outside of the medical office and work on improving the health of the public at large. What special skills or qualifications will you bring to the board? I am a family physician who practices and teaches at the family medicine residency at Poudre Valley Hospital. I’ve worked with the Indian Health Service and have a solid understanding of public health and the healthcare needs of underserved populations. I have a strong interest in teen health issues and mental health, and believe that I have broad exposure to the health needs of the district population. What do you hope to accomplish? I hope to continue to assist the Health District staff to define strategic objectives and concrete actions that will improve the health of our community. I’d like to see the Health District continue to focus on access to care, especially primary care services and mental healthcare. In addition, I’d like to see the district continue its role in bringing community organizations together to foster creative health solutions. Finally, I’d like to see the district expand its involvement in care management for people with complex illness and chronic disease. What is the most pressing health-related issue facing our community? Access to affordable primary care due to underinsurance still tops the list. Costs continue to escalate, and our community members will need help finding solutions to their health problems. The burden of chronic illness continues to plague us and the Health District is poised to help the community identify best practices to address these issues. |
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