Davis Health System CEO Vance Jackson speaks with Tucker County Commission members about recent changes at DirectCare of Parsons. Davis Medical System reduced hours at the facility recently, causing concern among residents of the county.
By Beth Christian Broschart
The Parsons Advocate
PARSONS – Vance Jackson, CEO of Davis Health System, talked with Tucker County Commission members Wednesday during their regular meeting. Jackson said he wanted to come because of questions about DirectCare of Parsons.
“I understand these are emotionally charges issues and I am new, but I know Davis has not had a strong record of consistent coverage in the clinic here in town,” Jackson said. “I know our recent work has raised some questions and concerns.”
Jackson said Davis is committed to serving Tucker County. “I think what we are trying to do now is figure out the best way to do that,” he said. “I think one of the things we have to look at at Davis Health System is what is the availability of services, who are the providers and where do we fit within that model.
“In Tucker County there are about 7,200 people. St. George Clinic opened up in the school about a year ago and they served 3,000 patients in 2015. They have been very successful in Tucker County.”
Jackson said Dr. Ed and Dr. Diane Rader were successful on the mountain and said Dr. Schmitt serves patients in Parsons.
“There is also the Tucker County VA Clinic and Cortland Acres,” Jackson said. “All of that has contributed to the utilization in our clinic with a drop of more than 1,000 visits. A year ago, we finished with a positive margin, but this year, the volume down. We are facing about a $104,000 loss.”
Jackson said they need to find the right mix of services for Davis Health Services. “That’s what I am working on right now,” he said. “We still have the DirectCare of Parsons and we are looking to recruit and find a provider who can become a successful family practice provider for Tucker County because there is lots of competition.”
He said he is focusing on what array of services would best fit the needs of Tucker County.
Commissioner Diane Hinkle said one of her concerns was there was no conversation about the change in services and she said the Commission was kind of caught unaware of this.
“There has been some past history of this and I think in order to build any successful business or practice there has to be good community relations. We always feel like we are on the short end of the stick,” Hinkle said. “We are not included in the conversation when changes like this are coming down the pike. It has a big impact on the community.”
Jackson said he would do his best to include Commissioners in discussions going forward.
Also during Wednesday’s Tucker County Commission meeting Shirley White asked for support of the American Star Mothers who are planting trees. In mid-April there will be a dedication of 55 sugar maple trees at Canaan Valley Resort for mothers in all West Virginia counties who have lost children in the armed services to war.
Commissioner Patrick Darlington read a letter from Kathy Kahler and concerned citizens asking the Commission to add ESP to the 911 list.
“EMS service is extremely important to this commission,” Darlington said. “We have made that a priority and a focus of this commission over the last year and a half. We have worked to find better coverage in the county. One thing we have done is open station 2 in Thomas. We are striving for 24 hour coverage out of both stations. We are very close to that.”
Darlington said as far as ESP, they were invited them to a County Commission and Ambulance Authority meeting.
“In both meetings, ESP told us directly they do not want to be on the 911 list,” Darlington said. “So without their request to be on the 911 list, there is nothing the county commission can decide, they have to request it, and then we can decide. But on two occasions, ESP has looked at all three county commissioners and said they do not want to be on the 911 call list.”
Hinkle said it is very encouraging to see the expanded EMS coverage up on the mountain.
“For the first time I know of, we have coverage that is equal to what is offered off the mountain,” Hinkle said. “We have made huge strides in providing expanded coverage on the mountain.”
Karen Jacobson, executive director of the Randolph County Housing Authority, said despite their name, the agency serves six counties including Tucker.
“We help with housing construction and community development,” Jacobson said. “The first program deals with service enriched housing where we deal with seniors in our rental program and provide care coordination. We are partnered up in a collaborative with Davis Health System. We are working with Cortland Acres with residents at the Pines and Pineview Apartments. Early data shows a 46 percent drop in emergency room visits for people who are participating. The goal is keeping aging people well at home.”
The next Tucker County Commission meeting is slated for 9 a.m. Sept. 14 in the Tucker County Courthouse Courtroom.
