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LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS, LINCOLN COUNTY

Studies

Any given study, whether it be National, State, or Local, is thorough in its pursuit of facts and details. As the study progresses, a continuing discussion of pros and cons of each situation occurs. Prior to the results of the study being presented to the general membership, study committee members fashion consensus questions that are then addressed by the membership. Additional discussion, pro and con, takes place as members (not part of the study committee) learn the scope of the study. After the members reach consensus, the board forms positions based on that consensus.

1. Child Health in Lincoln County (2005):

Why a study on child health in Lincoln County?

Is there adequate health care in Lincoln County? Four years ago the adequacy of health services in Lincoln County was being questioned by the community and by our own LWVLC. The LWVLC board proposed at the annual meeting in 2001 that a study on health care should be done. As we started exploring what was happening in health care, one of the first things we learned from David Bigelow, CEO of Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital was that a Community Health Improvement Partnership group in Lincoln County had been established and was examining this issue, also. As health care was discussed at our meetings, it was decided by the Board and our membership to narrow our topic of study to “child health”. Children represent one-fifth (9555) of the population of Lincoln County (44,700).

Why a study? Studies occur as issues/conditions are identified which may be detrimental to the population. The LWV has a mission of education and advocacy that naturally requires research of issues which affect the well-being of the citizens. Looking at the LWVUS website you will find a whole section on “Creating a Just Society” - “Part of the mission of the League of Women Voters is to promote social and economic justice, secure equal rights for all, achieve universal health care coverage at reasonable cost, promote the well being of children, and combat discrimination, poverty and violence.”

The LWVLC board and the membership at the 2003 annual meeting defined the scope of the LWVLC child health study. Studies are usually completed by a committee and involve gathering data/research through conducting interviews and reviewing relevant documents, and then presenting this information to the board and the membership. At our January 20005 meeting, information that was gathered on child health in Lincoln County was presented in preparation for the membership to come to a consensus and position statement on child health at our annual meeting in April, 2005. See "Positions" for the results of our consensus meetings.

Consensus on the position allows us to advocate for whatever action may be needed to assure adequate health care to children in Lincoln County.

Martha Holmberg

January, 2005