To the editor,

I grew up in Pomeroy and graduated in 1966 from PHS. I had the pleasure of living on the Snake River at Central Ferry when it was still a river-memories!

My wife and I reside in Vancouver, Washington and have done so since 1977. I keep up with the comings and goings of my home town by subscribing to the Edub. By the way, you have created a great local newspaper with real news which I look forward to getting every week.

I have closely followed the struggles of the Garfield County Hospital and was disappointed by the recent failure of the supplemental levy that would help the hospital operations budget.

I want to share a story about what happened on my recent sternwheeler cruise up the Columbia and Snake River from Portland to Clarkston. We had to make an emergency stop at Little Goose Dam as a passenger was having a severe breathing issue. An ambulance came from Pomeroy to pick him up at the dam. He was then transported to Pomeroy and was treated in the emergency room. In talking to staff on the sternwheeler the next morning, I was told that the man being treated in our hospital reported that he had received the best care and service of any medical facility he had ever been treated in. He said all the people, staff and facilities were exceptional. He also said that he had not seen friendlier, warm and truly caring folks than those who provided his care during his emergency transport and care at the hospital. He was impressed. Way to go Pomeroy. Makes me proud!

So, why this letter? It is critical that small communities like Pomeroy continue to be able to provide hospital services at the local level. Time is critical when dealing with emergencies. Our little hospital has always been a blessing to our town and county. Without the hospital, medical care from emergencies to general health issues will be lost. I know that it means more taxes from folks, but what is the value of a life or in obtaining emergency care when needed at the local area, it is important to keep our little hospital facility and to also pray that state and federal legislators finally come to their senses and legislate funding to support the many medical facilities in eastern Washington that need their support. Not everything should go to Seattle-sorry just my opinion!

Way to go Pomeroy/Garfield County! You make me proud to tell folks I grew up there!

Jim “Jamie” Schaefer

Vancouver, Wash.