July 15, 2024
Staff members of the Klamath Health Partnership (KHP) have issued a strong call for the resignation of the entire board, citing critical lapses in federal compliance that jeopardize the clinic’s operations and services to disadvantaged residents.
KHP, the sole community health center in Klamath County, employs approximately 160 healthcare workers and serves around 11,000 patients with primary care, dental, and behavioral health services.
The board’s noncompliance issues, which include failing to appoint enough members to meet federal requirements, have been ongoing since February. Currently composed of six members instead of the mandated nine, the board also lacks the required majority of patient representatives and has exceeded the allowable number of members deriving income from the healthcare industry.
Amanda Blodgett, CEO of Klamath Health Partnership, expressed grave concerns about the consequences of this noncompliance. “If we lose our federal funding, KHP will cease to exist in its current form,” Blodgett stated, noting the immediate threat of losing $2.8 million in federal funding within 90 days.
The board’s failure to achieve compliance has already had tangible repercussions, including the loss of a $1.1 million grant intended to expand behavioral health services urgently needed in Southern Oregon. Blodgett emphasized the disappointment felt by both staff and patients over this missed opportunity to enhance crucial healthcare services.
In a letter addressed to state and local representatives, KHP staff detailed their frustrations, highlighting their efforts to provide the board with ten qualified candidates for appointment. However, the board has allegedly stalled on these appointments, prompting staff members to call for immediate action.
“We ask you to immediately appoint all ten pending board applicants and then resign,” the letter from KHP staff demanded, underscoring their plea amid the escalating crisis.
The community’s access to essential healthcare services hangs in the balance as the Klamath Health Partnership grapples with internal governance challenges. The outcome of this standoff between staff and board members will likely determine the future of healthcare provision for thousands of vulnerable residents in Klamath County.
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