We need Adventist to save our hospital

EDITOR: I am responding to the Community Forum, “Death with Dignity” by Richard Ettelson, Jan. 30.

I agree with the concept of Death with Dignity. If the time comes, I will take advantage of this unique opportunity to end my life on my own terms. However, Adventist’s rejection of this due to their beliefs is not a deal killer for me. Also, it is not a deal killer if Adventist denies a woman’s right to end her pregnancy. I am sure these two events are rare here on the Mendocino Coast and it is not an equitable reason to reject Adventist taking over our hospital. Both non-emergency scenarios can be handled with other medical facilities within an hour or so drive. Emergency services for heart attacks, strokes, bone breaks, accidents, etc., don’t have the luxury to take a drive. We will need care within minutes. Full disclosure, I had a heart attack in August, and

I know the staff of passionate and professional emergency room personnel saved my life.

Keeping the local hospital open is more than having a local emergency room and other services which importantly includes x-ray and lab. These all support our clinic directly across from the hospital. It is keeping Fort Bragg and the surrounding areas viable for citizens who will at some time rely on these services. Without a hospital, our community will lose population, jobs and property values will plummet.

We need a hospital to attract both young and older folks to live and thrive in our magical part of California. We need a hospital to attract and keep visitors and tourists spending money and enjoying the coast.

We also need a local and functioning hospital to attract industry and jobs. If you are suffering a life-altering medical emergency, it doesn’t matter what religion your hospital prescribes to … viable emergency services with competent staff at the ready is all that matters in those precious seconds that could mean life or death.

We need Adventist to save our hospital.

I am asking everyone to support this important effort.

— LeeAnn Dickson, Fort Bragg

Thank you to Masons

The Friends of the Fort Bragg Library wish to extend a big thank you to the Masons for their hosting a fabulous Soup and Salad dinner at the Masonic Lodge Friday, Nov. 22. The food was scrumptious and the attendees were very kind and memorable. The proceeds are dedicated to our endeavor to expand our local Fort Bragg Library.

— Janice Marcell, fundraising chairperson for the Friends of the Fort Bragg Library