News

The full Board of Directors (“Board”) of the Cook County Hospital District (“Hospital”) met in a special closed session on January 9, 2024, under the attorney-client privilege to discuss legal strategy related to potential litigation; to consider certain Review Organization matters; and to consider contracts related to the Hospital’s competitive position. Kimber Wraalstad, Hospital CEO, did not attend or otherwise participate in the closed session meeting. This meeting was convened, in part, to respond to the request of certain community members made at the Board’s December 21, 2023, meeting, correspondence to the Board, letters to the editor and various articles in newspapers. Specifically, the Board conducted a focused review of certain allegations related to (i) Dr. Bruce Dahlman, (ii) the Hospital’s Ambulance service and (iii) the Hospital’s Laboratory. This report summarizes the findings of fact and conclusions of the Board during this review process on each of these three issues.

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As health care insurance becomes increasingly more expensive for businesses and private citizens, there is an effort underway in Minnesota to provide health care for every citizen through a program called Single Payer Health Program. It is a program used by Canada and many other countries worldwide. As a nation, the U.S. spends more on health care than any other industrial country. Yet, the U.S. has the lowest life expectancy at birth and the highest rate of people with chronic disease, according to the Commonwealth Fund, an independent research group. The report released in January 2023 said the U.S. has the highest death rates from avoidable or treatable causes and the highest infant and maternal death rates. A lot of dollars are thrown at health care, but where are those dollars being spent?

This week Cook County Chamber of Commerce and Visit Cook County Director Linda Jure announced some recent changes at Visit Cook County and the Chamber. With Nick Cusick leaving the Event and Marketing Manager position on January 31, 2024, Malorie Brazell has been promoted, Jurek announced.