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2024 Indian River County Hospital District candidates running

Posted on by L. Dreeye
2024 Indian River County Hospital District candidates running

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Seven candidates are vying for three seats on the Indian River County Hospital District board.

Vero Beach resident Dr. Wayne Creelman, 72; Gary Druskovich, 65; and Allen Jones, 82, are running for Seat 1. Karen Daigle, 62, of Indian River Shores and Sheila Gallo, 63, of Vero Beach are running for Seat 5. Dr. William Cooney, 81, of Vero Beach Beach and Deborah Shellenberger, Sebastian’s 70 people are vying for seat 7.

Key issues for the candidates in the race include relationships with doctors, access to health care and the county’s financial situation.

The answers below are taken from questionnaires submitted by TCPalm editorial candidates.

Place 1

Krieleman, a psychiatrist, said he will focus on access to mental health services.

“(I want to) help the board of trustees expand access to primary care, behavioral and mental health services, and disease prevention programs,” Creelman said. “I would also like to assist the Board of Trustees in its mission to improve the health of Indian River County residents and its vision of creating an innovative and integrated health care network for our community.”

Druskovich emphasized that his experience helps bridge the gap between hospitals and doctors.

“I would heal the ‘wound’ between the health care system, private physicians and salaried physicians,” Druskovich said. “Hospitals need everyone to be pulling in the same direction. Otherwise, it can lead to poor outcomes and dissatisfaction for both patients and their caregivers.”

Allen said he will focus on making sure taxpayer dollars go even further.

“Priority No. 1 is to expand rigorous cost-benefit analysis to all programs the county supports and monitor the relationship between the quantity and measured outcomes of services provided,” Allen explained.

Place 5

Daigle, who serves as president, says her experience sets her apart from others.

“As the incumbent, I bring the knowledge and experience gained during my tenure, as well as an understanding of the progress and ongoing needs of the community,” Daigle said. “Our vision is to create an innovative, integrated health care network that will improve the well-being of our county residents.”

Gallo believes she would be a great patient advocate.

“I believe that I will be a valuable asset to Cleveland Clinic in helping to turn the tide in attracting and retaining healthcare professionals, and especially physicians, while at the same time improving patient satisfaction,” Gallo explained. “My patient advocacy experience and my financial experience in matching buyers and sellers to negotiate deals that benefit both can help bridge the current gap between a large hospital and a small-town community hospital.”

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Place 7

Acting Cooney orthopedic surgeon said care should be available to all residents.

“In my third year with the Hospital District, my top priority is to provide primary care to all of our Indian River County residents,” Cooney explained.

Shellenburger said she will draw on previous experience to help her as a board member.

“My work experience has given me experience providing health care in a variety of settings with a variety of clients,” Shellenberger explained.

Nick Slater is a reporter for Indian River County watchdog TCPalm. You can contact him at [email protected] and 224-830-2875.