In 2012, my late husband had to be flown off the island twice. The compassionate and skilled paramedics and EMT’s treated him, but at that time there was no hospital on the island. My daughter had to take off work to be with him and bring him home.

In 2013, I fell outside and hit my head on a rock. I lived alone at that time. The same compassionate and skilled paramedics came, but this time there was Peace Island Medical Center with a 24/7 emergency room equipped with a CT Scanner that could diagnose my head injury.  There was also a board certified ER physician that could stitch up my head wound.

My daughter did not have to take off work to come to the mainland to get me.  I am thankful for PIMC investing in our community to bring us medical care we did not have with the old Inter Island Medical Center.

I am also thankful to the hospital district board of commissioners and the administration of EMS and Medevac to provide the Paramedics and EMT’s with what they need to continue the excellent service our community has come to expect from them.

Because of my experiences with PIMC, and EMS and Medevac, I am trusting Jenny Ledford with my vote for hospital district board of commissioner for position 3 on Nov. 3. I trust Jenny to collaborate with PIMC, and help keep a facility of its kind on our island for years to come to serve our medical needs.

I trust Jenny to lead fiscally and support EMS and Medevac so the organization can continue to serve our community. I trust Jenny, so I urge you to trust Jenny too! Don’t forget to vote on Nov. 3, 2015.

Dolores Hutchins

San Juan Island