By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District
At the March 22 Board of Supervisors meeting, the initial five-member Board of Directors of the Pajaro Valley Health Care District were selected.
This board will play an integral role guiding the new district through the formation and initial operation of the district and the potential future acquisition and operation of Watsonville Community Hospital as a premier, equitable and stable health provider in our community.
What is the Pajaro Valley Health Care District?
On Feb. 4, 2022, Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 418 creating the Pajaro Valley Health Care District.
The PVHCD will govern activities associated with the delivery of medical care in the Pajaro Valley, including the potential acquisition and oversight of the Watsonville Community Hospital.
The creation of the PVHCD, and the County’s commitment in funding and administrative support, are essential investments in health equity, access, and the stability of the regional health network.
What was the process for selecting the initial board?
Under the California Health and Safety Code, the Board of Supervisors is charged with appointing the initial Board of Directors for the Health Care District. On Feb, 15, the Board of Supervisors approved the screening and selection process for the PVHCD Board of Directors.
In establishing the selection process, the Board spoke to the need of having a governing body that was reflective of the diverse needs of the health district and exhibited a diverse set of expertise and experience that would ensure the transition to this new regional model would be successful.
The County worked with community-based partners to outreach to prospective candidates and used social and traditional media to cast a wide net for applicants. The application period was open from Feb. 16 to March 4, and 27 applications were received with 26 determined to be eligible based on information provided.
The selection committee, comprised of Supervisors Greg Caput and Zach Friend, County Administrative Officer Carlos Palacios, Health Services Agency Director Mónica Morales, and Salud Para La Gente Executive Director Dori Rose Inda, reviewed all eligible applications and narrowed the list to recommend five initial members representing a qualified and diverse cross-section of our community.
At the March 22 Board of Supervisors meeting, the initial five members were selected unanimously.
Who was selected?
John Friel: Over 50 years of experience in healthcare as a provider and executive including previously as CEO of Watsonville Community Hospital and as CEO of multiple major California health care districts until retiring in 2021. John is an Aptos resident.
Katherine (Katie) Gabriel-Cox: Physician, Board certified OB/GYN currently with Salud Para La Gente and previously with the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Sutter, and Kaiser Permanente and served internationally with the nationalized universal health system in New Zealand. Katie is an Aptos resident.
Jasmine Nájera: Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked with Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance and in multiple behavioral health capacities with the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency. Jasmine is a Watsonville resident.
Jose A. (Tony) Nuñez: Regional Journalist, Managing Editor of the Pajaronian and Press-Banner newspapers and lifelong Watsonville resident and Watsonville High School graduate with significant area ties and relationships to reflect community voices and experiences. Tony is a Watsonville resident.
Marcus Pimental: Extensive fiscal and health care experience including serving as Assistant Health Services Agency Director in Santa Cruz County, a board member of Salud Para La Gente and as Budget Manager and Finance Director for Santa Cruz County and the City of Watsonville. Marcus is a resident of Monterey County.
The five positions are voluntary and while the initial terms will be by appointment, subsequent terms will be subject to district-based public elections. Applicants were required to permanently reside within the boundaries of the Health Care District, be a registered voter in Monterey or Santa Cruz Counties, and be able to complete applicable statements of economic interest filings.
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