May: Health Note
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By Gary K. Herbst, Chief Executive Officer, Kaweah Health
Dear Kaweah Health Community,
As Kaweah Health enters the fourth quarter of our 2024 fiscal year, I am pleased to report that we are continuing our slow-but-steady growth during some of the most challenging times in our history. Our financial condition is steadily improving, which is reflected by Moody’s Investors Service’s recent upgrading of our credit rating outlook from negative to stable in February.
In February, our board of directors saw the appointment of Dr. Dean Levitan, who replaced board member Garth Gipson as the Zone 3 representative of the Kaweah Delta Health Care District. Dr. Levitan was a Kaweah Health medical staff member for 41 years and has served in numerous leadership positions throughout his career and has served on a number of boards. He brings great experience and commitment to our community, and we are very happy to have him to help guide our organization.
We are happy to welcome orthopedic surgeon Jun Kim, DO, MMS, to our team of surgeons offering specialty services. Dr. Kim specializes in hip and knee replacement surgery and focusses on getting his patients back to an active, pain-free lifestyle. Dr. Kim will see patients at the newly-remodeled building at 202 W. Willow Avenue, next to the Kaweah Health helipad.
I'm also excited to update you on the progress of students in the Kaweah Health School of Nursing in partnership with Unitek College. Our first cohort of students in the Bachelor of Science Nursing program completed their first year in March, and many of them are only one year away from graduating and joining our team. The program is fully enrolled and will add 150 new registered nurses each year when fully implemented. Additionally, we are very grateful for the fantastic work of our partners at College of the Sequoias, San Joaquin Valley College, and West Hills Community College to expand nursing education in our community. Together, we are tackling the nursing shortage in our region, improving health care for our community, and providing more access to high-demand, high-paying jobs.
And finally, I am truly honored to share that the construction of the Reflection Garden is nearly complete. Situated just outside the Acequia Wing entrance, a custom monument was installed in a small, landscaped area to serve as a tribute to life. The monument is inscribed with a poem in English and Spanish that honors the tireless efforts of our caregivers, who work passionately to safeguard the people of our community. We hope that it serves as a beacon of hope and solace for all who pass through our doors.
As always, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated team of caregivers, whose unwavering commitment to excellence continues to inspire us all. Together, we remain steadfast in our mission to provide exceptional healthcare services to the residents of Tulare County.
