An election for three open seats on the Kremmling Memorial Hospital District Board of Directors is May 6. Eligible electors can vote from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Middle Park Health Wellness Center, 109 Ninth St. S. in Kremmling.

David Buckley

I have been a resident in Kremmling since 2021. I have worked at the Grand County Road and Bridge Department for the past four years. I have been a board member for the Middle Park Fair and Rodeo for the past three years, now serving as president.

Prior to relocating to Kremmling, I worked in the health care industry for 35 years. I was a clinician in the radiology field, a mid-level manager of operations and nurse advice, and an executive leader of government programs. I am excited to bring my experience and knowledge to our community to help assist the growing need for health care services. 

My priorities include staffing and growth. In any great health care delivery system, experienced and competent staff is essential for caring for our community. We can prepare for the future with community growth, expanded services and more specialties, and up-to-date technology. 

Throughout my career, I have been able to lead teams to exceed the norm. I would like to help create a culture of excellence based on the foundation of education, career advancement, rewarding clinical outcomes, collaboration and an overall satisfaction with knowing our community has a top-notch health care delivery organization.

Dawna Heller (incumbent)

I was born and raised in Kremmling. My husband, Stuart Heller, and I own Grand Fuel Depot and Mountain Mamas Screenprint and Embroidery.

I’m currently serving a 2-year term on the board and want to continue to bridge the gap between the community and rural health care issues. I’m focused on preserving the critical-access hospital designation in Kremmling and fostering sustainable, multicounty growth of services and facilities.  

I have visited all Middle Park Health facilities and have talked about strategies and planning with a wide array of providers and critical staff, including physical therapy, emergency medicine, family medicine, clinical, IT, surgery, nutritional services and maintenance. Knowing the strategy of the departments and planning moving forward has been essential in my role on the board. 

In our small community, our providers and staff don’t just treat the patients; they become an integral part of the community. They provide most or all the health care services here. A good example is Cliffview, which is owned by Grand County Housing Authority and operated by Middle Park Health, providing exceptional care through a cooperative team. 

My aim is to be part of the strategic plan, ensuring it aligns with the vision of the community. 

Jennifer Harvey

Compassionate care with dignity has been the foundation for my nursing practice serving diverse populations in rural health care for the past 29 years. Coupled with my current role as nursing faculty at Colorado Mountain College, my training as a board-certified geriatric clinical nurse specialist will enhance the work of the board of directors in systems analysis and health care strategy.

While I understand how national and state health care initiatives tend to determine local implementation, I believe that our local health care system can focus on and address the needs unique to this community. Amid the shifting global and national health care environment, I recognize the importance for our community to have sustainable, accessible health care for our expanding and diversified community while balancing wisdom with a growth mindset. 

My professional background and well-rounded experience in rural health care positions me to bridge the gap so that direct caregivers and leadership are encouraged and empowered with the tools to provide individualized care for our residents.

With a heart full of enthusiasm, care and compassion, it would be a privilege to have your support as part of the Middle Park Health board of directors.

Mike Ritschard (incumbent)

I am finishing my first term on the Kremmling Memorial Hospital board. 

The Fraser campus of Middle Park Health will be opening in June, allowing us to provide high quality, local health care across Grand County. Past boards recognized the need to expand health services, and the current administration has excellent providers in each of the hospitals and clinics — benefitting locals and visitors with their health care needs.

Challenges for health care will be finding the providers that fit our community needs and slowly expanding services as they are needed for our growing, aging, tourism- and recreation-based community. 

Revenue will need to be balanced between commercial health insurance and Medicaid/Medicare payments to allow for a highly functioning hospital care system. Capital needs for new equipment or updated equipment are never ending. We’re budgeting for a new MRI for the Granby campus. The Middle Park Medical Foundation helps raise monies for these types of requests as well as the Fraser campus and the Wellness Center in Kremmling.

Middle Park Health’s mission statement is “to support and encourage the physical, emotional and spiritual health of our community.” This is why I support Middle Park Health for Grand County residents and visitors.

William Clark

Kremmling Memorial Hospital District has been the cornerstone of our community, ensuring our health and well-being since 1933. I’m running for the board to carry forward this long tradition because I care deeply about the people who live here and want to help ensure they continue to get the care they need close to home.

Recruitment and retention of employees can be challenging, and I will support Middle Park Health’s efforts in creating a work environment where people want to stay and call Kremmling and Grand County home.

Also, changes in insurance reimbursements and the state budget could put pressure on Middle Park Health’s funding. We must be proactive and strategic, advocating for our community’s needs and protecting the resources that allow Middle Park Health to meet these needs.

I strongly believe in collaboration to work through challenges to find common ground. I want to carry on the work of previous boards. Understanding the “why” behind past decisions helps us drive forward. By showing respect to the experience of those already doing the work and supporting open communication, I would help create an environment as a board member where people are heard, valued and empowered to do their best.