LETTER: Van Hoover can help represent women’s health care on Jefferson hospital board

I have resided in Jefferson County for 15 years.

I have watched our hospital become the medical center it is today.

I have also spent 15 years getting my women’s health care treatments, tests and screening outside the county.

Harrison Medical Center has performed my mammograms and women’s health care surgery.

I am delighted that Cheri Van Hoover is running for hospital commissioner.

Her work as a clinician at Planned Parenthood gives me great comfort that women’s health care issues could finally be fully addressed in Jefferson County.

I attended the League of Women Voters forum at the Chimacum Community Center in March.

It remains clear to me today that Van Hoover provides the best chance for women in our county to have an active voice on our hospital board.

She has a clear understanding of health care policy, the Affordable Care Act and the need for public funding of health care for all.

I note that some want a business manager on the board.

Note that Cheri brings years of business acumen.

I know also that some want non-medically trained members on the board.

I disagree.

I want an experienced, highly trained, compassionate medical professional who understands the needs of the patients and staff as well as the need of our whole community to have confidence in our hospital.

As a woman, I prefer to have another woman forming and overseeing the policies that will dictate the type of women’s health care I can receive in my own county.

I believe that Cheri Van Hoover is our best hope to help meet the medical policy needs of women in Jefferson County.

Vote for her.

Thuy Langsea,

Port Townsend