HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes2006-025
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Sponsored by: Mayor Shafer
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2006-25
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA IN SUPPORT OF THE ALASKA STATE HOSPITAL AND
NURSING HOME ASSOCIATION (ASHNHA) AND ALASKA SMALL
HOSPITAL PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT NETWORK'S (ASHPIN)
EFFORTS TO SEEK LEGISLATIVE FUNDING FOR THE ALASKA RURAL
TELEHEAL TH NETWORK (ARTN) PROJECT
WHEREAS, the Alaska State Hospital and Nursing Home Association (ASHNHA)
Executive Committee and the Alaska Small Hospital Performance Improvement Network (ASHPIN)
have approved an initiative to seek state funding to support development of the Alaska Rural
Telehealth Network (ARTN); and
WHEREAS, efforts are underway to gather support for this initiative, and to identify several
legislators who would sponsor a request for these funds; and
WHEREAS, the ASHNHA' s goal is to seek $1 million in Legislative support for this project
and is a high priority of the Association; and
WHEREAS, the $1 million ASHNHA is seeking through the Legislature matches the
commitment already made by the ARTN member facilities; and
WHEREAS, the ASHNHA is asking various communities for a statement in support for this
project to further help their advocacy efforts; and
WHEREAS, many of the hospitals and clinics in the ARTN have limited or no significant
technology resources for developing x-rays, reading CT scanners or have no teleradiology services at
all; and
WHEREAS, the ARTN provides hospitals and clinics with the necessary equipment for
hospital care services and telecommunications; and
WHEREAS, the ARTN strives to bring rural communities the equalization of health care
with urban communities, expand patient access to specialists to improve timeliness and quality of
diagnoses, enable rural hospitals and clinics to connect with efficient radiology providers and secure
data storage, and enable these facilities to upgrade their equipment and communications
technologically.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEWARD, ALASKA that:
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2006-25
Section 1. The Seward City Council supports the ASHNHAlASHPIN's efforts to seek
Legislative funding for the Alaska Rural Telehealth Network.
Section 2. This resolution shall take affect immediately upon its adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the city of Seward, Alaska, this 13th day of
March, 2006.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ATTEST:
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
tI~ A~
Vanta Shafer, Mayor
Valdatta, Dunham, Lorenz, Schafer, Thomas, Bardarson, Shafer
None
None
None
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CIty Clerk '
(City Seal)
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Council Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: March 13, 2006
Through: Clark Corbridge, City Manager
From: Johanna Dollerhide, Assistant City Clerk
Agenda Item: Resolution 2006- , supporting the Alaska State
Hospital and Nursing Home Association
(ASHNHA) and the Alaska Small Hospital
Performance Improvement Network’s (ASHPIN) efforts for the Alaska Rural
Telehealth Network project
BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION:
Mayor Shafer asked staff to produce a resolution of support for the Alaska Rural Telehealth Network
(ARTN) project. The ARTN is a telecommunications initiative to help hospitals and health clinics in
rural communities advance and/or upgrade their equipment and communication functions
technologically.
The demand for modern technology in medical care is high and many hospitals/health clinics in rural
communities in Alaska are with little or no digital/Internet based technology. The ARTN attempts to
provide facilities with teleradiology and telecommunications equipment. According to the ASHNHA,
many hospitals/clinics in the ARTN have no significant electronic storage capabilities and some have
to develop their x-rays by hand with chemicals. Many CT scanners in these communities have some
imaging capability, but have poor connectivity issues that force them to send the images using “snail
mail.” Some facilities have no teleradiology functions at all, which delays diagnosis and treatment.
The goal of this ARTN initiative is to seek $1 million In Legislative support. The ASHNHA has
asked communities for a resolution in support of this project to further help their advocacy efforts.
The $1 million the ARTN is seeking from the Legislature is a match of the commitment already made
by the local hospitals/clinics and their communities to this project.
CONSISTENCY CHECKLIST:
Where applicable, this agenda statement is consistent with the
Seward City Code, Charter, Comprehensive Plans, Land Use Plans, Strategic Plan and City Council
Rules of Procedures. Other: ___________________________________________________
FISCAL NOTE: N/A
Approved by Finance Department ___________________________
________________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION:
Council approve Resolution 2006- , supporting the ASHNHA/ASHPIN’s efforts to seek Legislative
funding for the Alaska Rural Telehealth Network.