News – Thursday, February 27th 2025

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors held their regular meeting Tuesday evening at 7:00 in the Doctor’s Library. The meeting began with approval of the agenda and minutes, followed by Brooke Bollman’s CEO’s report on various operational updates. The single audit for grant funding is still in progress, the Medicare cost report for fiscal year 2024 has been desk reviewed, with an expected receivable of $372,000 more than anticipated. Leadership is implementing several improvement initiatives including charge audits, employee onboarding, marketing plans, and workforce development through grants and internship programs. The Board discussed a potential partnership with the local health department to share healthcare providers. The proposal involves a tentative 12-week contract where providers from the health center could serve at the hospital, particularly for acute care cases. Board members expressed support while acknowledging potential concerns about patient confusion and continuity of care. The arrangement was deemed cost-effective and beneficial for both organizations, especially given the current staffing challenges. The financial report showed positive performance with a net profit of $1.1 million, Bollman noted ongoing reconciliation work to improve financial accuracy, including adjustments for payroll taxes and retirement benefits, as well as transitioning to more accrual-based accounting practices. The ambulance department was awarded approximately $62,000 from the Dent County opioid relief settlement to purchase three Lucas devices (automated CPR machines). Staff are updating marketing materials for swing bed services and developing policies to allow LPNs to administer IV medications after appropriate training. Human resources reported hiring a full-time dietary manager and part-time dietary cook/aide in January, while losing four full-time employees including a radiology technician, clinic nurse practitioner, phlebotomist, and CNA. The hospital has been receiving more LPN applications and plans to recruit at Texas County Technical College when nursing students begin their clinicals. The emergency department’s performance metrics were reviewed, showing favorable results compared to state and national averages. Grant activities were discussed, including the Missouri kiosk pilot project which provides Medicaid recipients with access to manage their benefits. The TORCH program has facilitated 57 referrals impacting 41 clients, with 61.4% of referrals being accepted. Community-based organizations servicing Dent County have handled 85 referred cases affecting 71 clients, with 53% successfully resolved. The meeting concluded with scheduling the next board meeting for March 25, at 7:00 in the Doctor’s Library, then moving into closed session.

The City of Salem’s Parks and Recreation Board will meet tonight at 5:00 at the Old City Hall Auditorium located at 202 N. Washington Street. After the roll call, the board will hear the director’s report before they get a financial update. The board will discuss filling available board seats before discussing playground ground cover bids and pool prices for the 2025 season. The meeting will then be adjourned. The Salem Park and Recreation Board meeting is tonight at 5:00, called by Parks and Recreation Board President Carlos Lopez, and the meeting is open to the public.

The Creative Arts Center in Salem will hold a “Sign N’ Wine” class this Friday, from 6:30 until 9:00 with Danielle Norris. Participants can come and paint a new front porch welcome sign which will cost $30, or bring your sign from a previous class and paint the back of it for $20. Guests may bring beverages and snacks! All of the art supplies are included. There must be 5 people sign up to hold the class and it will be limited to 16. To sign up, go to the SACBA website, click on “Programs” link and then on the Creative Arts Center.