"It is altogether fitting and proper for us to lead SCHS and our medical professionals to form a new health care organization for Central Oregon."

This system should encourage physicians and SCHS to work as partners focused on improving the health of our community, enhancing the patient experience, and delivering cost-effective care. Both need to break from old ways of doing business - hospitals need to be more physician directed and managed; medical providers need to be more open to integrated organizational structures. There are new shining star medical communities, such as Bellin Health, Geisinger Health and the Mayo Clinic, that have already accomplished these integration goals and are good role models. We, as a community, have the ability to bring an end to the problems with our health care system in Central Oregon and create something special. We cannot afford to wait for federal intervention. Sometimes, it just takes a bold proclamation that the old way of doing things is no longer acceptable here.