The following statement on recent developments regarding the Board of Governors of the Kern County Hospital Authority (KCHA), can be attributed to Alicia Aleman, Kern County Social Worker and Regional Vice President of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 521.
“Kern County Hospital Authority Chairman Russell Bigler was an original board member appointed almost a decade ago and I want to thank him for his near decade of volunteerism and public service. But his quiet resignation from the board, without a public reason or letter of resignation provided in meeting minutes, has again left the community with more questions than answers.
Today, I announce I have submitted my application to fill a vacant seat on the Board of Governors of the Kern County Hospital Authority. One less voice on the KCHA board at a time when hospital managers are under scrutiny is a disservice to Kern County taxpayers and vulnerable patients who depend on this safety net hospital.
I believe my perspective and knowledge of this institution would make me a valuable member of the Board. I have family roots and work history with Kern Medical I previously worked on the Emergency Room floor as part of the Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault team, now the Open Door Network. My job as a Sexual Assault Advocate allowed me to work with first responders and trauma healthcare staff. I understand the needs of vulnerable sexual assault victims. My family also has experience working in Kern Medical. My sister worked as a Physician’s Assistant and my brother worked as an Emergency Medical Technician.
It’s disappointing to learn that the board has not agendize a vote to fill the vacancy on the board in the Wednesday, April 17th meeting. One less community voice is a hindrance to patients and students who depend on the board’s oversight of this local educational institution and the only level-II trauma center between Fresno and the Grapevine.
Even after the events in the news, you would think the safety net hospital would do everything they can to bolster public trust in oversight of the healthcare system.”
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Service Employees International Union, Local 521 represents 53,000 public- and nonprofit, private-sector workers in California’s Bay Area, the Central Coast, and in the Central Valley. Under a Community First vision, we are committed to making sure the needs of our community, and the vital services we provide our community, come first. We believe our communities thrive when residents, leaders and workers recognize that we are all in this together when it comes to our safety, health, and well-being.
