Letter To Editor, Vote "yes" For Dr. Robin Campbell, EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners

To the Editor -- Sourced by Dr. Campbell

On August 4 voter in King County public Hospital District #2 -- better known as EvergreenHealth --approved Proposition 1, the property tax levy from $0.14 to $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed value. Contrary to some inaccurate claims made on social media, EvergreenHealth is a not-for-profit hospital system, supported in part by taxpayer funding.

EvergreenHealth is a Public Hospital District (PUD), created by voters in 1967 to bring quality healthcare closer to Eastside communities that previously relied on Seattle hospitals. It opened in1972 with about 70 beds and has since continuously earned numerous awards and recognitions annually, including being among America's Top 50 Hospitals according to Healthgrades. It serves over 1 million resident in its total service area and employs over 5,000 people.

As a PHD, EvergreenHealth is aa junior taxing district -- like a city or county -- with elected Board of Commissioners and full public accountability under the Open Public Meetings Act. It is nonprofit by law, meaning any surplus revenue is reinvested in services, not profit.

Before Prop 1, EvergreenHealth levy rate had fallen to 0.14/$1,000 making it one of lowest levy rates among Washington's public hospital districts that operate a hospital. Yet the hospital has continued to offer vital, but economically challenging services such as geriatrics, hospice, home care and behavioral health -- programs often cut by other systems due to lack of insurance coverage.

In 2024, the levy accounted for only 2% of EvergreenHealth revenue -- about $21 million -- but that 2% plays a critical role. It helps support services that would otherwise be viable and funds no other PHD in Washington offers, such as direct grants to community partners like the Northshore Senior Center and behavioral health services in schools.

With the approval of Prop 1, EvergreenHealth can now expand primary care access across its 12 facilities, extend successful behavioral health pilot programs, and address capacity challenges -- hospital occupancy now exceeds 90%. The added funds will improve flexibility and resilience in the face of future healthcare demands.

As a Commissioner, Dr. Campbell will be proud to represent the interests of the residents of the District, and the passage of Prop 1 affirms a shared community commitment to maintaining high-quality, accessible healthcare for all on the Eastside.

Bob Yoder

This Letter was sourced entirely by Dr. Robin Campbell, 8/29/2025

Commissioner, King County Public Hospital District #2 (EvergreenHealth)

Dr. Campbell, Commissioner Seat #5 is being challenged in the General Election by Gary Harris