Coronavirus: What older adults need to know

by Kathleen Cameron, BSPharm, MPH

The situation around the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is changing rapidly, and NCOA is taking proactive steps to share the best information we have to protect the public’s health, especially among older adults. Now is the time to stay informed and follow basic tips to protect yourself and those around you.

The CDC has identified older adults and people who have severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung, or kidney disease at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness. According to the CDC, early data suggest older people are twice as likely to have serious COVID-19 illness.

“Is this really necessary?”

This is likely because as people age, their immune systems change, making it harder for their body to fight off diseases and infection, and because many older adults are also more likely to have underlying health conditions that make it harder to cope with and recover from illness. Age increases the risk that the respiratory system or lungs will shut down when an older person has COVID-19 disease.

That’s why the CDC is recommending that people at higher risk take the following actions:

  • Stay at home as much as possible.
  • Make sure you have access to several weeks of medications, food, and supplies in case you need to stay home for prolonged periods of time.
  • When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact, and wash your hands often.
  • Avoid crowds.

Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said that people with serious chronic conditions, especially the elderly, should think twice about traveling or going to crowded places. He advised that these individuals take the simple steps of “not putting yourself in a situation—whatever that might be—that might increase the risk given your situation.”

The CDC is urging individuals to stay calm and Share Facts, Not Fear. Among the CDC’s advice are these common-sense tips:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

How to Support Older Adults

People of all ages can support older adults during this time. Many older adults depend on services and supports provided in their homes or in the community to maintain their health and independence. The CDC recommends that family members, neighbors, and caregivers:

  • Know what medications your loved one is taking and see if you can help them have extra on hand.
  • Monitor food and other medical supplies (oxygen, incontinence, dialysis, wound care) needed and create a back-up plan.
  • Stock up on non-perishable food items to have on hand in your home to minimize trips to stores.
  • If you care for a loved one living in a care facility, monitor the situation, ask about the health of the other residents frequently, and know the protocol if there is an outbreak.

Beware of Scams

Unfortunately, scammers are taking advantage of fears surrounding the coronavirus. The Federal Trade Commission has identified several of them and is offering tips to protect yourself and others. These include watching for emails claiming to be from the CDC saying they have information about the virus and ignoring online offers for vaccinations. There currently are no vaccines, pills, potions, lotions, lozenges, or other prescription or over-the-counter products available to treat or cure COVID-19 online or in stores.

Ventura County Leadership Academy announces 2020 honorees

Johanna Spinks with David Friedlander from The Face of Ventura portrait series.

The Journey to Leadership Awards Luncheon, hosted by Ventura County Leadership Academy (VCLA), recognizes outstanding community leaders for their contributions to Ventura County. On Thursday, April 16, 2020, from 11:30am – 1:30pm, at the Commemorative Air Force Museum in Camarillo, the community will come together to honor these local leaders.

Educational Leader of the Year – Dr. Oscar Cobian, Vice President of Student Development, Oxnard College

Public Sector Leader of the Year – Jacqui Irwin, CA Assemblymember for District 44

Alumni of the Year – Andrew Salinas, Chief of Police, City of Port Hueneme

Business Leader of the Year – Greg Van Ness, Regional President, Tolman & Wiker Insurance Services, an AssuredPartners Agency

Non-Profit Leader of the Year – David Friedlander, Founder, Kids & Families Together

David, with his wife, Faith opened the doors to Kids & Families Together (K&FT) in 2000 in order to provide foster/resource, adoptive, and kinship families support and new techniques to create a cohesive family dynamic. They share a passion to help others build strong and healthy relationships.  Since its opening twenty years ago, David and Faith have never stopped searching for new ways to fill in gaps in the welfare system.

“The VCLA Board of Directors is very pleased to honor this year’s award recipients, as well as all of the great work being done by the many VCLA alumni, facilitators, and supporters in our community.” said Melissa Baffa, VCLA board president. “Our awardees exemplify the spirit of collective responsibility and cooperation the VCLA curriculum strives to instill in each graduate.”

Information on sponsorship opportunities, congratulatory ads, and tickets to attend the Journey to Leadership Luncheon can be found at www.vcleadership.org or by contacting VCLA Director Pattie Braga at [email protected].

The Ventura County Leadership Academy connects and cultivates a diverse network of passionate, capable leaders through an immersion in both critical issues shaping Ventura County and opportunities for personal and professional growth. VCLA’s comprehensive program ignites awareness and inspiration, helping cohort members discover their individual pathway toward impacting our region.

The curriculum includes focus sessions on public safety, education, economic development, water, transportation, health care, nonprofits and volunteerism, the environment, agriculture and land use, regional issues, and governance. The sessions are interactive with open dialogue between presenters and program participants. Participants also conduct site visits and field trips as part of background research on the various topics of discussion. It is a nine-month program that includes one full-day session each month from September through May and also includes a two-and-a-half day trip to Sacramento to study current legislative issues and an immersion activity.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from CAPS Media!

If you can’t make it to the parade you can watch on CAPS.

CAPS Media Crew Members will be “wearing the green” to capture the 32nd Annual St Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Ventura on Saturday, March 14. The festivities start at 10am in front of the San Buenaventura Mission and continue up East Main ending at the corner of North Ann Street.

The parade is a wonderful hometown tradition with more than seventy groups and performers adding to the fun. Thousands of kids and families line the parade route to cheer friends and neighbors on floats, in marching bands, dancing, juggling, driving classic cars, and much more. For those who cannot attend in person, CAPS Media broadcasts the Parade live on Channel 6.

A Ventura County Wide Event, the theme of this year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade is Music Makes the World Go’ Round. The grand marshal is the legendary Nan Drake.

This year’s Irish Belle – who is actually called Belle by her family and friends – is Annabella “Belle” Nemo Page, a senior at El Camino High School in Ventura. Joining the Irish Belle Court are Tammy “Shayla” Williams (Buena High), Margaret “Molly” Hammer (Ventura High), Tressa O’Connor (Foothill High), Sarah Gianelli (St. Bonaventura High), and Samantha “Sam” Frenes (Pacific High). Calling the non-stop action in the broadcast booth on Main Street are perennial hosts Tim O’Neil and Jerry Breiner.

Live media coverage of the St Patrick’s Day Parade is an all-hands-on-deck production for the entire CAPS Media staff and more. Starting at 6am the CAPS Crew are joined by students in the CAPS/El Camino High School media program (ECTV) and CAPS Media Member/Producers. Everyone volunteers their time and talent to capture the endlessly entertaining event (it’s always fun to be part of a CAPS Crew).

In addition to being broadcast live on Saturday morning on CAPS Channel 6, the complete parade repeats on channel 6 Monday, March 16 at 8pm; Tuesday March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day) at 10am; Wednesday, March 18 at 1pm and Thursday, March 19 at 3pm. Go to capsmedia.org/schedules to find the complete schedule.

On a far more serious and important note, CAPS Media is actively collaborating with City and County Health officials to produce informational and update videos regarding the COVID-19 (coronavirus) disease. The updates are posted on the county website

(https://www.ventura.org/covid19/) and social media and are updated on an ongoing basis. As outlined by experts in the county, common sense steps for everyone to take to help prevent the spread of the respirator illnesses include:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
  • Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily.
  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Additional information and updates can be found at https://www.ventura.org/covid19/at-home/

Are you interested in learning how to produce a radio show or television program? Consider joining the growing CAPS Media community of member/producers. If you have an interest in community television or radio production, or are just curious, sign up for an orientation tour of the CAPS Media Center on the first Thursday of the. Go to capsmedia.org for information or call 805-658-0500.

[wc – 544]

Follow Flu Tips to Stay Safe From Coronavirus

Senior News Line
by Matilda Charles

We can’t turn on the news now without hearing about the new virus that’s sweeping the world. Coronavirus, now called COVID-19, is a serious virus that came out of China. At this point the virus has spread to more than 30 countries and there have been over 2,800 deaths.

Protecting ourselves from COVID-19 is much like how we avoid the seasonal winter flu that’s now in high numbers in every state. Guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is mostly common sense, but every step is important:

* Wash your hands frequently. Use warm water and soap and wash for a minimum of 20 seconds. Try singing “Happy Birthday” to mark the time.

* Keep your hands away from your face, even if you’ve just washed your hands.

* Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and then throw away the tissue.

* Disinfect surfaces in your environment frequently, such as countertops and doorknobs.

* When you go out, take a pack of antiseptic wipes to wet down grocery cart handles. If you don’t have those, put hand sanitizer on your palms and wet the cart handle.

* Never share cups or plates or anything else with those who are sick.

* If you have to be out in public, keep your distance. Stay at least 6 feet away from others. For now, avoid shaking hands.

* If you feel sick, don’t rush to the doctor. Call first and explain your symptoms. If they want you to come in, there might be a special entrance for you to use to keep from spreading germs to others.

Stay healthy this winter. Get enough sleep, eat well and keep your stress down. All of those affect your immune system. And if you haven’t had a flu shot, get one now.

What Makes Us Happy?

What makes us happy as we get older? Below are the results of an informal poll of seniors at the local coffee shop.

* Having enough income. It turns out that many who are living only on Social Security can have enough to make it through the month if they made wise decisions before retiring. Paying off the mortgage is a big one.

* Being listened to, or at least not being disregarded. There’s something about aging that seems to make us melt into the background, and if we have opinions or comments, people don’t always listen. Medical staff seem to rank very high on this list of people who really aren’t listening. Being heard is important.

* Freedom. This comes in many forms. It might mean continuing to drive; it might mean watching only what we want on television.

* Having a social life. For some of us that might mean being part of a group that meets regularly. For others it might mean talking to friends on the phone daily.

* Laughing. Finding something amusing every day ranked high on the list of what makes us happy. Sometimes it was reading the next page of a joke-a-day calendar. Sometimes it was talking to a friend who had a great, skewed view of the world.

* Having a reason to get up every day. Whether it’s a hobby, a good book or a social gathering, having a reason to look forward to the next day was key.

And what does it mean if we’re happy? A study monitored 3,000 seniors over the course of eight years to see how happiness impacted physical function. Researchers found that happy people decline more slowly. Conversely, unhappy people were three times more likely to develop health problems.

Where do you fall on the happiness spectrum?

Tai Chi balance classes seeking volunteers to train

Want to help your community while also helping yourself? Then consider becoming one of RSVP’s trained, certified Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance instructors.

Training for new volunteer instructors is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, March 27 and 28. The program provides active retirees a way to serve their community by teaching the free classes while also improving their own balance and staying fit.

The two-day training, led by the Master Trainer, will be held in Camarillo, but volunteers can teach in any of Oxnard RSVP’s 12-week classes in the four west county cities served (Oxnard, Camarillo, Ventura and Pt. Hueneme). There are currently 13 classes.

After training, volunteers must practice at least 30 hours before being certified to teach; often those trained attend classes and practice together for support. Attendance at scheduled follow-up workshops will be required of volunteers.

No experience is necessary, but volunteers must be age 55 or older and make a commitment to teach at least two 12-week sessions. Since instructors work as teams, time away for illness or short vacations is possible.

For more information on the instructor training or to make an appointment to be interviewed for the volunteer position, please call 805-385-8023.

Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance follows curriculum developed at the Oregon Research Institute (in Oregon) where studies showed improved strength and balance, increased mobility and a 55% reduced incidence of falls among seniors who participated.

Classes consist of a core eight-form routine of Yang-style Tai Chi with built-in exercise variations. It teaches participants balance skills and good body alignment by using coordinated and flowing movements. The classes are intended for adults age 60 and older who can walk easily with or without assistive devices.

RSVP is a volunteer recruitment and placement program, helping people 55 and older find volunteer positions that match their interests, talent and available time.  The Oxnard RSVP has over 500 members and is sponsored by the City of Oxnard.  To learn more about being an RSVP member or to discuss other volunteer opportunities, call 385-8023.

Vol. 13, No. 12 – Mar 11 – Mar 24, 2020 – The Pet Page

∙SPAN Thrift Store is providing $10 spays and neuters for low income households with cats and dogs. Two upcoming clinics in March are:

Wednesday, March 18th at  SPAN Thrift Store parking lot 110 N. Olive St. (behind Vons on Main St.),

and a second one on Wednesday, March 25th at Shiells Park, in the parking lot, located at 649 C St., Fillmore.

Please call to schedule an appointment (805) 584-3823.

∙What began as an educational trip ended up with a momentous medical first for Colorado State University.

During the first week of January, a team led by Dr. Chris Orton, veterinary cardiothoracic surgeon, traveled to China to meet with leaders from the Shanghai Hanyu Medical Technology Company. The CSU team planned to learn more about a new device to treat dogs with mitral regurgitation, a leak of the valve between the left ventricle and the left atrium of the heart, and a common condition in older dogs.

Following initial meetings, the CSU team was asked to perform a procedure using the new device on a 7-year-old miniature schnauzer named Datou, or Big Head.

“He was in an advanced stage of heart failure and had perhaps a few months to live,” said Orton, also a professor of clinical sciences at CSU.

Following the procedure, the CSU team stayed in Shanghai for several days to help with Datou’s recovery. They returned to the United States on Jan. 9.

“This was the first successful beating-heart mitral valve repair in a dog with severe mitral regurgitation,” Orton said.

The need for this type of medical breakthrough in the veterinary realm is huge, said Orton, because mitral regurgitation is the most common heart disease in older dogs, affecting 7% of all canines.

While there are a number of ways to treat humans with this condition, including open heart surgery and other minimally invasive procedures, similar treatments for animals are very expensive and not available everywhere. Open heart surgery for canines with mitral regurgitation is offered at CSU, in the United Kingdom and Japan on a limited basis.

Veterinarians at CSU have worked for nearly 10 years to find new ways to treat this condition.

“We’ve been looking for ways to treat this extremely common condition, rather than just treating their heart failure medically until they die,” Orton said. “If Datou keeps the improvement that he’s had, it could change his prognosis from weeks to months to potentially several years.”

Other members of the CSU team that helped with the procedure include Dr. Brianna Potter, cardiology fellow, Dr. Bernard Chi from cardiology, and Ellen Shaub, a veterinary technician from the anesthesia team at the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

Chi and Potter said the team was “extremely excited” following the successful procedure.

“Hopefully this new procedure will be much more available and much more affordable,” said Orton. “This is the biggest unmet need in canine cardiology,” he said.

CSU will train other U.S. veterinary medical centers in the use of the new device.

∙ Researchers have sequenced the whole genome — the entire DNA sequence — of 100 dogs, including 10 from screwtail breeds. All the participating dogs were privately owned pets seen at the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, whose owners agreed to participate. Graduate students Tamer Mansour and Katherine Lucot, with C. Titus Brown, associate professor at the School of Veterinary Medicine and Genome Center, searched through the DNA sequences to find changes associated with screwtail breeds.

From more than 12 million individual differences they were able to identify one mutation, in a gene called DISHEVELLED 2 or DVL2. This variant was found in 100 percent of the bulldogs and French bulldogs sampled, and was very common in Boston terriers.

This kind of whole genome comparison is relatively new, Bannasch said.

“Normally, we would have first had to identify a region DNA and work from there,” she said. “We could look at breed-specific traits, but not as well as we can now.”

Professor Henry Ho at the UC Davis School of Medicine studies similar genes in humans. Mutations in the related DVL1 and DVL3 genes are known to cause Robinow syndrome, a rare inherited disorder in humans characterized by strikingly similar anatomical changes — a short, wide “babyface,” short limbs and spinal deformities. In addition, Robinow patients and the screwtail breeds also share other disease traits, such as cleft palate. In both humans and dogs, DVL genes are part of a signaling pathway called WNT involved in development of the skeleton and nervous system, among other things, said Peter Dickinson, professor of surgical and radiological sciences at the School of Veterinary Medicine. By characterizing the screwtail DVL2 protein product, Sara Konopelski, a graduate student in the Ho lab, pinpointed a key biochemical step in the WNT pathway that is disrupted by the mutation. This finding further suggests that a common molecular defect is responsible for the distinct appearances of both Robinow patients and screwtail dog breeds.

The DVL2 screwtail mutation is so common in these breeds, and so closely tied to the breed appearance, that it would be difficult to remove it by breeding, Dickinson said. Other genes are known to contribute to short, wide “brachycephalic” heads in dogs, and there are likely multiple genes that contribute both to appearance and to chronic health problems in these breeds.

Understanding a common mutation in popular dog breeds may, however, give more insight into the rare Robinow syndrome in humans. Only a few hundred cases have been documented since the syndrome was identified in 1969.

“It’s a very rare human disease but very common in dogs, so that could be a model for the human syndrome,” Bannasch said.

The work is published Jan. 1 in the journal PLOS Genetics.   

∙ The 3rd Annual National Police K-9 Memorial Service will be presented by the National Police Dog Foundation, FOP DC Lodge #1, Courageous Tails, and United for Blue.

The memorial service will include a wreath laying ceremony to honor the memory of fallen police K-9s (download list) who have given their lives in the line of duty during 2019.

​ To be held on Monday, May 11, 2020, the ceremony will begin at 1:00 pm and will be held at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, 450 F St. NW Washington DC, 20001.​

​The National Police Dog Foundation has established the K-9 Memorial Fund to honor these fallen K-9 heroes. Consider a donation to the K-9 Memorial Fund for the continuation of this event and keep our K-9 units strong. Donations help to maintain the center.

For more information, contact [email protected] or at (888) 459-7768.

Vol. 13, No. 12 – Mar 11 – Mar 24, 2020 – Forever Homes Wanted

Adoptable Louise is a sweet bunny who arrived at Ventura County Animal Services almost a year ago. She was adopted and then returned by a family  who discovered they did not have the time to properly care for a house rabbit. To meet Louise and learn more about the responsibilities and rewards of companion rabbits, please visit Ventura County Animal Services at 600 Aviation Drive in Camarillo and ask for ID #A715490.

Hi: I’m Buddy an almost 7-year-old Australian Cattle Dog / Siberian Husky X rescued from Animal Services. I’m a smart Pawsitive Steps Program alumni who would benefit from continued training. I’ve learned basic obedience skills and willing and able to learn more. The trainer recommends that I do not go to a home with small children. I enjoy being active outdoors. If you’re looking for an intelligent guy, I’m your ace. Canine Adoption and Rescue League C.A.R.L.CARL Adoption Center-call 644-7387 for more information.

Vol. 13, No. 12 – Mar 11 – Mar 24, 2020 – Opinion/Editorial

∙The Breeze has never received as many negative emails and phone calls regarding any subject (even Trump) as has been sent to us regarding Scientology. Emails that I won’t even print. I have been accused of awful things because of the article and my comments regarding Scientology.

Please understand that I (and the Breeze) are not supporting or recommending Scientology or any other religion. Personally, I will wait to evaluate what type of neighbors they are and not because people tell me how awful they are. Lots of people think all religions are bad, and there are books condemning all religions.

Let’s say I have a new neighbor, let’s call him Charlie, and people tell me that he is an awful person. I won’t pre-judge Charlie, I will evaluate him after a few months and see how he is. If he is a bad neighbor, I will condemn him, if a good neighbor I will be his friend if he brings no harm to me or the community.

As you know, they released hundreds of balloons at their grand opening ceremony. I was there and said to myself, “Holy s—, that was a big mistake.” It was stupid but not the incredible crime that so many are accusing them of.

They don’t advocate the death of the first born (Exodus 12:29 as called for in the Bible), and I have never heard folks getting upset with that.

I know, and have now met, a few Scientologists, and they seem to be very fine people.

Some say that Scientology isn’t a “true” religion, as they are deemed, so they shouldn’t have tax exempt status. I don’t think any religion should be tax exempt, especially the TV preachers who make millions of dollars.

Readers have asked why the city would allow them here?  The city can’t just arbitrarily decide which legal entity can occupy a building if it is zoned for that use. This might work in a dictatorial country, but certainly not in the U.S. (or at least not yet).

They say that they will clean up our beaches and welcome us to use their facilities. Let’s wait to see if that is true, and that they aren’t just going to try to proselytize us.

It was also suggested that a petition be started to require them to remove their signs. They submitted sign designs to the city and complied with the necessary requirements.

Debbie Cregan, the president of the Church of Scientology in Ventura, did apologize to the City Council for the balloon mix-up. “This is not the way we wanted to introduce ourselves to the community,” Cregan said. “We are here to apologize.…we have been doing beach cleanups and starting tomorrow we will be doing daily beach cleanups.”

∙Congratulations to Ventura Assistant Police Chief Darin Schindler who was selected to lead the department as the new chief following the retirement of Chief Ken Corney. I like the fact that a member of the Ventura Police Department was selected. He will do an outstanding job.

∙Congratulations also to Mayor Matt LaVere who has been elected to serve on the Ventura County Board of Supervisors. Sorry to see him leave Ventura City Council – he followed in the footsteps of Steve Bennett. District 1 Ventura, the Ojai Valley and northern Oxnard.

Regarding Bennett, who ran for the 37th Assembly District there will two candidates, one Republican from Santa Barbara and one Democrat from Ventura, there will be a November runoff. According to results from the Secretary of State, Cole had 28,234 votes or 32.1% while Bennett had 21,004 votes or 23.9%, neither achieved a required majority to win.

∙The City Council hasn’t decided whether to eliminate the Design Review Committee but voted last year to eliminate the Historic Preservation Committee.

The two committees are each filled by five volunteer members appointed by the City Council. They hold public hearings on some (not all) development proposals. To replace them the city would hire outside firms to help evaluate development projects and many of the decisions would be performed by the Planning Commission, and in some cases the City Council.

Director of Community Development Peter Gilli stated that eliminating the two committees could make the process of approving or denying development proposals more efficient and shorter.

After decades of complaints from business owners and developers about how hard and time-consuming it is to get anything built in Ventura, streamlining the process has always been a top priority of the City Council.

Also, the city plans to consolidate its permit operations into a “one-stop shop”, so a property owner or developer will no longer have to wait sometimes up to 10-15 years to have a project approved. The approval process should not be a way of discouraging construction and development. I am all for simplifying and speeding up the permit process.

∙I’m sorry I just can’t control myself. Making a speech regarding the terrible virus that is killing people everywhere in the world including in the U.S., Trump was wearing his “Keep America Great” re-election red campaign hat. Good grief, what do people throughout the world think? I am, personally very embarrassed.

President Donald Trump sought to lay blame on the Obama administration for slowing down new diagnostic testing, but a Republican senator’s office and a lab association said this is not correct.

An aide to Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tennessee, said the Obama administration made no such rule change.

Trump used a freewheeling press conference, intended to provide updates on the coronavirus, as an opportunity to attack Democrats, praise his own intelligence, lash out at CNN and spread false and misleading information about the status of the outbreak.

The president went on a rant criticizing Washington state’s governor, Jay Inslee, as a “snake” and saying he disagreed with his vice-president’s complimentary remarks toward the Democrat.

In a moment that some commentators have called one of the most “disturbing” and “frightening” remarks of Trump’s response to the public health crisis, he said he would prefer that cruise ship passengers exposed to the virus be left aboard so that they don’t add to the number of total infections in the US.

“I like the numbers being where they are,” said Trump, who appeared to be explicitly acknowledging his political concerns about the outbreak: “I don’t need to have the numbers double because of one ship that wasn’t our fault.”

∙As reported in this issue, Ben Bunji Namba passed away on February 26. He is just another wonderful supporter of the arts in Ventura to pass away in the last few years. Hopefully others will pick up where he, and the other great benefactors, left off.

∙A reader sent me an article regarding carbon dioxide disputing the CNN statement that I quoted in the last issue(Among greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide is the most significant contributor to global warming). The information he sent came from Range Magazine, Spring 2020, page 57. If you would like to read it http://rangemagazine.com. It is an excerpt from Jim Hollingworth’s new book “Climate Change: A Convenient Truth.”

 Gary K. Wilde Elected Chair of the California Hospital Association

Wilde joined CMHS, a not-for-profit health system, in 2004.

Gary K. Wilde, Community Memorial Health System’s president and CEO, has been elected chair of the California Hospital Association’s Board of Trustees for 2020.

In his new role, Wilde, of Somis, will help guide the association in advancing policies that ensure California hospitals can continue to provide vital health care services to their communities. The CHA represents over 400 hospitals and health systems in California. The CHA advocates for patients and hospitals, promotes public health policy, and serves as the voice for hospitals at the state and federal levels. The CHA has offices in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to work with hospital leaders from across our state as we help shape a healthcare delivery system of the future for California,” Wilde said. “Healthcare needs to be more affordable and more accessible, and hospitals must be leaders in these efforts. This renewed commitment to our patients and our communities will drive our efforts this year.”

Wilde joined CMHS, a not-for-profit health system, in 2004. CMHS is comprised of Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, the Centers for Family Health and other specialty clinics. Wilde has successfully led the health system as it greatly expanded its services and facilities and built a brand new state-of-the art hospital. Wilde previously spent 22 years in top leadership positions with Cottage Health System in Santa Barbara, becoming executive vice president and chief operating officer in 2000.

Earlier in his career, Wilde worked for St. Luke’s Hospital in Phoenix and Bristol Myers (Squibb) in Syracuse, N.Y. Wilde earned his bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University, a master’s in Health Services Administration from Arizona State University School of Business, and a doctorate degree in Health Administration from Medical University of South Carolina.

Wilde also serves on a number of boards within and outside the healthcare field. He has served as the chair of the Hospital Association of Southern California, chair of the Ventura Chamber of Commerce, and chair of Creative Testing Solutions, the largest non-profit blood donor testing laboratory organization in the country.