The potential passage of Measure 2Q means Denver Well being may proceed to offer providers to residents in underserved communities, together with take care of folks with psychological well being and substance abuse points. Nevertheless, the hospital should cut back providers if the measure will not be accredited.
“I wouldn't be right here with out them,” stated Drew DeMoss, a Denver Well being affected person.
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Two years in the past, Drew DeMoss virtually misplaced his life.
“I had a ruptured aneurysm. I didn't understand it, and I handed out driving down Blake Avenue, point-blank, heading right into a concrete barrier,” he stated.
DeMoss suffered an belly aortic aneurysm whereas driving, however thankfully survived.
About 65% of sufferers with a “triple A” rupture die earlier than reaching the hospital.
“A development employee got here as much as my automotive. I handed him my cellphone and stated, 'Name my spouse.' Then he known as 911 and I ended up at Denver Well being.”
Dr. Donna Lynne, CEO of Denver Well being, says the hospital's providers are essential for sufferers like DeMoss.
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“We’re the one Stage 1 trauma heart within the metropolis and county of Denver. Which means you probably have a coronary heart assault or stroke, that is the place you wish to go,” Lynne stated.
If not for Denver Well being offering the rapid and crucial care, DeMoss could have died.
“It’s essential to protect that vital service, in addition to the ambulance providers that carry sufferers to Denver Well being,” Lynne added.
Measure 2Q would implement a zero.34% gross sales tax fee to assist fund important providers, together with behavioral well being, dental care, and housing for some sufferers. Nevertheless, if accredited, residents may count on a metropolis gross sales tax fee of simply over 9% total subsequent 12 months.
“I want we had achieved this many, a few years in the past,” he stated.
The gross sales tax will exclude meals, gasoline, medicines, diapers and female hygiene merchandise.
Lynne emphasised that the tax improve was a crucial step to proceed offering important providers.
“I additionally know that it’s a problem, and paying more cash in taxes requires numerous dedication, we don’t ask for it frivolously, however we consider that we give again to the neighborhood in exponents of what that is going to price to the people who find themselves seeing a improve of their gross sales taxes,” Lynne stated.
The measure may also fund 78 inpatient beds for psychological well being and substance abuse remedy.
“We flip folks away on daily basis as a result of we will't preserve them open with the present funds now we have. This cash will go on to caring for the sufferers we generally have to show away.”
For folks like DeMoss and his accomplice, Lisa Ozzello, the passage of Measure 2Q is essential.
“I cared about that difficulty greater than anything because it was on the poll as a result of we're so lucky to have that sort of superior care,” Ozzello stated.
The hospital says Measure 2Q is a small value to pay to maintain Denver Well being providers obtainable to everybody.
Observe Denver election outcomes at denvergov.org/electionresults.