Idaho rural hospitals are at risk. Make sure candidates know you care | Opinion

Are political candidates listening to you?

With the May 19 primary election fast approaching, I repeatedly hear comments of dissatisfaction and a lack of enthusiasm from my fellow voters. They express frustration that politicians spend too much time on issues that don’t matter to most citizens in the Gem State.

Instead of proposals that resonate with average Idahoans, out-of-state interests seem to be driving more and more of the legislative agenda.

Candidates are asking for our support, but they shouldn’t get our vote without hearing what matters to us and sharing their views on the things we care about. For me, healthcare matters and polling shows it matters to others, too. Healthcare in parts of rural Idaho is on the verge of collapse.

We lack primary care providers, mental health providers and maternal health specialists. Sixty-seven percent of our rural hospitals are struggling financially. In more than 20 years as a healthcare advocate, this is the first time I have been worried about the possibility of a hospital closure that would be disastrous for both community health and the local economy.

Policy decisions by elected officials will make the current situation worse or help stabilize the healthcare environment and support access to care in our state. For that reason, no candidate will get my vote unless I know what they think about healthcare. I ask the following:

• What have you done or will you do to support your local hospital?
• What will you do to protect and improve access to care in rural areas?
• What proposals will you support to ensure we have enough healthcare workforce for our growing population?
• What will you do to ensure healthcare is treated as essential infrastructure in Idaho?

What issues do you care about? We will hear a lot from candidates, but they need to hear from each of us. Whether it be at town hall meetings, candidate forums or campaign events, we must take the time to ensure candidates hear from you, and they talk about the issues that matter to you.

I believe healthcare matters to every community in our state, and we should hear more about it. If you are frustrated that candidates do not care about those issues at the top of your list, be sure they know what you want and vote accordingly.

Low voter turnout in primary elections gives disproportionate influence to a small percentage of people. Your vote is especially powerful in the primary election where a handful of votes can decide a close race. If those seeking office and aspiring to make public policy decisions that impact your life do not hear from you, out of state interests will be happy to fill that void. You have the power if you choose to use it.

Toni Lawson is chief advocacy officer of the Idaho Hospital Association.