By: Sheridan Robbins
EVERETT, SEPT.13: Economic Alliance of Snohomish County (EASC) has partnered with Optum Healthcare, for the 2nd annual Healthcare summit to address current healthcare concerns from lasting COVID-19 impacts to technological advances.
Due to the numerous struggles continuing to burden the U.S. healthcare system, Optum, formally The Everett Clinic, and EASC will welcome medical experts to speak on the struggles the healthcare industry is facing today.
“Our goal for this summit is to provide a space for a healthy, robust conversation to happen in front of policymakers and other businesses so they can use the information so they can be pragmatic with the information given,” Wendy Poischbeg, EASC Interim President & CEO said.
Industry leaders plan to discuss issues like the rising cost of healthcare and how the medical field is still dealing with the effects of COVID-19.
Additionally, the panel will examine technological advancements within the professional healthcare system such as virtual care, and the developing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in medicine.
Poischbeg said EASC is particularly invested in improving Snohomish County’s healthcare system because it has a direct impact on local businesses.
“The healthcare system is very challenged right now,” said Poischbeg. “Hospitals and clinics face labor shortages that jeopardize the public’s ability to have fast, efficient healthcare services.”
COVID-19 has burdened the system greatly by causing supply chain issues, as well as overcrowded hospitals with not enough space for patients.
When people don’t have access to sufficient healthcare, they cannot go to work, which leads to individuals not having the means to pay expenses such as groceries or babysitters-if people are struggling with physical or mental illness, it is a ripple effect that slows down the economy, Poischbeg said.
The unfortunate circumstances of America’s healthcare system affect everyone, you never know when you will have a medical emergency and rely on the healthcare system to work properly, Poischbeg said.
“However, there is hope to improve the system,” Poischbeg said. “By attending this event, you can get valuable insight on the changes professionals plan to implement in the coming years.”
The EASC hopes that the timing of the panel discussion will help educate policymakers to make informed changes to the healthcare system in the fall, Poischbeg said.
The summit will run from 9:30-11:30 a.m. September 24 at the WSU Everett auditorium, 915 North Broadway. This is a free event.
There will be an opportunity for attendees to ask the panel questions at the end of the lecture. To register for the event, see here.
