The hospital has announced the addition of two new voting positions on its Governing Board — one representing the Manti/Sterling area and another representing the Redmond, Salina and Aurora area.

Community members interested in serving in either position are encouraged to apply. Applications, including a resume, are due by Oct. 2.

The expansion marks a change to a governing structure that has remained largely unchanged for more than 75 years. The hospital’s Board of Directors has consisted of seven members since 1949, when the hospital was sold by Dr. Ress for $1 to the seven surrounding communities in the Gunnison Valley area.

As Gunnison Valley Hospital has expanded its reach, including establishing family clinics in Manti and Salina, hospital leaders said it is appropriate for the communities to have greater representation in the hospital’s governance.

“Our hospital serves many communities throughout our area, and it is important that our Governing Board reflects the people and communities we serve,” said Casey Dyreng, GVH Governing Board president. “Adding these positions gives us an opportunity to bring new perspectives to the Board while continuing to make thoughtful decisions about the future of healthcare in our communities.”

The two new members will be appointed by the existing Governing Board and will serve as voting members for four-year terms.

Hospital officials are looking for community-minded individuals who have an interest in healthcare, community service and the long-term success of local healthcare.

A healthcare background is not required.

GVH said experience in fields such as business, finance, agriculture, education, technology, economic development, law or community leadership can provide valuable perspectives as the board considers issues facing the hospital and the communities it serves.

“Serving on the Governing Board is a meaningful way to make a difference in our hospital and our communities,” said Brenda Bartholomew, GVH CEO. “We welcome individuals with different backgrounds and experiences to apply. We want people who care about our communities, are willing to learn, and want to help ensure strong, local healthcare for the future.”

The Governing Board meets once a month, generally around noon, with meetings typically lasting two to three hours. Members help establish the hospital’s strategic mission and provide oversight and advice on areas including compliance and quality.

Board members also have a direct role in shaping the culture and future direction of the hospital.

Responsibilities include attending and actively participating in monthly meetings, supporting the hospital’s mission, overseeing quality of care and fiduciary matters, and approving and monitoring hospital programs.

The addition of the two positions gives residents of communities farther south in the hospital’s service area an opportunity to participate directly in decisions involving an institution that provides healthcare services to residents throughout the region.

For communities such as Manti, Sterling, Redmond, Salina and Aurora, the positions also provide an opportunity for local perspectives to be represented as Gunnison Valley Hospital continues to develop its healthcare services.

Community members interested in applying can email a resume to lizb@gvhospital.org. Applications are due Oct. 2.

If you’d like, I can also make this a little more historical and feature-oriented, with more emphasis on the unusual 1949 story of the hospital being sold for $1 and how it has grown to serve communities across the valley.