The Sedona City Council decided during its meeting on Tuesday, June 13, to declare its official neutrality toward the proposed Northern Arizona Health Care Hospital in Flagstaff.
The first phase of the project is expected to be completed in 2027 and will consist primarily of a new 700,000-square-foot hospital north of Fort Tuthill County Park.
The city council has responded to comments by Yavapai County District 3 Superintendent Donna Michaels, who urged supporters to lobby the City Council in a Facebook post on April 26. , “We Verde Valley Residents Oppose the Estimated $800 Million Phase One Plan.” NAH and Wellness Village are planned near Fort Tuthill County Park. “
The City Council of Flagstaff approved the rezoning of the hospital on June 6, but Verde Valley residents voiced no objection.
“Misunderstandings have arisen because elected officials who have a position on the issue have made widespread statements, Verde Valley has widespread support, and the community says so. [are in opposition]However, we are representatives of Sedona and do not have a position on this matter,” City Councilman Kathy Kinsella said. “I don’t want to interfere with the Flagstaff process…I don’t want to make it clear and let it be expressed.
“If we state that our position is neutral and act on this matter, we will advise the officer elected on behalf of our position so that she may speak on behalf of the City of Sedona. I request you to clarify that you are not.”
Council members did not mention Mr. Michaels by name, but the agenda item bill identified Mr. Michaels as the supervisor responsible for making widespread opposition allegations in the Verde Valley.
While Congress emphasized its neutrality to NAH’s construction plans, Congressman Brian Fultz questioned the issue of unequal investment raised by Michaels.
“With NAH’s focus on new ‘villages’, where will that leave us in the Verde Valley?” Michaels asked in the post. “What if $800 million was used to improve the current infrastructure of both NAH hospitals and provide incentives to attract much-needed medical staff in the region?”
“I agree,” Mr. Fultz said of the neutrality statement. “But as a by-product of what NAH is doing… we want NAH to give up the land behind the Emergency Center.” [in Sedona].they are going to invest [in Flagstaff]And we know they’re not going to invest here. “
At the beginning of the meeting, Kent Ellsworth, executive director of the Verde Valley Caregivers Coalition, announced that the 400 to 500 people who use the organization’s services would benefit from the organization’s out-of-town medical services. They were discussing the burgeoning need for transportation services. He cited the lack of specialized medical care for residents.
“Just five years ago our volunteers and staff drove about 250,000 miles. This year it will be 600,000 miles,” Ellsworth said. “80% of all the trips we offer Sedona residents, his destination is Sedona, not Sedona. [to Flagstaff and Prescott]”
In recent years, coalition forces have been making long-distance trips 20 to 30 times a week, up from five times a week before. One of the mitigation measures the Verde Valley caregiver is taking is to expand its telemedicine offering by donating 11 tablets from NAH to help residents make virtual appointments.
“I respect the neutral position they have taken,” Michaels said. “I don’t remember mentioning the city council vote.” Referring to the comment she posted, she said, “I certainly … by its very definition make it very clear that it’s my opinion and the community made it very clear who was who… but I never tried to reflect the decisions of the city council, I know it’s understood to be neutral for quite some time. It was done. I respect their right to do so. “
