Anonymous donor creates new 'indigent health care fund' for Manatee

MANATEE -- "The county is not in the health care business."

That remark from Karen Windon, Manatee County's deputy administrator, was made several times over the past year during formal discussions about the county's rapidly-dwindling indigent health care fund and the best way to deliver health care to the medically needy in the future.

Windon was expressing her frustration that the county didn't have a medical professional on staff to turn to for advice any time commissioners or administrators like herself had a question about health care.

But that might be about to change.

A donor working through Manatee Community Foundation in order to remain anonymous will give $200,000 to fund a new county staff position called health care services manager for two years, said Susie Bowie, the executive director of the Manatee Community Foundation.

During their 9 a.m. regular meeting Tuesday on the first floor of the Administrative Center Commission Chambers, commissioners will decide if they wish to enter into an agreement with the Manatee Community Foundation to receive the money, Windon said.

"We are so blessed to have this donor step forward through the Manatee Community Foundation," Windon said Monday. "We have long said we don't have anyone with health care experience employed by this government. This person will facilitate all the conversation and connect the dots."

The county recently hired a health consultant to analyze the best way forward to deliver health care to Manatee's medically needy and the county also recently established a volunteer health advisory board to do basically the same thing. Now there might be a manager. So, who will have the ultimate power?

"The new manager would work with the new healthcare advisory board, the consultant and the Health Care Alliance to insure we don't have gaps and we don't have overlaps," Windon said. "I think this new person will maximize the resources we have and steer us the way we need to go. This person will look at the totality and make wise decisions. They would be invaluable. They would be a weaver, a collaborator."

Finding a person with the right background, an attitude for innovation and strong skills in facilitation will make the question of who has the final say moot because this person will bring everyone together, Windon said.

"They will look at things from a different lens," Windon added.

Commissioner Robin DiSabatino on Monday said that a staff health manager will carry great weight.

"I was trying to advocate for having a staff member in lieu of hiring consultants that are outside and drop in," DiSabatino said. "So, I am all in favor of this. I know the consultant has been talking to our financial advisory board. Maybe this is a duplication of efforts."

DiSabatino says she will be delighted if the manager is visible at all commissioner meetings or just a beep away.

"I have said all along that I would like more one-on-one during the process rather than just hearing a final assessment," DiSabatino added. "This way we can have input anytime we want it."

Bowie said she couldn't reveal any information about the secret donor.

"This has been something that this donor cares very deeply about," said Bowie. "It's a gift based on a lot of thoughtful consideration."

The donor asked Bowie to set up the fund under the name, "Manatee County Indigent Health Care Fund," the first such fund in the Manatee Community Foundation, Bowie said.

"This is the one huge advantage of working with a foundation like ours," Bowie said. "So many donors wish to remain anonymous and we can help facilitate their philanthropy."

Richard Dymond, Herald reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7072 or contact him via Twitter@RichardDymond.

This story was originally published April 11, 2016 at 5:23 PM with the headline "Anonymous donor creates new 'indigent health care fund' for Manatee ."