This op ed by Thundermist Interim CEO Maria Montanaro originally ran on GoLocalProv on Monday, September 16, 2024.
Our healthcare system faces many challenges. There is a shortage of primary care at the same time that demand and costs are higher than ever. Each week, we hear of another healthcare organization struggling to cope. Thundermist Health Center is one of them.
The Board of Directors and senior leaders only recently became aware of the seriousness of the fiscal crisis that jeopardizes Thundermist’s future. Over the past weeks, they responded with swift action as they work to get control of the crisis. Last week, I agreed to step in as interim CEO until conditions stabilize. We all have one goal—to avoid closure and return the organization to financial health without sacrificing the quality of care that has been Thundermist’s hallmark for more than half a century.
This past week, Thundermist was forced to take the painful action of laying off 122 employees and reducing the pay of most remaining on staff. We have much more work to do to raise revenue and lower costs. In the short time (one week) since I became involved, I can report we made a great deal of progress in understanding the dynamics causing our fiscal losses. By the end of this week, we will have the data and tracking tools to drive changes and measure our progress each and every day. The situation is dire, but not hopeless. Thundermist has the right building blocks—dedicated staff, good systems, great facilities, trusted patients, economy of scale, and a track record of success.
I do not want to imagine a Rhode Island without Thundermist. A Rhode Island where 62,000 patients will lose their medical home and land at the doorsteps of our already overcrowded ERs. Imagine a Rhode Island without Thundermist’s steadfast commitment to the communities we serve. Being without our residency training programs or integrated medical, dental, behavioral health that provide holistic care to all, regardless of their ability to pay. I do not want to think about the thousands of children who would go to school behind in their immunizations or be forced to miss school because they cannot get timely care. What would happen to more than 2,100 trans, nonbinary, and gender diverse people without safe, essential healthcare? Where would 214 pregnant people receive their prenatal care?
What can you do to help? If you are a patient, continue to come in and receive your care.
We have not cut services or hours in any of our locations. In fact, we are ramping up access to improve our productivity. If you are a donor, your help is needed now more than ever. If you are a partner or stakeholder who works with us, expect a call from me in the coming days. We can discuss how you can help us bridge the gap in cash flow that will provide Thundermist with the time needed to execute recovery plans.
Thundermist is a good ship in trouble, and we need all hands on deck. That is why I came out of part-time retirement to help. Together we can turn this ship around and ensure Rhode Island does not lose a vital part of its healthcare delivery system.
Maria Montanaro, MSW, is the Thundermist interim CEO and the former Thundermist president/CEO (1997-2011).