To the author of the Dec. 29 Speak Out —

It is troubling that one apparent bad experience with DCHS has blinded you to the value the hospital brings to our community. While this may not be a wealthy area, we are fortunate to have several large businesses that gainfully employ hundreds of local residents. Along with good schools and recreational opportunities, access to quality health care is essential to retaining and recruiting a strong workforce for these businesses.

DCHS is not perfect, but it is critical that we maintain a hospital of the highest possible caliber to keep our area from declining economically. Based on multiple experiences, including having two children at the hospital, DCHS has numerous talented and caring professionals who do their best to provide excellent care for us and our families. They should be supported, given a chance to restructure, and ideally be financially sound as a result.

I feel fortunate to live in Iron Mountain, and see many signs of an vibrant community, including a downtown with many small businesses to enjoy.

Our hospital is an integral part of the economic and physical health we all strive to attain.