Nantucket Cottage Hospital: Something to Celebrate
EDITORIAL

Life 30 miles at sea can be challenging, and there are some local institutions that quite literally make life possible here. Nantucket Cottage Hospital is at the very top of that list. Our geographical remoteness has required a combination of selfreliance among hearty island souls who care for one another along with financial support from friends here and afar. Our community is truly blessed to have an institution which offers year-round quality healthcare for every individual who steps on this island. We are grateful for the efforts of the hospital's board of trustees, volunteers and employees who work to provide the best delivery of care. And we are blessed by so many who support the good works of Nantucket Cottage Hospital through their commitment and devotion and, yes, philanthropy.

The challenges facing any health care institution are daunting, with rising medical costs and dwindling reimbursements. Statewide, the number of hospitals running operating deficits has ballooned from 20 percent last year to 51% percent this year. Just this week, Cape Cod Health Care - which operates Cape Cod and Falmouth hospitals - announced its largest layoff of employees ever - 169 jobs, including 91 at Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis, to stave off a $25- million operating shortfall. With the Cape's largest employer and provider of health care services finding itself in such a financial crisis, it is a sobering reminder of how fortunate we are for having the 97-year-old Nantucket Cottage Hospital, and how important is its continued financial support through annual and planned giving and fundraising events.

This Saturday, the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra and conductor Keith Lockhart present the 12th annual Pops at Jetties concert to benefit the Nantucket Cottage Hospital. The concert raises almost $1 million a year, which helps to offset the hospital's operating expenses not covered by insurance. Come to the concert, show your support and hear great music. CBS news managing editor and anchor Katie Couric hosts, with a special performance by Tony and Academy Award winning actor and singer Joel Grey, topped off by fireworks. Nantucket Cottage Hospital

is something to sing about! I