It is often said that something or someone isn’t fully appreciated until they are gone.

The current state of affairs gives us a chance to consider what could be and to be thankful for what we have.

A great example is the fact that we in Butler County have a tremendous source of health care in the Butler Health System. That is not to take away from the blessings afforded us through UPMC or the Allegheny Health Network or others but to highlight the saving grace that is BHS.

Just last week, a large number of community leaders and larger employers were able to participate in a telephone conference call with BHS President and CEO Ken DeFurio and key members of the BHS staff concerning the coronavirus issue.

Not many communities would have the opportunity to get information and responses directly from the experts and immediately.

BHS is run and managed by a board of directors made up of local persons that have a vested interest in our county and not only the bottom line of the health system.

No one owns our hospital. It is truly independent. Over the past 20 years the large corporations (even if classified as nonprofits) have looked at BHS as a very attractive asset to acquire. The board has been consistent in its intent to remain independent and retain the ability to decide what is best for Butler County on a local basis.

Is health care to be taken for granted?

Ask the people of Ellwood City who recently lost their hospital and all the jobs which were there. Or even Clarion, which was rescued from potentially losing the community hospital by BHS and is breathing a sigh of relief over what might have been.

Next time you hear someone question BHS as your choice for service or someone suggests you should go elsewhere for care know this: BHS and its staff are as qualified and certified as any place you could possibly go.

The nurses and physicians are not only qualified but many either do work or have also worked at the Pittsburgh hospitals as well. The care you will receive at Butler is not inferior in anyway. Why? Because BHS is local. The staff and management that care for you are your neighbors and your friends. The service you get is exactly the same as they would want for themselves or their family. You can’t put a price on that.

The conference call last week is just one example of why and how we benefit from having a local entity. Be thankful and be healthy.

— RV