Former Denver Health patient explains why Measure 2Q is so important

The potential passage of Measure 2Q means Denver Health can continue to serve residents of underserved communities, including providing care to those with mental health and substance abuse issues. However, the hospital will have to scale back services if the measure is not adopted.

“Without them, I wouldn’t be here,” said Drew DeMoss, a patient at Denver Health.

Two years ago, Drew DeMoss almost lost his life.

“I had a ruptured aneurysm. I didn’t know it, and I passed out driving down Blake Street, point blank into a concrete barrier,” he said.

DeMoss suffered an abdominal aortic aneurysm while driving, but luckily he survived.

About 65% of patients with a ruptured “triple-A” die before reaching the hospital.

“A construction worker walked next to my car. I handed him my phone and said, ‘Call my wife.’ Then he called 911, and I ended up at Denver Health.”

Dr. Donna Lynne, CEO of Denver Health, says the hospital’s services are crucial for patients like DeMoss.

“We are the only Level 1 trauma center in the city and county of Denver. That means if you have a heart attack or stroke, this is the place you want to go,” Lynne said.

Had Denver Health not provided immediate and necessary care, DeMoss might have died.

“Maintaining that important service, as well as the ambulance services that bring patients to Denver Health, is critical,” Lynne added.

Measure 2Q would implement a 0.34% sales tax rate to help fund critical services, including behavioral health care, dental care and housing for some patients. However, if it succeeds, residents can expect a city tax rate totaling just over 9% next year.

“I wish we would have done this many, many years ago,” she said.

The sales tax will exclude food, fuel, medicine, diapers and feminine hygiene products.

Lynne emphasized that the tax increase was a necessary step to continue providing essential services.

“I also know it’s a hardship, and paying more money in taxes takes a lot of dedication. We didn’t ask for this lightly, but we think we’re giving back to the community in exponents of what this will cost to people who see an increase in their sales tax,” said Lynne.

The measure will also fund 78 inpatient beds for substance abuse and mental health services.

“We turn people away every day because we can’t keep them open with the current funding we have. This money goes directly to serving patients that we sometimes have to turn away.”

For people like DeMoss and his partner Lisa Ozzello, the implementation of Measure 2Q is crucial.

“I cared more about that issue than anything because it was on the ballot, because we are so fortunate to have that kind of superior care,” Ozzello said.

The hospital says Measure 2Q is a small price to pay to keep Denver Health services available to everyone.

Follow the results of the Denver elections at denvergov.org/electionresults.