Why Wheat Ridge Must Maintain the FSED Moratorium
The debate over free-standing emergency departments (FSEDs) often centers on access. But in Wheat Ridge, we already benefit from exceptional emergency care through Lutheran Hospital – a full-service facility equipped to handle the most critical medical situations. A recent proposal to lift the moratorium on FSEDs in our community raises serious concerns.
This move appears less about meeting genuine community need and more about strategic market expansion, potentially at the expense of our residents, especially older adults who may be confused in an emergency about whether to seek care at an FSED or a hospital.
Leading healthcare organizations nationwide have voiced concerns about the implications of FSED proliferation in specific communities. The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) has warned of the potential for patient confusion and the fragmentation of emergency care. Unlike full-service hospitals, FSEDs offer a limited range of services and may not be equipped to handle life-threatening emergencies, often resulting in costly and time-consuming transfers and a delay in care which can have life-long consequences.
As someone who has been active in our Wheat Ridge community – educating residents about where to go for care and how to navigate our healthcare system – I have seen firsthand the confusion that free-standing emergency departments can cause. Many people mistake them for urgent care centers and are shocked by the high bills that follow. Others lose critical time at an FSED before being transferred for more serious treatment. These experiences are not rare—they are a reflection of how easily the lines between emergency, urgent, and hospital care can blur, especially for older adults or those unfamiliar with the system.
The financial implications for Wheat Ridge families are equally troubling. FSEDs frequently bill as hospital outpatient departments, which can lead to significantly higher co-pays and deductibles than urgent care centers for similar levels of care. Are we prepared to expose our residents to inflated medical bills for a facility that duplicates existing services and may not provide the comprehensive care they need?
This concern reflects a broader trend. Over the past 20 years, for-profit healthcare companies have spent 95% of their net income – totaling an astonishing $2.6 trillion – on shareholder payouts, according to a February 2025 study in JAMA Internal Medicine. This staggering figure underscores a fundamental truth: for-profit healthcare often prioritizes investor returns over community well-being. FSEDs can serve as entry points into larger healthcare systems, funneling patients toward more profitable services – even if that means transferring patients out of their local community and away from their support networks.
In contrast, nonprofit healthcare systems like Intermountain Health and Lutheran Hospital reinvest their earnings into the health and wellness of the community. Lutheran’s award-winning emergency department is a model of comprehensive, high-quality care. It ensures that patients receive definitive treatment without unnecessary transfers or financial surprises. Supporting and strengthening this existing infrastructure is a far more responsible and community-centered approach than introducing a potentially confusing and costly alternative.
Wheat Ridge is home to the highest density of residents over 65 in the metro area. Our City Council has long demonstrated a commitment to protecting the health and well-being of its constituents. Maintaining the moratorium on free-standing emergency departments is not about limiting access – it’s about safeguarding our community from confusion, delays in life-saving care, higher costs, and a fragmented emergency care system.
We urge our council members to listen to the concerns of their residents and uphold this vital protection. Email your council member today and make your voice heard: Protect Wheat Ridge and maintain the FSED moratorium.
~ Lindsay Reinert, District IV, Wheat Ridge Resident
Town of Mountain View Recall Election
Recently, the citizens of the Town of Mountain View participated in a recall election—an event that should never be taken lightly. The decision to remove an elected official is serious and reserved for times when trust has been broken.
This particular recall was challenging. It required courage and persistence from individuals who felt their representative no longer reflected the values and principles of our community. These individuals endured harassment and bullying, including from within the elected body itself. Despite facing falsehoods and misinformation, they stayed committed to truth, accountability, and transparency.
The broader community also rose to the occasion. Nearly 200 residents cast their votes, each one taking a stand and making their voice heard. Whether you voted yes or no, thank you. Thank you for engaging, for showing up, and for participating in the democratic process—even when it was difficult.
This is the power of “We the People.”
This is what democracy looks like.
And this is how communities move forward—together.
~ Recall Committee – Jeff Kiddie, Dodi Dosh, Kenda Hallinan
US Flag Code
I would like to raise awareness of an issue that seems to be prevalent in Wheat Ridge. The issue is the lack of adherence to the US Flag Code. I am appalled by the number of US flags being flown with no regard for proper flag etiquette. From what I’ve seen, people hang the US Flag outside their home and then neglect it. Here are the main code violations that I have witnessed:
• Flying the flag at night without proper lighting.
• Flying the flag during snow, rain, and wind storms.
• Continuing to fly the flag after it has become worn and tattered (most likely as a result of leaving the flag out during inclement weather).
Frankly. I find few things less patriotic than flying the US Flag with no regard for proper flag etiquette. If you’re unsure as to whether you are following proper flag etiquette, you can learn more at this site: US Flag Code. If you do decide to replace the tattered flag you’ve been flying non-stop for years, please read the section on proper disposal of the flag.
Thank you for reading.
~ Name withheld due to the current divisiveness in our Country
