Little Wants to Grow Clinic Services
By John Earp
This week, The Jal Record continues its efforts to share the words of all our local candidates with our readers with our interview with Jal Hospital Board candidate, Christy Little.
We encourage all the candidates, whether running for city council, hospital board, or school board, to get in touch with the editor at Advertising@jalrecord.net to schedule a brief interview. We endeavor to quote the candidates in their own words, verbatim, as much as possible.
What is your reason for running for a seat on the hospital board?
Little: I am running for the position I was previously appointed to because I want to help grow the services we can offer to senior citizens and our therapy, dental and mental health patients. I will continue to be available to staff members as someone with a healthcare background and who will listen to their concerns and future training needs to make sure we provide the best care and a positive work environment.
Please briefly share about your personal and professional background, especially experience(s) that have prepared you to serve on the hospital board.
Little: I am the proud mom of two grown men and their amazing wives. I met my husband, Buddy, on a blind date and married him after 3 months. We have been married for 25 years. I have been a rodeo mom, football mom, Cub Scout Master and a teacher/Administrator’s wife. I am blessed more than I deserve.
Professionally, I am a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant and have been in healthcare for 28 years. Most of my experience is with children and their families within the school system. I have worked in every school district in Lea County, with a few of those years being contracted to 3 different districts all at the same time. Overall, I have worked with 3-year-olds all the way through age 90. I have worked for Jal Public schools since 2019. I managed the Jal Aquatic Center for two years. I tend to take on extra jobs when I see the need.
If you are elected, what things do you consider to be the top priorities for the hospital board to try to accomplish in the future?
In the past, there has been a lot of turnover in the board for various reasons. This was before I even knew that Jal Hospital District existed. When I was appointed to the board in November, I saw the need for board consistency and stability. I do not want to be here for the short term but want to be here for the long term. The clinic has grown very quickly and that comes with growing pains. We need updated policies and procedures that reflect the needs of the whole Hospital District. Many people do not know even know all the services we offer. Besides the medical clinic, we offer women’s health, pharmacy, occupational and physical therapy services, respiratory therapy, mental health care, Caring Hearts FREE senior services, and chiropractic services. Our great dental clinic offers so much including implants and orthodontics. The board has a lot of responsibility to a lot of people.
If someone were to ask you, “Why should I vote for you?”, what would you tell them?”
Little: I can offer different perspectives from working and living in other communities along with the experiences I have had the last 5-6 years in Jal. I believe strongly in doing the right thing even when it is not popular. I am not afraid to stand up for what is right, and I will admit when I do not know the answer and need to seek out advice or resources to solve a problem. Every person in an organization has a role and I want staff needs heard as well.
What are some significant things the hospital board has done since you have been on the board that you are happy to have been a part of?
Little: Just since being appointed to the board in November 2024, we hired an additional nurse practitioner to enhance patient care and support our medical team. We also began the process of expanding staff housing, which helps attract and retain qualified professionals. The board hired a District Director to strengthen our leadership and strategic direction. Our hospital was recognized as the Lea County Business of the Year, reflecting our commitment to excellence in healthcare and community service. Additionally, we started updating our policies and procedures to ensure they align with current standards and best practices. These accomplishments have made a positive impact on both our staff and the community, and I’m grateful to have been a part of them.