Dr. Pritpal Tamber is the Co-Founder and CEO of Bridging Health & Community, a Washington State nonprofit dedicated to transforming how we approach health care to encompass things like safety, physical functioning, financial security and emotional security. Dr. Tamber will deliver the closing plenary at the Rural Hospital Leadership Conference in Chelan from 9:45-10:45 a.m. Wednesday, June 28. His session at this year's event will focus on your role as leaders in shaping a value-based health system that reflects your community.... Read More >>

On May 19 the WSHA Board of Trustees voted to approve the membership application of WSHA’s newest member, Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital in Marysville. This 115-bed behavioral health hospital will provide specialized acute care for behavioral health and addiction treatment. It is scheduled to open this summer.... Read More >>

In 2015 and 2016, seven women in Washington State gave birth to eight infants with congenital syphilis. In response to this dramatic increase of a preventable disease, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) distributed a letter to women’s health providers outlining recommendations for syphilis screening during pregnancy. Up to 40 percent of babies born to women with untreated syphilis may be stillborn or die from the infection as newborns, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.... Read More >>

Governor Inslee appointed Michael Sieg, Director of Pharmacy Services at Confluence Health, to serve on the Washington State Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission. Michael will bring a wealth of new ideas and innovative approaches to the commission, and his appointment expands hospitals’ representation and ensures rural perspectives are considered. WSHA advocated for Michael’s appointment.... Read More >>

Membership updates from the May 25, 2017 Weekly Report.... Read More >>

Recent member news from the May 25, 2017 Weekly Report.... Read More >>

Last week, more than a dozen hospital executives traveled with Cassie, Claudia, Chelene, Wendy and I to Washington, D.C., for the American Hospital Association Annual Meeting. This is a terrific opportunity for WSHA staff and members to travel back east and connect with our peers and with elected officials. We were fortunate to spend time with members of Congress, who all gave us thoughtful time and attention. They are eager to stay connected to Washington State, and visitors from home are always welcome.... Read More >>

This week marks National Women’s Health Week, which is an observance led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health. The goal is to empower women to make their health a priority. The week also serves as a time to encourage women to take steps to improve their health.... Read More >>

The Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR) has received a State Targeted Response (STR) to the Opioid Crisis Grant from the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The total grant award is for $11.79 million for the time period of May 1, 2017 to April 30, 2018. ... Read More >>

The pediatric rehabilitation program at Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center in Vancouver opened 10 years ago with just a dozen patients. In the years since, the community’s need for the program has grown drastically, and the medical center’s Children’s Center now serves 550 local children each week, offering physical, occupational and speech therapy. Up until this April, the Children’s Center had the same amount of space to treat its first 12 patients as it did its current volume.... Read More >>