Washington State Hospital Association

06/08/2026

Thoughtful prescribing practices are key to preventing prescription opioid misuse. In a new video developed in partnership between WSHA and the Washington State Health Care Authority’s Starts with One campaign, clinicians from Providence Swedish and North Valley Hospital District highlight how evidence-based opioid prescribing can improve patient safety.

By setting clear expectations, prescribing the lowest effective dose and duration, and educating patients on risks, providers can help reduce harm while still effectively managing pain.

Prescribing decisions don’t end at the point of care. Conversations about safe use, storage and disposal remain essential to protecting patients, their families and the broader community.

We’re grateful to the providers across Washington who are leading this important work every day.

Watch the video and consider sharing it with your clinical teams to support safe, informed prescribing practices.

06/04/2026

Washington State needs more trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, especially in rural areas where access to this specialized patient care can support recovery from the trauma of sexual assault in under-resourced rural communities.

The application period is now open for WCN's SANE Training Fellowship this fall. The application period is open through July 31, 2026. If you are a Washington RN considering SANE training, apply today.

The demand is particularly urgent for diverse and rural SANE-qualified nurses across our state. To learn more or to apply visit:

The application period is now open for WCN's 2026 SANE Training Fellowship this fall! If you are a Washington RN considering SANE training, apply today! Washington State needs more trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners. This is even more true in rural areas where access to this specialized type of....

05/28/2026

Summit Pacific Medical Center's work reimagining rural healthcare is earning national attention with a feature on All Access with Andy Garcia. It's a well-deserved recognition of the innovative, community-centered care model being built right here in Washington.

https://summitpacificmedicalcenter.org/all-access/

From its integrated Wellness Center to forward-thinking programs like Summit Care, Food as Medicine and behavioral health integration, Summit Pacific is putting the focus on prevention, whole-person wellness and access close to home.

This spotlight reinforces the importance of investing in people and proactive care. Summit Pacific is improving local outcomes while shaping a national conversation about the future of healthcare.

A big congratulations to the entire Summit Pacific team for exemplifying what high-quality, community-driven care looks like.

Summit Pacific Medical Center will be featured on All Access with Andy Garcia. Stay tuned to learn how this rural hospital is transforming healthcare through innovation, wellness, and community-focused care.

05/21/2026

Excited to see Seattle Children's leading the way with its new Introduction to Autism video series. The videos are filled with clear, accessible information for families, and designed to ensure every child’s experience is seen, heard and respected. Take a look!

https://www.seattlechildrens.org/clinics/autism-center/patient-family-resources/videos/

05/18/2026

Healthcare providers play an important role in preventing prescription opioid misuse, and nurses are often at the center of safety conversations with patients.

In a new video created in partnership between WSHA and the Washington State Health Care Authority's Starts with One campaign, nurses from Providence Swedish and North Valley Hospital District share why education around safe medication storage and disposal matters, and how these conversations can help protect patients and their families.

We’re grateful to the providers helping lead this work across Washington.

Watch the video and consider sharing it with your nursing teams and staff.

05/08/2026

Every legislative session shapes the future of health care in Washington as the decisions made in Olympia reach into all our communities. This year, in partnership with our member hospitals and health systems, we helped stop harmful bills, advance key priorities and secure important tax relief. Here’s a look at the numbers behind the work and its impact.

05/07/2026

Please join us in celebrating the incredible nurses serving our community across Harbor Regional Health as we begin Nurses Week and honor National Nurses Day.

Every day, our nurses help heal, comfort, and serve our patients with dignity and compassion. Nurses are there for both life’s hardest moments and most meaningful milestones, providing expert care, with reassurance, kindness, and hope.

Whether at the bedside, in our clinics, in surgery, the emergency department, Family Birth Center, infusion services, wound care, or countless other areas across our organization, our nurses make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.

Today, and every day, we are deeply grateful for everything you do. Thank you for your commitment to our patients, our community, and each other.

Happy Nurses Day, and thank you to every nurse who helps make Harbor Regional Health what it is. 💙💚

04/30/2026

Good news for people with hearts in northeast Washington!

Scans for cardiovascular disease are now available at Newport Community Hospital.

04/15/2026

Madigan Army Medical Center is deepening its partnership with the Washington State Hospital Association to strengthen readiness, expand collaboration and elevate care across Washington. This connection brings military and civilian health systems closer together, building a more coordinated and resilient network for service members, families and communities.

MADIGAN ARMY MEDICAL CENTER, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. -- Madigan Army Medical Center plays a critical role in ensuring the health, readiness, and...

03/23/2026

Congratulations to Drew Hooper, WSHA's 2026 Ben Lindekugel Governance Excellence Award winner!

This award recognizes exemplary leadership in hospital governance and sustained service to patients and communities across Washington state.

Drew has served as a hospital commissioner since 2008 and board chair since 2014, helping lead Summit Pacific Medical Center through major milestones — including construction of a replacement hospital, the opening of a community wellness center, and a major hospital expansion now underway. As chair of WSHA’s Hospital Governing Boards Committee, he also plays a key role in strengthening hospital governance statewide.

“Drew is a dynamic elected official whose mission is to make our rural community healthier and stronger every single day,” said Summit Pacific CEO Josh Martin. “He challenges our organization to think beyond the traditional health care model and focus on transformation, well-being and population health.”

A tireless advocate for rural health care, Drew regularly engages with state and federal policymakers and has contributed to WSHA’s governance education program as a WSHA-certified commissioner. His leadership continues to support both organizational growth and long-term community health.

Thank you, Drew, for your commitment to rural health and public service.