Dear Coulee Medical Center Community,

This is an open letter of thanks to everyone who advocated for, supported, gave a forum for discussion, or assisted us to get the message out, regarding a piece of legislation that would have had a detrimental impact on rural healthcare in Washington State and especially our communities.

Because of your willingness to express your concerns about this bill, the Senate listened, and the bill was not enacted. This bill would have had short and long-term devastating effects, and if enacted, would have forced Coulee Medical Center to consider closing some essential services. Because of your advocacy efforts, we will be able to continue these services.

I especially want to recognize those who went above and beyond to help with this cause. Beth Goetz, RN OB/ED/Outpatient Manager, thank you for writing open letters to the legislature detailing the negative impacts. Rachel Seekins, RN Charge Nurse, thank you for testifying to the Senate, opposing the bill. Dr. Andrew Castrodale and Dr. Jennifer Knox thank you for submitting letters to newspapers and the Senate. A special thank you to Alison Ball, Chair of Health and Human Services and Tribal Government committees, who testified on behalf of CMC to the Senate. The Washington State Hospital Association thank you for your tireless efforts in representing rural healthcare. The Grand Coulee Dam Rotary, Grand Coulee Dam Area Chamber of Commerce, The Star Newspaper and the Spokesman Review, thank you for giving us a forum to speak to the community. Thank you to all the staff and community members who took the time to submit emails to their legislators in opposition of this bill.

CMC is proud of our nurses, proud of our staff and feel especially grateful for the support you all have shown us. We are humbled, thankful and grateful.

Advocacy to our legislators works!

Respectfully,

Ramona Hicks, RN, CEO/CNO

Coulee Medical Center