KV Healthcare

Your Home for Health

HealthNews

Leading the Way in Rural Emergency Care

· ·

Kittitas Valley Healthcare’s own Cody Staub, RN, CEN, has been named one of the Emergency Nurses Association’s 20 Under 40 honorees for 2025. Growing up in rural Idaho gave Cody a deep appreciation for the challenges small hospitals face and the importance of teamwork in overcoming them. As KVH’s director of emergency services, he’s helped connect healthcare organizations across the region to share training, strengthen emergency preparedness, and expand access to quality care close to home. Whether mentoring new nurses or leading community safety programs, Cody’s work reflects his belief that exceptional care shouldn’t depend on your zip code.

What I really enjoy is being able to tell people they can
come to a rural hospital and still receive great care, so that
they can feel better about living their lives,” – Cody Staub, RN, CEN

The 20 Under 40 program recognizes up-and-coming emergency nurses under 40, born after 1984, who are ENA members. Read the full October 2025 Newsletter HERE.

Celebrating Thought Leadership in Our Community: Commissioner Matthew Altman Publishes New Text on Medical Ethics

· ·

Kittitas Valley Healthcare is proud to celebrate one of our own, Hospital Commissioner Matthew Altman, on the publication of his newest book, The Hackett Introduction to Medical Ethics: A Guide for Students, Clinicians, and Ethics Committees, co-authored with scholar Cynthia D. Coe.

As a public hospital district, KVH is committed not only to providing excellent care but also to engaging in thoughtful, values‑driven conversations about the role of medicine in society. Dr. Altman’s work exemplifies that commitment. His book offers a practical and accessible guide to complex questions that shape modern healthcare, from clinical decision‑making to healthcare policy and research.

According to the publisher, The Hackett Introduction to Medical Ethics “addresses key debates and analyzes prominent ethical perspectives on clinical medicine, healthcare policy, and human experimentation. Using numerous case studies, Altman and Coe apply value theory to contemporary medical practice and trace the repercussions for philosophical issues such as autonomy, death, and justice. The book invites a range of readers to investigate urgent moral questions at the intersection of the body and social institutions.”

This is more than a scholarly achievement; it is a reflection of the kind of leadership and inquiry that strengthens our local healthcare system. In an era when healthcare continues to evolve at a rapid pace, having a commissioner who is actively contributing to the national dialogue on ethics is both exciting and deeply meaningful. Dr. Altman’s expertise brings thoughtfulness and clarity to challenging conversations, ultimately benefiting the patients, families, and clinicians we serve.

Through clear explanations and real‑world examples, Dr. Altman and Dr. Coe make ethical theory approachable for learners and professionals alike. Their work supports healthier systems by helping clinicians and administrators better evaluate questions surrounding patient autonomy, access, resource allocation, and the responsibilities we share as a community committed to care.

We are grateful for Dr. Altman’s continued service to Kittitas County both through his leadership on our hospital board and his commitment to the broader field of medical ethics. His scholarship represents the best of what it means to serve: to ask hard questions, to listen, and to help us all navigate the complexities of caring for one another.

Please join us in congratulating Commissioner Matthew Altman on this important contribution to the field of medical ethics.

KVH Hospice Team Recognized Nationally for Caregiver Experience

· ·

It all started with an email.

Earlier this summer, Jacqui Morse, Director of Home Health & Hospice at Kittitas Valley Healthcare (KVH), opened her inbox to find a message that made her heart skip a beat: KVH Hospice had been awarded the 2024 SHPBest™ “Superior Performer” Caregiver Experience Award.

This honor, given by Strategic Healthcare Programs (SHP), recognizes hospice programs that rank among the top 20% nationwide for caregiver and family experience. The award is based on feedback from the CAHPS Hospice Survey, one of the largest benchmarks in the country, which measures how well hospice providers care for patients and support their loved ones during some of life’s most tender and challenging moments.

For the KVH Hospice team, this recognition is more than just a statistic, it’s a reflection of the heart behind their work.

Jay McDonald, RN, Home Health & Hospice summed it up beautifully:

“It is nice to know our services are appreciated.”

The entire team shares that sentiment. The award has brought a wave of joy and validation, reminding each caregiver that the late nights, the gentle conversations, and the countless acts of compassion are noticed and deeply valued.

Jacqui shared that when she told the team the news, “there was this wonderful mix of surprise and pride. Everyone was smiling. At the same time, they didn’t fully grasp the magnitude of this great accomplishment. It’s moments like these that remind us why we do what we do.”

The SHPBest award shines a light on what families in our community already know — that KVH Hospice staff walk alongside patients and loved ones with grace, respect, and unwavering support.

This recognition has energized the team for the future, as they continue to carry forward KVH’s promise to be “Your Home for Health” at every stage of life.

Kittitas Valley Healthcare awarded for efforts to improve rural stroke care

· ·

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Kittitas Valley Healthcare awarded for efforts to improve rural stroke care

The American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Rural Recognition Gold award recognizes efforts to address the unique health needs of rural communities

ELLENSBURG, WA, July 29, 2025 — People who live in rural communities live an average of three years fewer than urban counterparts and have a 40% higher likelihood of developing heart disease and face a 30% increased risk for stroke mortality — a gap that has grown over the past two decades. , Kittitas Valley Healthcare is committed to changing that.

For efforts to optimize stroke care and eliminate rural health care outcome disparities, Kittitas Valley Healthcare  has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Rural Recognition Gold award.

The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, recognizes the importance of health care services provided to people living in rural areas by rural hospitals that play a vital role in initiation of timely evidence-based care. For that reason, all rural hospitals participating in Get With The Guidelines- Stroke are eligible to receive award recognition based on a unique methodology focused on early acute stroke performance metrics.

“We are proud that our team at Kittitas Valley Healthcare is being recognized for the important work we do every day to improve the lives of people in Kittitas County who are affected by stroke, giving them the best possible chance of recovery and survival,” said Deb Callins, KVH Chief Nursing Officer. “As a hospital in a rural community, we deal with unique challenges, such as extended interfacility transportation times, and limited staffing resources. We’ve made it a goal to make sure those hurdles do not affect the standard of care our stoke patients receive.

“Rural communities deserve high quality stroke care. I’m proud of our team for their commitment to stroke care excellence and this achievement. “The award recognizes hospitals for their efforts toward acute stroke care excellence demonstrated by composite score compliance to guideline-directed care for intravenous thrombolytic therapy, timely hospital inter-facility transfer, dysphagia screening, symptom timeline and deficit assessment documentation, emergency medical services communication, brain imaging and stroke expert consultation.

“Patients and health care professionals in Kittitas County face unique health care challenges and opportunities,” said Karen E. Joynt Maddox, M.D., MPH, co-author on the American Heart Association’s presidential advisory on rural health. Kittitas Valley Healthcare has furthered this important work to improve care for all Americans, regardless of where they live.”

###

About Kittitas Valley Healthcare: 

Kittitas Valley Healthcare (KVH) proudly serves Kittitas County and surrounding rural communities as the region’s only healthcare system. Governed by a locally elected Board of Commissioners, KVH operates 25 acute care, critical care, and birthing beds, providing 24/7 emergency services and a full range of inpatient and outpatient care. Through multiple clinics and specialty services, KVH offers family medicine, pediatrics, women’s health, behavioral health, cardiology, dermatology, ENT, orthopedics, neurology, general and vascular surgery, and urgent care. Additional services include home health, hospice, wound care, workplace health, and rehabilitation therapy. Committed to keeping high-quality care local, KVH strives to improve access and enhance the health and well-being of the communities it serves.

About Get With The Guidelines®

Get With The Guidelines® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 14 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.

[1] American Heart Association. American Heart Association issues call to action for addressing inequities in rural health. February 10, 2020. https://newsroom.heart.org/news/american-heart-association-issues-call-to-action-for-addressing-inequities-in-rural-health; American Heart Association. Public Health AmeriCorps to address health inequity in rural communities. April 6, 2022. https://newsroom.heart.org/news/public-health-americorps-to-address-health-inequity-in-rural-communities.

[2] Harrington R, et al. Call to Action: Rural Health: A Presidential Advisory From the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. Circulation. 2020;141:e615–e644.

Upcoming Parent/Family Events

· ·

Park Ramble

Every Tuesday at 10 AM North Alder Street Park

Join us for a walk outside with other new families moving through this parenting journey.

Baby Club

June 14

Baby Club Registration

Peer support group for mother with babies 0-2 years. Childcare available with registration, walk-ins ok. Free!

Family Expressive Arts

June 19

Family Expressive Arts Support Group

  • Family wellness through creative art expression.
  • Free to families with babies 0-2 years.
  • Pizza dinner provided

4th Trimester Resource Center

The 4th Trimester Resource Center provides focused attention on mothers and infants during the postpartum period for timely education, care and assistance. As an extension of the KVH Family Birthing Place, the 4thTRC works in coordination with care providers and community partners in service of postpartum families.

4thTrimester@kvhealthcare.org

Postpartum 509.933.7593 / Lactation 509.962.7388

We are located to the right of the main hospital entrance. Just look for our front porch. 708 E Manitoba Ave, Ellensburg, WA 98926

KVH Joins TeamBirth: Elevating Communication and Safety During Labor and Birth

· ·

At Kittitas Valley Healthcare, we believe that every birth story deserves care that’s not only safe and skilled, but deeply personal because life’s most meaningful moments should be met with compassion, clarity, and connection. That’s why we’re proud to announce our participation in TeamBirth, a nationally recognized initiative designed to improve communication and safety during labor, delivery, and postpartum care.

What Is TeamBirth?
TeamBirth is a best-practices program developed by Ariadne Labs, a health systems innovation center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. In collaboration with the Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA), the program is now being implemented in hospitals across the state, including here at KVH.

The core idea behind TeamBirth is simple yet transformative: make sure everyone involved in a birth, the patient, their support team, and clinical staff—is on the same page. The program formalizes “huddles” at key points during the hospital stay, such as admission, any significant changes in condition, or when important care decisions are being made. These huddles take place in the patient’s room and are anchored by a shared whiteboard that clearly outlines care plans, preferences, and updates.

Why This Matters
Childbirth is deeply personal. It’s also unpredictable. By implementing TeamBirth, we’re creating a system where patients are heard and supported, and where care teams are aligned every step of the way. The program promotes shared decision-making and empowers the person giving birth to be an informed, active participant in their care.

We’re excited to join 11 other hospitals across Washington in this latest rollout—representing the fourth cohort of hospitals bringing TeamBirth to our communities. Since the program’s introduction in 2023, 38 hospitals in Washington and Oregon have already adopted the model. The goal: to achieve 100% adoption across Washington’s birthing hospitals by the end of 2025.

Looking Ahead
KVH’s participation in TeamBirth underscores our long-standing commitment to high-quality, patient-centered maternity care. It’s a step forward in ensuring that every family we serve feels safe, respected, and supported from their first contraction to their baby’s first cry.

We are honored to be part of this movement and look forward to sharing more about the program’s impact in the months to come.

Reference: Fourth Cohort of Washington Hospitals launching TeamBirth to improve communication, safety throughout labor and birth (by: WHSA)

PUBLIC NOTICE – RFQ

· ·

Request for Qualifications (RFQ)- Architectural Services for Nursing Home to Administrative Office Remodel (pdf)

Public Hospital District – Ellensburg, WA

Public Hospital District No. 1, located in Ellensburg, Washington, is inviting qualified firms to submit qualifications to be considered for the continuation of renovation and construction services for a medical facility originally constructed as a skilled nursing facility. The facility is approximately 21,000 square feet, with 10,500 square feet already renovated.

The scope of the project includes, but is not limited to:
– Completion of design development
– Code compliance updates
– Space planning
– Interior finish selection
– Construction oversight
– Expansion of existing parking in accordance with city ordinance
– ADA access improvements

Approximately 50% of remodeling work has been completed, including select mechanical and structural components. Geotechnical and infiltration reports are finalized, with SEPA and city parking permits currently in process.

Interested firms may obtain the full RFQ packet and submission instructions by contacting:

Wayne Tivis   
Public Hospital District No. 1 
(509) 933-8625
KVHContractorSubmissions@kvhealthcare.org

Proposal submissions are due by midnight on 5/30/25, and must comply with all instructions in the RFQ packet.

The District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive any informalities or irregularities in the process. This project is a public works project and subject to all applicable Washington State laws and regulations.

A Journey Towards Safer Healthcare: The Story of KVH’s Safety Committee

· ·

In the bustling environment of Kittitas Valley Healthcare (KVH), safety is paramount—not just for patients but for the dedicated staff who work tirelessly within its walls. At the heart of ensuring a secure workplace is the Safety Committee, a group whose recent efforts have not only garnered them a prestigious award but have also sparked a renewed commitment to employee welfare. This is the story of their journey, as recounted by the committee members themselves.

Commitment to Safety

The Safety Committee has been instrumental in implementing strategies that reduce workplace hazards and promote a culture of vigilance. In 2023, KVH filed a total of 38 claims, with about 5 of these considered “near miss” incidents. The following year, 2024, saw a slight increase with 40 claims filed; however, 11 of these were classified as “near miss.” These numbers indicate an enhanced awareness and reporting culture within the organization, underscoring the committee’s success in fostering an environment where safety concerns are promptly addressed.

The proactive measures and continuous training programs initiated by the Safety Committee is designed to empower employees to identify and report potential hazards before they result in harm. This commitment to safety highlights KVH’s dedication to maintaining a workplace where staff feels protected and supported, ultimately contributing to better patient care and a more harmonious working environment.

Washington Hospital Services (WHS) Top Performer Program

The Washington Hospital Services (WHS) Top Performer Program is meant to capture best practices from WHS Member Hospitals as well as highlight those organizations that strive to continually improve their employee health and safety. The WHS Top Performer Program is open to all Washington Hospital Services Workers Compensation group members in good standing.

Nicole Hilderman, Trent Baker, Anahi Rodriguez, and Marlo Willis embarked on a project that stemmed from a suggestion by Mandee Olsen, KVH Chief Quality Officer. Mandee learned about an opportunity through the Washington Hospital Services (WHS). The project focused on enhancing safety protocols, specifically through root cause analysis.

Understanding Root Cause Analysis (RCA)

To strengthen their safety initiatives, the team turned to Root Cause Analysis (RCA), a proven method for identifying and addressing underlying risks. Initially, the team faced a crucial decision: whether to pursue the project, which could potentially earn them the Washington Hospital Services 2024 Top Performer award. However, the decision was clear—the project was not only an opportunity for recognition but also a chance to address gaps in their safety processes.

A Collaborative Effort for Safety Enhancement

The project required assembling a diverse team, including members from human resources and safety departments. Together, they reviewed existing processes and identified areas for improvement. As the project unfolded, the team began by examining the root cause of bloodborne pathogen exposure. However, they soon realized the importance of broadening their focus to investigate all types of workplace injuries, including near misses and potential hazards. This comprehensive approach aimed to create a safer environment for all employees, from medical staff to dietary workers.

Nicole Hilderman emphasized the importance of a safe workplace, saying, “Healthcare settings are a pretty high risk for injury and exposure. A safe workplace is an important service to provide.” The team’s collaboration was key, allowing them to divide tasks effectively and leverage each member’s unique skills.

Recognition and Motivation

In January 2025, the KVH team was recognized as a Top Performer.  As a result, they received a commemorative plaque, a cash award, and will be honored by the WSHA Board as a 2024 Top Performer at the annual WSHA Conference.  The group hopes to use the awarded funds to enhance the visibility of KVH’s Safety Committee members and the impact and effectiveness of the committee.

Earning the Top Performer award was a milestone, but for KVH, it was just the beginning of an even stronger commitment to workplace safety. The recognition served as a catalyst for further innovation and improvement within the hospital’s safety protocols. Trent Baker noted, “By identifying ways to reduce employee injuries, we create a safer work environment where our team feels supported and can focus on what they do best—caring for patients. When our employees stay healthy and on the job, they can serve patients more efficiently and effectively.”

Central to this success was the revitalization of the Safety Committee. By incorporating feedback from diverse perspectives, the committee fostered a culture of safety awareness and accountability. In the next month, we plan to launch an RCA toolbox, filled with commonly used terminology, forms/templates, and links to examples/case studies. If you are ever asked to participate in or are just curious about an RCA event, this would give you some insight into the process.

Trent Baker highlighted this effort, saying, “What we discovered is that we already had many of the necessary components—they were just scattered in different places. The idea behind the toolbox is to bring everything together into one unified location, making it easily accessible for everyone to reference and utilize.”

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, the Safety Committee aims to continue its efforts in promoting a safe workplace. Plans include enhancing communication channels, providing ongoing education, and ensuring all employees feel comfortable reporting potential hazards. “Our vision for the safety committee, as we reevaluate it, is to truly amplify the employee voice,” said Nicole Hilderman. “We want to reach a point where we’re anticipating potential issues ahead of time and proactively preventing them before they happen.”

Marlo Willis added, “It’s just about exposing risk and it’s just for anybody to do it.” The ultimate goal is to create an environment where safety is a shared responsibility and where every employee feels valued and protected.

Conclusion

The Safety Committee’s story is one of collaboration, innovation, and dedication. Through their efforts, they have not only improved safety protocols but have also instilled a sense of pride and commitment among their colleagues. The committee is dedicated to continuously fostering a culture of safety and excellence, ensuring KVH remains a place where both patients and staff thrive.

“Bone Up on Bone Health” with Chelsea Newman, PA-C

· ·

Upper Kittitas County Senior Center Hosts “Bone Up on Bone Health” with Chelsea Newman, PA-C

Cle Elum, WA – February 20, 2025 – The Upper Kittitas County (UKC) Senior Center is excited to announce a special “Bone Up on Bone Health Presentation” with KVH’s Family Medicine Cle Elum Physician Assistant Chelsea Newman, on March 18th from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the Center’s main hall.

During this month’s Community Talk, Chelsea Newman will provide valuable insights on the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and fall prevention—two essential topics for older adults seeking to maintain and improve their bone strength and overall well-being. Chelsea will share practical tips for the diagnosis, pharmacological treatments and lifestyle recommendations for osteoporosis.

This presentation is free and open to the community, and we encourage all to attend. It will be a great opportunity to learn about strategies for staying active, healthy, and safe in everyday life.

Details of the Event:

  • Date: March 18, 2025
  • Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  • Location: Upper Kittitas County Senior Center, Main Hall, 719 E 3rd St, Cle Elum, WA 98922
  • Speaker: Chelsea Newman, PA-C from KVH’s Family Medicine Cle Elum Clinic

The UKC Senior Center is dedicated to supporting the health and wellness of older adults in our community, and we are pleased to offer this educational session as part of our ongoing programming.

For more information, please contact the UKC Senior Center at 509-674-7530.

About Upper Kittitas County Senior Center:
The Upper Kittitas County Senior Center is a community-based organization that provides a variety of programs, services, and activities for the Upper Kittitas County community. The Center is committed to enhancing all aspects and well-being of the lives of older adults through educational opportunities, social activities, and resources that promote health and well-being.