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Social Media & Teens

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Contributor Dr. Elise Herman

Parents of teens know that this is a tough time for their kids, and many experts point to smartphones and social media as contributing to the worsening mental health of young people. Recent research has shown that social media is not just related to depression, anxiety, and loneliness, but can cause these issues. It should be noted that no one should be on social media until age 13 (it is against the rules as well as potentially harmful), and the later a teen starts with it, the better.

When phones and social media became common around 2012, kids began spending less time with friends just ’hanging out’, which is felt to contribute to feelings of isolation. So what are kids doing instead of hanging out with their peers? They are, of course, on their phones. 95% of all American teens have smartphones and they are on their phones over 7 hours a day (excluding for academics or homework). It is well known that all that phone and social media time is interfering with sleep, and inadequate sleep is tied to anxiety and depression in teens.

The negative effects of social media include bullying, kids comparing themselves to other people’s “perfect lives”, and a sense of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). There may also be exposure to violent or sexual content. Instagram and other social media can promote body image issues in teen girls who may already be struggling with self-esteem. Social media (including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube) is engineered to be addictive, and 2/3 of teens age 13-17 years use it, 16% admitting to using social media “almost constantly”.

There are some clear positives of social media, however. Most teens say it can make them feel more connected to peers, and those with a disability or feeling marginalized may find support on a social media platform. It can provide an outlet for creativity, and most would agree on its potential for being entertaining.

Given that there are some positives, and most teens are very plugged in to their social media, what can parents do to help their kids regulate their usage? Although banning social media outright seems tempting, this is unlikely to be successful. Knowing that just decreasing the amount of social media can help kids with body image, depression, anxiety and self-esteem, it is better to make a mutually agreed upon plan with your teen to limit it.

This plan should have scheduled downtime daily without the phone and social media, including mealtimes and the hour before bed (and ideally no phones in the bedroom). Social media should be allowed only after homework is done; this can be implemented via parental controls if needed. Setting a daily time limit for social media apps is easily done on the phone; ideally your teen should do this and look at it as helpful reminder although parental controls are again an option. Encourage taking a longer break for activities like camping, traveling, and special times with friends or family. It is good to see how much more engaged we are when we don’t have our phones and social media to distract us.

Discuss with your child what on social media makes them feel better or worse; if something makes them feel worse, they should avoid it (good advice for us adults, too). Sympathize with your teen if you have a love/hate relationship with your social media and that limiting this may be difficult for you, too. Handling social media can be something you do together as a family. The American Academy of Pediatric has a new version of their free Family Media plan which can guide parents in media usage individualized for each family member (see Resources, below).

Parents should be familiar with social media platforms and know which ones their child is using. Encourage frequent conversations with your teen about relationships, social media, and emotional well-being so it will be easier for them to come to you if they have concerns. If social media is affecting your teen’s mental health, it is time to take a break and consider talking to your child’s healthcare provider and/ or a counselor.

Resources

more about The contributor

Dr. Elise Herman

Blog Posts
Profile

Dr. Herman is passionate about community health outreach, school programs, and child/family health and wellness. She has more than 31 years of experience as a pediatrician in Ellensburg, Washington, the last 3 with KVH Pediatrics. In 2022 Dr. Herman mostly retired from practice and continues to contribute blog posts and remain a visible advocate for kids in the community.

RSV and Other Respiratory Viruses

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From the Washington State Department of Health

Pediatric hospitals and clinics across Washington are in crisis as rising case rates of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), flu and COVID-19 cause overcrowding in the midst of staffing shortages. Flu hospitalizations are at the highest rates seen in 10 years for this time period and pediatric emergency departments are seeing a record number of RSV patients. To slow the spread of respiratory viruses, Washington State Department of Health (DOH) recommends that everyone 6 months and older be vaccinated for influenza and get a COVID-19 booster to lower the risk of respiratory virus transmission and serious illness. Find resources here

What is RSV?

Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs) in children younger than 1 year of age in the United States. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Pediatrician Discusses RSV Cases American Academy of Pediatrics

RSV is spreading rapidly and much earlier than normal this year. That combined with flu season and the continued spread of COVID makes for a scary time for many parents of young children. Pediatrician and parent of young kids Dr. Parga-Belinkie offers reassurance and practical guidance for parents in this new video, including signs it’s time to #CallYourPediatrician to be seen.

Posts by Pediatrician Dr. Elise Herman

Returning to School After an Illness

As kids head back to school and are together in classrooms again, parents know their child may pick up some illnesses. There are times when it is appropriate to keep sick children home, both for their own recovery as well as protecting fellow students and school staff.

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Preventing Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections

RSV typically starts in fall, peaks in winter, and causes cold symptoms including runny nose, cough, and fever in children and adults. Most kids have had RSV by age 2. Although usually mild, RSV can cause more serious problems like wheezing, pneumonia, and trouble breathing.

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Information / Flyers, Handouts and Printable

Seattle Children’s Hospital

American Academy of Pediatrics

Center for Disease Control

Local Resources

If you or someone you are taking care of are exhibiting symptoms that you feel require immediate medical attention, please call 9-1-1. If you or someone you are taking care of are experiencing symptoms but do not require emergent care, please contact your primary care provider.

Most health insurance companies offer a 24-HR Nurse Line to assess symptoms, provide support and guidance for non-emergency situations. Check the back of your insurance card for the phone number.

What does RSV sound like?

All about RSV

National Rural Health Day

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The National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health sets aside the third Thursday of every November to celebrate National Rural Health Day.

National Rural Health Day (NRHD) is an opportunity to “Celebrate the Power of Rural” by honoring the selfless, community-minded spirit that prevails in rural America. NRHD showcases the efforts of rural healthcare providers, State Offices of Rural Health and other rural stakeholders to address the unique healthcare challenges that rural citizens face today and into the future.

I knew at a pretty early stage in my medical training that rural medicine was where I wanted to spend my life. I became enamored with the people the types of lives that people live in rural communities, and I recognized that I was never going to have nearly as much fun working in an urban setting as I had worked in my rural training settings.

– Andrew Thomas, MD | KVH Family Medicine – Cle Elum

Resource and Information / www.powerofrural.org

Coloring Book

National Rural Health Day (NRHD) is a day for both children and adults to celebrate doctors, nurses, and all of the people in your community who work and volunteer to keep you healthy and safe.

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Parent Advice / Back to School

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Contributor Dr. Elise Herman

As summer winds down, parents and children are well aware of the approach of the new school year. Some kids are very excited about learning and seeing their teachers and friends again, while others have more reservations. COVID and recent school shootings complicate this often emotional transition. There are steps parents can take now to make this go more smoothly.

Sleep

If sleep schedules got lax over the summer, start now to get back on track. To make bedtime earlier, adjust the wake-up time, moving this up by 15 minutes a day. Kids ages 3-5 years need 10-13 hours total sleep daily, those ages 6-12 years should get 9-12 hours, and teens need 8-10 hours. Remember, no ’screens’ of any kind for at least one hour before bedtime. Reading to your child before bed (or kids reading on their own) aids in falling asleep and is an excellent habit to develop now.

Nutrition

Ensure your child gets up early enough to have a healthy (not sugary) breakfast, improving attention and mood. If your child is taking lunch to school, review what they would like to bring—plan on including fruits and veggies and avoiding processed foods. Water is much better than juice; if they drink milk, nix the chocolate milk, which has as much sugar as soda. Family dinners are a great way to connect during the school year and have been shown to improve nutrition and emotional health. Although it can be tricky to have family dinners with kids’ sports and activities, try to make this a priority.

School Prep

For younger kids, being able to go to school and play on the playground now is very reassuring. Some schools will allow a visit to the classroom and a brief meeting of the teacher as well. You and your child can look at their school online, where they can see photos of the building and the school staff. Review transportation plans and always spend 10 minutes of “getting ready” time on school mornings so your child can be on time with less stress.

School Supplies

Look at the list for your child’s school and classroom (schools often post this on their website) and buy supplies early. Have your child practice packing their backpack and designate a place at home where it goes at the end of the day. All papers and notebooks should come out of the backpack daily so homework gets done and other things don’t accumulate. Pack the backpack with completed homework and any needed items the night before to help mornings go smoothly.

School Safety

In view of recent events, your child may have questions or concerns about school safety. Reassure them that a school is a safe place and that you are comfortable having them there. Although there may be a spike in COVID this fall, we have good tools (vaccines, treatment, etc.) to help. As tragic as school shootings are, they are rare, and schools continue to work on security to help prevent such violence. We must display confidence in our child’s safety at school, even if we are concerned.

Back to school “nerves”: If your child feels a bit nervous about the return to school, let them know they are not alone. This is common, especially if they are going to a new school (as will be true of many kids in Ellensburg with the new attendance zones). Talk up the positives of learning new things, making new friends, and meeting their teacher. If you recall feeling the same way, share that with them and how your nervousness dissipated over time.

Going back to school in the fall is a big deal for you and your child; let them know you have confidence in their ability to rise to this challenge. Planning a fun post-school activity and a special family dinner after that first day will give them something to look forward to and be a terrific way to celebrate this transition.

Local School Districts

Below is a list of Kittitas County school districts and their Facebook pages. Schools often post supplies lists, drop-off/pick-up info, scheduling, and other important information for parents and students.

more about The contributor

Dr. Elise Herman

Blog Posts
Profile

Dr. Herman is passionate about community health outreach, school programs, and child/family health and wellness. She has more than 31 years of experience as a pediatrician in Ellensburg, Washington, the last 3 with KVH Pediatrics. In 2022 Dr. Herman mostly retired from practice and continues to contribute blog posts and remain a visible advocate for kids in the community.

Update: Talking to Your Child about Traumatic Events

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Note: This article was first published in 2017 after the Las Vegas mass shooting. Other than updating the location of recent mass shootings, little else was changed. A sad statement that these horrific tragedies continue.

Contributor Dr. Elise Herman

In the wake of the most recent mass shootings in Buffalo, New York and Uvalde, Texas, we all feel sad and stressed.  Parents also wonder if they should discuss traumatic events such as this with their children, what they should say and how to best reassure their child. Depending on the age of the child, how to do this will vary. 

Under age 2 years, kids do not understand exactly what is happening but often pick up on the emotions of the adults around them, and may cry more often, be fussy and be less social. Preschoolers may have some understanding that something bad happened and will look to their parents for reassurance and a sense of normalcy.  Kids in elementary school may develop fears depending on the trauma (especially a school shooting) and not want to go out to school or other activities. Regressive behavior and wanting more help from their parents are normal.

Preteens through teens, often very informed due to their exposure to media, may feel very worried and overwhelmed. They may minimize their feelings, withdraw, or not want to talk about the event. Their stress could come out in being more argumentative or they may have more physical complaints such as headaches.

Parents are crucial in helping their kids through a traumatic event such as a mass shooting. For the child old enough to express themselves who asks about the event, find out what they know or have heard. Keep your discussion age appropriate, and don’t volunteer additional details that may add to your child’s distress. For a preschool child, a simple explanation that a bad person hurt people but can’t hurt anyone anymore is enough. Of course, reassurance that they are safe is vital.

With their access to the news via their phone or computer, older kids may have more specific questions and worries.  They may have heard misinformation from their friends and social media. Give them your full attention and listen carefully. Address their concerns and correct misperceptions. Remind them of the plans in place to help prevent these events and plans that go into action if /when such events occur- and that as tragic as a mass shooting is, it is very rare.

Kids of all ages benefit in these situations from parents being very available, whether it is for questions and conversation or just warm hugs and time together (take your lead from your child). Keeping the family routine including school, activities, and family meals is important.

It is healthy to express your emotions and encourage your child to do the same but process your own feelings before addressing the event with your child. Seeking help from a counselor, health care provider, or clergy member is appropriate for anyone feeling distraught and overwhelmed weeks later, or if you are worried about how your child is coping. 

We have ‘screens’ everywhere and younger children may think every photo or video is actually another tragedy happening. Children with Internet-connected devices should avoid overexposure to the event- the same goes for parents. Younger kids (some say under age 11) should not watch the news or news videos online at all because the visuals can be too overwhelming.

In the face of such incomprehensible tragedy, we can remember PBS’ Mr. Rogers recalling what his mom told him:

Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.

Good advice for all of us. Highlight the bright spots—the first responders, the heroes, average people doing what they can, be it donating blood or giving money to help. Tweens and teens may want to get involved to help promote social change; the non-profit website DoSomething.org is a fine place to start. There is a lot of the good in the world, and we can be the good and an example to our children. Be extra kind, help your child do something nice for someone else, and make your corner of the world a reassuring place for your child. 

Resources:

more about The contributor

Dr. Elise Herman

Blog Posts
Profile

Dr. Herman is passionate about community health outreach, school programs, and child/family health and wellness. She has more than 31 years of experience as a pediatrician in Ellensburg, Washington, the last 3 with KVH Pediatrics. In 2022 Dr. Herman mostly retired from practice and continues to contribute blog posts and remain a visible advocate for kids in the community.

Nature & Children

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photo courtesy of KEEN

Contributor: Dr. Elise Herman

Many of us recall childhoods filled with lots of outdoor time, whether it was playing in the backyard, going to parks, building forts, or just running around. Our kids, however, are having very different childhoods, with most spending less than 30 minutes a day outside and up to 7 hours daily in front of some type of technology. The negative physical and emotional effects of this shift are far-reaching and concerning. Rising obesity rates and more mental health issues are huge problems in kids and too much time inside and on electronics are felt to contribute. Research shows that simple outdoor time in nature (recommended to be at least 60 minutes a day) can help reverse these trends.

The benefits for children of getting outside in nature are well documented:

  • Increased physical activity, decreased snacking, and therefore decreased obesity
  • Increased imagination, creativity, and focus
  • Improved distance vision (kids without much outdoor exposure are more likely to have nearsightedness)
  • Increased Vitamin D levels (important in bone and immune system health)
  • Decreased stress, depression, and anxiety
  • Better behavior with less anger and aggression
  • Boost in confidence and self-reliance
  • Improved sleep

So what does outside nature time look like? It could be exploring the backyard or park, hiking, gardening, riding bikes, or just sitting under a tree daydreaming. Unstructured time, without a specific plan, encourages a child to get creative and be independent.

There are some terrific opportunities in our community for kids to get outside this summer. We have wonderful city parks and lots of hiking trails, including the Palouse to Cascades Trail (formerly called the John Wayne Trail) which is easily accessible and great for all ages.

We are fortunate to have nature/outdoor camps as well. Lazy F Camp and Retreat Center in the nearby Manastash Canyon offers day, overnight, and family camps. Kittitas Environmental Education Network (KEEN) provides nature-based education for all ages year round and will once again hold the “Windy City Park Rangers” day camp program in local parks this summer for kids in kindergarten through 8th grade (more information coming mid-April). KEEN also has the Pond to Pines nature-centered summer camp for children in pre-K through 10th grade which is based at Helen McCabe Park. KEEN has been awarded substantial grants and is able to provide 80 full scholarships for kids from families in need.

KEEN
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So get your kiddo out regularly in nature now and make summer plans for more of the same. Enjoy the benefits of turning your child into a nature-loving, active, outdoor enthusiast!

More summer camp info at:

more about The contributor

Dr. Elise Herman

Blog Posts
Profile

Dr. Herman is passionate about community health outreach, school programs, and child/family health and wellness. She has more than 31 years of experience as a pediatrician in Ellensburg, Washington, the last 3 with KVH Pediatrics. In 2022 Dr. Herman mostly retired from practice and continues to contribute blog posts and remain a visible advocate for kids in the community.

Reach Out and Read

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Contributor: Dr. Elise Herman

The pandemic has affected so many things for our children, including their education. Despite incredible efforts by devoted teachers and school staff, progress in reading has suffered significantly, with many more students at risk of not learning to read than prior to the pandemic. Kids who do not learn to read in elementary school are at greater risk of dropping out, earning less, and getting in trouble with the law.

A valuable community resource for helping children become good readers may surprise you—it’s your child’s healthcare clinic. The national literacy program for children, Reach Out and Read, has been at Community Health of Central Washington for about 10 years and started at Kittitas Valley Healthcare pediatric and family medicine clinics this month. Reach Out and Read (ROR) was founded in 1989 by a group of pediatricians and educators. It promotes reading by giving out free books at every well child visit from age 6 months through 5 years, and is the only children’s literacy program endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The books chosen are age appropriate and culturally sensitive to be ideal for each child. At the well child check, the provider shows the book to the child, perhaps modeling for the parents how to engage with their child through reading, while encouraging the child to handle and explore the book. This is typically an extremely positive part of the visit for all!

The effects of reading together with kids early and consistently are impressive. This activity and the extra love and attention that go along with it help promote brain development, especially important in the first three years of life. Children who are read to tend to develop better recognition of letters and sounds, have a bigger vocabulary, and become better listeners. The connection between parent and child while reading is also reassuring and soothing.

Research has shown that kids who are part of Reach Out and Read show better language scores (both speaking and listening) and their language development continues to improve with ongoing involvement with the program. ROR parents are twice as likely to read to their kids at least 3 times a week, and report increased enjoyment with reading together.

Here are a few tips to best encourage reading in your home:
  • Read together daily, especially at bedtime
  • Encourage your child to hold the book and turn the pages
  • You don’t have to read the words exactly, especially to young children; you can just talk about the pictures
  • Encourage your child to point to things in the book and ask your child questions Simple books, with rhyming and repetition, are perfect for young kids
  • Bilingual books and books about people from different cultures build empathy and understanding of others
  • Be a good role model and regularly read yourself, ideally using traditional books as opposed to an electronic device
Early Literacy Resources in Spanish

more about The contributor

Dr. Elise Herman

Blog Posts
Provider Profile

Dr. Herman is passionate about community health outreach, school programs, and child/family health and wellness. She has more than 31 years of experience as a pediatrician in Ellensburg, Washington, the last 3 with KVH Pediatrics. In 2022 Dr. Herman retired from practice and continues to contribute blog posts and remain a visible advocate for kids in the community.

Beat the heat: Diabetic safety

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Photo: Even in summer, foot protection is a priority for people living with diabetes. Skip the sandals and barefoot walks. Keep them covered!

Wear sunscreen. Stay hydrated. Wear light, loose clothing. Anyone who’s lived in Kittitas County for more than a year knows these basics for survival in the summer heat. If you’re diabetic, there’s another concern to add to the list: extreme temperatures can spike your blood sugar levels, and wreak havoc on testing equipment and medication.

Recent findings show that the summer heat drives more people with diabetes to the ER, and more diabetics are hospitalized due to heat illness.

“First of all, be aware of your environment. Watch the forecast. When we’re in for a hot spell, there are some things you can do to prepare for diabetic safety,” advises Nicole Norton, Diabetes & Nutrition Education Coordinator at KVH.

Careful planning of your diet is always important, but even more so in extreme temperatures. Think through any adjustments you need to make. And be diligent in avoiding added sugars. “A lot of folks reach for sugared sodas, sweet teas, and juices when they’re thirsty,” warns Norton. “For someone with diabetes, it’s safest to stick with water.”

Another common mistake is skipping meals. Norton explains, “We’re more active in the summer, and we get distracted, forgetting to eat when we should.” That’s not good in normal conditions, but in the heat of summer, it’s even more dangerous. Be familiar with the early symptoms of low blood sugar, and keep some carbohydrates with you to eat if you need to raise your blood sugar.

Once you put the steps into practice, diabetic safety becomes just another automatic healthy habit.

Medication storage is another concern. While unopened insulin should always be kept in the fridge, storing any medications in the heat can degrade them. “Don’t keep medications in your car,” advises Norton. “In a high temp situation, use an ice pack in an insulated lunch pail.”

More frequent testing is also a good idea. Your diabetes educator can help you with guidelines for an appropriate testing schedule.

It’s easy to forget, but foot problems are common for people with diabetes, and summer is all about bare feet, sandals, and open toed shoes. “Keep your feet covered in well-fitting shoes,” says Norton, “even in warm weather. Check your feet every day, and get treatment right away for any injuries.”

It’s a lot to consider, but, like using sunscreen and staying hydrated, once you put the steps into practice, diabetic safety becomes just another automatic healthy habit. “We all have health limitations of some kind,” says Norton. “With a little preplanning and awareness of their surroundings, people living with diabetes can enjoy themselves in the summer like anyone else.”

Article updated 7/2021. Original post 8/2017.

Managed by Kittitas Valley Healthcare, HealthNews does not provide medical advice. For medical advice, please see your healthcare provider.

Talking about racism to children

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Contributor: Dr. Elise Herman, KVH Pediatrics

Racism is front and center now, and parents may wonder how to have important conversations with their child about diversity, equality, and discrimination. It helps to keep your discussion age-appropriate, share your feelings and listen to your child.

Under age 5 years – Studies have revealed that even infants notice different skin tones and preschool kids have been shown to view those who look like themselves more positively, so addressing racism early is important. Kids relate easily to the concept of fairness so it can simply be explained as treating someone unfairly based on how they look. Young kids may ask about why people’s skin colors are different. Explain simply that darker skin has more of the pigment melanin in it and that no skin color is ‘better’ than another. Celebrate human diversity by noting that “we are all human but can have lots of differences, too, making everyone special!”. Encourage your young child’s appreciation for diversity by reading books and playing with toys featuring people of different races.

6-11 years old – At this age, children are more aware of current events based on what they have heard and seen from adults, other kids and on the news or in social media. Ask your child about what they know and what questions they have. Kids this age understand empathy so discussing how it would feel to be judged unfairly can be helpful. Children of all ethnicities can be assured that people world-wide are upset about racism and are working to make things better.

12 and older – Kids this age are often very informed and have developed their own opinions about issues such as racism and protests. Discussing the news and current events and how it affects them opens the door to a deeper conversation. The same concepts of fairness and empathy apply, but now taking action may be a logical next step. It may be sharing something on social media, reading more about the history of oppressed peoples or attending an event.

All kids benefit from social experiences with a variety of people. Cooking food and listening to music of different cultures broadens our horizons. It is alright to let your child know that you are upset or sad about what is happening, but you also need to assure your child that they are safe in what can be a frightening time. This conversation will look different for families of color where the issue hits a lot closer to home than for whites.

As always, what we do and say speaks volumes to our children. It is vital that as parents we confront our own prejudices and biases and work to be more open and understanding. Let your kids see you speaking out against racism, embracing diversity and calling for justice for all people.

KVH Board Represents the Community

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Four years ago, I was elected to serve on the Board of Commissioners for Hospital District 1. As KVH’s governing body, the Board sets the organization’s strategic direction, ensures that it offers high-quality services, and maintains its financial viability. As President of the Board, part of my job is to make people aware of what we have been doing.

In 2016, the Board hired a CEO that shares our vision for KVH. Instead of cutting services to protect the bottom line, we have developed new services to meet the demand in the community and keep care local. As a result of priorities set by the Board, KVH now has an outpatient pharmacy, Workplace Health, expanded physical therapy, integrated behavioral health, dermatology, wound care, an “ouchless” ER, and digital mammography. For the first time in many years, KVH clinics are accepting new patients, and for the first time ever, we are offering pediatric services.

KVH has expanded its footprint to include the Radio Hill Annex and the Medical Arts Center (MAC). For several years, KVH planned to build a new medical office building. After the election in 2016, the new Board changed direction. Our decision to purchase the MAC gives us more space at a cheaper cost, and without disrupting the existing neighborhood south of the hospital. Renovations are incorporating design ideas that were developed during brainstorming sessions for the original building. The MAC will open in early 2020, and it will be a state-of-the-art facility in which we can deliver excellent patient care and form partnerships to offer even more services to Kittitas County. It will also help us to recruit providers so that we can better meet the needs of the community in the future.

When I was elected to the Board, one of my priorities was to open lines of communication with the community. We regularly have Coffee with a Commissioner, where people can tell Board members what’s on their minds. Community members now serve on the Quality Improvement Council, the Finance Committee, and, of course, the KVH Foundation Board. We have also recently created a Patient & Family Advisory Council, where several county residents will have input on hospital operations.

There are other notable achievements behind the scenes, including the implementation of a new electronic health records system, several successful state audits, and award-winning quality improvement. All these efforts are guided by the strategic plan, which we developed in 2017 and which defines our work in terms of four key strategies: access, community engagement, partnership & collaboration, and financial sustainability. We will be revisiting the strategic plan in 2020.

Earlier this year, I attended the American Hospital Association annual meeting, and people there were concerned about the challenges facing healthcare providers, especially in rural areas. Many independent hospitals throughout the country are either closing or being absorbed into larger systems. Despite these national trends, KVH has maintained its independence and its financial stability. Even though District 1 has the lowest levy rate of any public hospital district in the state, we are the envy of many other Washington hospitals, some of which are struggling.

Ultimately, KVH’s success is due to the dedication of its many employees: the doctors, nurses, pharmacists, technicians, dieticians, housekeepers, receptionists, and administrators who do amazing work every day. From the patient perspective, the Board is probably invisible, and it should be. Rest assured that the other Board members and I are doing our best to represent the community, to make sure that KVH is a great place to work for its employees and your first choice for high-quality healthcare.

Matt Altman is President of the KVH Board of Commissioners and a professor at Central Washington University.