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Section 2
We work together to connect resources, champion equity, and strengthen health systems across rural Washington. |
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Section 3
The Rural Nursing Education Program (RNEP) honors nurses throughout Washington. We thank you for your commitment to improving health care access and outcomes for our rural communities. Through your dedication to serving local areas, you play a vital role in delivering quality health services to residents in need. RNEP is proud to support the next generation of nurses who will join you in strengthening and transforming our health care ecosystem. Happy National Nurses Week!
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Section 4
 This National Hospital Week, we proudly celebrate the hard work and commitment of our rural hospitals and the people who serve our communities every day. Rural hospitals play an important role in making sure people can get the care they need close to home. Your dedication helps keep families and communities across Washington healthy, strong, and supported. Thank you to your amazing staff for their continued hard work, compassion, and commitment to caring for others!
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Section 5
When you are an NHSC-approved site, you can hire NHSC Scholars or Student-to-Service participants. Eligible clinicians at your approved site can apply for NHSC Loan Repayment Programs. And you can post job opportunities on the Health Workforce Connector and participate in HRSA Virtual Job Fairs.
To apply, your site must:
- Be an eligible health care facility
- Provide comprehensive primary health care services (medical, oral, or behavioral health)
- Be located in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA)
- Meet all requirements in the NHSC Site Reference Guide and NHSC Site Agreement
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Section 6
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The Power of Providers' Long COVID campaign still needs a few more health care professionals to participate in paid interviews that will contribute information to the research part of the campaign. All licensed providers are eligible to participate, and we are especially in need of folks working in FQHCs and rural areas. Those who complete interviews will earn $200 in compensation for their time. Reach out to our communications partner DH this week if you’re interested in scheduling an interview at . Your help is immensely appreciated!
This on-demand course will provide you with clarity and confidence in patient pain assessment, treatment planning, and ongoing pain support. Deepen your understanding of pain assessment, patient safety and Opioid Use Disorder management, and evidence-based pain management.
Presented by Southwest Washington Area Health Education Centers and Pri-Med Institute.
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Section 8
Outpatient practices are invited to partner with the CMS Midwest Quality Innovation Network (QIN) Quality Improvement Organization (QIO). The Midwest QIN-QIO is a national initiative dedicated to improving care quality, patient safety and health outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries.
As a partner, your clinic can access comprehensive, no-cost support designed to enhance clinical performance, streamline processes and maximize Medicare reimbursement.
Participating clinics will have access to dedicated quality improvement coaching and technical assistance, advanced data analytics and dashboards, customized reports, evidence-based tools, educational webinars, training and peer learning opportunities, and will receive support navigating value-based care and emerging programs.
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Section 9
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DOH published a press release on April 30 to caution residents about increasing measles activity and encourage vaccination and staying home when sick to help reduce spread. To date, Washington state has confirmed 40 cases of measles across eight counties in the first four months of 2026. In comparison, there were 12 cases reported in all of 2025.
Three cases this year—including two in Kittitas County and one in Spokane County—have no known source of transmission, raising concerns about undetected community spread. Last week, the Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) confirmed two additional measles cases and identified potential exposure at Valley View Elementary School between April 8 and 15. These cases are linked to a previous infection, bringing the area to an official outbreak.
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Section 10
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The Partnership for Quality Measurement (PQM) is looking for people to join the Pre-Rulemaking Measure Review committee. The committee will use members’ expertise to provide recommendations to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on quality measures being considered for use in CMS programs. Members can be patients, patient advocates, clinicians, quality measure experts, or any other party interested in providing feedback on quality measures.
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Section 11
This virtual session will provide technical updates from the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN), a surveillance system for tracking health care-associated infections across the United States. The NHSN is maintained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, whose experts designed this webinar specifically for CAHs. The webinar is hosted by the Rural Quality Improvement Technical Assistance (RQITA) Resource Center.
May 13, 2026 11:00am PT
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Section 12
 A new report from the Center for Financing Reform & Innovation at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers resources for financing substance use disorders (SUD) prevention and treatment as well as funding options community-initiated care (CIC) programs.
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Section 13
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The Department of Homeland Security has changed its travel policy banning foreign physicians from visa renewal. Last week, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services updated its website to indicate that physicians are no longer subject to the processing hold. |
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Section 14
Oakville, Ocean Shores, and Westport can now provide digital health resources to Washington residents one day a week. With the assistance of a Community Health Worker, residents can access mental health providers, physicians, and food and housing assistance. Read more about this exciting project with DOH. |
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Section 15
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DOH is considering adding definitions to WAC 246-320-010 and creating a new section in chapter WAC 246-320 to provide clarity and direction related to hospital price transparency requirements. Three rule-making workshops have been scheduled, and you can register to attend below:
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Section 17
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State of the Health care Industry: Market Updates for Rural Strategy presented by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) and Stroudwater Associates
This webinar is designed to help rural health leaders navigate today's evolving health care landscape. Review the latest health care laws, regulations, and market dynamics shaping the future of rural health care. You'll leave with practical strategies to strengthen your organization and sustain essential rural services.
May 15, 2026 10:00am PT
Register for this free, virtual webinar
The Weitzman Institute invites you to join their ECHO Fusion series every first and third Thursday of the month at 9 am PT. Join April through September to learn about Nutrition and Chronic Disease from leading experts.
DOH has launched a new Vaccine Recommendations webpage in response to House Bill 2242. The page provides current state immunization recommendations and related guidance for health care providers and local health jurisdictions.
Pause, Connect, Respond: Navigating Challenging Patient Conversations presented by the National Community Pharmacists Association
This webinar equips pharmacists, technicians, and student pharmacists with practical tools from coaching, emotional regulation, and communication science to navigate difficult conversations with confidence. Participants will learn how to pause before reacting, connect with patients through empathy and curiosity, and respond professionally while supporting patient care and team well-being.
Thursday, May 28, 2026
11:00 am - 12:00 pm PT
Register for this free, virtual webinar
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has created a resource that discusses innovative and promising practices for overcoming behavioral health barriers – such as addressing stigma, social isolation, and scarcity of services – through community and peer supports.
Join the Behavioral Institute for their next TeleBehavioral Health accredited presentation: Telehealth with Neurodivergent Patients, May 15, 2026 11am PT
Making Overdose Data Work for Rural Communities presented by the National Association of County & City Health Officials
This webinar will introduce Overdose Measures Matter (OMM), a set of 18 recommended indicators designed to help partners collect and use data for overdose prevention.
Thursday, May 21, 2026
10:00 am PT
Register for this free, virtual webinar
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Section 18
Questions? Contact us at RuralHealth@doh.wa.gov |
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