Chaplaincy Health Care is thrilled to announce that it’s been voted "Tri-Cities' Best Hospice Care" by TC Best, presented by Tri-City Herald. This recognition is a testament to Chaplaincy Health Care's dedication to providing compassionate and high-quality hospice care services to individuals and families during their most challenging times.

Chaplaincy Health Care's resounding gold medal win in the Hospice Care category and bronze win in the Non-Profit category underscores the organization's commitment to its mission of delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care that emphasizes not only medical support but also emotional and spiritual well-being.

"We are deeply honored to receive this recognition from the community we serve," said Laurie Jackson, CEO at Chaplaincy Health Care. "Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional hospice care that not only meets the physical needs of our patients but also offers emotional support and comfort to them and their families. This award is a testament to the hard work and compassion of our staff."

Chaplaincy Health Care offers a range of hospice care services tailored to meet each patient's unique needs. Their interdisciplinary team of medical professionals, counselors, chaplains, philanthropists, and volunteers collaborate to create individualized care plans that address not only medical concerns but also the emotional and spiritual aspects of end-of-life care.

The organization's commitment to excellence is reflected in its continuous efforts to enhance its services, embrace innovation in patient care, and provide families with the resources they need to navigate the complexities of end-of-life care.

As the recipient of the "Tri-Cities' Best Hospice Care" award, Chaplaincy Health Care extends its gratitude to the community for its unwavering support and trust. The organization remains dedicated to upholding the highest standards of care and compassion, ensuring that every patient's journey is marked by dignity, comfort, and respect.​

Learn more about Chaplaincy Health Care at ChaplaincyHealthCare.org.

Zach Garland, Advance Registered Nurse Practitioner with Prosser Memorial Health, will be making a switch to Prosser Memorial Health’s Benton City Clinic location. Zach has been with PMH since September 2021, working at our Prosser Clinic and Wound Care Center at Prosser Memorial Hospital. He’s been providing a variety of family medicine services in Prosser, including Wellness and Well-child exams, preventative care, and wound care. A Tri-Cities native, some of Zach’s interests include movies, hiking, and traveling. He also enjoys spending time with his three dogs and making dinner for his family.
 
We are excited to have Zach join and expand the Benton City Clinic team! Prosser Memorial Health’s Benton City Clinic offers family and pediatric medicine, behavioral health, laboratory, and x-ray services, and is located next to our Dermatology Center. To learn more about Zach’s and the Prosser Memorial services, or to schedule an appointment, call the Benton City clinic at 509.588.4075 or visit us online at prosserhealth.org.

​Gesa, a community-focused credit union, launched its “Gesa Cares” matching donation campaign to help support and raise funds for victims of Spokane regional wildfires. Gesa will match up to a total of $100,000 in donations to the credit union’s Gesa Community Foundation, which was established in 2022.
 
Donations can be made online or in-person at any of Gesa’s 28 branch locations. The funds will be directed towards efforts that fall under the Gesa Community Foundation’s three core pillars: Education, ensuring schools have the necessary resources to continue flourishing; First Responders, equipping our local heroes with vital supplies for their courageous efforts; and Essential Needs, delivering food, water, and other critical necessities to those hardest hit by the wildfires.
 
Gesa is committed to working with those affected to find the best possible financial solution based on each person’s individual situation. Whether through fee waivers, loan assistance, emergency relief loans, or other resources, Gesa wants to help in any way they can. Affected members are encouraged to visit one of Gesa’s branches or call (888) 946-4372 to speak with a Gesa team member. 
 
“Gesa proudly stands shoulder-to-shoulder with our members, team members, and anyone else being affected by the wildfires in the Spokane region,” said Don Miller, President and CEO of Gesa Credit Union. “Through the Gesa Cares campaign, we hope to empower the public to donate if they’re able and join us in raising impactful funds that will help our neighbors in the Spokane area recover. After all, we’re stronger when we stand together.”
 
To learn more about the Gesa Cares campaign, and how you can donate, visit https://www.gesa.com/category/regional-wildfire-relief/. 

Prosser Memorial Health is pleased to welcome Samantha Pedersen, advanced registered nurse practitioner, to the PMH family! Samantha will be providing podiatry services at Prosser Orthopedic Center, and wound care at Prosser Memorial Hospital.

Samantha received her BS in Nursing from Seattle University, from which she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She went on to receive her Doctor of Nursing from Washington State University. For the past few years, she has worked as a registered nurse at various medical facilities in Washington, including Kadlec Wound Healing Center. Her experience also boasts nursing in specialty fields such as urgent care, dermatology, and oncology. Samantha is now a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the Columbia River Nurse Practitioner Association, and currently holds Basic Life Support certification. When not busy working, Samantha enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, a Kennewick firefighter, and two active dogs.

​In just a few years, Samantha had managed to rack up an impressive medical background and we are excited for her to continue building her career with PMH! To learn more about Samantha Pedersen or services at Prosser Memorial Health, you can visit us online at prosserhealth.org or give us a call at 509.786.5599.

An art exhibition recognizing Yakima Valley farmworkers is on display at the Washington State University (WSU) Tri-Cities Art Center in the Consolidated Information Center (CIC) building on campus. A gallery reception, featuring WSU Regent Enrique Cerna, is open to the community and will take place on Sept. 9 from 5 – 7 p.m. in the CIC Art Center.
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The exhibit, “Rooted: Irwin Nash Photographs of Yakima Valley Farmworkers”, will be shown in two parts. Part one is currently on display and will end on Sept. 5. Part two will be shown Sept. 12 – Oct. 20. What originally started as a freelance magazine piece on Yakima Valley agriculture turned into a deeper documentation of Chicano livelihood. Nash captured over 9,400 photographs between 1967 and 1976, containing moments from the daily lives of agricultural laborers and their communities. Over 40 of the photographs will be displayed in the exhibit.

“Being able to host ‘Rooted,’ and have Regent Cerna join us for the exhibit reception signals to our community that we are committed to understanding the migrant experience and the settling of Latino families predominantly from the Southwestern United States and Mexico, and also to acknowledging local contributions to national movements,” said Anna Plemons, associate vice chancellor of academic and student affairs. “It has been a joy to walk through the exhibit with different WSU Tri-Cities Cougs and have folks recognize people in the photos.  The exhibit has inspired organic storytelling as some viewers have connected their own lived experience to the depictions of farm work, activism, and scenes of familial joy that are displayed in the collection.”

This artistic showcase is in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month in September and October, which celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. Nash’s photographs, which had been previously largely unknown, display scenes from the daily lives of the Yakima Valley farmworker community through experiences, stories and perspectives, and continue to inspire the community to share their stories and help document previously undocumented histories. 

The gallery of photos is displayed in collaboration with WSU Libraries’ Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections, and the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at WSU.

To learn more about the photography of Irwin Nash, visit https://museum.wsu.edu/events/exhibit/2021-our-stories-our-lives-irwin-nash-photographs-of-yakima-valley-migrant-labor/.

The City of Richland is building a new website and wants your help. If you are a resident, business owner, or visitor, please take five minutes to answer an online survey before August 31. 

The results will be used to prioritize information and services for a more useful and simple experience for all. 
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Please take the survey at www.ci.richland.wa.us/websitesurvey.

​Following the success of the Bubbles & Brunch event, Chaplaincy Health Care is thrilled to extend its deepest gratitude to the attendees, sponsors, and community partners whose overwhelming support contributed to the event's remarkable fundraising achievement. Together, we raised an astounding $56,000 which will directly benefit our services, ensuring that individuals and families in Benton and Franklin Counties live their best lives.
 
Held on August 4th at Fiction @ J. Bookwalter, Bubbles & Brunch brought together a community of caring individuals committed to making a difference in the lives of others who love brunch and fabulous accessories! Attendees were treated to an unforgettable morning of brunch, bubbles, and designer handbags. The event's success is a testament to the unwavering compassion and generosity that permeates our community.
 
"We are overwhelmed by the support from our attendees and sponsors. The success of Bubbles & Brunch not only reflects the dedication of our Philanthropy team but also the profound impact that partnerships can make when they come together for a shared cause," said Laurie Jackson, CEO of Chaplaincy Health Care. "The funds raised during this event will go a long way in providing essential care and support to those facing challenging times in their lives."
 
The funds raised during Bubbles & Brunch will enable Chaplaincy Health Care to continue offering essential services, including hospice and palliative care, spiritual support, bereavement care and Cork’s Place Kids Grief Center. Every dollar raised will make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and families in our community facing challenging circumstances.
 
As we celebrate the success of Bubbles & Brunch, we reiterate our commitment to serving our community with compassion, dignity, and empathy. The support we have received reaffirms our belief in the power of unity and shared purpose, and we look forward to continuing this journey together. Stay tuned for future events! 

The first annual Cruizin' Car Show is headed toward the finish line! Plans include some amazing "rides" from classic cars to those from the 2000s. There will be food trucks, a Kids' Zone, and live music.

Think the kids are too young to enjoy a car show? Think again! Besides a number of fun things for them to do, one, in particular, is Build a (cardboard) Car, along with the opportunity to vote for their favorite creation.  

Come on down and enjoy a free, fun, family activity to commemorate the end of summer and enjoy the music from Knutzen Brothers and Groove Principal. 

Saturday, September 9 from noon to 5:00 p.m.
Columbia Point Golf Course
225 Columbia Point Drive
Richland WA 99352

Car Show Participation Registration

Register now to show off your vehicle on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at the beautiful Columbia Point Golf Course in Richland, Washington. This will be a family-friendly event that will include classic cars to those in the 2000s, local food trucks, live music, and a kids' zone featuring activities provided by Richland Parks and Recreation, the Richland Public Library, and more! 
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THE FIRST 150 WHO REGISTER TO SHOW THEIR CAR WILL RECEIVE A COMPLIMENTARY LOGO'D EVENT HAT!

• Pre-Registration Fee: $15.00 (August 1-September 8)
• Late Registration Fee: $25.00 (September 9)
• Spectators: Free Admission
• Car Show registration is non-refundable
• Questions? Contact Sherry at 509-942-7462

Noel Schulz has been appointed the inaugural director of WSU Tri-Cities' Institute for Northwest Energy Futures (INEF). Schulz’s wealth of experience and expertise in the fields of engineering and energy will be an asset for INEF as the institute helps to further establish the Tri-Cities as an energy hub for the state of Washington and the nation.  

Schulz is the Edmund O. Schweitzer III Chair in Power Apparatus and Systems in the WSU Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture. Her experience includes teaching courses in renewable and distributed energy generation, energy conversion, and smart grid technologies. Her published research focuses on power systems modeling and analysis, smart grid applications, microgrids, renewable energy, and shipboard power systems, and her work has been funded by several agencies, including the US Departments of Energy, Defense, and Homeland Security.  

“I am honored to be the INEF inaugural director and work with WSU Tri-Cities’ Chancellor Haynes. INEF provides an excellent opportunity for WSU to leverage system expertise including all campuses and extension to advance clean energy solutions across the region, state and beyond,” said Schulz. “I look forward to relocating to the Tri-Cities area and working more closely with WSU Tri-Cities and local leaders on energy-related topics.” 

Centered at the WSU Tri-Cities campus, INEF utilizes scientific expertise to guide the transition into maintaining safe, economic, and reliable energy systems. These systems aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and have more equitable social outcomes through a systems approach, as the demand for more resilient, affordable, and available low-carbon electricity and transportation fuels increases. The INEF initiative will integrate new and existing scientific capacity in engineering, the environment, economics, business, and society to produce objective research and analysis. The goal is to act as a conduit between science and policy for the clean energy transition and communicate it effectively to consumers.  

“The Institute for Northwest Energy Futures will bridge the gap between science and policy for innovations in clean energy by leveraging WSU research expertise in power, transportation, fuels, and other areas in a systems analysis approach. Located on the Washington State University Tri-Cities campus, WSU and research partners such as the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory are well-positioned to leverage scientific expertise to translate advancements in research into development of resilient clean energy transitions aimed to lower greenhouse gas emissions and address equity issues in energy policy and production,” said Christopher Keane, vice president for research at WSU and vice chancellor for research at WSU Pullman. “As a nationally recognized expert in power systems engineering, Noel brings a wealth of scientific knowledge that will help to establish connections and collaborations needed to integrate WSU’s relevant scientific capacity with the Institute, communities, industry, and policymakers.” 

Earlier this year, the state approved $7.7 million for the 2023-25 biennium to hire researchers and staff and secure a new facility to house the institute. The institute will hire eight scientists and engineers – five, including the director, will be located at WSU Tri-Cities, and three will be at WSU Pullman. The WSU Tri-Cities scientists will bring experience in energy data analytics, social impacts, life cycle assessment, and techno-economic analysis.  

“Dr. Schulz brings a depth and breadth of experience to this position that will be necessary to move the institute forward,” said Sandra Haynes, chancellor of WSU Tri-Cities. “Her work with the PNNL/WSU Advanced Grid Institute is of particular relevance and will serve her in building out INEF. She is a proven leader, educator, researcher, and collaborator ready to bring INEF to its full potential.” 

For more information on INEF and WSU Tri-Cities, visit tricities.wsu.edu/inef.  

Prosser Memorial is excited to welcome Josh Macke, DO, to the Prosser Memorial Hospital Emergency Department! Josh is bringing with him an impressive background in medical education, research, and experience that is sure to be a great asset to our team. He currently holds certifications for Emergency Neurologic Life Support, Advanced Trauma Life Support, and Pediatric Advance Life Support, among others.

Josh has spent the better part of the last eight years working towards his doctorate, first receiving his bachelors from Central Washington University, then moving to receive his masters at Heritage University and PhD at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences. Along the way, he also attained several honors and certifications, and took part in numerous presentations and research projects. Some of the topics he has presented on include critical care and emergency medicine, and his research has explored public wellness and the impact of the COVID-19 virus. Before finding his way to Prosser Memorial, Josh previously worked in a medical center at Midwestern University in Arizona, where he was awarded Save of the Month within a few short months and won first place in an EKG Diagnostic competition.

There is no doubt that Josh is a strong addition to our Emergency Department! To learn more about Dr. Macke and Prosser Memorial’s Emergency Department, visit prosserhealth.org, or contact Community Relations at 509-786-6601.