PeaceHealth Southwest Receives $1 Million in Federal Funding To Support Emergency Department Expansion
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Project is part of $242 million in Congressionally Directed Spending secured by Senator Patty Murray for multiple organizations across Washington state
VANCOUVER, Wash. – PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center is the recipient of a $1 million federal grant to support the facility’s Emergency Department expansion.
The funding, made possible through the support of U.S. Senator Patty Murray, was approved by Congress on Friday, March 23, as part of its Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations package. In total, Congress allocated $242 million in Congressionally Directed Spending for Washington projects. As shared in a news release from Sen. Murray’s office, the funding package included allocations to protect and strengthen investments in “our kids’ education, people’s health, families’ pocketbooks, our national security, and so much more.”
In addition to $22 million from community support, this $1 million allocation for PeaceHealth Southwest will be used to help offset construction costs, furnishings, and equipment for the Community Health Hub, a unique initiative that will provide 24-hour non-medical care to Emergency Department patients experiencing behavioral health issues, addiction, homelessness, food insecurity, and domestic violence.
As part of the grant application submitted by PeaceHealth, community partners weighed in, supporting the need for onsite social services to meet the non-medical needs of patients – all under one roof.
“We thank Senator Murray for acknowledging the health care needs of our community,” said Tracey Fernandez, PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center interim chief executive officer. “As the busiest emergency department in a region that continues to grow, this expansion will allow us to continue providing quality emergency care in a state-of-the art facility while also bringing essential social services onsite. By treating the whole person – body and spirit – we are providing the right care, in the right way, at the right time.”
The PeaceHealth Southwest Emergency Department sees more than 75,000 patients a year and serves as the Level II Trauma Center for the region. As a part of its nonprofit Mission, PeaceHealth is called to provide comprehensive care for all, especially those who face barriers to health and wellness.
“As Clark County’s largest employer, PeaceHealth is honored to serve as an anchor institution in collaboration with community-based organizations,” Fernandez said. “Our caregivers and providers work hard every day to uplift the health and wellbeing of individuals, families, and our community as a whole.”
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About PeaceHealth: PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a non-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. PeaceHealth has approximately 16,000 caregivers, more than 3,000 providers, more than 160 clinics and 9 medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Visit us online at peacehealth.org.
