NEW Health Breaks Ground on Expanded Chewelah Campus, Investing in the Future of Rural Healthcare 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Media Contact: marketing@newhp.org 

NEW Health Breaks Ground on Expanded Chewelah Campus, Investing in the Future of Rural Healthcare 

CHEWELAH, WA. —September 1, 2026— NEW Health has officially broken ground on its new Chewelah Campus, beginning an important new chapter in the organization’s work to keep quality healthcare within reach and create new opportunities for individuals and families throughout Northeast Washington. 

Employees, community leaders, project partners, elected officials, and supporters gathered to celebrate a project designed to expand healthcare access, strengthen the local workforce, and invest in the long-term health and vitality of the region. 

For nearly five decades, NEW Health has worked alongside communities across Stevens, Pend Oreille, South Spokane and Ferry counties to ensure healthcare remains close to home. The new Chewelah Campus represents the next chapter in that work by bringing healthcare services, workforce development, and educational opportunities together in one location designed to serve the region for generations to come. 

“This groundbreaking represents what is possible when communities come together around a shared purpose,” said Desiree Sweeney, Chief Executive Officer of NEW Health. “We are grateful to the employees, partners, community leaders, supporters, and residents who have helped bring this vision forward. The people of Northeast Washington deserve access to quality healthcare close to home and opportunities to build meaningful careers without leaving the communities they love. This campus is an investment in both.” 

Expanding Access to Healthcare Close to Home 

NEW Health’s current Chewelah location has reached capacity, serving patients across the region while supporting approximately 77 employees. The new campus will provide the space needed to expand services and meet growing community needs for years to come. 

The campus will bring NEW Health’s integrated care model together in a purpose-built facility, expanding access to: 

• Primary and preventive medical services 

• Dental care, including services for low-income and Medicaid patients 

• Full-service pharmacy services and convenient drive thru 

• Behavioral health support 

• Workforce development and education through NEW Health University 

Located on the south end of Chewelah, the campus has been designed with long-term community needs in mind, providing room for growth while ensuring residents can continue accessing essential care close to home. 

Growing the Rural Healthcare Workforce from Within 

An important part of the new campus will be NEW Health University, the organization’s workforce development program launched in 2021. 

Created to help students and adults explore healthcare careers and develop practical skills close to home, NEW Health University has grown into a nationally recognized workforce development model. The program has been highlighted by healthcare organizations and policymakers nationwide, but its purpose remains firmly rooted in Northeast Washington: helping local people build meaningful careers while strengthening the healthcare workforce our communities depend on. 

For NEW Health, workforce development represents more than filling positions. It represents an opportunity to help people envision a future in the communities they already call home while ensuring rural residents continue to have access to the healthcare professionals they need.  

An Investment in the Community 

The Chewelah Campus represents an estimated $20 million investment in the region and is projected to strengthen the area’s healthcare infrastructure while creating new opportunities for economic growth, workforce development, and community well-being. According to project projections, the campus could generate significant economic value through healthcare services, workforce training, and related economic activity over the coming decade. 

For NEW Health, however, success will be measured not only in buildings, services, or economic impact. Success will be measured in people. It will be reflected in stronger families, healthier communities, expanded opportunities for local residents, and future generations who can access healthcare, education, and career pathways close to home. 

Caring for Generations to Come 

The Chewelah Campus is being built with a simple goal in mind: creating a healthier and more resilient future for Northeast Washington. 

Seniors will benefit from expanded healthcare services and pharmacy access close to home. Families will have greater access to healthcare, employment, and educational opportunities. Students and young adults will have new pathways to explore healthcare careers and develop skills that can lead to meaningful employment within their own communities. 

“At its heart, this project is about people,” Desiree Sweeney said. “It is about making sure future generations have access to healthcare, education, and opportunity. We have always believed that strong communities and strong healthcare systems go hand in hand. By investing in both, we are helping build a healthier and more resilient future for Northeast Washington.”  

Construction is now underway, with Phase One anticipated to be completed in summer 2027. NEW Health will continue providing updates as the campus takes shape and begins serving future generations of patients, students, employees, and families. 

NEW Health extends its appreciation to the community members, employees, project partners, elected officials, and supporters whose trust, collaboration, and commitment have helped transform this vision into reality. This project reflects what is possible when communities invest in their future and work together toward a common purpose. 

Read the NEW Health 2025 Annual Report Here: Quality Care Within Reach

About NEW Health 

NEW Health’s mission is to promote health and wellness within our communities by providing integrated, open-access healthcare for all. NEW Health offers primary medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services for residents of Stevens, Pend Oreille, and Ferry counties. 

NEW Health locations include Chewelah Medical; Colville Medical and Dental; Lake Spokane Medical and Dental; Loon Lake Medical; Newport Medical and Dental; Selkirk Medical; and Springdale Medical and Dental. 

NEW Health is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 

Bringing healthcare into communities and communities into healthcare since 1978. 

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Community Partners and Guests in Attendance

NEW Health was honored to celebrate this milestone alongside project partners, elected officials, community leaders, and supporters who joined us for the groundbreaking ceremony.

Attendees included:

Bernardo Wills Architects

• Ryan Zane
• Cathy Schnug
• Fernando Camargo
• Kylie Monroe

Baker Construction

• Paul Reiner
• Brooke Baker-Spink
• Wyatt Mathews
• Shar Zyph
• Stevie Sloan

Elected Officials and Representatives

• Senator Shelly Short
• Riley Smith, Office of U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell
• Licett Garbe, Office of U.S. Senator Patty Murray
• Dan Bisbee, Office of U.S. Representative Michael Baumgartner
• Steve Bruchman, Office of U.S. Representative Michael Baumgartner

Healthcare and Community Partners

• Community Health Plan of Washington (CHPW)
• Washington Association for Community Health (WACH)

Local and Regional Leaders

• Lindsey Baxter, Mayor of Chewelah
• Mark Burrows, Stevens County Commissioner
• Ed Heidig, Regional Director, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• Kirk Pearson, State Director, USDA Rural Development

NEW Health Board of Directors

• Carmen Deal, Vice Chair
• Ellen Ballance, Secretary
• Keith Ballance
• Amanda Schalock
• Bill Danekas

NEW Health extends its sincere appreciation to all attendees, partners, community leaders, and supporters whose collaboration and commitment have helped bring the Chewelah Campus vision to life.