NEW Health Awarded $5.05 Million for Workforce Clinic in Chewelah

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: marketing@newhp.org

Chewelah, WA – May 15, 2025 – NEW Health is pleased to announce the receipt of $5.05 million in funding for the development of the Regional Workforce Development Center and expanded healthcare services in Chewelah, Washington. The Washington State Capital Budget has allocated $5 million in bond dollars to support reinvestment efforts within our communities. It is important to note that these funds are derived from bond dollars and not from tax revenues. We extend our sincere gratitude to Senator Shelly Short, Representative Hunter Abel, and Representative Andrew Engel for their dedicated advocacy for this project in Legislature. This facility will enhance healthcare access, address workforce shortages, and create essential careers in rural Northeast Washington. Since 1978, NEW Health has been a trusted healthcare provider for Stevens, Ferry, and Pend Oreille counties, offering comprehensive care regardless of insurance status.

The new Regional Workforce Development Center will expand the current medical clinic and pharmacy, adding behavioral health, dental, and workforce development services. This project is vital for the Tri-County region, which faces significant challenges such as high poverty (14% vs. state average of 10%), high unemployment (10.5% vs. state average of 4.5%), and low college enrollment and graduation rates. The region’s suicide rate is more than double the state average, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced healthcare services.

“Bringing accessible healthcare and economic stability to our community, creates living wage jobs and paves the way for a brighter future for our children.” Jacquelin Maycumber, Chief Strategy Officer of NEW Health.

NEW Health/ NEW Health University (launched in 2021) has garnered significant recognition. The healthcare summit at the White House this past summer highlighted the work that ECRI, a HRSA-funded entity, and NEW Health/NEW Health University does to improve patient safety. NEW Health University, part of the Washington State Department of Health Training Toolkit, was mentioned in support at the Congressional hearing for the Energy and Commerce Committee on April 19, 2023. Recognized as one of the top five youth workforce programs by the National Association of Community Health Centers, NEW Health University has trained healthcare organizations in ten states, including all health centers in Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

The center will provide accessible healthcare for all patients, including the uninsured and underinsured. Workforce training in healthcare and other fields such as IT, finance, marketing, and HR. This initiative will create 59 full-time positions, 110 direct full-time clinical and nonclinical positions, supporting local businesses and retaining skilled workers in the region. Additionally, the construction phase will generate over 300 jobs, including 122 indirect jobs, further boosting the local economy.
The Regional Workforce Development Center will include:

• Medical exam rooms and behavioral health rooms
• Dental operatories
• In-house pharmacy
• Office space for administrative positions
• Workforce training facilities
• Classrooms and clinical training simulation rooms

“I have a passion for our rural communities and creating workforce for our industries and communities where I grew up. Expanding this project is essential to addressing workforce gaps and enhancing career opportunities in our region,” said Desiree Sweeney Chief Executive Officer of NEW Health.

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The mission of NEW Health is to promote health and wellness within our communities by providing integrated, open-access healthcare for all. NEW Health operates primary medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services for residents of Ferry, Stevens, and Pend Oreille counties. NEW Health serves over 16,000 patients annually and employs more than 180 staff. NEW Health is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Bringing healthcare into communities and communities into healthcare since 1978.