Commerce Director visits Stevens County

Keeping communities healthy and creating jobs

NEW Health is a nonprofit organization with medical, dental and pharmacy care facilities in Stevens, Ferry and Pend Orielle counties, as well as a mobile clinic.

Commerce awarded NEW Health more than $2 million to support its main health care facility in Colville, as well as the Colville Dental Clinic. Funding came from the Building Community Fund and direct appropriations from the Local Government Division.

It’s clear that NEW Health prioritizes the well-being of the community and its employees, Director Fong said.

“This facility is beautiful,” he said, noting the dedicated mental health space for providers and the massive windows with a sweeping view of the city and its natural beauty. “We know that health care providers have experienced increased stress during and post-pandemic, and this space truly lets the light in and allows them space to take care of themselves even as they serve the community.”

NEW Health also added a drive-through pharmacy, which means that anyone can pick up their prescriptions, regardless of their mobility or the weather.

The organization has 168 employees dedicated to serving community health needs – and it intends to support more employees with local opportunities. It has an internal program called NEW Health University, which supports internal workforce development for local high school students and community members, said NEW Health Chief Strategy Officer Lindsey Ruivivar. The organization is also planning a new Regional Workforce Development Center in a former middle school in the community. It’s currently fundraising for the project, which would allow them to train and retain professionals in health care and health care administration. The site would also serve as an emergency shelter for wild fires or other disasters, and they hope to install solar panels on the roof.

“This is the type of project we get excited about,” Director Fong said, noting that it intersects Commerce’s divisions.

Learn more about Director Fong’s visit here: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADOC/bulletins/39ffc41