Health Care

Excelsior Wellness prepares for first phase of remodel

$4.5M in work to be completed next fall

October 20, 2022

Excelsior Wellness has applied for building permits for the first phase of the $7.4 million remodel and expansion project at its campus at 3754 W. Indian Trail Road, in North Spokane. The nonprofit organization expects the initial phase of remodeling to

Opioid epidemic calls for community response

Officials advise removing stigma often associated with narcotic addiction

October 20, 2022

Karina Elias

While funds from Washington state's $518 million settlement against three major pharmaceutical companies are yet to begin flowing into communities here, people familiar with the impact of the opioid epidemic in the Spokane area say addressing the pr

Wish-granting nonprofits face backlog as costs rise

Referrals rose as trips were canceled, delayed

October 20, 2022

Virginia Thomas

Nonprofit organizations that grant wishes to critically and terminally ill children here say that many wishes have become more expensive in the past two years, during which time a backlog of ungranted wishes grew. Hugh Severs, executive director of

Travel nurses sent packing from Spokane-area hospitals

INW hospitals cut temps amid budget stress

October 20, 2022

Virginia Thomas

Hospitals here hope to cut costs by decreasing their reliance on travel nurses after labor expenses increased dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic, but they'll likely have to pay staff nurses somewhat more to do so.

Vivacity clinics transition to Kinwell Medical Group

Four clinics in Spokane area gain new operator, rebrand

September 22, 2022

Erica Bullock

Four Vivacity Care Centers in Spokane County are changing operators and rebranding to Kinwell Medical Group, a Seattle-based primary care provider, says chief medical officer Dr. Mia Wise. Mountlake Terrace, Washington-based Premera Blue Cross

Northwest Specialty Hospital sells Post Falls campus for $67.5M

Health care organization's operations remain under physician ownership

September 22, 2022

Virginia Thomas

Northwest Specialty Hospital has sold its buildings and property to a Milwaukee-based investment management company for $67.5 million, becoming a tenant in the 186,000-square-foot facility the specialty hospital formerly owned.

Vivacity clinics transition to Kinwell Medical Group

Four clinics in Spokane area gain new operator, rebrand

September 22, 2022

Erica Bullock

Four Vivacity Care Centers in Spokane County are changing operators and rebranding to Kinwell Medical Group, a Seattle-based primary care provider, says chief medical officer Dr. Mia Wise. Mountlake Terrace, Washington-based Premera Blue Cross previously

Office culture can compromise employees' health

Subtle changes can reduce stress, boost workers' satisfaction

September 22, 2022

Robin Pickering

Career choice may play a significant role in people's wellbeing and health, though it may not be as simple as the field they choose or even their rank within the organization. Scientists have long suspected that there are strong links between stress

Daugharty Commerce Park planned in Hayden

42 buildings to occupy 14 acres near airport

September 22, 2022

Erica Bullock

Construction is expected to begin next month on a 42-building complex dubbed Daugharty Commerce Park, which will have 136,000 square feet of commercial space available for lease in Hayden, says Paul Daugharty, member of Daugharty Investments LLC, the ent

Lakeland Village ramps up employee recruiting efforts

New superintendent says habilitation center is hiring 200 employees

September 8, 2022

Erica Bullock

Tim Gerlitz, superintendent at Lakeland Village, a residential habilitation center for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, in Medical Lake, says stabilizing employment levels at the 283-bed facility is his No. 1 priority in his