It is estimated that nearly half of all adults in the United States have hypertension[1] (AKA high blood pressure). The impact? An estimated 691,000 deaths in the United States in 2021[2] where hypertension acted as either a primary or contributing cause.
 
With the prevalence of hypertension and its associated health risks as high as it is, all FQHCs throughout the nation are required to report on both their number of patients with high blood pressure as well as the number of patients whose hypertension is controlled (<140 mmHg & associated with significantly less health risks). The below figures demonstrate the varying treatment outcomes achieved by FQHCs across Region X and within each individual state throughout 2022.

By the Ride Program in Collaboration with the NWRPCA Workforce Development Team​

Over 50 years ago, the University of Washington (UW) School of Medicine began the WWAMI program, a medical education program serving the five-state region of Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho. WWAMI is renowned for its unique approach to supporting the rural physician workforce, advancing excellence in medical education, and helping meet physician workforce needs in the region.

​Inspired by the WWAMI program success, the School of Dentistry with funding from the Washington State legislature, launched the Regional Initiatives in Dental Education (RIDE) program in 2007. By building on the existing educational structure in Spokane and the community health centers across the state, RIDE is a cost-effective, scalable model for training dentists to meet the needs of rural and underserved populations. The program focuses on delivering hands-on, interprofessional education within small communities, effectively opening pathways to improved dental care.

How do you remember your first TED Talk? The one with Ted and his pal Bill that was “most excellent” or the one where Bene Brown tells us to “dare greatly?” Whether you’re picturing two young guys in late 80s’ grunge or the acclaimed speaker on a big stage, it likely depends on your age.
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While most of us may consider ourselves young at heart, we’re likely products of our generation and bring our generational values to most everything we do from parenting and financial planning to socializing and volunteering. These generational values transcend to the workplace as well. 

Pershing Health System (PHS) is a critical access hospital located in Brookfield, Mo. “We are the only hospital within a 30-mile radius,” Kelly Schwager DNP, NP-C, Director of Rural Health Clinics at Pershing Health System, said. 
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As the primary caregivers for populations in Healthcare Provider Shortage Areas (HSPAs), the same is true for most Rural Health Clinics (RHCs). Due to funding limitations, workforce shortages and patient transportation barriers, RHCs face their fair share of challenges. 

Substance abuse is a multifaceted challenge and numerous strategies to combat it, have yielded mixed results. Southcentral Foundation (SCF) has introduced a novel method that stands out from conventional treatments. Unlike the traditional models that often demand abstinence and hope, with the SCF method, individuals build a life they don’t feel the need to escape from. SCF’s method is centered around empowering individuals to enhance their lives.

By Kelly Volkman, MPH, NWRPCA 

Community Health Worker Institute 
Northwest Regional Primary Care Association (NWRPCA) is committed to supporting community Health Workers (CHWs) and advocating for the vital role they play as part of the healthcare and public health delivery systems. In 2020, NWRPCA established the Community Health Worker Institute to serve as a training, technical assistance, and resource hub for Community Health Centers (CHCs) to help them train and integrate CHWs into patient care teams.
The Community Health Worker Institute: 

• Supports CHWs through training and professional development 
• Aids CHCs to develop and implement an effective CHW workforce 
• Promotes advocacy for financial models that support and sustain CHW services  

By the Southcentral Foundation

​Southcentral Foundation's (SCF) Nuka System of Care is an innovative health care model that prioritizes whole-person wellness. This approach recognizes that mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness are just as important as physical wellness and provides services to address all of a customer-owner's health needs.