Helping patients get faster evaluation and treatment
PAGE 6
Better pelvic health for women
Urogynecology specialty care
PAGE 7
Make the most of your annual physical
5 simple ways to prepare
PAGE 8
About Skagit Regional Health
Skagit Regional Health, Public Hospital District No. 1, is a community-owned entity governed by local citizens through a publicly elected Board of Commissioners.
Public Hospital District No. 1
Board of Commissioners:
• Peter Browning
• Frei Burton, Chair
• Sam Irons
• Barbara Jensen
• Bruce Lisser
• Gary Shand
• Monira Vakil, DO
The Board of Commissioners may be reached at srhboard@ skagitregionalhealth.org
Skagit Regional Health includes Skagit Valley Hospital, Cascade Valley Hospital and more than two dozen clinic locations in Skagit, north Snohomish and Island counties. With nearly 3,600 staff and providers, including 330 employed physicians and advanced practice providers, Skagit Regional Health is Skagit County's largest employer.
Skagit Regional Health is committed to providing and enhancing healthcare services and has a vision to improve lives through compassionate and innovative healthcare.
For more information about Skagit Regional Health, visit SkagitRegionalHealth.org
HealthQuest is published by Skagit Regional Health. It is intended to provide information about general health and resources. To reach the editor, contact marketing@ skagitregionalhealth.org or call 360-814-2424.
Innovation, access & excellence Advancing care and strengthening access across the communities we serve
Over the past year, we welcomed 30 new healthcare providers to our clinics and hospitals, strengthening access in key areas, including women’s health, pediatrics, orthopedics and other specialties. We’ve also introduced new services, such as urogynecology (see page 7), and opened four new clinics, including a dedicated Congestive Heart Failure Clinic designed to enhance our cardiology program (see page 4). These additions reflect our ongoing commitment to ensuring patients receive the right care, at the right time and place. We continue to make significant investments in patient safety and clinical quality. Our hospitals now feature some of the most advanced patient-monitoring capabilities available (see page 4), an important step as demand for services continues to grow. In 2025, both our hospitals and our clinics experienced record patient volumes.
The Family Birth Center at Skagit Valley Hospital received beautifully renovated labor, delivery and postpartum rooms, made possible through the generosity of our community and the Skagit Regional Health Foundation. This refreshed space offers a safe, comfortable environment for growing families (see page 14).
Looking ahead, we are excited for continued growth in Arlington, including a new 30,000-square-foot primary care and urgent care facility to meet the needs of the area’s rapidly expanding population (see page 3).
Even with increasing patient volumes, our teams made meaningful gains in clinical excellence. Emergency Departments at both Skagit Valley and Cascade Valley hospitals cared for more patients last year while reducing the number of individuals who left without being seen—a clear indicator of improved operations and patient flow (see page 6).
We have set a new standard, and as we move through 2026, we remain inspired by the progress we’ve made and energized by the opportunities ahead. Every investment, every provider added and every service expanded reflects our dedication to expanding access and improving the health and wellbeing of our community.
Thank you for trusting us with your care. Together, we look forward to building an even stronger, healthier future for our community.
Brian Ivie President & Chief Executive Officer
Skagit Regional Health
In this issue
SKAGIT REGIONAL HEALTH FOUNDATION
12 Letter from the President
13 2025 Gratitude Report
6 Innovations in emergency care
Helping patients get faster evaluation and
7 Two specialties, one goal
Better pelvic health for women
8 5 ways to get the most of your annual physical Come prepared—so you can focus on what matters most
9 Resources for healthy living Programs and support services to help you live well year-round
10 Advancing care, strengthening community Bringing quality care to Northwest Washington
New medical building in Arlington set to break ground
Skagit Regional Health will begin construction in summer 2026 on a three - story, 30,000 - square -foot medical office building next to Cascade Valley Hospital. In partnership with Public Hospital Districts No. 1 and No. 3, the project will expand access to urgent care, family medicine, X- ray, ultrasound and laboratory services. The facility is expected to open in summer 2027. Visit SkagitRegionalHealth.org/ Construction for updates.
14 Family Birth Center Campaign a success
16 A heartfelt thank you to our donors
18 Have a Heart for Kids annual fundraiser
21 Epic Systems Corporation gives $16,500 grant
COMMUNITY FOCUS
22 Letter from the Board of Commissioners
23 2025 Impact Report
Stronger together: A decade after
affiliation
In 2016, Snohomish County Public Hospital District (PHD) No. 3, including Cascade Valley Hospital, and Skagit County PHD No. 1, united under Skagit Regional Health to strengthen local healthcare. Ten years later, a shared mission has expanded access, enhanced services and built a more resilient regional system, ensuring highquality, compassionate care for communities across Skagit, Island and North Snohomish counties.
Community
News and local updates from Skagit Regional Health
Volunteers honored for dedication and hours served
Skagit Regional Health (SRH) volunteers were recently honored for their exceptional dedication and service at both Cascade Valley Hospital and Skagit Valley Hospital. Those honored volunteered a minimum of 100 hours in the past year, qualifying them for the national President’s Volunteer Service Award.
New Congestive Heart Failure Clinic opens
To enhance care for some cardiac patients, SRH opened the Congestive Heart Failure Clinic within Mount Vernon Cardiology last October. Patients are referred to the clinic by their cardiologist’s recommendation, and their care is overseen by a cardiology nurse practitioner who can work with patients to manage blood pressure, make medication adjustments and support other urgent or chronic needs.
Patient heart monitor project completed
New patient heart monitors were installed and are now operational at both Cascade Valley Hospital and Skagit Valley Hospital. This important advancement was a multiyear, multi-departmental effort that resulted in the installation of new monitoring devices in patient rooms, along with a new telemetry studio, which supports enhanced patient safety and advanced monitoring capabilities.
Resident doctors host student tour
Family Medicine Residency program faculty and providers hosted a group of students from Jefferson Elementary School in Mount Vernon for a tour of Skagit Valley Hospital. Naomi Hoyle, MD, with the help of Talon Harris, DO, Jose Garcia, MD, and Andrew Larson, DO, led the event. The goal was to provide an opportunity for advanced students to learn more about healthcare professions.
Skagit Valley Hospital volunteers recognized with the national President’s Volunteer Service Award.
Scholarships
funded by SVH Gift Shop presented to volunteers
Medical Volunteer Scholarships were awarded to Skagit Regional Health (SRH) volunteers Mia Tran and Kimberly Leach on August 28, 2025. These $500 scholarships were funded by proceeds from the Skagit Valley Hospital Gift Shop, operated by the Skagit Valley Hospital Guild, to recognize each student’s commitment to volunteerism and contribution to SRH and the community.
Local high school students tour Cascade Valley Hospital
Cascade Valley Hospital welcomed 35 high school students from the Everett School District for an immersive hospital tour. The students, enrolled in Homecare Health Aid and Introduction to Health Sciences courses, explored a variety of hospital departments, engaged in hands-on skill stations like Stop the Bleed and listened to hospital staff members share their unique career journeys.
Understanding the Medicare hospice benefit
Many patients and families hesitate to consider hospice care, often assuming it will be costly, but understanding the Medicare Hospice Benefit can bring valuable peace of mind. When a patient starts care with Hospice of the Northwest, most costs are 100% covered, including:
• Care team visits: All visits with the hospice care team are covered, including those with a hospice provider, nurse, social worker, spiritual counselor and care aid. Patients also have access to nursing support 24/7 by phone.
• Medication: All prescriptions for pain relief and symptom relief are covered when related to the patient’s primary diagnosis.
• Medical equipment: Most durable medical equipment is covered, including hospital beds, wheelchairs, oxygen equipment, etc.
• Medical supplies: Bandages, catheters and other medical supplies are included in the coverage.
• Grief support: The patient’s loved ones are eligible for up to 13 months of bereavement support.
Medicaid, VA benefits and most private insurers provide similar coverage. Patients who are uninsured or underinsured may qualify for financial assistance through Hospice of the Northwest Foundation. We have never turned away a patient for inability to pay.
If you have questions or would like more information about hospice services, visit HospiceNW.org or call the Referral Center at 360-814-5550.
Welcome, new providers
We are proud to welcome the following providers to our team:
Dermatology
Amy Hopkins, MD Riverbend
Endocrinology
Keirsten Montgomery, MSN, FNP-C Riverbend
Family Medicine
Shelly Damschroder, ARNP
Station Square
Natalie Hoyte, PA-C
Mount Vernon
Tiana Ibarra Yamamoto, DO Station Square
Brandon Isaacson, PA-C Smokey Point
Navraj Rai, DO Smokey Point
Kyle Walsh, MD
Station Square
Drue Webb, MD*
Mount Vernon
*Family Medicine with OB
Internal Medicine
William Brenton, ARNP Division Street
Robert Malinak, DO Smokey Point
Midwifery
Holly Braaten, ARNP, CNM
Mount Vernon
Leah Lambert, CNM Mount Vernon
Nephrology
Aileen Cielo, MD
Mount Vernon
Orthopedics
Alyssa Enghauser, PA-C LaVenture Orthopedics
Pediatrics
Carly Berg, MD
Arlington
“When everyone understands that early care—not early room placement—is the priority, frustration decreases and trust increases.”
Bianca Gordon Chief Nursing Officer
Innovations in emergency care Faster
care, earlier treatment
Every year, more patients turn to our hospitals for emergency care. Last year, we saw 63,938 Emergency Department (ED) visits in our two hospitals. In response to this rising demand at Skagit Valley Hospital and Cascade Valley Hospital, our ED care teams have made improvements focused on starting care sooner, even before a treatment room becomes available. Patients now get seen by a doctor in less than 20 minutes on average—down from about an hour—and fewer patients are leaving without being seen.
What changed?
PATIENT REVIEW 5/5
“Although the Emergency Department was extremely busy, I was efficiently triaged, effectively treated and appropriately released with home treatment instructions and prescribed medications that hastened my recovery at home. Kudos and thank you to a caring and professional staff!”
Steve, January 2026
Now, a nurse and a provider evaluate patients together. Then they begin labs, imaging and treatment right away. This means care starts sooner, testing gets underway faster and total visit time is reduced.
“Waiting for a bed often takes longer than processing tests,” said Karen Watkins, Regional Director of Emergency Services. “This shift ensures care begins earlier and more efficiently.”
A smarter triage process
Dual triage during peak hours
From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., when volumes are highest, a provider and nurse work sideby-side in triage. This “dual triage” model significantly reduces the time it takes to see a doctor and reassures patients that their care has already started.
“Healthcare has changed,” said Brenda Hubin-Price, Manager of Emergency Medicine at Cascade Valley Hospital. “This model is being used increasingly throughout the country.” The result is a faster, more responsive emergency care experience designed to meet patients’ needs from the very start.
What
this means for you
Faster evaluation
Earlier testing and treatment
Fewer delays
More reliable emergency care
Two specialties, one goal Better pelvic health for women
For women who are experiencing bladder, bowel or pelvic symptoms—especially those related to pelvic floor weakness or changes after childbirth or aging—a urogynecologist may be the right provider for you.
What is urogynecology?
You can think of urogynecology as two specialties coming together: Urology and Gynecology. While many women first discuss bladder or pelvic concerns with their gynecologist, symptoms may sometimes stem from underlying pelvic floor disorders. A urogynecologist offers advanced training in both specialties, providing a specific understanding of urologic care tailored to the female anatomy.
How does urogynecology complement urology?
Urologists specialize in treating urinary -tract conditions in both men and women, as well as male reproductive conditions. Whereas
urogynecologists focus specifically on female pelvic floor disorders and complex bladder concerns related to gynecologic conditions. Urogynecology services enhance and expand our already robust urology program.
“Together, we can offer the comprehensive spectrum of urologic and female pelvic health services for our patients,” said Curran Emeruwa, MD, urologist at Skagit Regional Health (SRH).
With the combined expertise of urogynecologist Anna Pilzek, MD, who recently joined the SRH Women’s Health clinic, and urologists such as Dr. Emeruwa, we are well-equipped to care for male and female patients across the region. Both specialties are located at Skagit Regional Clinics - Mount Vernon.
When to see a urogynecologist
If you are experiencing:
• Bladder or bowel leakage
• Chronic pelvic floor discomfort
• Pelvic pressure or prolapse
• Symptoms after childbirth or with aging
Bladder or pelvic symptoms aren’t one‑size‑fits‑all. Find the care designed for your needs. Scan to discover the difference between urology and urogynecology.
Dr. Pilzek (bottom left) and Dr. Emeruwa (bottom right) both see patients at Skagit Regional Clinics - Mount Vernon.
Wellness
5 ways to get the most out of your
annual physical
Preventing stroke
Risk factors you can act on today
Talk to your primary care provider about your stroke risk factors and the lifestyle changes you can make to prevent having a stroke. Manageable and treatable risk factors include:
Manageable lifestyle factors
• Chronic stress
• Diet
• Physical inactivity
• Smoking Treatable conditions
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Sleep apnea
You know annual checkups matter, but with busy schedules, it helps to make every visit count. You want to leave feeling heard, supported and prepared for healthy choices.
So we asked Jennifer Benson, MD, MHA, Chief Physician Officer at Skagit Regional Health, to weigh in. With a long history practicing family medicine in Skagit Valley, Dr. Benson is known for compassionate, expert care. As part of Skagit Regional Health’s executive leadership team, she works to ensure providers deliver exceptional care across our communities.
Dr. Benson’s checklist
Dr. Benson suggests coming prepared to your annual physical with five lists to help give your provider the basic information they need:
1. Know the medications you currently take. Either bring a list or the bottles themselves.
2. Know the supplements you currently take. Bring a list of the vitamins, protein powders and natural supplements that are part of your diet.
3. Know the immunizations you’ve received. Bring dates and information about any immunizations you’ve received at another clinic or pharmacy.
4. Know about your preventative health screenings.
Bring a list of dates and results of any cancer screenings, scans and lab work you’ve had, especially if the care was received outside of Skagit Regional Health.
5. Know your concerns.
Bring a list of concerns you would like to address with your provider. Share your list when the nurse or medical assistant is checking you in. This allows your provider to allocate time to discuss or possibly ask you to schedule a second appointment if more time is needed.
There is a common theme when planning for a health visit—information! Your provider needs to know what steps you are taking on your health journey, and they want the full picture.
“Honesty is important so that we can make recommendations for your health—we strive to be a judgment-free zone!” said Dr. Benson. “We want to support you— knowing your personal struggles with health and lifestyle is important so that we can work together to improve your health.”
Resources for healthy living
Patient financial well-being
At Skagit Regional Health, we are aware of the financial impact that healthcare costs have on our patients and their families. Our Patient Financial Services Department is here to help.
The important thing to remember is that no one should delay needed medical care due to an inability to pay. If you need help paying your bill, whether or not you have insurance, we offer many options and will always work with you.
To speak with Patient Financial Services, call 360-814-7575 or visit SkagitRegionalHealth.org/Financial-Assistance
Screenings
DIRECT ACCESS COLONOSCOPY
Healthy adults 45+ without colon-related symptoms or major health problems may receive a screening colonoscopy without a provider referral through the Direct Access program. Call 360-814-5739 to schedule in Arlington or Mount Vernon.
MAMMOGRAMS
Mammograms play a vital role in the early detection of breast cancer, helping identify concerns before symptoms appear. Call 360-814-8208 to schedule in Mount Vernon or Arlington. Talk with your healthcare provider about these and other screenings available, or visit SkagitRegionalHealth.org/ Mammograms
Childbirth/family resources
FAMILY BIRTH CENTER
Scan the QR code for a virtual tour of Skagit Valley Hospital’s Family Birth Center.
CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION
VIRTUAL CLASS
Skagit Regional Health offers an evidencebased, engaging online childbirth class. For more information, scan the QR code or call 360-814-2283
LACTATION SUPPORT
Call 360 -814-2283 to meet with a lactation specialist during and after your hospital stay.
Mental
health
988 SUICIDE AND CRISIS LIFELINE
If you or someone you are worried about is experiencing thoughts of suicide, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis or any other kind of emotional distress, please call or text 988. Services are available in Spanish, along with interpretation services in over 250 languages. Deaf/hard of hearing/TTY: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988
Community resources
ADVANCE CARE PLANNING WORKSHOP
Planning for serious illness or end of life can bring comfort and clarity. This free workshop guides you through advance care planning so loved ones can honor your wishes. Scan the QR code to enroll or visit SkagitRegionalHealth. org/Classes-and-Events
Tuesday, May 12 10–11:30 a.m.
Stilly Valley Health Connections 3405 173rd Place Northeast Arlington
GIVE BLOOD
Bloodworks Northwest hosts local blood drives in our region to serve our communities’ blood supplies. Call 800-398-7888 or visit BloodworksNW.org to schedule.
HAVE UNUSED MEDICATIONS?
Search MedTakeBackWashington.org or call 844-482-5322 to find local, secure drop-off kiosks or to order mail-back supplies.
STOP THE BLEED®
In a STOP THE BLEED® class, you’ll gain the ability to recognize life-threatening bleeding and act quickly and effectively to control bleeding. Please email bmoser@skagitregionalhealth.org to find a class near you.
Support groups
CANCER AND BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUPS
Free support groups for cancer patients and their families, friends and caregivers meet monthly on Wednesdays from 4:30–5:30 p.m. Call 360-814-8255 for details.
STROKE SUPPORT GROUP
Meets the last Wednesday of every month from 2–3 p.m. For more information, call 360-814-8394 or email mpelosi@skagitregionalhealth.org
OSTOMY SUPPORT GROUP
For people with ostomies and their families, caregivers and friends. Please call Cathy Schaeffer at 360-202-3410 for more information.
Patient support
Visit SkagitRegionalHealth.org and click on Classes and Events to find more resources.
MYCHART PATIENT PORTAL
With MyChart, you can use your mobile phone, computer or tablet at home or on the go to manage your family’s health online. Sign up now at SkagitRegionalHealth.org/MyChart.
“We’re large enough to deliver sophisticated, modern care, yet at the same time deeply rooted in a community that values familiarity, relationships and trust. We aim to adopt new technologies or care models only when they genuinely solve local problems. Innovation is always tied to a real, local purpose.”
Jennifer Benson, MD, MHA Chief Physician Officer
Advancing care, strengthening community
As communities in Skagit, Snohomish and Island counties grow, so do the healthcare needs of their residents—and Skagit Regional Health (SRH) is responding with a clear strategy: expand access, reduce barriers and design care models that work for the people who live here.
SRH’s clinical advancements are guided by one central question: What does our community need most, now and in the years ahead?
Expanding care where the need is greatest
One of the most significant expansion initiatives underway is the development of new primary and urgent care services in Arlington, a quickly growing area where access has struggled to keep pace with demand.
SRH leaders are responding to an expanding and aging population with increasingly complex medical needs. A new medical building in Arlington, slated to open in 2027 next to Cascade Valley
Hospital, is designed to support immediate access and future demand while easing congestion across the broader system.
“We’re seeing both population growth and increasing medical complexity,” explained Jennifer Benson, MD, MHA, Chief Physician Officer for Skagit Regional Health. “Expanding primary and urgent care there ensures patients can receive timely care close to home instead of waiting weeks or traveling farther than they should.”
Systemwide, SRH has expanded urgent care capacity by recruiting additional providers, reducing wait times and improving same-day access. Ultimately, these efforts will help prevent unnecessary Emergency Department visits and keep care local.
A new model for surgical readiness
Among SRH’s most impactful initiatives is the Surgical Optimization Clinic, which opened this spring. Located alongside General Surgery and staffed by boardcertified internal medicine physicians, the clinic prepares patients safely and
efficiently for surgery well before the day of their procedure.
“Surgical care doesn’t begin the morning of an operation,” Dr. Benson says. “By optimizing patients’ health weeks in advance, we reduce risk, improve outcomes and help patients feel confident and prepared.”
The Surgical Optimization Clinic focuses on supporting patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, addressing complex medication plans and ensuring appropriate preoperative testing is completed in advance.
The model was driven by provider feedback. Surgeons identified the need, and SRH leadership responded by building a solution modeled after a successful program at the University of Washington— demonstrating how frontline insights shape systemwide improvements.
Maintaining strong local trust
At SRH, innovation is not about novelty; it’s about solving real problems for real people.
One example is the Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) Clinic, launched in late 2025 to improve care transitions and outcomes for high-risk patients. Through close coordination between cardiology and case management teams, patients are scheduled directly into the CHF Clinic at hospital discharge,
reducing delays in follow-up care and strengthening continuity.
A key component of the clinic’s success is the CHF Care Companion, a digital tool integrated within a patient’s MyChart account. The platform supports remote monitoring through personalized reminders, task checklists, medication prompts and educational content. Providers monitor dashboards in real time, allowing earlier intervention.
Reducing barriers through every stage of care
SRH’s expansion efforts are part of a broader strategy to reduce fragmentation throughout the care process.
In 2025, the organization implemented a program allowing patients seen in the Emergency Department or urgent care to leave with a follow-up appointment already scheduled. This helps patients access timely care after discharge. Population health nurses further support patients by checking in after hospitalization to ensure medications are taken correctly, questions are addressed and follow-up care is coordinated.
The impact of expansion: colon cancer screening
The impact of these advancements is especially visible at SRH’s Mount Vernon Surgery Center. Before its opening, limited procedure rooms and long wait times created barriers to colon cancer screening. Now, advanced imaging, trained care teams and specialized procedure rooms make it possible to screen more patients safely. In addition, healthy patients age 45 and over can schedule a colonoscopy without a referral through the Direct Access Colonoscopy program. Colonoscopies have since risen steadily, particularly among patients who previously delayed care. One patient shared, “If it hadn’t been this easy, I probably would’ve kept putting it off. My doctor detected a precancerous polyp and probably saved my life.”
Strengthening community for the long term
Skagit Regional Health is always assessing the needs of the community, population growth projections and demographic trends. Our mission is to ensure our region can access exceptional care, always, for generations to come.
Foundation
Letter from the President
Gratitude. Looking back on 2025, I am filled with gratitude. I am eternally grateful for the 25 dedicated community volunteers who serve as trustees on the Skagit Regional Health Foundation board, along with the exceptional leadership provided by staff members Linda Frizzell, Wendy Ragusa and Kenzie Sharpe.
I am also grateful for the hundreds of volunteers who make the ParTee Golf Classic and the Festival of Trees highly successful fundraising events each year. These events collectively brought in gross proceeds exceeding $630,000 in 2025.
My gratitude goes out to restaurant owner Bill Constantine, owner of the Cask & Cleaver Steakhouse and Il Granaio Authentic Italian Restaurant, for his ongoing support of the Skagit Regional Health Foundation through the Have a Heart for Kids Online Campaign (see page 18) and to all the organizations that host annual “pink events.” This includes high school sports teams, local fitness facilities and many other groups and organizations.
My gratitude extends to the perennial and new donors who support the Foundation with financial contributions year in and year out. Without them, the Foundation could not have
surpassed the $28 million fundraising mark since its inception 37 years ago. We truly live in a generous community!
In 2024, the Skagit Regional Health Foundation kicked off a $1.6 million campaign to provide safety and security upgrades in all 21 birthing rooms at Skagit Valley Hospital. My gratitude goes out to Aldi Kllogjeri and Lesha Boucher, who chaired the Family Birth Center Capital Campaign, which was completed at the end of 2025.
Last but not least, I must take a moment to recognize all the exceptional work and dedication that staff members from Skagit Regional Health make on a daily basis. The high-quality healthcare system in our community would not be a reality without the men and women who provide exceptional healthcare, always.
We had much to be grateful for in 2025 on the Skagit Regional Health Foundation front. So far, 2026 is showing great promise, and it means great things for our community!
With gratitude,
Brent Thompson Skagit Regional Health Foundation
Our mission
The mission of the Skagit Regional Health Foundation is to raise, manage and distribute funds to assure the continued availability of quality health care services and programs at Skagit Regional Health (SRH). The Foundation will foster awareness of and community support for SRH through the involvement of the people it serves.
Board of trustees
Volunteers are the key to the Skagit Regional Health Foundation’s efforts in securing philanthropy. We are pleased to acknowledge the efforts of our trustees, who unselfishly give their time and resources as an example to all, and who provide leadership in the Foundation’s prudent stewardship of gifts.
Brent Thompson
President
Brett Fontes
Vice President
Alicia Huschka
Treasurer
Scott Railton
Assistant Treasurer
Travis Coulter
Secretary
Laura Fisher
Vice President of Planned Giving
Katie Jungquist Vice President of Cancer Care
Bobbi Ahrenius
Lesha Boucher
Tara Cunningham
Viry Delgado
Bryan Harris
Duane Henson
Brian Ivie President & CEO, Skagit Regional Health
Michelle Knutzen
Staff
Linda Frizzell
Executive Director
Wendy Ragusa Stewardship and Annual Fund Manager
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1376
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Office Location:
120 S. 13th Street
Mount Vernon, WA 98274
Mike Marken
Evelyn Morse
Holly Nielsen
Sandra Nootenboom
Kim Piazza
Tony Pratt
Aaron Robbins
Gary Shand
Commissioner Representative, PHD No. 1
Angela Speer Usyk
Ashley Stowe
McKenzie Sharpe Development and Digital Engagement Coordinator
Phone: 360-428-2140
Email: foundation@skagitregionalhealth.org
Nonprofit tax ID: #94-3078550
Gratitude Report
2025 The Foundation Board of Trustees was pleased to provide grants totaling $939,934 to support patient programs and services at Skagit Regional Health.
2025 BY THE NUMBERS
$1,191,093 raised
$939,934 granted to Skagit Regional Health
2 lifesaving “AutoPulse” machines—one for each Emergency Department at Skagit Valley Hospital and Cascade Valley Hospital
1,342 gifts received from our generous donors (we are incredibly grateful!)
400 glassybaby votives sold in support of the Family Birth Center Capital Campaign
$500 to purchase medical supplies for Graduate Medical Education resident outreach to unhoused individuals in our community
25 committed trustees who volunteer their time and expertise to the Skagit Regional Health Foundation
1,205 babies delivered in the newly renovated Family Birth Center thanks to $1.6 million in funding from the Foundation
$25,634 from the Foundation’s Cancer Care Patient Assistance Fund to pay for prescriptions, transportation, nutritional supplements and physician bills for cancer patients in need of temporary assistance
26 tree design teams that designed the spectacular trees, raising over $500,000 at the Foundation’s 37th annual Festival of Trees
18 holes of golf played at the ParTee Golf Classic that raised $127,000 for the Family Birth Center Capital Campaign
175 Il Granaio Authentic Italian Restaurant meal vouchers sold to support the Children’s Therapy Program
$4,700 granted to purchase clothing for the Clothing Banks at both hospitals, helping patients leave our care with dignity and proper clothing
What this means for our patients and families
Before these renovations, many families facing early preterm or higher-risk births often had to leave the area for care. Today, that experience looks different.
The renovated Family Birth Center fundamentally changes the level of care our clinical teams can safely deliver in response to higher-acuity situations.
As a result, more families can now remain in Skagit County for care during the most vulnerable moments surrounding birth.
Your support made our Family Birth Center Campaign a success!
The Foundation proudly announced the successful completion of its $1.6 million Family Birth Center Campaign with a celebration in February, attended by Foundation donors and trustees, Family Birth Center staff and Skagit Regional Health leadership.
The campaign funds support the renovation of the Birth Center’s 21 private maternity suites, enhancing comfort, safety and care for every family welcoming a newborn at Skagit Valley Hospital. The upgrades bring added benefits, including flexible workspaces for specialized maternity teams and new furniture in each room, such as modern rocking chairs and sleeper sofas, for added comfort.
The Family Birth Center suites feature updated equipment purchased by the hospital and Foundation grants, including portable infant warmers, specialized transport warmers for preterm babies and telehealth technology linking pediatricians with Seattle Children’s neonatologists in real time.
These improvements come at a time when the Family Birth Center is seeing more than 100 births each month, making the renovations especially meaningful for both families and staff.
Love as a legacy
When we name something, we do more than label—we preserve presence. Names honor those who mattered, creating continuity and leaving a lasting impact. These acts of naming through donor philanthropy are true expressions of love, ensuring that the importance of these relationships endures. The campaign’s fundraising through naming opportunities was warmly and enthusiastically supported by Foundation donors. Donors who contributed $10,000 were invited to name a maternity suite, either in honor of or in memory of cherished loved ones. Families, civic clubs and local businesses responded quickly, ensuring all 21 suites, three triage rooms and the lactation room were funded.
Tami Schnell, Regional Director of Women’s and Children’s Services, and Jennifer Taylor, MD, Pediatric Hospitalist, in a renovated maternity suite.
Honoring loved ones, celebrating new beginnings
Donors share why they chose to name a Family Birth Center suite
The donation was made by my family to honor the legacy of my father, Harry E. Worley, MD, OB/GYN. He delivered over 10,000 babies at Skagit Valley Hospital, including three generations in some families, and only two sets of twins.
Daughter Barbara Worley
Our community depends on Skagit Regional Health for newborn and maternity care. We are honored to be a part of ensuring quality healthcare.
Rotary Club of Burlington
We feel so honored to be able to dedicate this room to our sweet mother. She dedicated 17 years of her career to her profession as a labor & delivery nurse at Skagit Regional Health. There are no words to express the gratitude we feel as her children to watch her legacy live on for the generations to come.
Veronica Pratt
We chose to name the same room our son was born in. He is now eight years old and thriving.
Our hearts are filled with gratitude to be able to honor our mother in such a special way. She was a devoted, passionate, and inspiring L&D nurse at Skagit Regional Family Birth Center. Knowing that her legacy will continue on for generations to come means more to us than words can express.
Olivia Pratt
Parents Rob & Sara Coallier
Rotary Club of Burlington
Harry E. Worley, MD, OB/GYN
Rob & Sara Coallier with Son
Veronica & Olivia Pratt
Employee giving supports the following and more!
• The Breast Institute
• Cancer Care
• Cardiac Care
• Children’s Therapy Program
• Emergency Services
• Family Birth Center
• Graduate Medical Education
• Healthy Community
• Mental Health
• Palliative Care
• Sleep Medicine
• Surgical Services
A heartfelt thank you to our donors
The Skagit Regional Health Foundation Board of Trustees and staff are grateful for the continued generosity and support of our donors. This report represents more than a list of contributions—it reflects a shared commitment to strengthening programs and services at Skagit Regional Health.
Your philanthropy helps ensure compassionate, high-quality care for our community and supports the work of those who serve it every day. Thank you for
THE
BREAST CANCER CARE FUND
Ashley Design
Coastal Farm & Ranch
April Durland
La Conner Braves Volleyball
Booster Club
Paul & Holly Nielsen
Riverside Health Club
Sedro-Woolley Riding Club
Brent & Betsey Thompson
Heather Yeagley
CANCER CARE
B-EHS Associated Student Body
Tamara & Robert Ceseña
Geri Cleve
Veronica Garcia
Michael Gilleland
Sandee Gordon
Barry & Karen Hiatt
Margret Ingimarsdottir
Marsha & W. Robert Keen
Patricia Lewis
believing in our mission and for partnering with us to make a meaningful difference. We look forward to what we can accomplish together in the year ahead.
With sincere gratitude to our community for your support, the Skagit Regional Health Foundation proudly presents our annual Gratitude Report.
In 2025, the Skagit Regional Health Foundation received $1,191,093 in contributions.
Becky Littke
LPL Financial
Calley McCoy
Sara Moreno
Paul & Holly Nielsen
Harold Oosterhof
Juanita Rouw
Skagit Community Foundation
Skagit Speedway
Skagit Valley USBC Association
Skagit Woodstock
Adele & Shad Skinner
Stanwood Eagles Auxiliary
Al Wassink
Mary Winje
Jessica Yamaguchi
In Honor of John Dill
Geanna Trombley
In Honor of Hoke Hodgins
Linda Parker
In Honor of Wedad Wahba
Skagit Regional Health Cardiology Staff
In Memory of Scott Dougliss
Kimberly Wagner
In Memory of
Joan Musselman Drake
Robert & Nina Boudinot
In Memory of Kathy Dutton
Merwyn Dutton
In Memory of Sandee Gordon
Kim Vranich
In Memory of Gary Hartnett
Kathy Hartnett
In Memory of Paige Marken
Nancy Ballard
In Memory of James M. Parker
Linda Parker
In Memory of Dennis & Judith Pearce
Jeffrey & Linda Pearce
In Memory of Otto Rouw
Steve & Katie Jungquist
In Memory of David Schink
Helga Schink
A huge thank you to our incredible Skagit Regional Health team
Skagit Regional Health employees once again showed their commitment to exceptional care by contributing more than $55,000 to the Foundation’s 2026 Employee Giving Campaign. These generous gifts support vital patient-care programs across our health system, with each donation directed to the fund chosen by the employee.
Employee contributions—made through cash gifts, monthly payroll or paid time off deductions—strengthen care, support families and enhance the health of our community. Together, SRH employees make extraordinary care possible.
In Memory of James Stewart
Ann Stewart
In Memory of Karla Stollwerck
Danya Parker
Keith & Christie Peterson
Helga Schink
CARDIAC CARES CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
Charles & Charlotte Ambrose
John L. Bouslog
Ginny Brown
Jeff & Mary June Curtis
Sandra Curtis
Shirley Heathers
Thomas Johnson
Sara Moreno
Jim & Evelyn Morse
Paul & Holly Nielsen
Renaissance Charitable
Foundation
Jeff & Amber Rhodes
William Thomas
Phyllis Walter
William K. Young
In Honor of Dr. Ramy Hanna & Dr. Vidhu Paliwal
Jack Hutteball
In Memory of Roger G. Kelley
Darlene Mindrum
In Memory of
Kathleen Thurmond
Keith & Christie Peterson
CASCADE VALLEY HOSPITAL
Jola Barnett
Brenda Hubin-Price
Christina Lindsey
Robert & Suzanne Mortensen
Michelle Sand
In Honor of Cascade Valley
Hospital Acute Care Department
Anonymous
CHAPEL
Julie Davies
April Durland
Elizabeth Major
CHILDREN’S THERAPY PROGRAM
Tamara & Robert Ceseña
Nereida Chavez Barriga
Kristin Conzo
Laird & Bryce Dickie
Tracy Fisher
Tia Hafner
Jodi Hao
Roger & Kerri Helgeson
Nikki Klinger
Barbara Marie
Darlene Mindrum
Eugene “Gene” E. Murray
Heidi Reeves
Dr. Robert & Carrie Stewart
Dr. Mark & Diane Studley
Dr. Oscar Briseno Jr.
& Dr. Monira Vakil
DR. MARY RAMSBOTTOM ENDOWMENT
Dr. Mary Ramsbottom
DR. MAYNARD JOHNSON ENDOWMENT
In Memory of Jack Larson
Annette McDonald
In Memory of Steve Schuh
John & Susan Meyer
EMERGENCY SERVICES
Kaia-Jean Braaten
Mike & Tracey Elfstrom
Jeffrey Hassinger
Brook Moser
Ashlynn Vega
FAMILY BIRTH CENTER
Greg & Angela Abbott
Eryn Aguilar
Jensen & Bobbi Ahrenius
Angela Anderson
Kelli Anderson
Jayme Arthurs
Brandon & Kate Atkinson
Monica Baca
Zachary & Adele Barborinas
Jola Barnett
Kristen Beck
Jessica Bell
Jeanette Benfit
Lennart Bentsen
& Dr. Erin Charles
Bruce & Dee Berglin
Dr. Lyall & Judy Bishop
Paul Blum & Alison Zak
Amy Borg
Thomas & Lesha Boucher
Kjersten Braaten
Scott & Laura Breckenridge
Chuck & Rebecca Broadbent
Peter & Laurel Browning
Erin Burkholder
Craig & Carrie Cammock
Gerald & Susan Christensen
Yvonne Christos
Alan Clark & Vhari Rust-Clark
Clover Coffee Shop
David Colglazier
Chance Collier
Kelsi Collier
Daniel & Melinda Comnick
Terri & Lorry Cook
Troy & Demi Daman
Erin Davidson
Marisa Donchez
Dustin Douchette
Myra Dundin
Mike Dyberg & Dr. Connie Davis
Lourdes Edralin
Melinda Elliott
Ed & Cody Ellison
Cammy Emmons
Empierus
Epic Systems
Dr. John & Marie Erbstoeszer
Angelique Ernstrom-Kissas
Ethan Smiles Foundation
Jerome & Karen Fisher
Brett & Laurie Fontes
Karen Forster
Crissi Franulovich
Fred Meyer, Inc.
Amy Frederick
Jeff & Linda Frizzell
Michael Garcia
John Gates
Edward & Mary Ann Geraghty
glassybaby White Light Fund
Glynna Goff
Peter Goldfarb
Bianca Gordon
Donald Gosnell
Colby Griffiths
Dr. Joshua Griggs
Lisa-Marie Gustafson
Liz Hammack
Narajanti Handaja
Duane & Lynnette Henson
Shawna Hill
Glenda Hobbs
Kristen Hobbs
Troy Hofkamp
Phil & Leanne Holboy
Jamie Horton
Ario Hosseini
Brenda Hubin-Price
Glenn & Alicia Huschka
Andy & Carol Huttenstine
Brian & Debi Ivie
Leslie Jackson
Delaney Janicki
JEM Family Guild of
Skagit Valley Hospital
Donna Johnson
& Lorraine Faubion
Steve & Katie Jungquist
Erin Kaui
Kern Funeral Home
Kiwanis Club of Burlington-Edison
Aldi Kllogjeri
& Dr. Jennifer Benson
Toby & Michelle Knutzen
Kayla Koens
Tiffany Kooken
Nancy Lamkin
Roxy Larson
Shannon Lauder
Cynthia Lawrence
Dr. Rick & Tracey Levine
Timothy Lewis
Damon Lindall
Ervin & Isle Lindall
Bruce & Debra Lisser
Frank Lubash
Laurie Lundgren
Jonathan & Melissa Lyons
Janet Malseed
Karen Manatt
Dave & Kathy Mariner
Michael Marken
Charolette Martin
Grant Massey
Bruce Mathey
Annette McDonald
Krista McGowan
Donna McMillan
Ken & Peggy McRae
Amber Miller
Arlene Miller
Jeff & Anita Mitcham
Molina Healthcare of WA
Mount Vernon Rotary Club
Ryan & Sandra Nootenboom
Worth & Lisa Norton
Justin Oram
Joan Pfeiffer
John & Kim Piazza
Kristy Post
Dennis & Cheryl Pratt
Olivia Pratt
Tony Pratt
Veronica Pratt
Tammera Prouty
Dale & Susan Ragan
Roger & Wendy Ragusa
Scott & Deborah Railton
Tim & Nancy Rashko
Red Robin Burger & Spirits Emporium
Sally Richendrfer
Susan Riedel
Sean Riley
Aaron & Stephanie Robbins
Dr. Robert & Rebecca Rosenfeld
Rotary Club of Burlington
Nathasha Rounds
Luis Ruiz
Jaspreet Sahota
Lori Schiavone
Tami Schnell
Kathie Schroeder
Brian Schuman
Josh & McKenzie Sharpe
CONTINUED
Skagit Regional Health Foundation Presents
James Sloan
Derek & Susan Slotemaker
Wyatt Snider
State Farm Insurance –
Brad Methner Agency
Bridget Steigerwalt
Leroy Steiner
Svend & Caitlin Svendsen
Nick Szurik & Thuy Nguyen
Baylie Tesarik
Gary & Anne Thompson
Kathryn Tift
United Way of King County
Urban Forest Nursery, Inc.
Matthew Usyk
& Angela Speer Usyk
Gene & Pam Van Selus
Dr. Ryan Vellinga
Danny & Stephanie Vera
Romel Vergara
Anne Voegtlin
JUNE 4, 2026
1–2:30 p.m.
Registration is required by calling 360-814-8376 or emailing foundation@ skagitregionalhealth.org
Karen Watkins
Whidbey Coffee
Dr. Michael Whiton & Paul Dunn
Steven & Linda Wilhoit
Sophia Woodland
Wayne & Joy Wooten
The Family of Dr. Harry Worley
Michael & Shawna Yengich
Tamra Young
Cheryl Zentner
In Honor of Jill Christensen
Gerald & Susan Christensen
In Honor of Jeff &
Mary June Curtis
Scott & Laura Breckenridge
In Honor of Dr. Rick Levine
Roger & Wendy Ragusa
In Honor of Bradley Sloan
Dale & Susan Ragan
FESTIVAL OF TREES DONATIONS & GIFT-INKIND DONORS
Alaska Airlines
Angel of the Winds
Dr. Brandon & Kate Atkinson
Baird Foundation, Inc.
Bertelsen Winery
Stephanie Binkowski
Bunnies By The Bay
Calico Cupboard Café & Bakery of Mount Vernon
Chad Fisher Construction, LLC
Children’s Museum of Skagit County
COA Mexican Eatery
Mount Vernon
Concrete Herald LLC
Travis & Kelly Coulter
Credo Graphics
Enchanting Events Have a for
Annual fundraiser supports young patients
The annual Have a Heart for Kids online fundraiser, held in January, raised $5,280 to support young patients in Skagit Regional Health’s Children’s Therapy Program. Proceeds support the purchase of essential therapy equipment and home therapy supplies, helping ensure our youngest patients have the tools they need to continue making progress both in clinical settings and at home. The Foundation extends sincere appreciation to Il Granaio Authentic Italian Restaurant and Cask & Cleaver Steakhouse, and especially to Bill Constantine, owner of the sister restaurants, whose generous partnership has played a key role in the success of this fundraiser for seven consecutive years. As part of this year’s event, each restaurant donated 100 meal vouchers, providing a meaningful
incentive for community participation while supporting pediatric therapy services. Bill Constantine’s leadership and community commitment, combined with the generosity of participating community members, continues to make an important difference for local families accessing quality therapy.
Colonel Betz
Everett Aquasox
Dan & Laura Fisher
Brett & Laurie Fontes
Hellam’s Vineyard
Duane & Lynette Henson
Jama Hiltz
Holland America
Steve & Katie Jungquist
Robel Kahassai
La Conner Brewing Company
Brian & Shannon Lloyd
Andrea Lowe
Dave & Kathy Mariner
Dr. Bruce Mathey
Ryan & Sandra Nootenboom
Ron & Gailyn Ploeg
Greg & Michelle Powell
Tony Pratt
Tim & Nancy Raschko
Reel Class Charters
Natasha Rounds
Shawn O’Donnells at the Farmhouse
Skagit Cycle Center
Skagit Publishing
Jeff & Stacy Stewart
Leo & Brenda Stewart
Swan House Farm
Cam & Sabrina Taylor
Connie Tkach
Sharon Van Boven
Ronald Wesen
FESTIVAL OF TREES FUND-A-DREAM PATRONS
Eric Aldrich
Bailey Bartelt & James Workman
Anna Blau
Thomas & Holly Braaten
Grant & Claire Burwash
Lyndsy Clark
Robert & Sara Coallier
Kelsi Collier
Robert & Deborah Connolly
Leslie Delaney
Kim Delker
Robert Desmarais
Zoee Force
Jeff & Linda Frizzell
Ron Gardi
Dr. Joshua & Jacqueline Hawkins
Roger & Kerri Helgeson
Kathy Hicks
Tammy & John Hill
Glenn & Alicia Huschka
Brian & Debi Ivie
Dr. Carlyn & Tom King
Aldi Kllogjeri
& Dr. Jennifer Benson
Bruce & Debra Lisser
Brian & Shannon Lloyd
Dennis & Connie Milliken
Melanie Minor
Mark & Vickie Nysether
Dan & Jan Olson
Steve & Kelli Perry
Keith & Christie Peterson
Jennifer Pitner
Dale & Susan Ragan
Francesca Ragusa
Scott & Deborah Railton
Sara Ringhouse
Vernon & Tammy Ringhouse
Helga Schink
Tami Schnell
James & Emily Stewart
Jonathon & Renee Stone
Susan Uker
Brett & Kelli White
Jerry & Carol Whitfield
Jessica Williams
Evan & Stephanie Wright
Marc & Cindi Wright
Maury & Sue Wright
Paul & Taylor Wright
Mark Young
FESTIVAL OF TREES LIVE AUCTION PATRONS
Lincoln & Heidi Aldridge
Dr. Michael & Tatiana Barton
Kathryn Bohnet
Kellie Cargile
Gerald & Susan Christensen
Ken & Flo Dahlstedt
Kirk & Stacy Duffy
Dan & Laura Fisher
Jerome & Karen Fisher
Zoee Force
Kathy Hicks
Brian & Debi Ivie
Brent & Alexa Johnson
Peter Johnson
Dr. Carlyn & Tom King
Aldi Kllogjeri
& Dr. Jennifer Benson
Brian & Shannon Lloyd
Carter Manning
Dave & Kathy Mariner
Dennis & Connie Milliken
Ryan & Sandra Nootenboom
Mark & Vickie Nysether
Liz Parker
Dr. Anisa & Michael Pea
John & Kim Piazza
Roger & Wendy Ragusa
Patricia Steiner
Derrick Walser
Emma Whitfield
Mary Winje
Maury & Sue Wright
FESTIVAL OF TREES SPONSORS
A-1 Mobile Lock & Key, Inc.
AmeriTeam Services, LLC
Anheuser-Busch Sales & Distributing
Arne Svendsen Trucking
Associated Petroleum Products
Audit & Adjustment
Company Inc.
Baker Tilly
Bakerview Valley Storage, LLC
Banner Bank
Bellevue Healthcare
Bellingham Anesthesia Associates, P.S.
Blade Chevrolet & RVs
Candlewood Suites Burlington & Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton
CorroHealth
Double-N-Potatoes
Evergreen Financial Services Experian Health
Foothills Toyota
G & D Wallace, Inc.
Gilbertson Funeral Home
Fran Hansen
Hawthorne Funeral Home & Memorial Park
Heritage Bank
Honda of Burlington
Hughes Farms, Inc.
John Piazza Jr. Construction
JTK Engineering
Laboratory Corp of America
Bruce & Debra Lisser
Maple Wood Farm, Inc.
North Coast Credit Union
Pacific Woodtech Corporation
Peoples Bank Corporation
Perdue/Draper Valley Farms
Private Lending Investments
Rallye Auto Sales, Inc.
Riverside Health Club
Rolfson’s Home Furnishings, Inc.
SaviBank powered by Harborstone Credit Union
Sierra Pacific Industries
Skagit Farmers Supply
Skagit Regional Health
Skagit Regional Health Family
Birth Center Providers & Staff
• Dr. Daniela Abreu
• Kerrie Anderson, RN
• Holly Braaten, ARNP
• Kelsi Collier
• Yvonne Christos, RN
• Dr. Naomi Hoyle
• Dr. Carlyn King
• Jamie Maloney
• Tami Schnell
• Dr. Jenny Taylor
• Dr. Autumn Walker
• Megan Wauters
• Dr. Ben Winkes
Skagit Regional Health Internal Medicine Providers
• Dr. Sandeep Bal
• Madeline Button, PA-C
• Dr. Alexa Celerian
• Dr. Luis Garduno
• Dr. Ryan Guanzon
• Dr. Joshua Larson
• Dr. Mary Ramsbottom
• Dr. Rico Romano
• Dr. Jhoanna Santos
Soroptimist International of Burlington
Sound Cedar Lumber
Spane Buildings, Inc.
State Farm Insurance –
Carol Lawson Agency
State Farm Insurance –
Brad Methner Agency
State Farm Insurance –
Keith Sorestad Agency
Structured Communications
Swinomish Casino & Lodge
Testing and Commissioning Services, LLC
TRICO Companies, LLC
Visante
VSH Certified Public Accountants, PLLC WECU
Whidbey Coffee
Wycoff Insurance Agency, Inc.
BRENT THOMPSON & KIM PIAZZA TEAM TREE SPONSORS
Scott & Ann Berg
Brian Boon
Chris & Shaun Cammock
Dr. Dennis & Vicki Cooley
Jeff & Mary June Curtis
Justin & Kylee Dowe
Drs. Keri & Paul Halgren
Sean & Debbie Hendricks
Bev Herbst
Janet Houtsma
KP Enterprise, Inc.
Danielle Lawson
Ervin & Isle Lindall
Phillip McLaughlin
Patricia Munro
Edward & Geri Nielsen, Jr.
Chad & Sheri Paulsen
Dottie Piazza
Marie Piazza
Piazza Property Management
Hugo Prado
Foundation
Save On Storage
Al & Linda Steiner
Ashley Stowe
Brent & Betsey Thompson
Gary & Anne Thompson
Roger & Pam Valentine
Rick & Naomi Vander Griend
James & Renee Warrick
Doug & Stephanie Wood
In Memory of Kris Wollan
Brent & Betsey Thompson
SKAGIT REGIONAL HEALTH LEADERSHIP TEAM TREE SPONSORS
Greg & Angela Abbott
Jola Barnett
Kelly Bradford
Chuck & Rebecca Broadbent
Peter & Laurel Browning
Jamie Carpenter
Tamara & Robert Ceseña
Adrienne Colson
Daniel & Melinda Comnick
Kristin Conzo
Coquina Deger
Lourdes Edralin
Mike & Tracey Elfstrom
Jeff & Linda Frizzell
Jacob & Brienne Gahan
Steve & Tami Gilbert
Matt & Michelle Gjersee
Bianca Gordon
Lisa Grentz
Dr. Joshua Griggs
Brian & Debi Ivie
Aldi Kllogjeri
& Dr. Jennifer Benson
Heather Koegel
Bruce & Debra Lisser
Becky Littke
Jonathan & Melissa Lyons
Michelle Marty
Worth & Lisa Norton
Justin Oram
Dale & Susan Ragan
Roger & Wendy Ragusa
Tami Schnell
Kathie Schroeder
Kristin Seubold & Patrick Joyce
Gary & Judy Shand
Marcus Simonson
Shad & Adele Skinner
James Sloan
Matthew Vaughn
Michael & Ashlynn Vega
Danny & Stephanie Vera
Karen Watkins
Mark Young
FESTIVAL OF TREES UNDERWRITERS
Blue Lake Management
Booth Insurance Agency –Allstate
John Crombel/Tucker Realty
Cheryl & Carl Loeb
Mount Vernon Carpet Center, LLC
Santa’s Elves
Westside Merchants
• Hansen’s Furniture
• Mexico Café
• Rolfson’s Home Furnishings
• The Net Drive-In
Rob Zwick
FINE ART
Tamara & Robert Ceseña
Matthew & Jammie Novak
FOUNDATION SUPPORT
Jon & Susan Aarstad
Jensen & Bobbi Ahrenius
Steven & Suzanne Appelo
Alexandria Baldwin
Jim & Ann Barborinas
Zachary & Adele Barborinas
Della Bercovitch
Joe & Kate Biringer
Thomas & Lesha Boucher
Gerald & Susan Christensen
Travis & Kelly Coulter
Emily Iris Degn
Viry Delgado & Lin Manuel Sandoval
Ross & Kyla DeWit
Epic Systems
Brett & Laurie Fontes
Steve Hall
Duane & Lynnette Henson
Elizabeth Holden
Glenn & Alicia Huschka
Brian & Debi Ivie
Steve & Katie Jungquist
Aldi Kllogjeri
& Dr. Jennifer Benson
Bruce & Debra Lisser
Michael Marken
Jim & Evelyn Morse
Diane Morton & Wendy Cobb
Paul & Holly Nielsen
Ryan & Sandra Nootenboom
Larry & Lisa Otos
Grant Phillips
Kevin Pilcher
Maggie Potter
Dale & Susan Ragan
Scott & Deborah Railton
Aaron & Stephanie Robbins
Gary & Judy Shand
Vinton H. & Amelia Sommerville
Brent & Betsey Thompson
Matthew Usyk
& Angela Speer Usyk
Danny & Stephanie Vera
Linda White
Dustin Wilder
GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION
Dr. Precious Barnes
Dr. Mary Bavaro
Steve & Tami Gilbert
Dr. Mary Ramsbottom
Dr. Jan Garavaglia & Dr. Mark Wallace
HEALTHY COMMUNITY
Kara Anderson
Tamara & Robert Ceseña
Dr. Oksana Miller
In Honor of Eileen Terry
Della Bercovitch
In Memory of Alfie Hill-Banta
Diane Morton & Wendy Cobb
In Memory of Miles Jackson
Linda White
In Memory of Rodney Olson
Steven & Suzanne Appelo
In Memory of Mark Schack
Gerald & Susan Christensen
INPATIENT KIDNEY DIALYSIS
Patsy Good
In Memory of Dorothy Conser
Lois Powers
In Memory of Ray & Winne Houser
Mark & Joan Houser
In Memory of Miles Jackson
Joe & Linda White
MENTAL HEALTH CARE
Julie Burdick
Courtney Caswell
Mollee Cory
Dan & Laura Fisher
Paul & Holly Nielsen
Sharon Obrastoff
Brande Ortiz
Ranten Family Charitable Trust
Heather Yeagley
PALLIATIVE CARE
Courtney Caswell
Michelle Chambers
PARTEE GOLF
CLASSIC GIFT-IN-KIND SPONSORS
Arne Svendsen Trucking
Avalon Golf Links
Bob’s Burgers & Brew
Boeing Classic
COA Mexican Eatery
Mount Vernon
Coffee Barn
Columbia Tower Club
Daniel & Melinda Comnick
Costco Wholesale
Gary Fiedler
Haggen, Inc.
Duane & Lynnette Henson
Il Granaio Authentic Italian Restaurant
La Catrina Tacos & Tequila
Lincoln Theatre Center Foundation
Max Dale’s Steak & Chop House
One Night Entertainment (MV Live!)
Pacioni’s Pizzeria
PURE Skin + Wellness Spa
Michelle Roddy
St. Clair Enterprises, Inc.
FedEx Ground
Scholten’s Equipment, Inc.
Skagit Farmers Supply
Skagit Golf & Country Club
Skagit Law Group, PLLC
Slough Foods
Stowe’s Clothes & Shoes
Sudden Valley Golf Course
Swinomish Casino & Lodge
Terramar Brewstillery
The Corner Pub
The Office Tavern
The Old Edison
Train Wreck Bar & Grill
Variant
Vortex Golf
Wells Nursery
Whidbey Coffee
Wingz & Thingz
You Salon
PARTEE GOLF CLASSIC SPONSORS
Baird Private Wealth
Management
Baker Tilly
Banner Bank
Robert Barker
Bayshore Concrete, LLC
Rod Berg
Brigid Buchanan
Chad Fisher Construction, LLC
Community Healthcare FCU
Crothall Healthcare
Dwayne Lane’s Skagit Subaru Electrocom Sound and Communication Systems Empower
Foster Garvey PC
G&W Commercial Interiors, Inc.
IAFF Local 1983
J.P. Morgan
JTK Engineering
Bruce & Debbie Lisser
Marathon Petroleum
North Cascade Insurance/ Shellie Eubanks-Highet
Optimum Properties, LLC
Peoples Bank Corporation
Piper Sandler Companies
Property Trio, LLC
Retail Lockbox, Inc.
St. Clair Enterprises, Inc.
FedEx Ground
SaviBank powered by Harborstone Credit Union
Epic
SB&C, Ltd.
Skagit Radiology, Inc.
Skagit Regional Health
Skagit Transportation, Inc.
Structured Communications
TechPower Solutions, Inc.
Thomas Cuisine
TRICO Companies, LLC
VSH Certified Public Accountants, PLLC
WAFD Insurance Group
SKAGIT REGIONAL CLINICS
Patricia Lewis
SLEEP MEDICINE
Christine Riley
Jonathon & Renee Stone
SPECIAL CARE NURSERY
Vernon & Tammy Ringhouse
SURGICAL & ENDOSCOPY SERVICES
Kelly Bradford
Stacy Gonzales
Lisa Grentz
WOUND CENTER
Celia Chandler
Systems Corporation gives $16,500 grant
The Skagit Regional Health Foundation received a $16,500 grant from Epic Systems Corporation.
A total of $8,500 will be used to restock the Emergency Room Clothing Banks at Skagit Valley Hospital and Cascade Valley Hospital. During treatment, patient clothing may be removed, torn or discarded.
The Clothing Banks provide sweatshirts, sweatpants and socks as needed, so that every patient can leave our hospitals with dignity.
An additional $8,000 was committed to supporting the Family Birth Center Campaign.
The Foundation extends sincere thanks to Epic Systems Corporation for championing such a vital patient and community program.
Commissioners
A shared responsibility
From the Board of Commissioners
Public hospital districts are one of Washington’s clearest promises to communities: that highquality healthcare should be locally governed, publicly accountable and built around the people it serves—not the priorities of distant decision-makers. As a hospital commissioner for Skagit County Public Hospital District No. 1, I’ve seen how this model protects access to care in rural and growing areas where healthcare is a cornerstone of stability.
Locally governed, publicly accountable
Public hospital districts are unique because they are rooted in transparent, communityled governance. Commissioners are elected by local voters, meetings are open and decisions are made with a direct line of accountability to the public. This structure keeps our focus on long-term community health needs rather than short-term market pressures. It also allows us to bring partners together—clinicians, civic leaders, employers, schools and nonprofits—to strengthen the continuum of care, from prevention and primary care to specialty services, emergency response and behavioral health.
Preserving care close to home
Districts also play a critical role in preserving services close to home. In many places, a public district is the reason urgent care, inpatient capacity and other critical services remain available locally. Stewardship at the district level helps ensure families aren’t forced to travel for hours for care, seniors can stay near their support systems and employers can recruit and retain a workforce confident in local healthcare. We measure success by outcomes, trust and access, not by quarterly profits.
“We measure success by outcomes, trust and access, not by quarterly profits.”
The people behind the care
None of this works without people. Skagit Regional Health is powered by an exceptional team: physicians, nurses, caregivers, technicians, therapists, support services staff and administrators who show up every day with skill, compassion and deep commitment.
The Public Hospital District No. 1 Board of Commissioners, from left: Bruce Lisser; Monira Vakil, DO; Barbara Jensen; Frei Burton, chair; Peter Browning; Gary Shand; Sam Irons.
Their professionalism and heart are why patients receive excellent care close to home and why trust in our system remains strong.
Navigating a changing landscape
At the same time, this mission is not guaranteed. Legislative and budget decisions can quickly reshape the landscape for community hospitals. Reductions in Medicaid funding, reimbursement changes, limits on local taxing authority, unfunded mandates or new regulatory burdens can strain already tight margins and jeopardize essential services, especially with ongoing workforce shortages and rising supply costs. Local governance matters because it helps communities advocate for patients, plan responsibly and respond quickly when the policy landscape changes.
Welcoming new leadership
As we continue this work, I’m pleased to welcome two new commissioners to Public Hospital District No. 1: Sam Irons and Barb Jensen. Sam brings a thoughtful, communityminded approach and a commitment to listening and learning quickly. Barb brings steady leadership, a collaborative spirit and healthcare experience that will help keep access front and center. Their service reflects what public hospital districts represent: neighbors stepping forward to shape a healthier future.
Impact Report 2025
“Public hospital districts belong to the community.” Improving lives through compassionate and innovative healthcare. Care close to home Helping people when they need it the most
Skagit Regional Health keeps critical care close to home for the families who live and work in our community. Our vision of improving lives through compassionate and innovative healthcare is the thread running through every service we provide. Take a look at our reach in 2025.
Public hospital districts belong to the community. Protecting them takes engagement, legislation and investment in workforce and infrastructure—so our neighbors can count on care when they need it most.
24 Clinic locations
2 Hospitals
3 Urgent Care clinics
34 Specialty services
Frei Burton Chair, Public Hospital District
No. 1 Skagit Regional Health
12,675 Surgeries performed 3
1,205 Babies delivered
44,348 Cancer Care visits
3,658
520,376 Clinic visits
33 New employed providers
Linkedin.com /company/ skagit-regional-health
X.com /SkagitHealth
Youtube.com /@ SkagitRegionalHealth
Skip the waiting room and get virtual care in minutes.
Skagit Regional Health gastroenterology (GI) specialists now offer same-day virtual care. They can assess your symptoms, order tests and start treatment—all from home, no appointment needed.
Top conditions we treat same day:
+ Abdominal pain
+ Constipation or changes in bowel habits
+ Diarrhea
+ GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
+ Inflammatory bowel disease flare‑ups
+ Nausea and/or vomiting
Whether you have new symptoms or urgent digestive needs, you can get care now.
