SW Washington

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IULIIA BONDARENKO/PIXABAY

As paid family leave claims rise in Washington, the wait for benefits gets longer

The time to process an application could reach four months unless dozens more workers are hired, say administrators of the popular state program

Sep 21

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A Kaiser Permanente pharmacy. | LYNNE TERRY/THE LUND REPORT

Kaiser pharmacy workers say they will strike

Health system spokesperson says management is making contingency plans to offset work stoppage in Oregon, southwest Washington

Sep 20

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MOHAMED HASSAN/PIXABAY

A road map for lowering insulin costs in Washington

A work group suggests lawmakers follow Minnesota’s lead to push down prices and even offer a month’s supply for free to those in urgent need

Sep 5

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Washington state will acquire Cascade Behavioral Health Hospital after purchasing it for nearly $30 million. | WASHINGTON STATE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE

Washington state completes acquisition of shuttered Tukwila psychiatric hospital

The nearly $30 million purchase is expected to add 100 new beds for patients who are committed to state hospital care

Aug 15

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Boise is the capital of Idaho. | PINPALS/PIXABAY

Washington, Oregon weigh in against Idaho law restricting out-of-state abortions

They joined nearly 20 other states this week in arguing against Idaho’s new law that makes it a crime to assist minors in seeking abortions outside the state

Aug 2

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PIXABAY

WA expands Medicaid coverage for people nearing release from jails and prisons

In two years, Washington will begin to offer limited Medicaid coverage to youth and adults in correctional facilities up to 90 days before they are released

Jul 27

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IULIIA BONDARENKO/PIXABAY

Maternal mortality rates rise in WA, especially for Indigenous communities

A new, nationwide study found a 71.2% increase in Washington state’s maternal mortality for the American Indian and Alaska Native population

Jul 11

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SABINE VAN ERP/PIXABAY

For those unfit to make decisions, a complex path out of the hospital

The guardianship process is long and complicated, and there aren’t enough people willing to take on that role for patients

Jun 20

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From left, Robert Coberly, Tulalip, tribal crisis counselor; Heaven Arbuckle, tribal crisis counselor lead; and Arbuckle's husband, Brandon Hachett, holding their son Roman. The group had an information table for the Native and Strong Lifeline at a recent Missing and Murdered Indigenous People event in Tulalip, Washington. | COURTESY NATIVE AND STRONG LIFELINE

Lifeline provides mental health support to Native people in Washington state

Volunteers of America Western Washington launched the Native and Strong Lifeline in November 2022 to address the growing mental health crisis

Jun 13