SW Washington

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Workers rallied on Oct. 10, 2022, at Peacehealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver, Washington, to protest working conditions. | COURTESY PHOTO

Threatened PeaceHealth strike could strip workers’ health coverage

Management warns southwest Washington workers their health insurance will be terminated if a strike lasts more than a week

Oct 17, 2023
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Kayla Medina, center, claps during a drug court session on Oct. 3, 2023. Medina is among those opposing plans to end Cowlitz County's mental health sales tax. | TROY BRYNELSON/OPB

Cowlitz County social programs in limbo as officials eye expiration of mental health sales tax

The tax helps pay for mobile crisis units used by local police, mental health services in the jail, and programs like the drug court in the southwestern Washington county

Oct 12, 2023

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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, 2023

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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, 2023

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SEIU Local 49 President Meg Niemi speaks during an event Thursday Sept. 14, 2023 in Southeast Portland with over 100 union members and supporters. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Potential strike looms at Kaiser Permanente as employees approve work stoppage

The strike authorization vote is intended to increase pressure on the health care consortium as workers seek better pay and staffing

Sep 14, 2023
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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, 2023

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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, 2023

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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, 2023

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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, 2023

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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, 2023