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Mid Valley Hospital & Clinic CEO Andy Bertapelle is representing our organization and rural healthcare at the national level this week.
Andy is in Washington, D.C., with the Washington State Hospital Association for federal advocacy meetings. He is joining healthcare leaders from across the state to meet with members of Washington’s congressional delegation and their staff.
The goal is simple: ensure national decision-makers understand how federal healthcare policies affect patients, employees, and hospitals in rural communities like ours.
Advocating for the Future of Rural Healthcare
Providing healthcare in a rural community comes with challenges that cannot always be seen from Washington, D.C. Rural hospitals serve smaller populations across large geographic areas while working to maintain essential services, recruit healthcare professionals, update aging facilities, and keep care close to home.
During this week’s meetings, Andy is carrying the voice of Mid Valley Hospital & Clinic and Okanogan County into discussions about:
- The 340B Drug Pricing Program and access to affordable medications
- Federal policies affecting rural hospitals
- The financial impact of providing charity care
- Protecting access to rural obstetric services
- Long-term investment in hospital facilities, equipment, and infrastructure
These issues directly influence MVHC’s ability to grow, maintain essential services, and meet the changing healthcare needs of our region.
Why Showing Up Matters
Decisions made at the federal level can affect the services available in Okanogan County, how hospitals are reimbursed, and whether rural facilities have the resources needed to remain strong.
Participating in these conversations gives MVHC an opportunity to explain what healthcare delivery looks like in our community, not just through statistics, but through the real experiences of our patients, employees, and families.
“Mid Valley Hospital & Clinic deserves to be represented in every conversation that affects the future of rural healthcare,” Andy said. “When we advocate for MVHC, we are advocating for the people and communities that depend on us.”
Bringing the Conversation Home
Advocacy is one part of MVHC’s ongoing commitment to protecting local access to high-quality healthcare. By working alongside other Washington hospitals, MVHC can help bring greater attention to the needs of rural communities and contribute to solutions that support healthcare across the state.
Andy will share highlights and key takeaways after returning to Okanogan County.
Follow Mid Valley Hospital & Clinic on social media for updates from Washington, D.C., and more stories about how we are working to strengthen healthcare close to home.
