JUNE 2018
THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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Kaiser Permanente Executive Profile
Capital Medical Center Aiming High & An Alliance
Physicians of Southwest Washington
Innovation in a changing industry
Hope Can we measure it?
BU I LDI NG CO MMUNI TY PROSPERITY FOR OVER 140 YEARS
The Changing Nature of Health Care in Thurston County PUBLISHER Thurston County Chamber of Commerce
EDITORIAL Editor: David Schaffert Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com
CONTRIBUTORS David Schaffert Rebekah Finn
By David Schaffert, Thurston Chamber President/CEO
I
n this issue of the VOICE Magazine, we highlight three health care organizations in our community. All three are working in an ever-changing arena—and it is worth noting these stories don’t begin to tell the story of health care in our community.
Health care is a significant part of the fabric of our community. Quality health care is an
Doria Maselli Christina Butcher Dinea Norell
essential part of a high-functioning community; it provides critical services to our citizens
Heather Harris Natasha Ashenhurst
ADVERTISING Sales and Marketing:
and it has a significant impact on the local economy. The economics and workforce numbers are significant. In 2017, health care total wages were nearly $653 million, roughly
Blake Knoblauch Aaron Bernhard Phone: (360) 357-3362
one-fifth our local workforce, and $1.3 billion of our Gross Regional Product.
Email: info@thurstonchamber.com
SUBSCRIPTIONS Phone: (360) 357-3362
In past VOICE issues, we have focused on the addition of mental health capacity added
Email: info@thurstonchamber.com
DESIGN Mosaic Marketing Studio
by US HealthVest in the Woodland District, and The Providence Community Care Center, and in a future issue we'll profile Providence’s efforts to increase our community’s mental
COVER ART Benjamen Wilson, Regional Director
health capacity with partner Fairfax Behavioral Health.
of Clinical Operations & Market Integration for the Olympia and Puyallup regions at Kaiser. Photo by Dinea dePhoto taken at the Olympia Kaiser campus.
The Chamber recognizes our health care industry as a driver of our local economy and a
PRINTING
critical piece of community infrastructure. It cuts a wide path in our community, and our
Print NW
CONTACT THE CHAMBER
ability to engage and support it is vital to the health care sector. •
PO Box 1427 809 Legion Way SE Olympia, WA 98507 Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: info@thurstonchamber.com Website: thurstonchamber.com
COPYRIGHT All material appearing in the VOICE Magazine is copyright unless otherwise stated or it may rest with the provider of the supplied material. The VOICE Magazine takes all care to ensure information is correct at time of printing, but the publisher accepts no responsibility or liability for the accuracy of any information contained in the text or advertisements.
THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY INVESTORS DIAMOND INVESTORS: Capital Medical Center Little Creek Casino & Resort Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel Phillips Burgess, PLLC Port of Olympia Providence St. Peter Hospital TwinStar Community Credit Union South Puget Sound Community College Washington Business Bank
PLATINUM INVESTORS America's Credit Union - Lacey Greene Realty Group Heritage Bank - Olympia
Mills & Mills Funeral Home Morningside Olympia Federal Savings Olympia Orthopaedic Associates Print NW Saint Martin's University TAGS Awards and Specialties
GOLD INVESTORS Bakala State Farm Boggs Inspection Services Cabinets by Trivonna Charter College C.P.C. Landscape, LLC The Creative Office Firs Senior Living Community GHB Insurance
Grays Harbor Fair & Tourism Great Wolf Lodge Hometown Property Management Hooper Financial Services Jessica Jensen Law PS LoanStar Home Lending Nicholson & Associates Nisqually Red Wind Casino Olympia Furniture Company Pardiman Productions Puget Sound Energy RHD Enterprises SCJ Alliance South Sound Radiology Venables Pest Management Wells Fargo Community Bank
EXPERIENCE THE CAPITAL ADVANTAGE
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Chamber
Advanced Care For Hard-To-Heal Wounds capitalmedical.com
Capital Medical Center is partly owned by some of the physicians who serve our patients.
©2018 BCI
Leadership Thurston County Class of 2018. Photo by Heather Harris of Elements Photography.
Leadership Thurston County Celebrates the Class of 2018
L
eadership Thurston County (LTC) and the Thurston County Chamber Foundation are
Congratulations, Graduates!
Ross Jarvis
pleased to recognize members of the Class of 2018, the 24th graduating LTC class. Sponsored
Rodney Anderson
Shirley Jones
by The Wave Car Wash, the graduation program
Heidi Andrade
Paul Koleber
will be held June 13 during the monthly
Jana Ayres
Brock Le
Shawn Ball
Jeffery Lippert
Krystal Barkus
During the 10-month program, LTC class members met with
Nathan Magee
Paulette Beadling
local, community, and statewide leaders, learned about issues
Travis Matheson
Daniel Berner
surrounding South Sound communities, expanded networks
Alexis Miller
Bruce Brenna
and resources, and explored numerous opportunities to
Natalie Skovran
Albert Brown
get involved. Topics ranged from business and economic
Chantelle Petrone
Craig Clark
development to environmental issues, education, and
Marker
Erin Conine
health and human services. Site visits included tours of
Harry Pickernell
Bryon Dahl
local businesses, schools, public agencies, and non-profit
Zach Powers
Meagan Darrow
organizations.
Terri Prather
Moira Davin
Ken Rice
Robb Dunn MANY THANKS to Graduation Sponsor The Wave Car Wash, all
Tim Rudloff
JJ Geise
the employers who sponsored participants, local leaders who
Rudy Rudolph
Lynda Green
contributed to the monthly sessions, LTC Sustaining Trustees
Leslie Shahan
Wendy Hill
and Board of Regents, and the Thurston County Chamber for all
Ryan Warner
Pamela Holsinger-Fuchs
Rebekah Zinn
Thurston County Chamber Forum.
their outstanding support during the past LTC year! Are you an alumni of Leadership Thurston County? Join us after graduation for an all class reunion from 4-7pm at River’s Edge! Meet the newest alumni, reconnect with your class, and enjoy an evening of leadership connections. Complimentary appetizers provided, no-host bar. •
4 • June 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
Samantha Jenkins
Leadership Thurston County Graduation June 13, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Hotel RL Olympia thurstonchamber.com
thurstonchamber.com
June 2018
CONTENT & CALENDAR
Every month, the Thurston County Chamber offers several networking events, forums and workshops to the community. Here are some highlights you won't want to miss.
In This Issue...
Morning Mixxer at Angle Agency
7
Join our host, Angle Agency, on Tuesday, June 5 at 7:30 a.m.
Aiming High in Health Care
for Morning Mixxer. Angle Agency will provide the breakfast treats, our sponsor L&E Bottling will host the coffee bar — and you can enjoy a morning of networking.
Thurston Young Professionals Join the Thurston Young Professionals on Thursday, June 7 at 5:30 p.m. at Northwest Beerwerks. Enjoy a large selection of beverages & snacks. Join us and meet with other Young Professionals and expand your network.
Leadership Thurston County Graduation Leadership Thurston County (LTC) and the Thurston County
Capital Medical Center and UW Medicine join forces to raise the bar in local health care.
12 Meet Benjamen Wilson Get to know Kaiser Permanente's Regional Director.
Chamber Foundation are pleased to recognize members of the Class of 2018, the 24th graduating LTC class. Sponsored by The Wave Car Wash, the graduation program will be held June 13 during the
15
monthly Thurston County Chamber Forum at Hotel RL Olympia.
How Hopeful is Thurston County?
Business After Hours at Tart Cider
Hope can be a telling insight into a community's well-being and trajectory.
Join the Thurston County Chamber on Thursday, June 21, at 5:30 p.m. for our June Business After Hours at Tart Cider. Business After Hours is a free networking event. Hosts provide light appetizers and beverages, games and raffles. Tart Cider, LLC is committed to sourcing products locally, maintaining a U.S. base for raw materials, and creating a delicious, natural product for any person older than 21.
Health Care Champions On Tuesday, June 26, the Thurston-Mason County Medical Society in partnership with the Thurston County Chamber will celebrate the 12th annual Health Care Champions award winners. Please join us as
16 Physicians of Southwest Washington PSW ensures a vibrant health care community by supporting independent physicians and providers.
we honor and celebrate these leaders. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. at the Olympia Country & Golf Club and will include honoree recognition, videos, hors d’oeuvres and a no host bar.
22 Time for a Checkup?
Thank you, sponsors! thurstonchamber.com
The variety of services offered by your local library may surprise you.
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
June 2018 5
6 • June 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
thurstonchamber.com
Capital Medical Center announced an alliance with University of Washington Medicine in February 2018.
Aiming High in Health Care An alliance between Capital Medical Center & UW Medicine is raising the bar in health care Written by Christina Butcher
I
ncreasing quality of services, improving the patient experience, and maintaining reputability among community members...these are all components of a strong healthcare system, one which most medical institutions strive to achieve while serving the community. They’re also the primary goals of a brand-new alliance between University of Washington (UW) Medicine and Capital Medical Center (CMC) in Olympia. “The alliance aims to offer higher
time...but Capital Medical happens to
CMC. It was legalized and facilitated
quality and better patient experiences
be the first and only facility within the
by RCCH HealthCare Partners, an
and services to the people of Olympia,
partnership.”
organization that provides “high-quality, compassionate hospital and health care
Thurston County and surrounding areas,” said Mark Turner, CEO of CMC.
The alliance, which was announced
services across the country,” according to
“Other hospitals will be added from
last February, is a public-private sector
its website.
Alaska, Idaho and Washington over
partnership between UW Medicine and
Continued on page 9 thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
June 2018 7
MEMBER PROFILE
The Pizza Story
W
e keep getting the same question online and at the windows: "Why is a successful burger place getting into pizza?" To my family and friends I've talked about opening up a separate pizza
spot on the grounds for more than two decades. Obviously, there was no room to attempt anything out of the drive-thru, but I own the entire block front, so there's room, there just had to be the right time.
Artwork by Vince Ryland
The right time came this fall. We'd had a great run over in
To make things easier, the website has been revamped for
the ice cream shack, the neighborhood embraced it in a big
online ordering. www.eastsidebigtoms.com. Check out the
way, enough that I had to hire more staff over the spring and
menu, call it in, or use the app and order via your phone. Yep,
summer. The problem was, as a walk-up spot, the second the
there's a Big Tom app for your phone so you can order on
weather worsened, sales plummeted. Suddenly I had no sales
the go. I really wanted this to work so I could keep everyone
to support four employees for five months. Normal industry
employed.
practice is to button the place up, lay off, or fire the entire staff, and reopen in the spring. I couldn't do that. Not my style.
Am I going to lose focus of the burger stand? Hardly. I've still got the most amazing staff of any business in town, they've got my
Instead, I spent 20K+ on pizza equipment, and we spent the next
back. Plus, I'm still a terribly bothersome micro-manager, so I
several months perfecting our craft. We passed out samples
can't ever turn my back on the business completely, nor would
for the first two months, taking criticism and praise alike, until
I want to, as I have way too much fun. Now I've just got two or
the criticism fell away and the praise grew. While everybody
three things, if you count the ice cream shack, to muck about in
in town was preparing to watch football the first weekend of
all day.
February this year, we quietly opened up and sold 108 pizzas. Success! The biggest smile on my face came from the fact that
OK, this went longer than expected, but that's not a surprise to
I was not only able to keep everyone employed, I hired a new
any of you that have ever talked to me in person, it's kind of my
staff member to help that first weekend. In the weeks since,
style.
we've had to hire six new staff members between burgers and pizza as the option to get either, or both, has driven a lot of
Thanks for the support Olympia/Lacey/Tumwater.
families in to see us. It's pretty common to see families in the seating area eating both burgers and pizza at the same table.
I love you all,
Helping drive our pizza sales are the choices we're offering.
Michael
We have Take N Bake, Gluten Free Take N Bake, & We Bake. 8" and 15" available in the We Bake. What sets us apart is that we make Pizzas that others can't. We can make you a Big Tom Pizza, a Dirty Bird Pizza, Taters N Gravy Pizza, Vegetarian Dirty Bird Pizza, Dessert Pizza (that doesn't involve cinnamon), as well the every day favorites that you expect to find in all the pizza places. SPONSORED MEMBER PROFILE
8 • February 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
Big Tom's Pizza 2023 4th Ave E Olympia, WA 98506 https://eastsidebigtoms.com/
thurstonchamber.com
Continued from page 7 Turner has been working in the health The new alliance created a recent buzz
care sector for almost 35 years. Prior to
among the regional medical community
his work at CMC, he worked as a CEO
not only for leveraging the strength
at a community hospital in Riverside
of existing partnership between UW
County, California, for eight years. He
Medicine and CMC, but for what it aims to
was drawn to the Pacific Northwest by
achieve for patients in the future.
opportunities for growth at hospitals in
“We’re on a continual mission to
expanding communities (like those of
improve both quality of care and
Thurston County), as well as the appeal of
patient experience,” said Turner. “This
working with the RCCH leadership team in
partnership will allow CMC to benefit
Washington state.
from, and leverage, UW Medicine’s work His extensive experience in health care
in achieving the ‘Triple Aim.’”
and with RCCH, specifically, as well as The “Triple Aim” Turner talked about is
CMC’s above average rating as a hospital,
a set of health care reform goals set out
combine to bring an exceptional balance
by UW Medicine. They are (1) improving
to its alliance with UW Medicine.
patient experience through care (including quality and satisfaction), (2) achieving better health care outcomes and
Mark Turner, CEO of Capital Medical Center
(3) reducing the per-capita cost of health care.
According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which rates hospitals to
ensure patients are fully informed about health care practices, the quality of care in Thurston County is already above average.
Although the Triple Aim goals may seem lofty, UW Medicine
CMC is rated as a four-star hospital (on a one to five-star scale).
already has a reputation for not only providing high quality care to patients, but for leading the way in national health care
With existing high marks for all the alliance’s parties and over
reform initiatives, as well.
four years of successful collaboration under their belt, it won’t be surprising if CMC and UW Medicine achieve everything they
“UW Medicine is the regional leader in health care quality and
set out to, or more, in the coming year. The aim may be high,
service in the five-state area of Washington, Wyoming, Alaska,
but then again, so are the CMC and UW Medicine reputations
Montana and Idaho,” said Turner. “It’s a recognized leader in
for excellence. •
quality care. That coupled with the fact that CMC was already been working in alliance with UW on other fronts led us to pursue a stronger relationship with UW Medicine.”
Call us! Advertise in the (360) 357-3362 VOICE Magazine
Because CMC and UW Medicine were already collaborating prior to the formal alliance (CMC is a part of the UW Medicine Accountable Care Network and the two organizations worked hand-in-hand at the UW Neighborhood Olympia Clinic), they were able to hit the ground running when they announced the alliance in February. Then, they immediately formed a Quality Committee to identify needs and develop an implementation plan for a future rebranding effort. “Later this year, we’ll go through a big rebranding effort,” said Turner. “The ‘Capital Medical Center’ name will include the
Fresh and inventive storytelling
UW Medicine tagline, which reads, ‘a UW Medicine Community
Business-centric
Health Partner.’”
Hyper-local
The Quality Committee is also exploring the possibility of incorporating a physician residency program at CMC. “We’re building on existing relationships with the alliance,” said Turner, who’s been serving at CMC since September 2017.
Now, if you buy ad space in one issue of the VOICE, we’ll give you 30 days of digital advertising for free! www.thurstonchamber.com
809 Legion Way SE, Olympia, WA 98501 Call (360) 357-3362 to learn more. Ask for Krystal, Blake or Aaron.
thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
June 2018 9
The right fit for your business. One size never fits all. At TwinStar, you’ll have several business accounts and services to choose from, and together we’ll find the right accounts and cash management tools to improve your bottom line. Call me to learn how. Alexis Miller Business Development Officer 360.923.4450 alexis@twinstarcu.com
TwinStarCU.com/business
We are not sure it will catch on, but we like it!
Personalized service, great products, and competitive rates — we think that’s pretty epic. FIND OUT MORE AT
10 • June 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
wabizbank.com
thurstonchamber.com
On May 15, Olympia Wax Bar held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate their new location. Congratulations!
Welcome, New Members 90 Ten Training Academy Robin Johnson (360) 280-5971 capitalcityhoopfest.com Non-Profit Organizations & Associations
HiLine Homes of Satsop Gayle Hall (360) 482-4227 www.hilinehomes.com/location/satsop-wa/ Construction – Residential
Tan Republic – Lacey Chris Clare(360) 915-6133 tanrepublic.com Health & Fitness - Tanning Salon
BMG Painting Brian Gobat (360) 481-9261 www.bmgpainting.com Painting
Innovative Sleep Centers Dana Ochsner (360) 754-3825 www.innovativesleepcenters.com Medical Equipment & Supplies
Tan Republic - West Olympia Chris Clare (360) 338-0156 tanrepublic.com Health & Fitness - Tanning Salon
Dos Hermanos Mexican Ktichen Augustin Galicia (208) 250-1166 dos-hermanos-mexican-kitchen.business.site Restaurant – Mexican
Lowe's – Lacey Brooke Stephens (360) 359-9044 www.lowes.com Building Materials
The Wave Car Wash – Lacey Mike Opitz (360) 413-0195 www.thewavewash.com Auto Wash, Detail, & Polish
Eastside Big Tom Michael Fritsch (360) 507-1295 www.eastsidebigtom.com Restaurant – American
Mary Kay Cosmetics - Aimee Insull Aimee Insull (260) 413-7432 www.marykay.com/aimeeinsull Cosmetics
Value Village/Savers Bruce Kendall (360) 923-2410 valuevillage.com Thrift Shop
Expedia CruiseShipCenters Anne Mills(206) 478-2099 www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-us/annemills, www.passporttotravel.org Travel Agencies
Natural Lynx Marketing Sheena Hamilton (206) 914-4906 natural-lynx-llc.business.site Photographers
Gamma Security Group Trevor Richie (253) 720-0342 www.gammasecuritygroup.com Investigators
Olympia Wax Bar Pamalee Perry (360) 280-3558 www.olympiawaxbar.com/ Wax Bar
thurstonchamber.com
Ribbon Cutting at Lowe's
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
May 2018 11
EXECUTIVE PROFILE
Photo: The Kaiser Permanente campus in Olympia. Photo by Dinea dePhoto.
Introducing Benjamen Wilson, Regional Director at Kaiser Permanente By Doria Maselli
B
enjamen Wilson lived in Thurston County twice in his life prior to settling here in his current role as Regional Director of Clinical Operations & Market Integration for the Olympia and Puyallup regions at Kaiser Permanente. His father was in the military, stationed at Joint Base Lewis McChord when Wilson was in high school and he is a graduate of Timberline High School in Lacey.
“I’ve always really loved this area, and
aid stations and a surgical team. He
in the US Army Medical Department
knew even then that it was a place I’d
was responsible for coordinating all
and supports over 125,000 active duty
want to come back to,” says Wilson.
evacuation, field sanitation, preventive
service members and their families.
After moving to Minnesota for college
and emergent health requirements for all
Following his role with the Chief Nurse
and obtaining a B.S. in Biochemistry
personnel.
Wilson transitioned to a role managing
from The University of Minnesota,
the Human Resources Department for
Wilson spent 10 years in the Army. His
In 2008, Wilson found himself in the
the 1600 soldiers working at Madigan.
career in Medical Operations began
area for the second time, working at
After two years in this role, Wilson spent
in Watertown, NY, leading a 30 person
Madigan supporting the Chief Nurse of
time again overseas, serving as a foreign
medical platoon providing medical
the Army and CEO (Commander) of the
medical and logistics consultant to the
services to a 420 person unit. While the
Western Regional Medical Command as
Commander of the Iraqi Federal Police
platoon was deployed to Afghanistan
her military assistant. Madigan is one
and then as a Director of Operations for a
for 16 months, Wilson managed four
of only three level II trauma centers
55 dentist clinic group at Ft. Carson, CO.
12 • June 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
thurstonchamber.com
Above, Benjamen Wilson, Regional Director of Clinical Operations & Market Integration for the Olympia and Puyallup regions at Kaiser. Photo by Dinea dePhoto. In 2014, Wilson returned to the Pacific Northwest for Clinical
In addition to strategic planning and operations, Wilson’s role
Director roles with UW Medicine in Seattle until accepting
at Kaiser Permanente also allows him to act as a community
his current role at Kaiser Permanente 10 months ago. Kaiser
liaison. “I enjoy representing Kaiser Permanente at Chamber
Permanente is a non-profit, integrated health care delivery
and Rotary events and the community advocacy portion of my
organization whose mission is to improve the health of
role here,” says Wilson. Managers under Wilson’s leadership at
both its members and the communities they serve. Through
Kaiser Permanente serve as advisors to Boards at South Puget
partnerships with community organizations, government
Sound Community College and Clover Park Technical College.
entities, and public agencies, Kaiser Permanente works to
A Kaiser Permanente Nursing Manager sits on the advising
address issues that affect overall community health.
Board of Pacific Lutheran University’s nursing program, and externship programs for students are often offered at Kaiser.
As an insurance company with its own care delivery system, Kaiser offers an integrated network of its own providers, allowing
Wilson completed his MBA from The George Washington
patients continuous and consistent care. “This really differentiates
University in 2016.
us from other health care providers and allows us to focus on keeping patients safe and healthy and work toward a more
Today, he is glad to be back in the Pacific Northwest, living with
preventative health model of patient care,” says Wilson. Kaiser
his wife and two young sons in Lacey. When he’s not working,
Permanente has 11 million members nation-wide, and over
you can find him spending time with his family or enjoying a
710,000 as part of Kaiser Permanente Washington. Wilson’s region
run, bike ride or hiking on one of his favorite trails at Woodard
sees 51,000 members in Thurston County and 18,000 in Puyallup.
Bay or Capitol Forest. Wellness is ingrained in Ben’s mantra and the mantra of Kaiser. The Olympia Medical Center backs up to
Kaiser Permanente’s Olympia location employs 549 locally,
the Chehalis Western Trail. “A lot of employees will take walks
and the organization regularly sponsors and participates in
during breaks or lunch, which is of course encouraged ,” says
community events focused on health and wellness, including
Wilson. “We have incentive to keep our employees and patients
the STP bike ride, the largest multi-day bicycle event in the
healthy.” And with Wilson’s help, that’s Kaiser Permanente’s
Northwest. Partnering with local companies, Kaiser is a large
ultimate goal. •
provider of insurance coverage for many employers, including several state agencies. thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
June 2018 13
november 3 Saint Martin s University Lacey, Washington
Saint Martin s University Gala 2018 presents a celebration of the Hawai`i & Pacific Islands. Featuring celebrity chef & restaurateur
Join us for a black-tie gourmet affair that includes an exquisite five-course dinner, cooking demos, and a live auction benefiting Saint Martin s student scholarships. Reserve your table at www.stmartin.edu/GalaHawaii2018 or call 360-438-4366.
Photo on left: Jon Tunheim, Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney and one of the founders of Hope Thurston. The image on the right was taken in his office. Photo by Dinea DePhoto.
How Hopeful is Thurston County? Researchers plan to have the answer by the end of the summer. By Natasha Ashenhurst
R
esearch tells us that hope is the single best predictor of a person’s ability to thrive and flourish. People who have hope are more productive at work, they are higher achievers, attain higher academic success and they are healthier, with lower rates of depression and PTSD. In fact, when you define hope and start looking at the components of hope, researchers are able to measure hope—hope at an individual-level, organizational-level and community-level. In June 2018, a local organization called Hope Thurston, in partnership with Saint Martin’s University, The Evergreen State College, South Puget Sound Community College and Dr. Chan Hellman from the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa, will measure, analyze, and establish a Thurston County “Hope Score.” This data will inform the development of strategies to improve social determinants of health in alignment with the Thurston Thrives framework. Thurston County Prosecutor, Jon Tunheim, is one of Hope Thurston’s founders. He has been working with Dr. Chan Hellman to implement the survey, created by Dr. Hellman and his team of researchers. Tunheim explained that hope research is abundant—there are over 1,000 published studies on hope spanning two decades.
thurstonchamber.com
And what does Hope Thurston expect to find when the survey is complete? Tunheim says, “I really don’t know. However, I do expect to find that there are communities in Thurston County that have higher Hope Scores than others and we’ll need to figure out why and learn ways we can move the ‘hope needle’ for those communities.” As part of the survey process, Hope Thurston plans to educate the community about hope and what Hope Theory is and how it works, and they will share the idea that hope is contagious. “We want to make Thurston County a ‘hope informed community.’ That will lead to a hopeful culture—because we know that when people have a strong sense of connection to community they have a higher likelihood of being hopeful. It is a social gift we give to each other.” • Please join Hope Thurston on June 26 at 8 a.m. at South Puget Sound Community College's Lacey Campus for a launch party! Learn more at thurstonthrives.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
June 2018 15
Above, from left to right: Richard Faiola, MD, Cheri Dorhauer, MD, Debra Johnson, MD, Gary Goin, MD, Darien Heap, MD, Michael Herring, MD. Photo by Heather Harris of Elements Photography.
Physicians of Southwest Washington
Supporting independent physicians through innovation in a changing industry Written by Rebekah Finn
P
hysicians of Southwest Washington (PSW) was launched in 1995 by a group of Thurston County physicians for the purpose of sustaining independent physician practice. Twenty-three years later, PSW continues its success, employing innovation to strengthen the value of independent health care in a rapidly changing marketplace. Health care is a highly collaborative
these partners, including local hospitals
“Our goal is to ensure a vibrant health
effort. Physicians, hospitals and health
Providence St. Peter and Capital Medical
care community across the region by
plans must work together to collectively
Center, which serve PSW’s mission
supporting providers in navigating
shape the future of how quality care
of supporting the physician-patient
today’s health care industry. PSW’s
will be delivered to the communities we
relationship in independent practice.
deep knowledge and experience in
all serve. It is the interdependence of 16 • June 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
the management and implementation
thurstonchamber.com
of health care delivery across multiple payers, diverse stakeholders and partners has provided an advantageous platform for growth,” explains Tamara Schaffert, PSW’s Chief
“In today’s business of health care, there are many voices trying to influence the physician-patient relationship. One of
Operating Officer.
the most rewarding aspects of being an
That growth includes
independent physician is the ability to
harnessing the value of innovation in health care. In 2016, PSW created NW Momentum Health Partners Accountable
choose how and when we deliver care to our patients despite these external influences.
Care Organization (ACO),
Tamara Schaffert, COO of PSW
in partnership with RCCH Health care Partners, the
parent company of Capital Medical Center. The creation of this entity enables PSW and its provider network to partake in new models of health care that aim to reduce cost and improve the
Our relationships with our patients can be life-long as independent physicians tend to stay in one place for the duration
quality of patient care.
of their career and therefore have lower
PSW’s core business model is to contract with health plan payers
rates of patient turnover. This supports
on behalf of its network of more than 550 regional providers. Via these contracts PSW serves as the local center of operations for the health plan by managing claims processing, provider credentialing, contracting and providing care management services.
a patient’s continuity of care which in turn can reduce potential unnecessary medical expenses.
The regulatory and
As entrepreneurs, we value the sense of
administrative requirements in health care continue to
freedom and self-fulfillment we receive
increase, which impacts provider’s time with
from managing our business of health
patients. To minimize these burdens, PSW offers a suite
care.”
of management services such as compliance, quality
Gary Goin, MD
reporting and credentialing.
President, PSW Managing Board
PSW’s CEO Melanie Matthews notes, “PSW’s ability to be flexible in a changing industry has allowed us to work with
Melanie Matthews, CEO of PSW
providers and partners in improving care for more than 25,000 patients in Thurston and Lewis Counties.” In March, PSW announced its newest innovation, a partnership with MultiCare. The organizations entered into a minority investment agreement to improve health care delivery and management in the Puget Sound region. PSW had been seeking a partner to help grow its geographic footprint and strengthen
thurstonchamber.com
financial sustainability, while preserving the independent physician practice care model. “We chose to partner with MultiCare because our two organizations’ missions, visions, and values are well aligned,” says Matthews. “We believe strongly in keeping care local and supporting independent physician practices. As a regional health care leader, MultiCare shares that same philosophy and commitment.” •
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
June 2018 17
Caught in the Lens...
18 • June 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
thurstonchamber.com
360.456.4999
venablespestmanagement.com info@venablespest.com
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thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
June 2018 19
Celebrating our Health Care Champions
O
n Tuesday, June 26, the Thurston-Mason County Medical Society in partnership with the Thurston County Chamber will celebrate the 12th Annual Health Care Champions award winners. Nominated by the Health Care Champions Committee, the award winners are leaders and organizations in our community who have made a significant impact in the field of healthcare this year.
The Health Care Champion awards were established to recognize heroic acts, steadfast dedication, extraordinary service and professionalism that are seen every day in our community’s medical offices, clinics, hospitals, emergency services and related organizations. The 2018 Health Care Champions: •
Interfaith Works – Health Care Safety Net Award
•
Paul Wilkinson – Lifetime Achievement Award
•
Dr. Annie Iriye – Professional Leadership Award
•
Karen Hilburn Cancer Fund – Community Impact Award
Dr. Annie Iriye
Karen Hilburn Cancer Fund
Paul Wilkinson
Please join us as we honor and celebrate these leaders at the 12th Annual Health Care Champions event on Tuesday, June 26. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. at the Olympia Country & Golf Club and will include honoree recognition, videos, hors d’oeuvres and a no host bar. Tickets are $40 each available by calling the Chamber 360.357.3362 or visiting ThurstonChamber.com.
20 • June 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber Welcomes New Board Members & Chair Elect
Kelsey Hulse Puget Sound Energy
T
Zach Kosturos Prime Locations
he Thurston County Chamber of Commerce has elected two new
IN BRIEF
Joseph Lanham, Chair Elect Wells Fargo
NOW PRE-SELLING
LIFE WITH A VIEW
2 0 2 0 M OV E - I N
members to its board of directors, Kelsey Hulse and Zach Kosturos. Each will serve a three-year term
beginning June 1, 2018.
Kelsey Hulse is Senior Local Government Affairs Representative at Puget Sound Energy Puget Sound Energy and Zach Kosturos is President & Designated Broker at Prime Locations. The returning Chair of the 2018/2019 Board is Joanna West of Washington Business Bank. Chair Elect is Joseph Lanham of Wells Fargo. Kevin Stormans of Stormans Inc. serves as Vice Chair.
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(360) 943-8060 percivalcondos.com
DEVELOPED
Kim Adney of AccountSource Inc. serves as Treasurer. •
thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
June 2018 21
&
SOLD
BY
Time for a Checkup? Check out your Library! We are all focused on being the best we can be, and yet taking
here to relieve your stress, not cause more. So if you are
our health seriously can sometimes be overwhelming. Where
having a hard time narrowing down your search, stop by your
do you start? Whether you or a loved one received a recent
local library or contact TRL’s “Ask A Librarian” service for
diagnosis, or you want to start cooking healthier, or maybe
recommendations.
you want to dive into the science behind your favorite yoga pose. Your local library has a wealth of free information and
We recently (Feb. 2018) did a survey to understand the impact
resources.
of the technology services offered by Timberland libraries, and of the 3,156 people that participated 19 percent reported
Browsing through more than 1.2 million books, CDs, DVDs,
using online library resources for health or wellness purposes.
magazines, and downloadable materials could appear
Twelve percent looked into diet and nutrition, and 10 percent
overwhelming, after all we have 54 copies of the 2018 “Complete
followed through with changes to their diet based on what
guide to prescription & non-prescription drugs” (magazine
they learned. Over 160 users described researching exercise
format), over 10,000 items related to nutrition, including a vast
or fitness related topics, of which 140 made a change in their
collection of cookbooks for every food preference, allergy, or
exercise habits...Bravo!
lifestyle choice. To access many of these online materials, visit TRL.org under There are thousands of physical, mental, and spiritual health
Research, Reference Databases, where you’ll find the Health &
topics represented in our collection. Don’t despair; we are
Medicine resource section including:
22 • June 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
thurstonchamber.com
•
Gale Encyclopedia of Surgery & Medical Tests - Provides
mobility, and communication.
coverage of numerous surgical procedures, medical tests
•
and related topics, such as anesthetics, common lab tests
This program provides you the opportunity to try out a
and procedures, medications and postoperative care.
device you may be considering for yourself or another and to
Gale Medical Sourcebooks – Topics on AIDS,
encourage thinking about how assistive devices may promote
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM),
greater independence. Try these products at your home, school,
Congenital Disorders, Eating Disorders Information
or work for up to three weeks to be sure they meet your needs
for Teens, Encyclopedia of Prescription Drugs, and the
before making a financial investment.
Encyclopedia of Public Health. •
•
Family Health Database - This ProQuest database includes
There are also library events focused on health, wellness, and
journals and magazines covering an enormous range of
nutrition which can be found by searching our online event
health subjects, from sports injuries to women's health,
calendar or asking at your library. Aberdeen and Yelm regularly
from food and nutrition to midwifery, from eye care to
offer Yoga programs; Lacey hosts a “Read It & Eat: Food Book
dentistry, and children’s health.
& Potluck Club,” and special seasonal programs can be found
The Health & Wellness Resource Center which hosts
across the district’s 27 libraries.
hundreds of topics on diagnostics & tests, diseases & conditions, drugs, therapies, treatments, and surgeries.
We also can help you navigate local community services, apply for medical assistance from DSHS, learn about health care
Did you know that you can borrow assistive devices through
coverage options, or even locate jobs in the industry.
your local Timberland library? While we don’t replace a trip to your doctor, we can help you Through a partnership with the Washington Assistive
explore options and ways to improve your health.
Technology Act Program (WATAP), UW Center for Technology & Disabilities Studies, Washington Access Fund, and TRL you can
Look to your local library, an essential destination on your
access Aids for Better Living: Tools to help with vision, hearing,
wellness journey! •
Let’s sharpen your business focus. Success-driven professionals depend on Olympia Federal Savings for business accounts and other sound financial programs. Talk to Carrie Whisler, Oly Fed's Commercial Relationship Manager. CARRIE WHISLER
I
cwhisler@olyfed.com
NMLS# 1143795
olyfed.com
thurstonchamber.com
360.754.3400
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
June 2018 23
PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427