To all in our West End community, I hope that the start of 2026 has been a healthy one for you and your family. With influenza, RSV, and other respiratory illnesses still quite active in the state, please continue to protect yourself and those around you.
For my February message, the theme is one that feels especially appropriate: “heart,” because it is, after all, American Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about cardiovascular health. Unfortunately, many rural communities, like ours, continue to experience disproportionately high rates of heart disease, including among individuals under the age of 65. While the causes are complex, we know that factors such as tobacco use, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and physical inactivity contribute to increased cardiovascular risk.
Prevention begins with awareness, education, and proactive care. This month, I encourage all patients, particularly those who have not had a routine annual exam within the past year, to have a conversation with a healthcare professional to discuss their risks, have their blood pressure checked, and receive lifestyle guidance, which can play a meaningful role in preventing serious cardiac events or a stroke. Each of you represents the heartbeat of this community, and we remain committed to supporting your overall health and well-being.
In the spirit of this month’s theme, I also want to speak to another kind of heart: the dedication and resilience required to sustain and advance healthcare access on the West End.
You may have heard recent discussions about rural healthcare transformation, potential Medicaid reductions, and changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Funding (SNAP) funding. While these topics may or may not affect every household directly, they have broad implications for small and rural communities and for public hospital districts across the country.
Although external factors are beyond our control, the team at FCH works diligently every day to meet these challenges with professionalism, expertise, and compassion. This work often occurs quietly and behind the scenes, but it is essential to preserving local access to care. Examples of this ongoing effort include:
- • Managing operations with limited resources
• Making decisions guided by community needs
• Protecting essential services for long-term sustainability
• Committing to keeping care local whenever possible
• Supporting staff who live and work within the community
• Investing in training, education, leadership, and staff development
Just as the heart is vital to the human body, FCH plays an essential role in the health and vitality of this region. Beyond the care we provide, we are proud to contribute to the local economy and help foster future healthcare professionals within our community.
Your health and wellness remain at the center of all we do at FCH. Thank you for continuing to place your trust in us.
-Heidi Anderson, MBA BSN RN
Chief Executive Officer
