Why does it seem that summer goes by so quickly compared to the other seasons in a year? Perhaps it has something to do with the flurry of activities involved in going on vacation, summer sports and camps, those outdoor projects that need to be completed before the rain returns, or the rare lazy days that you wish could last longer but eventually end.

So what do summer and changes in healthcare have in common? They both move quickly, and if you’re following along, you may have read or heard about sweeping changes coming to rural healthcare, specifically regarding Medicaid, Medicare, and various regulatory matters, such as ongoing changes related to prior authorizations from insurance companies that could impact timely access to services.

While I would prefer to keep the focus on sharing all the ways that Forks Community Hospital is working to help you and your family maintain good health during this time of year, I also believe it’s vital to acknowledge and discuss changes in the healthcare finance and policy landscape that are impacting our public hospital district. To this end, we will be launching a new education series focused on healthcare financial matters and other topics that align with our primary mission, which is to provide exceptional, personalized care, while also striving to support community partners working toward a Healthier West End.

In other news, we’ve got some more changes to share, including welcoming a new orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Lance Bear, in November 2025, who will join us as we wish Dr. John Osland a happy retirement!

Lastly, I am excited to share news about the Forks Foundation’s fundraising efforts for 3D Mammography, the launch of telecardiology services, as well as some of the work we’re doing in palliative care and population health.

I’ll have more updates near the end of August. In the meantime, may you enjoy the rest of the summer safely and with a commitment to self-care!

-Heidi Anderson, MBA BSN RN
Chief Executive Officer