Strategic planning begins for Mattawa Community Medical Center

MATTAWA — Staff and commissioners of the Mattawa Community Medical Clinic will discuss ideas for the future at a strategic planning session this weekend. 

The clinic is operated by Grant County Hospital District 5. Commissioner Barbara Davis said district officials want to discuss a number of issues, ranging from administrative succession planning to marketing strategies to finances.  

The district has a second organization, with its own board of directors, to administer federal grants it receives. About three years ago the Washington Auditor’s Office recommended clarifying the distinction between the two, a project that’s close to completion. 

“It’s taken a long time to process this,” Davis said. “We have done a lot of (consultation) with lawyers.” 

Among other things, the federal oversight organization changed its name and will be known as the River Health Alliance, according to the district’s response to a finding from the auditor’s office. An audit finding is issued when auditors have concerns over how a government agency is handling public resources, according to the WAO website.  

The River Health Alliance will have its own bank account and recordkeeping, and the regulations governing it have been reviewed. None of the changes will affect patients, Davis said.  

The district was formed in 1984 to provide primary medical care in Mattawa and the surrounding area. Currently, primary care services are offered for adults and children by a physician and three nurse practitioners. There’s also a nurse practitioner who provides behavioral health services. 

Other services include a dentist and two dental assistants, diagnostic imaging, a nurse practitioner who oversees the lab and health education. The clinic also is a participant in the WIC (women, infants, children) program, which provides nutritional assistance and education to pregnant women and new mothers.