Like many rural cities, Hoquiam is blessed with beautiful landscapes, unique local industry, and a close-knit community. Unfortunately, we also suffer from many of the same problems that plague many other rural communities — such as less economic opportunity than we aspire to, health disparities, and dwindling access to healthcare. Too often, rural communities are forgotten about when we talk about healthcare issues. Hoquiam, which sits in Grays Harbor County, is no exception.

Hospitals are the primary source of healthcare in Grays Harbor County. They are the only sites of care that are open to patients 24 hours a day, every day of the year. In rural communities, they are often the only accessible sites of care, period. People know they can go to the hospital for whatever they need — primary care, emergency care, or specialized care for complex conditions. The covid pandemic and its lingering effects showcased the importance of hospitals, whether it’s for public health emergencies or day-to-day care.

But our hospitals are under threat, especially in rural communities. Across the state, hospitals and health systems must contend with problems like workforce shortages, rising supply costs, and low reimbursement rates for care. Over 30 percent of Washington’s rural hospitals are at risk of closure. Last year, Washington state hospitals lost more than $746 million in just six months.

If we don’t act now to support our rural hospitals, patients will suffer the consequences. Rural communities like mine can’t be left out of the conversation. Policymakers must give rural hospitals the resources they need to continue doing what they do best: provide quality patient care to the people who need it the most.

JASMINE MURPHY MAINE

Hoquiam