It’s all about legacy.

Dr. Bruce Amundson, an expert in rural health care, compared the North Valley health complex to the Mayo Clinic. “It’s an anomaly. It has no business being there.” Just as the Mayo Clinic rises out of a cornfield in Minnesota, the North Valley medical complex seemingly rises out of nowhere in Tonasket. When most small rural towns would do anything just to have a doctor, Tonasket has a hospital, nursing home, assisted living, two medical clinics, physical therapy, dentist office and optometry office all on the same campus with satellite clinics in Oroville. We are unique. Just as the Mayo Clinic didn’t appear by accident, our health care system has evolved with hard work, determination, sacrifice, foresight and tenacious community support.

Recently our communities said a resounding yes to expanding and modernizing our hospital. Acquiring property to allow this project to go forward has ignited contentious debate. The Hospital Commissioners have determined after studying all the options, that expanding onto the Eagles property maximizes the project’s potential and that alternative sites significantly compromise the outcome.

It’s all about legacy.

The Eagles’ community support and generosity is legendary. The Hospital is community centered — that is why it exists. Surely a solution can be found between these two caring institutions to allow the hospital expansion project to move forward for the betterment of all — the Eagles, the Hospital and most importantly the community they both serve. Together we can build something enduring that our communities can be proud of that will impact the quality of life in our communities for years to come, long after we’re gone.

It’s all about legacy.

Dr. Jim Helleson

Tonasket