Thank you, Cathy

Sometimes it’s hard to see past the mess of politics to notice the good being done. Our congresswoman, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, is co-sponsoring a bill in the House of Representatives to reauthorize and expand the Teaching Health Center Program.

This bipartisan program aims to bring more young doctors to Eastern Washington, and keep them here. An investment in more doctors is an investment in better healthcare. Eastern Washington has had a shortage of physicians, especially in its rural areas, compared to Western Washington. A study in Washington state on physicians providing direct care found in 2016 the 20 counties east of the Cascades had 185.5 physicians providing direct care for every 100,000 people. Compare that to 241.7 per 100,000 in Western Washington.

In 2016 counties represented by Cathy McMorris Rogers had 123 physicians providing direct care per 100,000. Also the 5th district counties had 62% of its physicians who provided direct patient care were over the age of 55. Teaching more physicians in Eastern Washington, and keeping them here, will increase access to healthcare for many people.

Thank you, Cathy. We know what you do for us and we appreciate you.

Bruce Nelson

Spokane