Blog

TriState Health is pleased to announce it will receive $1,000,000 in federal support for its Family Medicine Residency Program following the passage of Continuing Resolution H.R. 5371 on November 12. The funding was secured under the Agriculture Appropriations Bill and sponsored by Congressman Michael Baumgartner through the FY26 Congressionally Directed Spending process, with strong support from Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell.

TriState Health is partnering with the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine at Washington State University to launch a Family Medicine Residency Program dedicated to addressing the region’s growing need for trained primary care physicians, especially in rural areas where shortages continue to worsen nationwide.

“As health care demands continue to grow, establishing residency training creates a vital pathway for physicians dedicated to delivering quality care to rural communities across this side of the state and beyond,” said Jeff Haney, Vice Dean for Clinical Affairs and the WSU College of Medicine.

The critical investment represents a significant milestone in TriState Health’s work to expand access to primary care and strengthen the rural healthcare workforce in Southeast Washington.

“Family physicians are the backbone of community health, and this investment helps ensure people in our region can access high-quality, local care,” said Kym Clift, Chief Executive Officer of TriState Health. “We are grateful to our congressional partners for recognizing the urgency of strengthening the rural healthcare workforce.”

Continued community support remains essential to develop and sustain the residency program fully. TriState Health will continue working closely with partners, donors, and regional stakeholders to bring this program to completion.