Skagit Regional Health recently hosted Congresswoman Kim Schrier, MD, at Darrington Family Medicine on May 10. A pediatrician by profession, Congresswoman Schrier took the opportunity to meet with SRH leaders, providers and staff as part of her tour through District 8. She took the time to hear from providers Devon Kienzle, DO, and Kelli Kraft, DNP, ARNP, about the successes and challenges of providing medical care at a remote and rural clinic. As an example, Dr. Kienzle highlighted the lack of pharmacy services in the area and how the clinic implemented pharmacy pre-packs of common medications to help meet this need. The providers also underscored the community partnerships that make secondary services such as mobile dental services and a mammography van available to area residents.

CEO Brian Ivie took the chance to discuss larger issues such as addressing the challenges with the Medicare Advantage program and continued support for the 340B Pharmacy Drug Pricing Program, a vital revenue source for organizations such as SRH.

Photo caption: (from left to right) Brian Ivie, Chief Executive Officer; Dan Rankin, Mayor; Jenny Benson, MD, Chief Physician Officer; Justin Oram, Regional Vice President, Clinic Operations; Devon Kienzle, DO; Kelli Kraft, DNP, ARNP; Kim Schrier, MD; Ben Gunn, Regional Director, Primary Care; and Katrina Bailey, Practice Manager.