methow valley health & wellness 2014

Coping with disaster-related

stress

Emergency care in the

Methow

Affordable Care Act revisited

Methow Valley 2014 – 152014 – 15Methow ValleyMethow Valley 2014 – 152014 – 152014 – 152014 – 152014 – 15

Health&Wellness

Your Friends For liFe! - www.mvhealth.org

Dean Quigley, M.D.General Surgeon

regular HoursMon. - Thurs. 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.Walk in clinic Hours

Mon. - Thurs. 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.sat. 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Andy Swartzel, PA

2 HEALTH & WELLNESS 2014 – 15

507 Hospital WayBrewster, WA 98812

www.threerivershospital.net

509.689.251724 Hour Emergency & Trauma Care

Baby Friendly Labor & Delivery

24 Hour Laboratory Services

Radiology & Mobile MRI Imaging

Columbia Medical & Surgical Services Clinic

VISIT THE SPA

604 Patterson Lake RD Winthrop WA 98862 | sunmountainlodge.com

PRESENTS

After an invigorating day exploring the Methow Valley, treat yourself, or someone you care for, with a

treatment in our warm and healing spa.

Enjoy muscle smoothing massages and refreshing facials, rejuvenationg body treatments, and a couples package

that will make you feel special and pampered.

We invite you to come enjoy, relax, restore, and take time for you!

Appointments may be made by calling extension 227.

800-572-0493 or 509-996-2211

HEALTH & WELLNESS 2014 – 15 3

Methow Valley

Health & Wellness

2014 – 15

Don Nelson, publisher/editorDarla Hussey, design

Sheila Ward & Tyson Kellie, advertising associates

Dana Sphar, ad design & production

Rebecca Walker, office manager

CONTRIBUTORSAnn McCrearyLaurelle WalshMarcy StamperTheresa Taylor

A publication of the Methow Valley News

P.O. Box 97, Twisp, WA 98856509.997.7011 • 509.997.3277 [email protected]

www.methowvalleynews.comFind us on Facebook

Cover photo of Northwest Medstar heliCopter by laurelle walsh

Help when you need it

One of the primary reasons we publish the annual Health & Wellness supplement is so it can be kept year ‘round as a handy reference for your health care needs. Our advertisers reflect the reassuring variety of practi-tioners and service providers in the Methow Valley and beyond in Okano-gan County. Doctors, hospitals, specialists (for ears, eyes and other parts), clinics, spas, social service providers, therapists, counselors, masseuses, herbalists, chiropractors, dentists, ophthalmologists, nurse practitioners, mental health care providers, pharmacists, insurers — it’s an impressive array of options for a rural area.

For all that, emergency care can be a challenge given the distances that first responders may have to travel in a county that’s larger than some states.

The stress of events such as those endured in the Methow Valley this past summer can take a toll.

The Affordable Care Act is about to enter year two, with more options but, possibly, more complications for those who have taken advantage of it.

The need for medical care professionals of all types persists.Each of those topics is covered in the 2014 – 15 Health & Wellness publica-

tion. We hope you’ll find it informative and useful until we produce another one next year.

Don NelsonPublisher/editor

Emergency medicine: providing care when the

hospital is far away4

Your well-being — it’s physical and mental

8

Fast-track nursing assistant training

program comes to the Methow Valley

11

Affordable Care Act makes more choices

available in Washington12


Emergency medicine: providing care when the hospital is far away

By Laurelle Walsh

EmErgEncy medical care in the Methow Valley is the primary responsibility of Aero Methow

Rescue Service, a nonprofit emergen-cy medical service (EMS) headquar-tered in Twisp.

Aero Methow’s service area corre-sponds to the Methow Valley School District boundaries, which run from the Canadian border to Gold Creek, (roughly between the towns of Carl-ton and Methow), and from Rainy Pass to the Loup Loup summit. The lower Methow Valley — downstream of Gold Creek — is served by Doug-las Okanogan Fire District 15 EMS, based in Brewster.

Unlike the populous west side of the Cascades, where EMS is based at neighborhood fire stations scattered throughout the region, Aero Methow alone must respond to emergency medical calls in a 2,000-square-mile area — much of that in rugged wilderness.

So Aero Methow doesn’t just run a fleet of four ambulances staffed by highly trained EMTs and paramedics, it must also be ready at all times to assist the Okanogan County Sheriff ’s Department in search and rescue missions, in all seasons and in any terrain.

EquippedAll Aero Methow ambulanc-

es — two stationed in Twisp, and one each in Winthrop and Mazama — are equipped to provide advanced car-diac life support. They also carry IV pumps, airway management supplies, multi-casualty incident supplies, pediatric and obstetric emergency kits, and burn and trauma care sup-plies, among other sophisticated equipment.

Five four-wheel-drive rapid-response vehicles, assigned to the paramedics on call, are equipped

with the same supplies as the ambu-lances, enabling the first responder at the scene to begin emergency care immediately.

Aero Methow went out on 550 calls in 2013, responding to car accidents, emergencies at local clinics, broken hips on the ski trails, cardiac arrests and strokes. The EMS provider also gets its share of cancellations and false alarms, said director of services Cindy Button.

“At least five times a year a driver pulls over on the highway to take a nap and somebody passing by calls it

in. By the time we get up there, [the napping driver] has driven away,” Button said.

Ambulances stand by at special events like football games and ro-deos, and also on fire calls, where the firefighters’ heart rates, blood pres-sures and blood oxygen saturation are monitored, Button said.

When called to assist the sher-iff ’s department with rescue operations — 10 times so far in 2014 — Aero Methow brings its own search and rescue trailer equipped with gear for winter, high-angle and

swiftwater rescues, as well as sup-plies for transporting and treating injured people in the back country.

Getting thereAero Methow’s emergency re-

sponse time is “drive time plus 5 minutes,” Button said. This, of course, is limited to road conditions and hazards and “where people de-cide to build their houses,” she added.

On-call paramedics take home a rapid response vehicle and are required to live within 5 to 10 min-utes of the base in Twisp. Therefore,

Cindy Button, director of services for Aero Methow Rescue Service, with one of the two ambulances that Aero Methow stations at its Twisp office. Photo by Don nelson

We will get you back in the game!

Dr. Jim LambertonOrthopedic

Surgeon

Dr. JoshuaDrumm

Orthopedic Surgeon

TalynGrayPA-C

Appointments are available in all clinics. To make an appointment please call:Omak - 509.826.6704 Brewster - 509.689.4000 Toll free - 800.639.1100

Rob Lamberton

PA-C

Serving the Communities of North Central Washingtonfor over 20 years

Brewster - Chelan - Grand Coulee - Omak - Republic - Tonasket*Caribou Trail Professional Medical Services Group LLC


residents of Lost River, for example, should expect a 25-minute response time for a middle-of-the-night emer-gency, Button said. From there it is 70 road miles to the nearest hospital.

Patients go to Mid-Valley Hospital in Omak, about 35 highway miles from Twisp via Loup Loup Pass, or to Three Rivers Hospital, a pub-lic, nonprofit hospital operated by Okanogan/Douglas Hospital District 1 in Brewster, about 45 highway miles from Twisp.

Around 10 times per year Aero Methow is asked to transport patients to Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee, as directed by a local physician or when a local hospital is not equipped to handle a patient’s condition, Button said.

Sometimes an air ambulance is called to transport patients to trauma centers in Seattle or Spo-kane. Last May, Northwest MedStar opened its sixth full-time air medical base in Brewster, a 10-minute heli-copter flight from the Twisp airport. Airlift Northwest, with its nearest base in Arlington, may also respond to calls here, and was on alert last

summer when wildfires placed temporary flight restrictions over the Methow, Button said.

Prepared for the worst“The message of the last few

months is to be really prepared,” said Button, referring to the massive Carlton Complex wildfires that left the Methow Valley without power for eight days, cut off telephone com-munications, closed two of three highways in and out of the valley, and restricted air traffic.

Local physicians divvied up on-call shifts throughout the emergency, but the valley was suddenly cut off from the nearest hospitals. In response, Aero Methow — in cooperation with Three Rivers Hospital and lo-cal clinics — set up and operated a satellite emergency room (ER) at its facility in Twisp. Over three days the MASH-style ER treated 14 patients. The satellite ER was re-opened over Labor Day weekend when highways 20 and 153 were closed again due to mudslides.

The satellite ER has been so suc-cessful that Three Rivers Hospital

This map shows Aero Methow’s service area. Graphic courtesy aero Methow

TheCountry

Clinic

New to the Valley? Please call to establish care. We are always taking new patients.

Ann Diamond, M.D. Christopher Hogness, M.D. Leese Linck, M.D. Danielle Micheletti, PA-C

Board Certified Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatric Medicine & Medical Genetics. Also offering Digital X-Ray.

(509) 996-8180 - P.O. Box 945 1116 Hwy 20, Winthrop, WA 98862

Common Sense s o l u t i o n s

email: [email protected]

I can help:• Resolve disputes both

professionally and personally• Move meetings forward in a

productive manner• Groups with differing viewpoints

meet and have a constructive discussion

MEDiAtion & FACilitAtion sERViCEs

Chris stern509-996-2554

(509) 997-2050 | 315 Lincoln Street | PO Box 222 Twisp, WA 98856 | www.roomone.org

Room One

powerfully advocating for the health and well-being of all people living in the Methow Valley.

mental Health ServicesReproductive HealthAging Adult Support

Food Access and NutritionFamily SupportDomestic Violence Services

one Stop Social Services

Monday - Friday, 9-4, Family Planning, Wednesday, 1-5


and Aero Methow have committed to operating it again next year during Memorial Day, Rhythm and Blues, and Labor Day weekends, offsetting increased call volumes during the valley’s busiest weekends, Button said.

On an individual level, “People should be able to handle an emergen-cy until help can get to them safely,” Button urged. “You need to be up on CPR and first aid and know how to use the AEDs [automated electronic defibrillators] stationed around the valley.”

At last count there were 40 AEDs at public places like the Mazama Store, Winthrop Barn, the Methow Valley Senior Center and the Carlton Store. Community CPR/AED and first aid classes are regularly offered at Aero Methow’s training room. Check www.aeromethow.org for schedules and more information.

911 servicesThe Okanogan County Communi-

cations Center, based in the city of Okanogan, fields 911 calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Serving all of

Okanogan County, the communica-tions center normally receives around 1,800 calls to 911 per month, rising to about 2,200 during the busy sum-mer season.

The communications center was put to the test last summer during the Carlton Complex Fire, when total calls to dispatch jumped from 446 on July 14 — the day lightning strikes started four separate fires — to more than 1,000 calls on both July 17 and 18 as the firestorm swept through the valley.

When phone and fiber optic lines were burned, the 911 system in the Methow Valley went silent, even though several redundant systems are in place in case one line of communications fails, according to Sheriff Frank Rogers. Fire, law en-forcement and EMS were able to com-municate via radio, but for around eight hours citizens were unable to make emergency calls.

“When [911] went down we were at the mercy of the phone company to get it repaired as fast as they could,” Rogers said.

While solutions to preventing

future outages are out there, a countywide unified communica-tions system would cost around $20 mil-lion, an amount the county can’t shoulder on its own, Rogers said. “It all hinges on getting all the players on board.”

The future of emergency care

EMS providers will be called on to provide more clini-cal and in-home care in the future, But-ton predicts. Called “community para-medicine,” this new paradigm for mobile health care addresses specific community needs: managing patients who need frequent care, helping hospitals reduce readmission rates, and offer-ing options for patients who don’t require an emergency room visit.

With no after-hours facilities in the valley, Aero Methow is exploring community paramedicine as a way to bridge the gap between primary care and hospital care, Button said.

Unlike the populous

west side of the Cascades,

where EMS is based at

neighborhood fire stations

scattered throughout the

region, Aero Methow alone

must respond to emergency

medical calls in a 2,000-square-

mile area — much of that in

rugged wilderness.

Okanogan Valley Office717 Okoma Drive, Omak

(509) 826-1191or 1-800-738-8272

Wenatchee Office933 Red Apple Road,

Wenatchee(509) 662-7143

or 1-800-572-9425eyeandearclinic.com

Ask us about the“Beautiful Skin Medical Spa”

located in ourWenatchee Clinic

William E. Wicheta, M.D.

James M. Britt, M.D.

Michael V. McAllister, M.D.

Lynnelle K. Newell, M.D.

Richard E. Roberts, O.D.

509-996-8234 www.winthroppt.com At the Winthrop Bridge

World ClAss CAre Fitness for everyBodYJenna Kokes, PT, dPT, oCsPete dickinson, PT, Ms, sCs

lisa sawyer, PT

Yogaspin/Circuit Classes

Personal TrainerQuick return to sport Fall Classes Coming soon!

Hypnotherapy KANEffEctivE mEthods to focus thE powEr of your intEntion

Hypnosis is the fertile soil in which to

cultivate the specific thought patterns, perceptions and

behaviors that will blossom into greater self understanding

and personal success.

rEducE or transform - Insomnia, Anxiety, Addictions, Guilt and Anger, PainEnhancE and improvE - Motivation, Self Confidence, Creativity, Job Performance, Weight/Body ImageprEparE for - Tests, Surgery, Recovery, Childbirth, Sports Performance

[email protected]

KylE northcott, m-s cht., l.m.plocated at m.i.s.t - 505 B state route 20, winthrop, wa

call to schedule a free consultation and redesign your mind today

Christi MooreHayley Mowen

Full Hair ServiCeS

facial Waxing

997-2046115 3rd avenue, Twisp

3rd Avenue Salon

3rd Avenue Salon ( (

( ( ( (

( (

TWISP 997-4013

Serving the Methow Valley with Advanced Life Support since 1968

CALL 911Aero MethowRESCUE SERVICE

Little StarMontessori School

A bright, nurturing school for children ages 18 months through 6 years.Scholarships available andDSHS payments accepted.

(509) 996~2801 www.littlestarschool.org


1.800.660.2129 • www.MyFamilyHealth.org • Se Habla Espanol

Columbia River

10 Locations across the region

& growing

health care for everyone

Spectrum Eye CareNathan L. Scott, ODBoard Certified, American Board of Optometry

126 East Johnson StreetP.O. Box 3100Chelan, WA 98816

509.682.2708FAX 509.682.2713

PAGER 509.860.0113www.spectrumeyecarechelan.com

509-997-2191Store Hours: 9-6 Monday - SaturdayPharmacy Hours: 9-6 Monday - Friday, 9 -1 Saturday

423 E. Methow Valley Highway, Twisp

Ulrich’s PharmacyPrescriPtions, over the

counter Medications,

Gifts and More!

Serving the Methow Valley for 46 years!

104 Glover St. ~ Suite 203 ~ Twispterigable.massagetherapy.com

509-341-4463For treatment and relaxation

Therapeutic Bodywork & Massage


Your well-being — it’s physical and

mentalBy Marcy Stamper

“PeoPle go to physical therapy when they pull a muscle, but those

same people often discount stress, their mood or anxiety,” said Lisa Spitzmiller, a licensed mental health counselor in Winthrop.

This tendency comes from society’s overall approach to mental health, but it can be heightened in rural areas like the Methow Valley because people are resourceful and anonymity is hard to come by, said Spitzmiller.

“Ongoing stress harms our physical health in so many ways,” said Sharon Cohen, who teaches

mindfulness-based stress reduction in the Methow Valley. Stress elevates our heart rate, causes shallow breath-ing, and interferes with digestion. “The brain doesn’t know the differ-ence between an emotional and a physical threat—it’s the same fight-or-flight response,” she said.

Spitzmiller agrees. “There is a very biological and physical component to the way that we feel—people don’t always understand that.”

Depending on whether we are under stress or having positive inter-actions, the brain releases different chemicals. For example, when we are under stress or need to react quickly to escape a threat, the brain releases

Child and family therapist Valerie Potts uses toys and art supplies to teach families positive, successful interactions. Photo by Marcy StaMPer

Caring for Seniors & Their FamiliesServices include programs to assist Seniors, Disabled Adults and Family Caregivers• Respite for family caregivers• Health & wellness information• Referrals to community resources• Chore assistance in the home

“Our mission is to enhance a person’s ability to maintain a life of independence and choice.”

Serving Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, Lincoln and Okanogan counties

50 Simon St. SE Suite AEast Wenatchee, WA 98802509-886-0700

739 Haussler Rd.Omak, WA 98841

509-826-7452

Toll Free 1-800-572-4459 • aaccw.org• TTY 1-800-833-6388

Integrative bodywork for increased vitality and lasting pain relief

Jason Rumohr, LMP, CHP 105 Norfolk Rd • Winthrop, WA 98862(509) 341-4050 • www.JasonRumohr.com

Breathe Deep. Stand Tall.


hormones such as adrenaline, which increases the heart rate and elevates blood pressure, said Spitzmiller. Chemicals that contribute to a sense of well-being, such as endorphins, are released during positive interactions and physical activity.

Valerie Potts, a licensed mental health counselor in Winthrop who specializes in child and family thera-py, also emphasizes the link between physical and mental health. Simply moving around can be particularly helpful when people are stressed or upset, she said.

“I always talk to people about moving, which can be very healing,” said Potts. She talks about “moving” rather than “exercise,” since everyone moves but not everyone can handle an exercise program.

“It could be a walk around the block, or playing catch with their child. We talk about what it feels like when they move and how that can make them feel better,” said Potts.

Past and presentCurrent research in neuroscience

has shown how behaviors and re-sponses learned in childhood create a structure in the brain — and that we can alter those structures by practic-ing new behaviors, said Spitzmiller.

So while the formation of the brain is influenced by our earliest experi-ences, that does not mean that those experiences will always drive us. Recognizing the origins of these pat-terns is often the first step in making changes, said Spitzmiller.

Positive interactions with a thera-pist or others can actually produce new connections in the brain, she said. The way we think and feel emo-tionally is influenced by the way we feel physically.

Therapists and individuals find different approaches useful to deal with stress and other emotional issues, and many combine various techniques.

Potts focuses more on the pres-ent than the past. “The past is not ignored — it’s part of the solu-tion — but the focus is on what’s in this moment to help people move forward in a way that’s healthy and

powerful,” she said. Cohen teaches people how to use

mindfulness to develop an awareness of how stress is manifested in their life and what triggers it. In mindful-ness, the emphasis is on what arises in the present moment, as opposed to the past, she said.

Mindfulness techniques are often integrated into more traditional “talk” therapy to help people rec-ognize their habits and create new behaviors, said Cohen. “Mindfulness is a practice, not a philosophy,” she said.

In her practice, Potts uses what’s called the Nurtured Heart Approach, which is tailored to each family and helps parents and their children build the type of relationship they want. It emphasizes what a child is doing right and involves setting clear boundaries and expectations. Potts works with the entire family so they can all learn new ways of relating.

“When I bring parents and children together, I’m very intentional,” she said. “The family members have to feel they’ve moved forward and that

something positive has happened.”

The benefits of stress?We tend to think of stress in ex-

clusively negative terms, but stress is a part of life, and it can be a healthy part, said Spitzmiller. We just need to learn to manage our response to it.

“It’s hard to use the word ‘stress’ in a positive way, but if you think of the opposite — an isolation cham-ber — there is a negative impact because there is no interaction with others,” said Spitzmiller. “We are social beings who need involvement with the world.”

Stimulating situations, such as work or social interactions, all include some degree of stress, said Spitzmiller. The key is how we handle these stresses — do they get in the way of normal functioning or prevent us from socializing or from being ef-fective at work or at home?

“Stress is helpful when it challeng-es us to do our best,” said Cohen.

Access to mental health careOkanogan Behavioral Health Care

Proudly offering Aveda, Onesta and Thermafuse products

Including Cranial Sacral andManual Lymphatic Drainage

MaSSage ServICeS

Take Care of Your Whole Self, Naturally

Spa ServICeS

670 riverside Drive, Omak

1-509-846-1000 • www.silversagespa.webs.com

The Silver Sage Spa

autO aCCIDent rehabILItatIOn

Facials, Body Wraps

We bill most insurances, including L & I

Vitamins / Personal Care / Local, Organic Produce Natural Foods / Herbs / Unique Gifts

Friendly, KnowledgeableCustomer Service

(509) 826-1445 • 1 North Main • PO Box 4217 • Omak, WAwww.mainstreetmarketomak.com

Methow Valley Chiropractic ClinicServing the Methow Valley for 28 years

(509) 997-7062614 Canyon Road, Twisp, WA

Jody K. Love, D.C., C.C.S.P.Mark H. Love, D.C.

Dr. Joshua Schkrohowsky

Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine

505 B. Highway 20 Winthrop, WA

(509) 682-6134Thursday clinic from 9-4


(OBHC), in Omak, uses a managed-care model. “We understand the importance of treating the whole person,” said Skip Rosenthal, OBHC’s chief executive officer.

Part of this approach involves placing therapists in communities throughout the county. One of the first places where OBHC has set up decentralized services is the Methow Valley. Savannah Miller, a clinical social worker and mental health professional with OBHC, is available weekly at Room One, where she sees individual clients. Miller also spends time every week in the Methow Val-ley School District to provide coun-seling to students and families.

OBHC’s comprehensive approach includes prevention, early intervention, outpatient therapy and ongoing case management so that people can remain stable and productive, said Rosenthal. The agency is also exploring opportu-nities to provide residential treatment

programs in the county.A big change in mental health care

is the recognition — in law — that mental health and substance abuse can be chronic conditions, just like physical health, said Rosenthal. The federal Affordable Care Act requires insurance plans to cover preven-tive services including depression screening for adults and behavioral assessments for children. Insurance companies also cannot place finan-cial limits on mental health treat-ments, he said.

“We’ve improved access to care and destigmatized mental health care — it’s an important philosophi-cal step,” said Rosenthal.

“People in the Methow Valley are strong and resourceful, but they need to be able to ask for help before some-thing becomes a crisis,” he said. “There is no stigma about dealing with depres-sion, anxiety or substance abuse.”

“Getting help is OK,” said Potts.

A variety of toys and art supplies — animals, a doll house, miniature cars and trucks, colored markers and materials for collage — help show how parents and children relate and provide an opportunity to acknowledge desirable interactions. Photo by Marcy StaMPer

General & Cosmetic Dentistry ~ John T. O’Keefe, DDS

115 Glover Street, Twisp 997-7533 www.sawtoothdentalcare.com

• Providing quality, compassionate care in a fun loving environment• State of the art office utilizing digital x-rays• Oral surgery, including wisdom teeth extractions• Replace missing teeth, beautifully! We offer surgical placement of dental implants in our office• Our office is certified. Call us for a FREE Invisalign consultation.

Free Internet Access116 N. Glover Twisp

509.997.5030

Open Daily 6am - 3pm • Closed Winter Sundays

Good Energy Food for the Whole Family!

Wheat-free Bars • GranolaSandwiches • Salads

Fruit Smoothies


Fast-track nursing assistant training program comes to the Methow ValleyBy Theresa Taylor

Wenatchee Valley College

In recent weeks, as a result of the fires burning throughout the Methow Valley, residents and local

businesses have shown how a commu-nity can come together to support one another during a time of need.

That kind of support was also demonstrated when, before and dur-ing the fires, the community collabo-rated with Wenatchee Valley College (WVC) to support a certified nursing assistant (CNA) training program.

North Central Washington — areas such as the Methow Valley, Okano-gan, Tonasket, Chelan, Cashmere and Leavenworth in particular — needs nursing assistants. Recognizing that need, Carol Gaston, a board member at Jamie’s Place and Mountain View, Winthrop care centers for the elderly, asked Jenny Capelo, WVC Dean of Allied Health, whether a fast-track CNA program could be brought to the Methow Valley. The fast-track CNA program offered through WVC Con-tinuing Education provides training in the provision of personal care skills and instructs students in the roles and responsibilities of a nursing assistant. While the program is offered on the Wenatchee campus, it has never been taken off site before.

“The community in the Methow came together and said ‘we want this,’” said Michele Gedrose, program

developer for WVC Continuing Educa-tion. “This was the perfect combina-tion of people, facilities and timing.”

The process to start a new program takes nine to 12 months — the col-lege must receive approval from the Department of Health Nursing Com-mission for the class location, clinical location and the instructor. Approval for a CNA fast-track course in the Methow Valley took only six months. During that time Gaston had re-cruited students for the program and the Methow Valley School District provided a location for classes — Lib-erty Bell High School.

The class ran from July 8 through Aug. 20. Eight students, both tradi-tional and nontraditional, enrolled in the course taught by Sheila Branden-burg, a nurse and director of Jamie’s Place. Judy Tonseth, treasurer for Methow Valley Senior Citizens, offered $2,000 to offset the $725 tuition that each student paid for the program. The donation was split among the eight students.

“Despite the fact that there was a major wildfire in our valley, it worked,” Gaston said of the program. As a statement to the resiliency of the program, only one class needed to be rescheduled.

The community of Omak also supported the program. Students commuted to Regency Omak Reha-bilitation and Nursing Center, which agreed to provide a location for

clinicals. Students spent class time learning nursing theory and par-ticipated in a minimum of 35 hours of clinicals. Those who successfully complete the course may take the state licensure exam.

Gaston explained that she hopes the program will make it easier for people in the valley to get started in the health care field and that local students enrolled in the program will be able to work with elders in local care centers such as Jamie’s Place and Mountain View. Both Gaston and Brandenburg would like to see the program continue annually or semi-annually.

“It has been a great experience to instruct local people to advance their education and seek further opportuni-ties for their future,” Brandenburg said.

“This is all about meeting the mis-sion of the college,” Capelo said — to be responsive to community needs, and to celebrate the success of the students and community.

Students interested in future classes or who would like more infor-mation should contact Carol Gaston at [email protected].

Theresa Taylor is a community relations staff writer at Wenatchee Valley College.

Certified nursing assistant students recently trained in the Methow Valley include, foreground: Brianna Sullivan and Kristen Austin; background: Angel Ochoa, Faurest Nelson Wicks and Lisa Doran. Photo by Jenny CaPelo, WenatChee Valley College

Jerry TretwoldAdministrator

Wendy Hernandez, R.N.Director of Nursing

(509) 689-2546 • Brewster

Skilled Nursing Care,Physical, Occupational

and Speech Therapyalong with

Respite Care, Audiology & Podiatry Services

Denise Heatley, Lmp

(509)341-4228

202 White AvenueWinthrop Fitness Building

Mount Gardner MassaGe

License # MA00011919

New

LocatioN!

Therapeutic YogaHow You Can Benefit

• Decrease or Eliminate Pain & Tension• Reduce Stress• Improve Strength & Flexibility• Feel & Look Younger

Okanogan Yoga Kathy Stevenson

Certified Therapeutic Yoga Instructor

509-429-3275


Affordable Care Act makes more choices available in Washington

By Ann McCreary

Beginning Nov. 15, Washing-ton residents will have the opportunity to purchase,

renew or change health insurance coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder.

The open enrollment period for health insurance through the state’s online marketplace runs for three months, from Nov. 15 – Feb. 15, 2015.

Consumers will find additional choices this year when they shop for insurance plans on Healthplanfinder at www.healthplanfinder.org, the web-site created by the state to allow resi-dents to select insurance under the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA).

The number of insurance compa-nies approved to sell qualified health plans (that comply with ACA require-ments) in Washington has increased from eight to 10, and the number of plans available throughout the state has almost doubled from 46 to 82.

“That’s really good news for cus-tomers who are looking for the best value for themselves and their fam-ily,” said Bethany Frey, communica-tions specialist for the Health Benefit Exchange.

Not all plans are available in every county, however. Okanogan County consumers will be able to select from plans offered by five insurance

Room One’s in-person assister, Lori Valentine, is one of two staff members trained to provide assistance to people signing up for health insurance through Washington’s online Health Benefit Exchange. Photo by Ann MccreAry

Jason Rumohr, LMP, CHP Certified Hellerwork Practitioner

341-4050 • jasonrumohr.com

Susan Peterson, MSLicensed Mental Health Counselor Associate

341-4487 • suepetersonms.com

Sharon Cohen, MFA, RYTMindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

449-2594 • [email protected]

Please contact individual practitioners regarding insurance coverage.

Located at the Winthrop Professional Center(across from Little Star Montessori School)

Dr. Sierra Breitbeil, NDNaturopathic Physican

996-3970 • drsierra.com

exp 11/15/14 with this ad.$50 off Crystal Bowl

BeverLi & Pattispiralsofjoy.com

(509) 682-2383215 E. Woodin, Chelan, WA

Bio-Energetic Healing ± Gifts Extraordinaire

It’s an Experience

Ann DouglasMFA, MFT

Counseling ServicesCouples, Families and IndividualsEMDR CertifiedMethow Valley509-997-3910

Promote well being, alleviate stress, physical pain, anxiety and fatigue. Help your mind,

body and spirit work together.

www.reflexologyandsalves.com

509-996-3566 or [email protected]


providers — two more than last year — based on information from the Health Benefit Exchange. They include Community Health Plan of Washington, LifeWise Health Plan of Washington, Moda Health Plan, Molina Healthcare of Washington and Premera Blue Cross.

To be approved as a provider on the Health Care Exchange, insurance companies must offer plans that provide coverage required under the ACA (sometimes called Obamacare). This is comprised of 10 basic areas

of essential health coverage, includ-ing preventive screenings, maternity care, hospitalization and rehabilita-tion, and mental health care.

The ACA also prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage to people who are sick or who have chronic conditions, and from cutting off their insurance when they get sick.

People who purchase health insurance through the exchange may be eligible for assistance paying their premiums, depending on their

income. Subsidies for qualifying customers are provided through cost sharing, which helps offset out-of-pocket costs, or tax credits.

Less frustrationThe experience of purchasing

insurance through the state’s online exchange is predicted to be less fraught with frustration for people trying to sign up for insurance during the second open enrollment period, Frey said.

The state has worked to fix the website glitches and the over-whelmed customer support systems that plagued the process last year, she said.

“There were error codes that con-sumers would get at certain points in the application and invoices that were not displaying correctly. Over time we have been working those out. We are trying to eliminate some of the pain points” for customers, Frey said.

Last year the state had only about 100 – 150 trained telephone support staff to field a huge volume of calls

from confused and frustrated cus-tomers, many of whom could never get through to the call center.

On March 31, the final day of the open enrollment period, the call center was receiving 10,000 calls per hour, Frey said. The number of trained representatives will increase almost five-fold this year.

“The good news is now that we know what call volumes looked like last year, we can properly staff for the volumes expected,” Frey said. “We will have about 500 customer support representatives at the start of open enrollment on Nov. 15.”

The overall application process has not changed drastically, but some features have been added to assist consumers trying to fill out the on-line application.

“We have added a screen-sharing feature so customer support rep-resentatives can share the screen with applicants. And we have added additional definitions or information along the way where people were get-ting stuck,” Frey said.

The home page will provide

The number of insurance companies approved

to sell qualified health plans (that comply

with ACA requirements) in Washington has

increased from eight to 10, and the number of

plans available throughout the state has almost

doubled from 46 to 82.

Shared Room for RentAvailable 1/2 time & inclusive of all utilities + HS internet &

access to central meeting room10' x 12' space

$175.00 monthlyAll potential renters considered,

health care or other

(509) 996-3970 or [email protected]

for info/viewing

Gaylen Willett Insurance Personal One-On-One Service at no charge for your review

(509) 682-4617(509) 679-4619 (cell)[email protected]

Medicare & Rx PlansCritical Care w/ Home Health & Nursing Home Benefits

Providing Physical Therapy

throughout Okanogan

County

Methow Valley Physical Therapy305 Methow Valley Hwy, Twisp • (509) 997-4851

Lake Chelan Physical Therapy123 Johnson Ave., Chelan • (509) 682-4713

Connie Miller, PT • Shaun Seibel, PTShawn Isenhart, DPT • Charmaine Minnis, PTJulie S-Buttelo, PTA

(509) 997-7011www.methowvalleynews.com

Methow Valley Newsto the

In county $33/yearOut of county $44/yearOut of State $55/year

Central Washington

Sleep Diagnostic Center

Specializing in Pediatric & Adult Sleep Medicine

Now Offering Alternatives to CPAP Therapy! Call one of our Sleep Labs

for your appointment today!

NEW

Eric Haeger, MDBoard Certified Sleep Medicine

Wenatchee ~ Moses Lake ~ Brewster (509)663-1578 (509)663-1578 (509)689-0100

www.cwsleepcenter.com

Central Washington

Sleep Diagnostic Center

Specializing in Pediatric & Adult Sleep Medicine

Now Offering Alternatives to CPAP Therapy! Call one of our Sleep Labs

for your appointment today!

NEW

Eric Haeger, MDBoard Certified Sleep Medicine

Wenatchee ~ Moses Lake ~ Brewster (509)663-1578 (509)663-1578 (509)689-0100

www.cwsleepcenter.com


pathways for different customers to direct them to the appropriate appli-cation, such as Apple Health (Medic-aid), new or renewing customers, and small businesses, Frey said.

Re-enrollment comingMany people who enrolled in an

insurance plan last year will need to re-enroll. Some may be eligible to be automatically re-enrolled, Frey said, but only if they checked a box on their application allowing the Health Benefit Exchange to check their federal tax information for up to five years, and the plan they enrolled in for 2014 is still available in 2015.

“Only if the customer meets these requirements will we send them a letter that says they will be automati-cally re-enrolled in coverage through a 2015 qualified health plan with the maximum amount of any eligible tax credit applied,” Frey said.

Otherwise, customers will need to confirm their coverage renewal, or select a new plan and/or change their tax credit amount, or not renew coverage.

All customers who enrolled through Healthplanfinder will receive notification of the upcoming enrollment period from the Health Benefit Exchange and their insurance companies, Frey said.

Like last year, Methow Valley resi-dents can receive free personal help from in-person assisters at Room One in Twisp. Two trained staff members at Room One are part of a network of assisters created to help people applying for insurance.

Lori Valentine, an in-person assis-ter at Room One, said she expects to be just as busy during open enroll-ment this year as last year “because the penalties are higher.” She was referring to penalties imposed by the ACA on people who don’t have insur-ance as a way to encourage citizens to become insured.

For the first year the penalty for uninsured individuals was a fine of $95 or 1 percent of household income; this year it will increase to $325 or 2.5 percent of household in-come, Frey said. In 2016 the penalty increases to $695 or 2.5 percent of

household income.

More supportValentine said in-person assisters

“have more support this year” from regional program coordinators who are authorized to assist in problem solving and working with customer applications.

Mario Cantu, who coordinates the in-person assister program for a five-county area that includes Okanogan County, urged people to educate themselves about insurance plans.

“We help clients make good, educated choices … understand what a premium is, what a deductible is, and how that can affect them,” Cantu said.

A lower monthly premium may look like the best deal, but if there is a high deductible it may not be the best financial choice in the long run, he said.

While in-person assisters and customer support staff can provide information and assist with techni-cal problems, they are not allowed

financing available

Time toget yourhearing

checked?If you are frustrated with ahearing problem, or yourcurrent hearing aids,we

encourage you to find out whatis possible through the

combination of professional careand advanced technology.

Toll Free 1-888-898-HEAR (4327)

OurGuaranteeIf, for any reason you are not satisfi ed

with your hearing aids, we’ll off er you a 100% refund within 60 days of the date of purchase. Plain and simple. No fi ne print.

No questions asked.

Dr. Doug Moomaw, Doctor of Audiologyand staff Hanna, Kristin, Kynne & JoAnn

If you are frustrated with a hearing problem, or your current

the combination of professional care and advanced technology.

Wenatchee665-3100

1556 N. Wenatchee Ave, Suite DBetween Grocery Outlet and Shari�s Restaurant

Omak422-3100

5 W. Central Ave.Just West of the Main St. Stoplight

Moomaw Hearing Center, Inc.

Time to get your hearing checked?

Insurance and L&I accepted - 0% financing available

Toll Free 1-888-898-HEAR (4327)

OurGuaranteeIf, for any reason you are not satisfi ed

with your hearing aids, we’ll off er you a 100% refund within 60 days of the date of purchase. Plain and simple. No fi ne print.

No questions asked.

Dr. Doug Moomaw, Doctor of Audiologyand staff Hanna, Kristin, Kynne & JoAnn

If you are frustrated with a hearing problem, or your current

the combination of professional care and advanced technology.

Wenatchee665-3100

1556 N. Wenatchee Ave, Suite DBetween Grocery Outlet and Shari�s Restaurant

Omak422-3100

5 W. Central Ave.Just West of the Main St. Stoplight

Moomaw Hearing Center, Inc.

Time to get your hearing checked?


Omak • 509-422-31005 W. Central Ave. ~ Just west of the Main St. stoplight



to provide personal advice to individuals about insurance plans, Valentine said.

For people who want personal advice, Valentine said she encourages them to contact an insurance broker. A list of brokers is available on the Healthplanfinder website.

Jeff Lindstrom, a broker with Health Insurance Team in Seattle, has worked with many Room One clients, and helped conduct a seminar at Room One about insurance available through the ex-change for small businesses. Last year small business health insurance plans were offered in only two counties; this fall, plans will be avail-able in all counties.

Lindstrom said he has worked with about 100 people in

the Methow and Okanogan valleys as they sign up on the exchange, and most have qualified for subsidies.

He said he is encouraged by the increase in the number of plans

available this year, and by the improvements in the application process since the first enrollment period.

“There’s been a real push to bring in new providers. That’s been re-ally good. Competition holds down increases in premiums,” Lindstrom said.

“I really have to give the Exchange a lot of credit. They have been work-ing extremely hard to fix problems and it’s starting to show,” he said.

Although Washington’s Health Benefit Exchange was created to offer a consumer-friendly online market-place for “one-stop shopping” where consumers could easily compare plans, the health insurance business is still complicated and difficult to understand for many people.

“It’s gotten far more complex than it used to be, if you can believe that,” Lindstrom said.

During the upcoming enrollment period, consumers need to enroll by Dec. 23 for coverage starting Jan. 1, 2015. If they sign up after Dec. 23, their coverage will start on Feb. 1.

to provide personal advice to individuals about insurance plans, Valentine said.

For people who want personal advice, Valentine said she encourages them to contact an insurance broker. A list of brokers is available on the Healthplanfinder website.

Jeff Lindstrom, a broker with Health Insurance Team in Seattle, has worked with many Room One clients, and helped conduct a seminar at Room One about insurance available through the ex-change for small businesses. Last year small business health insurance plans were offered in only two counties; this fall, plans will be avail-able in all counties.

Lindstrom said he has worked with about 100 people in

the Methow and Okanogan valleys as they sign up on the exchange, and most have qualified for subsidies.

He said he is encouraged by the increase in the number of plans

We are dedicated to providing high quality, safe, efficient and cost

effective care for our patients.

confluencehealth.org

An affiliation betweenCentral Washington Hospital & Wenatchee Valley Medical Center

Omak Clinic916 Koala Dr. Omak, WA 98841

509.826.1800

OpenMon. - Fri. 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.Sat. 8:30 a.m. - Noon

Family Medicine, Behavioral Medicine, Obstetrics, Eye Care, Radiology, Walk-in Clinic, Anticoagulation, Infusions Therapy, Ambulatory Surgery Center, Laboratory, Occupational Medicine, Visiting Specialists

Oroville Clinic1617 Main St. Oroville, WA 98844

509.476.3631

OpenMon. - Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.Closed Weekends

Family Medicine, Obstetrics, Anticoagulation, Women’s Health Care

Tonasket Clinic17 S. Western Ave. Tonasket, WA 98855

509.486.2174

OpenMon. - Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.Sat. 9 a.m. - Noon

Family Medicine, Obstetrics, Anticoagulation, Women’s Health Care

Brewster Clinic418 W. Main St. Brewster, WA 98812

509.689.8900

OpenMon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.Closed Weekends

Family Medicine, Preventative Medicine, CDL, Sports Physicals, Visiting Specialists, Well Child Checks & Immunizations

Our North Region Clinics:

214 Glover St. North - Twisp, WAnorthgloverhealing.com

NORTH GLOVER HEALING CENTER

Elaine Marquez, LMP996-3960Certi� ed Aston - PatternerFor balance in structure& movementLic. #MA00019766 Ins. Provider

Michael Pritchard, LMP996-3960Orthopedic MassageFor greater mobility & decreased painLic. #MA00019746

Tracy Bocarde Sprauer, LMP341-4568Energy Principles PractitionerCerti� ed Pregnancy& Re� exologyLic. #MA00015515

Elizabeth Singleton, LMP341-4831Craniosacral Therapy In� uences the nervous,endocrine & immune systems, for a total body responseLic. #MA00009906 Ins. Provider

Alison Childers-Darwood, LMP341-4468Swedish - Deep TissueHelps reduce pain & stressLic. #MA00013497 Ins. Provider

Massage & Body Work

Mind-Body Integration

Acupuncture

Midwifery & Women’s Health

Clinical Herbalist

Maureen Collins, RYT • 997-2348Private Yoga & Energy Healing • www.methowvalleyyoga.com

Chaya Kudla, LAc, NTP • 997-2488Licensed Acupuncturist • Nutritional Therapy PractitionerChinese Herbal Medicine • www.twispriverwellness.com

Blue Bradley, CNM, ARNP • 341-4256Healthcare for Women of All Ages & Infants

www.methowmidwifery.com

Robin Baire • 449-2764Horse of a Diff erent Color • Herbal Preparations

Consultations • [email protected]

The Valley’s Most Experienced

Massage Therapists!

methow valley health & wellness 2014

Documents