Clearwater Valley Hospital and Clinics, in Orofino, and St. Mary’s Hospital and Clinics, in Cottonwood are introducing new names, brands and vision as part of their integration into the Kootenai Health regional health care system, headquartered in Coeur d’Alene.

GRANGEVILLE — Syringa Thrift Store had big numbers and big news at the April 26 board of trustees meeting.

GRANGEVILLE — “The county positives for COVID-19 have been steadily low, so the decision has been made to bring all clinic services back to the primary care clinic,” director of clinic operations Michelle Schaeffer reported at the March 22 Syringa Hospital board meeting.

GRANGEVILLE — “Are you concerned [regarding the vaccinated numbers] for Syringa’s leadership?” Syringa Hospital trustee Jim May asked CEO Abner King at the Feb. 22 board meeting. May was referring to King’s report that 47 percent of the Syringa staff had been vaccinated against COVID-19.

Those age 65 and older are now on priority for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, effective as of Feb. 1.

GRANGEVILLE — “I think it’s particularly important to note that 2020’s numbers are going to be a bit skewed,” Syringa CFO Betty Watson told hospital trustees at the Jan. 26 meeting.

BOISE —“I believe there is a generational divide,” when it comes to discussing mental health, said Clearwater Valley High School senior Martha Smith of Lowell. “My generation is far more open to talk about and acknowledge feelings.”

KOOSKIA — The City of Kooskia recently purchased an ultraviolet-C light disinfection system using CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act money, according to Sean Nelson, assistant supervisor for the Kooskia ambulance.

GRANGEVILLE —Syringa Hospital and Clinics is now offering same day COVID test results at their Grangeville location to patients showing symptoms.

GRANGEVILLE – “Local businesses and services have been extremely helpful,” Lisa Turner, Syringa materials management, told the Syringa Hospital board Sept. 22.

COTTONWOOD -- St. Mary’s Hospital and Clinics and the St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation recently introduced its new Rehabilitation Services Facility at St. Mary’s in Cottonwood. The new space houses both physical and occupational therapies and provides expansion to the old space.

GRANGEVILLE –Syringa Hospital & Clinics (SHC) received a five- star rating for patient experience by The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

GRANGEVILLE – “I would like to know, where are the people in our county who have COVID?” asked Grangeville resident John Gaither at the July 28 Syringa Hospital board meeting. “I read there are 24, and I’d like to know if there are any ‘hotspots’ like other areas have listed.”

KOOSKIA — The Syringa Hospital Foundation (SHF) announced July 30 it will not move forward with purchasing the Baylor Building on Main Street where the Kooskia Syringa Clinic is located.

Clearwater Economic Development Association (CEDA) will administer $1,401,000 in CARES Act Recovery Assistance funds awarded by the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to help North Central Idaho communities and businesses respond to economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic. 

“Regardless of the risk level, throughout the remainder of the pandemic, everyone is asked to do the following: Stay home if you are sick. Maintain physical distance of 6 feet from others (outside of immediate family) whenever possible. Wear face coverings in public when physical distancing …

A recent study shows the job outlook for mental health workers is on the rise, as the stigma around mental health dissipates.

St. Mary’s Cottonwood and Clearwater Valley hospitals and clinics are ready to get back to business.

GRANGEVILLE – March was basically a break-even month,” Syringa CFO, Betty Watson, said at the April 28 Syringa board of trustees meeting.

GRANGEVILLE – “I hope the entire hospital knows we are grateful for all they are doing,” working on the front lines during the COVID-19 crisis, Syringa board trustee Jim May said during the April 28 board meeting. Most board members met at Soltman Center while the meeting was also live onlin…

GRANGEVILLE -- Syringa Hospital & Clinics’ (SHC) employees joined together to roll up their sleeves in effort to aid a needed cause Wednesday, April 8.

With an international health crisis due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) and more than 2.3 million cases worldwide and a death toll of more than 130,000, healthcare workers are being taxed to provide quality services.

“Times of crisis spark innovation. At St. Mary’s and Clearwater Valley Hospitals and Clinics we acknowledge the need to keep people physically distanced to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within our communities,” said Dr. Colleen Sholar, CVHC. “But, we also know that this pandemic does not ma…

GRANGEVILLE – With a statewide lockdown due to the coronavirus, Syringa Hospital board met via a Zoom on-line meeting for its March 24 board business.

GRANGEVILLE – Idaho County disaster management sent out a purchase order April 6 for 30,000 disposable masks and other protective gear totaling nearly $32,000 - $24,000 for the masks, thousands of dollars for face shields and coveralls, and a couple hundred for 2,000 gloves.

With an international health crisis due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) and more than 1.6 million cases worldwide and a death toll of more than 100,000, healthcare workers are being taxed to provide quality services.

There’s a new owner in town.

The state public health district released limited information about Idaho County’s first COVID-19 case March 25, which in turn prompted hospitals across the district to point out that the case had no connection to their facilities in Idaho County. That inspired a question from Idaho County F…

MT. IDAHO -- Amid the COVID-19 challenges, one Idaho County business has found a way to turn lemons into lemonade. Or rather, materials into surgical masks and gowns.

“As a result of confirmed communal cases in Idaho County and the school district closures, we are taking increased precautions at St. Mary’s and Clearwater Valley Hospitals & Clinics to protect staff and patients in regards to COVID-19,” says Steve Frei, Director of Ancillary Services, S…