DAYTON–Columbia County Health System (CCHS) opened the Dental Clinic with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on June 30 beginning at noon.

A week before the opening, the clinic is "substantially complete with a couple of very minor punch list items like a light fixture," Columbia County Health District CEO Shane McGuire reported at the last board meeting on June 23. "We are waiting for a certificate occupancy after our final inspection. Regarding budget, the project completed substantially on schedule and within budget. We are excited to reveal the clinic to the community."

Representative Skyler Rude will be in attendance for the ceremony. He, together with Representative Mike Steele, was instrumental in obtaining funding for the completion of the project.

Besides Dr. Michael Strang contributing his services one day per week, Audra Morgan DDS has signed on to serve patients two days per week. The date when services will begin has not been solidified.

CCHS has hired another new provider, Jessica Kiefel, ARNP. Patient demand continues to be strong and the additional staff will help meet the need and get patients in for appointments in a timely manner according to McGuire. He added the numbers have not returned fully to normal from before COVID.

Dr. David Woolever, MD, MBA from Walla Walla will be joining CCHS at the Waitsburg Clinic in August, said Chief of Staff, Dr. Kyle Terry. Retired physician Micheal Luce continues to fill in when providers take time off which has been invaluable said Terry.

CCHS is also recruiting for counselors, specifically licensed social workers that are comfortable and have experience with all ages down to 12 years old. The single remaining counselor Wayne Pollard, LICSW recently gave notice so he'll be leaving his position at the beginning of August.

CCHS revenues are "nearly breakeven" according to the financial report. CARES money reports are due today, June 30. It's expected a large portion of the remaining funds that were not spent will need to be returned.

McGuire reported that the lack of daycare in the area affects the hospital employees and the community and he shared with the Board efforts to something going in partnership with the Walla Walla YWCA as the operator for a center in Columbia County. "We had a wonderful meeting with Tabitha Haney, with the YWCA, regarding early childhood education and we are collectively working together to acquire grants for our center. We have great partners supporting this locally with the Port participating in conversations as well."