Columbia County Health System Receives the Gold Rural Hospital Achievement of Quality Excellence

Gold Rural Hospital Quality Recognition for CCHS

DAYTON, Wash. — Columbia County Health System has received the Gold Rural Hospital Achievement of Quality Excellence from the Washington State Hospital Association for its ongoing work to improve patient safety and quality of care.

WSHA presented the award to Columbia County Health System during its Rural Hospital Leadership Conference in Chelan on June 28. Gold is the achievement’s highest designation. Quality measures considered for the 2026 recognition included fall prevention, sepsis care and opioid harm prevention.

As a 25-bed critical access hospital serving southeastern Washington, Columbia County Health System continually evaluates its clinical practices, patient-safety measures and care processes. Staff members throughout the organization contribute to this work by reviewing outcomes, participating in quality-improvement initiatives and strengthening systems designed to reduce preventable harm.

“This recognition reflects the dedication of employees throughout our health system,” said Amy Crickmer, PhD, RN, Director of Quality. “Quality improvement is not a single project or the responsibility of one department. It is part of the work our team does every day to provide safe, reliable care for our friends, neighbors, coworkers and loved ones.”

The Rural Hospital Achievement of Quality Excellence is awarded to hospitals that demonstrate a strong commitment to health care quality. To qualify for recognition, hospitals must participate in data submission through the Washington State Health Care Authority’s Medicaid Quality Incentive Program, which is managed by WSHA.

“We are incredibly proud of our Rural Hospital Achievement of Quality Excellence recipients,” WSHA Senior Vice President of Clinical Excellence Darcy Jaffe said. “The Association and our hospital members take great pride in providing patients with outstanding care, as quality is the cornerstone of all health care. Everyone, no matter where they live in the state, should be able to access quality health care, and our members help make that possible.”

About Columbia County Health System

Columbia County Health System is a public hospital district serving Dayton, Waitsburg, Starbuck and surrounding communities in southeastern Washington. The health system includes Dayton General Hospital, Columbia Family Clinic, Waitsburg Clinic, Columbia Family Dental Clinic, Rivers Walk Assisted Living and a range of specialty, rehabilitation, behavioral health and outpatient services. As a rural critical access health system, CCHS is committed to providing trusted, high-quality care for the communities it serves.

About the Washington State Hospital Association

The Washington State Hospital Association advocates for and provides value to members in achieving their missions and improving the health of their communities. WSHA represents more than 100 hospitals and health systems in the state, including nonprofit, investor-owned, county, state and military hospitals. The Quadruple Aim guides its members and its work as they strive to reduce the cost of health care and improve the patient experience, the clinician experience and the health of their communities. Visit wsha.org for more information.

Media Contact

Columbia County Health System
Sean Russell
Director of Marketing & Communications
sean.russell@cchd-wa.org
509-676-7807

Washington State Hospital Association
Kelly Akers
Communications Specialist
kellya@wsha.org
(206) 216-2894