News

Summit Pacific Medical Center recently welcomed U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, representatives from U.S. Senator Patty Murray’s office, state legislators and local officials for a tour of its newly expanded medical center, offering a closer look at how the organization is growing to meet the healthcare needs of Grays Harbor County and surrounding communities.

The visit followed the opening of Summit Pacific’s expansion, a major investment in healthcare for the region. The new space increases capacity for specialty and outpatient care, enhances the patient experience, and creates room to bring additional programs and services closer to home.

Summit Pacific Chief Executive Officer Josh Martin hosted the visit, joined by members of the Executive Team and Board of Commissioners. During the tour, leaders shared the vision behind the project, the needs that helped shape it, and the opportunities it creates to strengthen healthcare access across the region.

“We were honored to welcome Senator Cantwell and representatives from Senator Murray’s office to Summit Pacific,” said Josh Martin, Chief Executive Officer of Summit Pacific Medical Center. “This expansion represents much more than a new building. It represents greater access, new opportunities to bring services closer to home, and a long-term investment in the health of the communities we serve. Having our federal, state and local partners here to see that work firsthand and discuss the future of rural healthcare was incredibly meaningful.”

“Grays Harbor County faces a shortage of health professionals, and Summit Pacific Medical Center’s expansion is helping answer that critical need,” said U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell. “This grand opening, the culmination of a six-year journey, marks a transformative step toward better care for the entire community.”

Throughout the visit, Summit Pacific leaders discussed challenges facing rural healthcare organizations, including workforce shortages, access to specialty care, aging infrastructure, and evolving patient needs. The conversation also underscored the importance of continued collaboration at the federal, state, and local levels to help rural healthcare organizations remain strong, sustainable, and responsive.

The expansion project reflects years of planning, collaboration, and community support. It was financed through bonds without asking district residents to approve a new tax levy for construction, allowing Summit Pacific to expand its facilities and services while remaining mindful of its responsibility to the community.

Now open and serving patients, the expanded medical center marks one of the most significant milestones in Summit Pacific’s history. It positions the organization to grow programs and services, recruit healthcare professionals, and expand access to high-quality care throughout the region.

The expansion is an important part of Summit Pacific’s long-term commitment to the region and its mission to build the healthiest community in the nation.