PeaceHealth Is Proud To Return As Presenting Sponsor Of The 3rd Annual Rainier2Longview 10K (Photo) -05/21/25

Runners and walkers will enjoy a unique vantage point while traversing the historic Lewis & Clark Bridge across the Columbia River 

 

LONGVIEW, Wash. – The 3^rd annual Rainier2Longview 10K Bridge Run is scheduled for June 1, traversing Rainier, Oregon, to Longview, Washington. In partnership with the City of Longview Parks & Recreation Department, PeaceHealth is proud to again serve as the presenting sponsor of this unique race that spans two cities. 

 

The race starts at 8 a.m. from Rainier City Park in Rainier, Oregon and finishes at Martin’s Dock in Lake Sacajawea Park in Longview. Registration remains open through May 28, 2025. Children 10 and under are free. Find race and registration details here. https://www.r2lbridgerun.com/ 

 

“We are pleased to again partner with the City of Longview Parks & Recreation and serve as the presenting sponsor of this race,” says Kendall Sawa, Chief Hospital Executive for PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center. “We are committed to improving the health and wellness of our community, and this event provides a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together in support of that commitment.” 

 

“We simply couldn’t host events like the Rainier2Longview 10K without incredible partners like PeaceHealth,” states Longview City Manager Jennifer Wills. “Their support makes it possible for us to create meaningful, energizing experiences that bring our community together. By aligning our missions for a healthier, more active community, we’re not just organizing a race, we’re building a better place to live, work, and play.”

 

PeaceHealth will have a booth at Sacajawea Park near the finish line. All are encouraged to stop by. A finisher banner is available for all runners and walkers to sign.

 

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About PeaceHealth: PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a non-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. PeaceHealth has approximately 16,000 caregivers, more than 3,000 providers, more than 160 clinics and 9 medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Visit us online at peacehealth.org. 

PeaceHealth Southwest Welcomes New Chief Operating Officer (Photo) -05/13/25

Vancouver, Wash. – PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center has named Michael Skehan as Chief Operating Officer (COO). He assumes his new role on May 19, 2025.

 

Known for his highly collaborative and interactive leadership style, Skehan has successfully led numerous projects to increase revenue, reduce operating expenses, drive growth and improve quality and safety during his 20+ years in healthcare.

 

In his new role, Michael will serve as a member of the hospital’s senior executive team and will focus on clinical excellence, regulatory compliance, operational efficiencies, and leading a LEAN culture.

 

For the past two years, Michael has served as the Chief Operations Officer/Deputy Director for Clatsop Behavioral Healthcare in Warrenton, Oregon. There, he provided strategic and operational oversight for all clinical operations and business/administrative services.

 

Prior to that, Michael spent eight years in various leadership roles with a system that is now part of Intermountain Health, most recently as the Chief Operating Officer for Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Denver, Colorado, a 410-bed hospital. Michael had direct responsibility for all surgical and procedural services, cancer service line, cardiovascular service line, respiratory services, all ancillary and support services, and a 12-provider surgical practice.

 

“Michael brings a wealth of healthcare experience and has driven impactful improvements around patient satisfaction, quality and safety, growth and operational effectiveness” shares Cherelle Montanye, Chief Hospital Executive for PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center. “I am confident he will align well with our mission of providing quality care to our community.

 

Skehan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wabash College and  Master of Public Administration from University of San Francisco.

 

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About PeaceHealth: PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a not-for-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. PeaceHealth has approximately 16,000 caregivers, a group practice with more than 1,200 providers and 9 medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Visit us online at peacehealth.org.

PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center Nationally Recognized With An ‘A’ For The Spring 2025 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade (Photo) -05/01/25

VANCOUVER, Wash. –PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center was awarded an ‘A’ in the spring 2025 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, a distinction recognizing PeaceHealth Southwest’s achievements in protecting patients from harm and providing safer health care.

 

The Leapfrog Group, an independent national watchdog organization, assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on more than 22 national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, and systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm.

 

“This is our tenth consecutive safety grade of ‘A’, shares PeaceHealth Southwest Chief Hospital Executive, Cherelle Montanye. “I am proud of our caregivers continued commitment of safely caring for our community and living our Mission every single day.”

 

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program based exclusively on hospital prevention of medical errors and harm to patients. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.

 

To see PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center’s full grade details and access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit hospitalsafetygrade.org.

 

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About PeaceHealth: PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a not-for-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. PeaceHealth has approximately 16,000 caregivers, a group practice with more than 1,200 providers and 9 medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Visit us online at peacehealth.org.

 

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