CLARKSTON, WA — TriState Health will receive $1 million in federal support to advance its new Family Medicine Residency Program, hospital officials announced Monday. The funding was secured through the FY26 Congressionally Directed Spending process following passage of Continuing Resolution H.R. 5371 on Nov. 12.

The allocation — sponsored by Congressman Michael Baumgartner under the Agriculture Appropriations Bill with backing from Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell — marks a significant investment in expanding primary care access across Southeast Washington.

TriState Health is partnering with the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine at Washington State University to develop the program, which aims to help address persistent physician shortages in rural communities.

“As health care demands continue to grow, establishing residency training creates a vital pathway for physicians dedicated to delivering quality care to rural communities across this side of the state and beyond,” said Jeff Haney, vice dean for clinical affairs at WSU’s College of Medicine.

TriState Health CEO Kym Clift said the support strengthens ongoing efforts to enhance the regional healthcare workforce.

“Family physicians are the backbone of community health, and this investment helps ensure people in our region can access high-quality, local care,” Clift said. “We are grateful to our congressional partners for recognizing the urgency of strengthening the rural healthcare workforce.”

Hospital leaders noted that continued community involvement will be essential as the residency program develops toward full implementation. TriState Health plans to work with donors, partners, and regional stakeholders as the program progresses.

More information about the Family Medicine Residency Program is available at tsh.org/foundation/family-medicine-residency-program/.