Member hospitals of the Rural Collaborative have launched the second year of their Breast Cancer Screening Campaign with renewed enthusiasm and a shared goal: to ensure more women in rural Washington receive life-saving breast cancer screenings. After surpassing last year’s target of a 56% overall screening rate, members are setting their sights even higher for 2025 — aiming to reach 60% participation across the network.
Each member has a greater goal for this year as well, and they’re embracing creative solutions to reach women in their communities. Even members without their own onsite mammogram machines are collaborating with partner organizations, exploring innovative outreach strategies. Some have raised funds to bring new equipment to their facilities this year!
Members appreciate the opportunity to work together as part of a collective effort.
“Island Health is committed to increasing the rates of women in our community who screen for breast cancer regularly. We appreciate the help of the Rural Collaborative to help educate our community on the importance of why mammography matters,” said Island Health Chief Medical Officer Jason Hogge, MD.
Island Health’s Director of Marketing & Communications, Laura Moroney, expands, “As a rural, public hospital district, we are able to multiply the impact in our local community by joining the collective efforts of similar hospitals across the state.” Laura noted that campaign slogan, Small Towns, Big Fight particularly resonates with their work. She continues, “Our providers see their patients at the grocery store and at soccer games. Rural hospitals have unique challenges, but also unique opportunities.”
As with all Rural Collaborative initiatives, the power lies in working together. Members will continue their local outreach through December, and the Collaborative will celebrate their accomplishments at a recognition event in March 2026.
The Collaborative is a powerful network of independent rural health systems in Washington state where interdependence drives innovation and value. Members exchange ideas, share best practices, and support one another to deliver high-quality care in challenging environments. Our programs generate meaningful financial benefits, resulting in shared savings and reduced operational costs. Backed by a dedicated staff, TRC members continue to learn from one another, solve problems together, and lead the way in rural healthcare excellence. Year after year, our work proves that collaboration is not only practical, but powerful.
To learn more about the Rural Collaborative, please visit our website at https://ruralcollaborative.com.
