The celebration of Cascade Medical’s centennial is a good time to reflect on the significant advances made in health care during the past 100 years. To name just a few: the discovery and development of penicillin and then other antibiotics; the advent of diagnostic tools such as ultrasound and computed tomography (CT scan), which have had consequential impact on diagnoses and treatment; the development of chemotherapy and advances in cancer treatment; and vaccine development and the eradication of some diseases in the U.S., such as polio. The list goes on and on, bringing us to a very different world than the one in which our founders launched Cascade Medical 100 years ago. Things have changed and grown even in my 20-year tenure at Cascade. We offer a broader range of services now, including behavioral health and occupational and speech therapies. We’ve invested in advanced technology, including CT, digital mammography, ultrasound and an aquatic therapy pool. We’ve also expanded the way we connect with our patients, such as by offering telemedicine services and taking care on the road with our mobile clinic. As the health care industry changes, the Cascade team adapts, working to make sure vibrant, quality services remain available to our community and that those services grow and adjust to meet the changing needs of our communities. This is why we now offer a medical assistant apprenticeship program and are building a certified nursing assistant apprenticeship program. It’s why we launched hospitalist, ultrasound and cardiac rehab programs in the past year, and it’s also why we’re working to start a wound care program. We take our purpose of caring for the health and well-being of our community seriously, and we intend to be here for you through the next 100 years too. Even amid ever-present change, some things remain steadfast. That founding spirit, for one, which set us on a pathway of service and care, still burns bright in the heart of every Cascade team member. So does the personalized service, born by caring for neighbors, friends and loved ones. The honor of caring for you and your family is as deeply meaningful today as it was 100 years ago. Thank you for allowing us to be partners in your health. Diane Blake, CEO 2 2024 Report to Our Community
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