DAYTON—The Columbia County Health System (CCHS) and Ocean Beach Hospital & Medical Clinics were awarded the Rural Quality Everyday Extraordinary Award from the Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA). The association recognized the hospitals at its Rural Hospital Leadership Conference on June 28 in Chelan, Wash.

Columbia County Health System was chosen for its innovative approach to improving patient care through its Palliative Care Program. Program leaders set goals and succeeded in reducing emergency room visits and facilitating care goals, including end-of-life planning and spirit...