Kootenai Health

08/04/2025

Breastfeeding Support for New Moms

At Kootenai Health, we’re here to support new moms every step of the way—including those early days of learning how to feed your baby.

Here are 5 tips to help you get started:

• Start breastfeeding early—ideally within the first hour after birth

• Ensure a proper latch—your baby’s mouth should be wide open

• Feed on demand—watch for your baby’s hunger cues

• Stay hydrated and eat nourishing foods

• Reach out for help if you run into challenges

Our certified lactation consultants are here to answer questions, offer advice, and provide encouragement when you need it.

Call us at (208) 625-5091—we’re here for you.

07/23/2025

Exciting progress in patient care at Kootenai Health!

Dr. Richardson and our team recently performed a gastric bypass surgery, marking an important step forward in expanding access to bariatric care in our region. The procedure was performed minimally invasively, and recovery was swift—early improvements in health and reduced medication needs were already noticeable shortly after surgery.

Bariatric surgery remains the most effective and lasting treatment for obesity and related health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. Until now, access to this kind of care has been limited in our area.

We’re proud to offer this life-changing service right here in our community—helping more people live healthier, longer lives with fewer medications and an improved quality of life.

➡️ To learn more and see if you’re a good fit, visit: https://www.northidahosurgery.com/bariatrics

07/09/2025

Kootenai Health Pharmacy Hayden is now open!

We’re excited to expand our pharmacy services with a second location in Hayden, located at 8882 N. Government Way, Suite L.

Hours:
Monday–Friday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Need to transfer your prescriptions? Call us at (208) 625-3125. We look forward to serving you.

07/07/2025

Kootenai Health is growing to meet the rising demand for care across North Idaho and beyond!

With plans underway for a brand-new medical campus in Post Falls, ongoing investments in advanced programs and facilities, and a growing team of dedicated staff, Kootenai Health is expanding to serve our community better than ever.

Jameson Smith, CEO since March 2024, shares, “We’ve become a tertiary referral center with specialized programs that keep patients close to home. Our focus on advanced medicine means people get the next-level care they deserve—right here.”

Highlights include:

• New 30-acre Prairie Medical Campus in Post Falls opening early 2028, featuring a micro-hospital with a 12-room emergency department, imaging services, outpatient surgery, and more
• Significant growth in trauma, cardiovascular, neurosurgery, and women’s & children’s care, with record baby deliveries this year
• Over 4,500 employees now—and expecting to exceed 5,000 in the next few years
• Serving patients across Kootenai County, Eastern Washington, Montana, and beyond

Despite challenges like insurer delays and workforce shortages, Kootenai Health remains nimble, independent, and deeply committed to reinvesting in the health and future of our community.

Learn more about how Kootenai Health is building healthier futures at home:
https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17273-rising-demand-fuels-kootenai-healths-growth

07/03/2025

🩸 Blood Donation Opportunities at Kootenai Health – July 3 & 11 🩸

In light of recent events and ongoing blood supply shortages, Kootenai Health is teaming up with Vitalant to host two upcoming blood drives. Whether you’re part of our amazing staff or a member of our wider community, your donation can truly save lives.

👉 Spots are still available for July 3 at 2:00, 2:30, and 3:00 p.m.!

📍 Community Blood Drive – Wednesday, July 3
🕛 Time: Noon – 4:30 p.m.
📌 Location: Health Resource Center (Tamarack & Ponderosa Rooms)
🎯 Goal: Collect 20 units of blood in support of local first responders

Help us make a real impact—every drop counts.

✅ Schedule your appointment here:
https://donors.vitalant.org/dwp/portal/dwa/appointment/guest/phl/timeSlotsExtr?token=CB0eUdqL8tnrGD7NxYaFJSg5nT1feOdF

Let’s show up for our community. 💪

Medical Web Portal

07/02/2025

In the face of unimaginable loss, our community has come together with strength, compassion, and unity. We honor the fallen and stand in unwavering support of our first responders—those who put their lives on the line every day to protect others.

To the families, colleagues, and friends affected—please know you’re in our hearts.

07/01/2025

Blood Donation Opportunities at Kootenai Health – July 3 and July 11

In response to recent events and ongoing blood supply shortages, Kootenai Health is partnering with Vitalant to host two upcoming blood drives. Whether you're a staff member or part of the broader community, your donation helps save lives.

Community Blood Drive – Wednesday, July 3
In support of area first responders and strong community interest
Time: Noon – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Health Resource Center – Tamarack & Ponderosa Rooms
Goal: Collect 20 units of blood
Schedule an appointment:
https://donors.vitalant.org/dwp/portal/dwa/appointment/guest/phl/timeSlotsExtr?token=CB0eUdqL8tnrGD7NxYaFJSg5nT1feOdF

Employee Blood Drive – Thursday, July 11
Help us meet a critical community need
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Location: Health Resource Center – Tamarack & Ponderosa Rooms
Goal: Collect 57 units of blood
Schedule an appointment:
https://donors.vitalant.org/dwp/portal/dwa/appointment/guest/phl/timeSlotsExtr?token=sL2Z2CbczZWkFhsJ8XdxNvnz3mBvVQYz

Special Vitalant Promotion
Donate with Vitalant between July 9 and 31 and be automatically entered to win up to $30,000 toward a new car.
Learn more: vitalant.org/cargiveaway

Employee Donor Incentives for Both Drives

Earn 250 My-Health Wellness Points (for registered employee donors)

Chance to win one of four $25 Momentum Store Spot Cards

Thank you for giving the gift of life and supporting our community when it matters most.

06/30/2025

Our thoughts and prayers are with our first responders, colleagues, and the entire community during this difficult time. As we approach the Fourth of July—a time typically marked by celebration, reflection, and unity—we’re especially mindful of the strength and resilience that define our community. May we all take a moment to honor those who serve and protect us, and hold one another a little closer this holiday.

06/25/2025

🎉 Big congratulations to Dr. Bozinov!

We’re proud to share that Dr. Bozinov was recently featured as a co-author in an article published in Scientific Reports, part of the prestigious Nature publication.

The study, titled "Influence of Race and Gender on Variability in Clinical Decision-Making in Neurology," explores how patients who fall outside of the most commonly affected demographics for certain neurological conditions—like multiple sclerosis—often experience more severe outcomes and delays in diagnosis.

Dr. Bozinov’s contributions to this important research highlight the need for greater awareness, equity, and inclusivity in clinical care.

👏 Please join us in celebrating this remarkable accomplishment and check out the full article here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-00726-8

06/25/2025

Living with Type 1 diabetes can be challenging—but you don’t have to go through it alone.

Kootenai Clinic now offers a Type 1 Diabetes Support Group for individuals, parents, and caregivers looking for connection, support, and real conversations.

This group is a great space to:

• Share your story and hear from others
• Get tips and encouragement from people who truly understand
• Ask questions in a safe, supportive environment
• Build community and feel less alone in the journey

Whether you’ve been managing T1D for years or are just getting started, you’re welcome here.

📍 Meetings held at Kootenai Clinic – Residency Classroom (2nd Floor)
1919 Lincoln Way, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814
📅 Wednesday, July 16. 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
📞 To learn more or save your spot, visit t1dsupportgroup.rsvpify.com or call Abigail at (208) 625-5500.

Let’s support each other—because community makes a difference.

06/18/2025

Help Save Lives with PulsePoint

You could be the reason someone survives sudden cardiac arrest.

The PulsePoint Respond and PulsePoint AED apps alert trained bystanders when someone nearby needs CPR. Alerts are only sent for public places within walking distance—so you can step in when every second matters.

Download the apps today: https://www.pulsepoint.org/download
✅ PulsePoint Respond – Get notified of nearby cardiac arrests.
✅ PulsePoint AED – Help map AEDs in our community.

This effort highlights our commitment to excellence in emergency cardiac care and is made possible through the support of our dedicated community partners.

Be ready. Be nearby. Be the reason someone survives. ❤️