ADAMS COUNTY, Wash. – The future of East Adams Rural Healthcare (EARH) is uncertain as the community grapples with its financial challenges. During a public meeting last week, hospital leadership revealed the dire state of the facility's finances, leaving the community with a choice to adapt and consolidate or face closure.

Recent audits have uncovered significant financial shortfalls at EARH, largely due to a lack of yearly audits. The district is now working to address these issues and develop a path forward.

The latest audit, released Wednesday morning, indicates that East Adams has been operating at a deficit for 12 years. The most significant losses occurred over the past three years, with auditors identifying fraud and misuse of funds during that time.

Cathlene Wright, a Ritzville

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