Healing at Home

DAYTON–The Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center at Columbia County Health System (CCHS) has become a beacon of hope and healing for residents in southeastern Washington since opening in 2017. This facility specializes in providing advanced treatment for chronic and non-healing wounds.

The center is part of a network of facilities partnered with Healogics, the nation's leading provider of advanced wound care services. A commitment to evidence-based treatments and patient-centered care, the Wound Care Center brings world-class medical expertise to the local community.

"The goal is to ensure patients receive the highest quality of care without the need to travel long distances," said Kathy Anderson, CRT, HBOT and center manager. "We offer treatments that are tailored to each patient's specific needs, whether they're dealing with diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, or other complex wounds."

One advanced therapy the Wound Care Center uses is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), negative pressure wound therapy, and bioengineered tissue substitutes. These treatments have been clinically proven to accelerate healing and improve outcomes for patients with chronic wounds.

"The advanced therapies offered can make a significant difference in the healing process," said Melissa Czapka MSN, FNP-C, RN a certified wound specialist at the center. "Many patients see remarkable improvements in their condition, which greatly enhances their quality of life."

A Collaborative Approach. The center employs specialists from various fields including podiatry, vascular surgery, and infectious disease. This collaborative effort ensures comprehensive care for patients, addressing the wound and underlying conditions that are hindering the healing process.

"Our team works closely with patients to create individualized treatment plans," explained Anderson. "By involving different specialists, we can tackle the problem from multiple angles, which increases the likelihood of successful outcomes."

Positive Impact on the Community. The Wound Care Center has treated hundreds of patients, many of whom have expressed gratitude for the high level of care they received since its establishment. The center has also had a positive economic impact on Columbia County, creating jobs and reducing the need for residents to seek specialized wound care outside the region.

"The Wound Care Center has been a tremendous asset to our community," said a local resident and former patient. "I didn't have to travel to Seattle or Portland for treatment, which made a huge difference for me and my family."

Plans are underway to introduce new technologies and treatment methods to the Wound Care Center, as they become available.

"We're committed to staying ahead of the curve," said Anderson. "Our mission is to provide the best possible care to our patients, and we're always looking for ways to improve and innovate."

For more information about the Wound Care Center and its services, visit https://cchd-wa.org/wound-care-center/