WSNA Nurses working at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, Providence Holy Family Hospital, and St. Luke's Rehabilitation Institute,

WSNA has been in communication with Providence leadership regarding the devastating wildfires that have impacted your community. We want to express our sincere concern for all those affected, including our nurses, other caregivers, patients, and community members who may have experienced evacuation, displacement, property loss, or other hardships as a result of these disasters.

We recognize that many nurses are balancing their professional responsibilities with significant personal challenges during this difficult time. Please know that WSNA is advocating for nurses and seeking information from Providence regarding support, staffing plans, scheduling flexibility, and resources available to employees impacted by the fires.

The following letter outlines resources available to caregivers affected by the wildfires, including information about financial assistance and other support services. If you have been impacted, we encourage you to review the information carefully and complete the Caregiver Support Form as soon as possible so Providence can better understand and respond to your needs.

Our thoughts are with you, your families, and your communities. We are deeply grateful for the extraordinary care and dedication you continue to provide under these challenging circumstances.

In solidarity,
Laurie Robinson, Nurse Representative
Jennifer Jackson, Nurse Representative
Jaclyn Smedley, Nurse Representative

Letter from Adam Richards, CNO Sacred Heart:

August 2, 2026

Caregivers,

As wildfires continue to impact communities across the Inland Northwest, I want to provide an update on Providence's response efforts and the support available to caregivers.

We have maintained a formal Incident Command structure and continue to monitor changing conditions and evacuation zones across the region.

We know some caregivers have been directly affected by evacuation orders and the wildfires. To support those caregivers, we sent a targeted Everbridge message to caregivers with ZIP codes identified in evacuation zones. We also launched a response form to help identify affected caregivers and connect them with support and resources. For caregiver who are directly impacted by the wildfires, or if you know of a caregiver who could benefit from assistance, please complete or share this form: Caregiver Support Request - Wildfire Emergency Form

Providence is working closely with community partners to support patients and families affected by the fires. We assisted with the evacuation of the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center and safely received 13 patients into our care. In addition, we continue to work with the American Red Cross and other community agencies to help identify shelter and support services for patients who are unable to return home following discharge.

Please continue to listen to local authorities regarding evacuations, sheltering in place and changing fire conditions. Bookmark the Spokane Region Emergency Communication evacuation map for updates on evacuation orders. If you have questions or need assistance related to the wildfires, please contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2763.

As a reminder, a comprehensive list of caregiver resources and services is included below. Providence is prepared to support caregivers impacted by fires and other natural disasters.

At this time, staffing across our ministries remains stable, though leaders may reach out if additional support is needed as conditions evolve.

Please know that as leaders, we are deeply grateful for your commitment and concern for those who have lost their homes or have loved ones affected by the wildfires. This is truly a time when we, as people of Providence, show up for each other and our communities.

We will provide additional updates on our response as soon as possible. Please stay safe.

With gratitude,

Adam Richards
Chief Nursing Officer
Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center & Inland Northwest Washington

If you have been affected by the disaster, please contact the HR Service Center at 888-687-3753 and identify yourself as a caregiver requesting disaster support. You will be referred to an HR Service Center specialist who will answer questions about the resources and services offered to caregivers experiencing a loss because of the disaster and will assist with application for relief funds. 

If you are affected by the disaster, help is available through the following resources and services:

CAREGIVER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 

A free, confidential resource for all caregivers and their family members. To access this benefit, call 844-311-6223 24/7.

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

Access mental health resources, or contact our Behavioral Health Concierge at 833-PBH-WELL (833-724-9355), 7 a.m. – 8 p.m., 7 days a week.

HOTEL RESOURCES 

We have hotel partners in our service areas. Caregivers may be able access Providence-negotiated rates for short- or long-term housing. To book a hotel, or for more information, contact Travel Services at 425-687-3966 or phstravel@providence.org.

TEMPORARY LIVING RESOURCES 

Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) is our relocation partner. They may be able to assist you with locating temporary short- or long-term accommodations. For more information and assistance call 1-800-617-1904 between 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Pacific.

HOUSING RELIEF FUND 

Caregivers and employed physicians who have experienced a total loss of home and shelter are eligible for a maximum of one payment per home ($5,500 for full-time and part-time caregivers, and $2,250 for per-diems). This benefit applies whether the home is owned or rented by the caregiver. This payment may be subject to tax depending on your home address. Call the Human Resources Service Center at 888-687-3753 and identify yourself as a caregiver affected by the fires requesting housing relief fund assistance to apply for this benefit.

RECEIVE A LOAN OR WITHDRAW FUNDS FROM YOUR RETIREMENT ACCOUNT

Caregivers may also be eligible for a loan or withdrawal from their 401(k), 401(a) and/or 403(b) Plan account(s). Caregivers interested in pursuing a loan or withdrawal due to the fire disaster should contact Fidelity at 800-343 0860 to discuss options and tax implications. Fidelity can then help complete the desired transaction. For a free, detailed financial wellness conversation, ask to be transferred to a retirement planner.

FIRE RELIEF FUND 

Benefits-eligible caregivers who have participated in a mandatory evacuation, or who have experienced a total loss of home and shelter are eligible for the disaster relief fund. The benefit includes a maximum of one payment per home up to $1,000 with itemized accommodation receipts. To apply for this benefit, please call the Human Resources Service Center at 888-687-3753 and identify yourself as a caregiver requesting fire relief fund assistance.

PAYMENT FOR OFFICE CLOSURES DUE TO FIRE 

• If due to the disaster, you lost work hours due to facility/department closure or reduced hours of operation and alternative work was not provided, you will be made whole. If you used Paid Time Off (PTO) or Provider Time Away (PTA) for the closure/change in business hours your PTO/PTA accrual will be replenished for hours coded as PTO or PTA. Please work with your supervisor to ensure your time is recorded correctly. These are special, temporary variations from the PTO and PTA policies due to the disaster.
• Every effort will be made to ensure that adjustments will be visible on paychecks as quickly as possible and within the next two pay cycles.

TEMPORARY PTO USE FOR MISSING WORK DUE TO A DISASTER

• Core leaders may approve up to four weeks of personal leave for caregivers who are dealing with disaster response.
• Caregivers may use PTO, take unpaid time off (e.g. to preserve PTO), or go into a negative PTO balance if there is not enough accrued time to cover the time off. This is a special, temporary variation from the PTO policy due to the disaster.
• The maximum negative PTO accrual is the equivalent of two payroll cycles – up to 160 hours for 1.0 FTE. Caregivers with negative accrual balances will not be able to add additional negative accrual for future holidays until the accrual is 0 or greater.
• Core leaders may use up to four weeks of LTO for disaster related personal leave.
• Caregivers who apply and are approved for disaster related personal leave through Sedgwick will remain benefit eligible for up to two months while on personal leave. The HRSC is available to support caregivers with the application process.
• Disaster personal leave is not considered protected time. There is not a guarantee of returning the caregiver to the same position. However, it is rare that caregivers don’t return to their same position following a personal leave.
• If your department or facility is open and operating and you are not subject to evacuation, you are expected to report to work.
• As always, the caregiver is responsible to enter time accurately and work with their supervisor to ensure the time is coded correctly.
• Missed shifts due to the disaster during this disaster period are considered protected occurrences for purposes of disciplinary action (i.e., there is no intention for individuals affected by the disaster to receive disciplinary action due to their related absence). If there are unique situations that might require investigation, please work with your HR Business Partner after the disaster period ends.

Important Phone numbers: 

HR Service Center - 888-687-3753

Caregiver Assistance Program – 844-311-6223

Behavioral Health Concierge -- 833-724-9355

Travel Services -- 425 687-3966

Fidelity -- 800-343-0860