Tri-Cities health program that provided free support for 1,000s shutting down

A Kadlec hospital resource in Richland that has provided free information and support to thousands of people since 1981 will close its doors this summer due to financial pressures on the hospital.

Although the Kadlec Neurological Resource Center at the Kadlec Healthplex on Lee Boulevard will close this summer, many of the programs started by the center will continue, said Kadlec Regional Medical Center in an announcement Friday.

Kadlec’s Healthy Ages program, which includes Medicare education, Mall Walkers, End of Life, Vial of Life and monthly wellness programs, will transition to the nonprofit Senior Life Resources Northwest on Sept. 5.

Senior Life Resources’ major programs now are Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels and home care services.

People who want to continue their Healthy Ages benefits must contact Senior Life Resources Northwest by calling 509-736-0035, emailing healthyages@seniorliferesources.org or online at seniorliferesources.org.

“Kadlec has stewarded Healthy Ages with incredible care and compassion,” said Brandy Hickey, executive director of Senior Life Resources. “We are honored to carry the program forward and keep these services available to the community.”

Kadlec will continue mental health and suicide awareness and prevention programs, plus a wide range of support groups for neurolgical issues.

“Although this change is necessary due to the financial pressures we are facing in health care, it is not a reflection of the incredible value the KNRC Library and affected community health programs have provided to so many,” said Reza Kaleel, chief executive of the Providence Southeast Washington Service Area.

The Washington State Hospital Association said earlier this year that the COVID-19 pandemic financially devastated the hospitals in the state. Although hospital finances statewide have improved some, 95% of hospitals still have financial margins of less than 5% or are operating at a loss, it said.

Support by Kadlec center

The Neurological Resource Center’s mission over 44 years has been to ensure that no one faces the challenges of a neurological disorder alone.

It has offered a range of free services over the past 44 years for both those with neurological disorders and also caregivers.

Support groups have been offered for dementia, ALS, chronic pain, stroke and Parkinson’s disease, among other neurological disorders, plus support groups for caregivers.

The support groups have provided a safe space for people to share their experiences and find comfort in knowing they are not alone, according to the announcement by Kadlec.

Its lending library has provided resources on many disorders, including books and other materials for caregivers and a collection for children and teens who might be dealing with a neurological disorder themselves or in a family member.

“Most people came in when they were at the end of their ropes as caregivers, or were dealing with a new diagnosis,” said Sue Linn, senior program support assistant, in a statement. “... Part of our value was we were able to spend more than 15 minutes with people to listen and answer their questions.”

People needing support could just walk in, said Karen Hayes, senior community health investment manager.

“They would share their story, and we would listen to them, connect them with resources, give them information and help them,” she said. “Our goal was always for people to leave with tools to make their lives easier.”

The center started thanks to the efforts of a group of Tri-Cities area residents who had a vision of providing resources for those living with epilepsy and evolved to a wide range of neurological issues that are particularly difficult for both the patient and the family, according to the center staff.

It relied on donations for some of its expenses, including money raised by the Kadlec Foundation, and on dedicated and longtime volunteers, some of whom became staff.

“We have been such a great team,” Hayes said. “So many amazing programs. So many amazing memories.”

This story was originally published August 25, 2025 at 5:00 AM.