A coalition that has been working for several years to reduce preventable emergency room visits in Washington state claims it has improved utilization and quality of care, and created savings, while also drawing national attention for its efforts.

Whooping cough (pertussis) is on the rise in Washington state, and people are being urged to get vaccinated against the disease, especially pregnant women, as infants are very susceptible to severe illness and even death from pertussis, the Spokane Region