Kadlec is an integrated regional health care system with a rich history of providing the highest quality care. Kadlec opened its doors in 1944 as a hospital to care for the Hanford area workers and their families and is now the second largest employer in the Tri-Cities area providing health care to a half million people throughout Southeastern Washington and Northeastern Oregon. As a not-for-profit, private corporation governed by local volunteer trustees, decisions at Kadlec are made with its community's best interest in mind. Kadlec is a member of the Planetree network of hospitals and since 2013 has maintained an A Grade in hospital safety by The Leapfrog Group. It is also the recipient of the Tri-City Herald’s People’s Choice awards for Best Hospital and Best Company to Work For. In addition to the Regional Medical Center, Kadlec Clinic has grown to 26 sites located in six communities and offers care in over 20 specialties. Kadlec is affiliated with the not-for-profit health system Providence St. Joseph Health.