BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Costs that are rising faster than earnings for health care are straining many providers in Washington state and the nation.

And Whatcom County’s largest health care provider is no exception.

PeaceHealth has taken a comprehensive look at its services and is cutting positions and some programs to help make ends meet.

PeaceHealth has eliminated 32 positions from its Northwest Network that includes Bellingham, Sedro-Woolley, Friday Harbor and Ketchikan, Alaska.

It’s also closing the Asthma & Allergy Clinic in Bellingham.

A specific date has not been identified for that closing and patients should continue to visit the clinic while physicians and staff assess individuals’ needs.

Overnight sleep lab services will end on May 15th, but sleep consultations and home studies will continue.

PeaceHealth says it’s confident it will continue to meet communities’ health care needs in spite of the cuts.