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Mobile Health Unit Field Report
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Saturday December 8, 2007:
Hi everyone! Here is more news from the field. I was in Vernonia, Oregon this weekend to see for myself how the relief efforts were going and how Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital was helping. I was inspired.
This is the first time we've sent our Mobile Health Unit (MHU) out of the Columbia Gorge service area to aid others in time of need. We offered all of our services free.
The town is slowly getting into a routine. The MHU staff has been very busy since arrival on Thursday. Jan Loomis, R.N. and Medical Assistant Silvia Ochoa have been seeing patients and giving tetanus shots. Bill Palmer, who drives our 35-foot mobile rig, also an Emergency Medical Tech (EMT), is performing triage with staff from the State of Oregon's Emergency Team. Yesterday they helped 154 patients and today, a similar amount. In three days, we'I've helped more than 360 people impacted by the winter storms.
The Emergency Team and the Providence Hood River MHU has developed a partnership that is working well. Providence teams from across the state are arriving now in Vernonia, to set up treatment areas to support the Providence Medical Group Vernonia Clinic.
This morning, Governor Ted Kulongoski and Senators Ron Wyden, Gordon Smith and Betsy Johnson toured the area and visited MHU staff. Channel 8 KGW stopped by the MHU, as well.
On Saturday, as we arrived in Vernonia, we asked a sheriff's deputy if he knew where the MHU was and he immediately gave us directions. That big Providence Recreational Vehicle, painted with the words "Mission In Motion," has made a lot of friends in Vernonia.
The sad part is that the destruction around town is tremendous. Many residents are having a hard time coping with the loss and devastation. However, it is awesome to see the positive attitude Vernonia citizens have, in spite of it all.
I met with the Incident Commander managing the multi-agency disaster response, and received a lot of praise on the hospital's behalf. Everybody is very thankful for the help and commitment of our team. We could not do it without the support of our Gorge communities.
The MHU team is expected to return home Sunday night. There is an ongoing need for health care in Vernonia. People are getting injured while cleaning their homes and yards after the storm. Providence Medical Group tents are being set up to augment Vernonia clinic and offer enhanced medical services.
Once again, thank you for your support.
Maria Elena Castro
Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital
Manager, Mobile Health Unit |
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