Saint Alphonsus and Community Partners Commit to Sustained Response to Local Needs Amid Fires
By Garrett Christensen on Tuesday, July 30th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER CITY – (Release from Sain Alphonsus) Eastern Oregon is fighting as a region against the country’s largest fires this year. As a health system, Saint Alphonsus is committed to serving as a transformative, caring presence within our local communities, and we are working actively to provide aid in the local Baker City community with the help of our dedicated colleagues, resilient community partners, and strong local leaders.
Since the onset of the fires, there has been a united spirit to provide resources to those in need, and Saint Alphonsus Medical Center Baker City has worked alongside leading community partners like the Baker County Oregon Health Department, American Red Cross of Idaho, Montana and Eastern Oregon, Baker School District 5J, US Forest Service, rural volunteer firefighters, and local volunteers to ensure resources and supplies are connected with firefighters and local residents.
“As a hospital system, we are prepared to help in a sustained way,” said Alicia M. Wolfe, Saint Alphonsus Mission Leader for Baker City. “We have quick access to highly needed items and medications through our pharmacy and supply chain, and with the support of local community partners, we are all working together to really serve as connectors and get resources to where they are needed most. Everyone in our Baker City community is all hands on deck right now, and it’s something we should truly feel proud of.”
Local hospital colleagues have lived out our core values of reverence and commitment to those experiencing poverty. Pharmacy Manager Shannon Smock advocated for immediate action through the request for supplies. The hospital responded with a donation of much-needed supplies to be given directly to the US Forest Service’s rural firefighters. Supplies included saline eyewash, single dose sunblock, SPF chapstick, Gatorade, Liquid IV electrolyte packs for water and wet wipes.
As part of its annual Mission Week, held next week, the hospital will also be shifting its service project to support firefighters and local community members in need.
“The Baker City community has a frontier spirit. We are resourceful. Our community spirit is evident in the response we’ve seen to the fires,” said Saint Alphonsus Medical Center Eastern Oregon Vice President, Tony Swart. “We will continue to work in tandem with our community partners to ensure we lift each other up.”
The health and safety of our patients and community are our priority. If someone is experiencing a medical concern, they are advised to call 911 or come directly to the Emergency Department. For non-emergent needs, call your primary care provider.
