Harney District Hospital makes a statement over recent misinformation
By Mindy McKerrall on Tuesday, July 7th, 2026 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
HARNEY COUNTY(Released by Harney District Hospital)-In a small community like ours, we share in one another’s joys and sorrows. The recent loss experienced by Stephanie Sell and her family is a heartbreaking tragedy that has deeply affected many throughout Harney County. Our sympathies and heartfelt condolences remain with Stephanie and her loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
There has been considerable discussion within our community, and some misinformation has circulated. As a result, we believe it is important to respectfully provide additional context regarding both the support that was extended and the decisions that were made.
Following this tragic loss, Stephanie was granted 12 weeks of leave with benefits, despite having exhausted her available protected leave. In addition, many hospital employees voluntarily donated their own paid time off, so she could continue receiving a paycheck and benefits during her time away from work. This extraordinary generosity reflects the compassion of all of our caregivers throughout the organization and a longstanding tradition of our employees supporting one another during times of hardship. It is a practice that has benefited other employees facing serious personal challenges and is one we remain committed to continuing.
Further support was offered through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to the entire EMS team.
We are also deeply grateful to our EMS team, who requested time off together so they could attend the funeral and procession in support of their colleague. The EMS staff worked diligently to coordinate coverage with neighboring EMS agencies to ensure emergency medical services remained uninterrupted for our community. The hospital fully supported these efforts, including allowing them to wear their EMS uniforms to show solidarity.
We recognize that much of the community discussion has centered on the use of a hospital ambulance in the funeral procession. We made the decision based on legal advice and proper use of public resources. Unlike private events, public community events (such as parades and rodeos) are defined by IRS regulations as Community Benefit Activities, which are those activities required by hospitals to keep their nonprofit status. We understand that our decision caused pain, and for that we are truly sorry. We also regret the misunderstandings and misdirected negativity that have followed. None of that was our intent, and we recognize that good people can see this situation differently.
We have also received letters expressing concern about EMS compensation and working conditions. We appreciate those who have taken the time to advocate for our emergency responders. They are an invaluable part of our healthcare system, and over the past few years the hospital has made significant investments to strengthen EMS services. These efforts include purchasing a new ambulance, recruiting enough EMTs and Paramedics to provide our community with 24/7 coverage by two fully equipped and trained teams on duty at all times, funding advanced paramedic education for EMTs, acquiring new equipment, and expanding communications capabilities to better serve every corner of Harney County.
Earlier this year, the hospital negotiated with the Teamsters Union and reached a Collective Bargaining Agreement that covers the terms and conditions of employment for our EMS employees. The Collective Bargaining Agreement reflects the workplace priorities that were identified to us by EMS staff, including 72-hour shifts with compensation structured according to the union-negotiated wage scale, with overtime where applicable, while continuing to serve as integrated members of the Harney District Hospital healthcare team.
Compensation for our EMS professionals reflects both the demands of the position and the Collective Bargaining Agreement that was negotiated with the Teamsters Union. Our full-time EMTs earn an annual salary ranging from $51,608 to $83,448 with an additional $27,409 to $39,505 in employer-paid benefits, for a total compensation package ranging from $79,017 to $122,953. Our full-time Paramedics earn an annual salary ranging from $76,710 to $103,113 with employer-paid benefits ranging from $35,391 to $45,759 for a total compensation package ranging from $112,101to $148,872. These figures include wages, overtime earned under the union-negotiated schedule, retirement contributions, health insurance, paid leave, and other contractual benefits.
Like all healthcare professionals, EMS staff occasionally assist outside their primary responsibilities when patient care or operational needs require it. Nurses may step into unit coordination roles, administrative staff may assist with environmental services, and employees throughout the organization regularly help wherever they are needed. This spirit of teamwork is not unique to EMS — it is a fundamental part of healthcare and reflects our shared commitment to providing safe, compassionate, and high-quality care to every patient, especially in a hospital the size of ours.
During times of grief, emotions understandably run high. We continue to extend our support for Stephanie and the EMS team in every way that we can — through extended leave, donated time off, EAP services, and flexibility for our staff to grieve together. As neighbors, friends, and caregivers, we all share the same goal: supporting those who are hurting while ensuring our community continues to receive exceptional healthcare. We hope that by sharing these facts, we can replace misunderstanding with greater understanding and continue moving forward together with compassion, kindness, and mutual respect.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, Administration, Medical Staff, and every caregiver at Harney District Hospital, we extend our sincere condolences to Stephanie and her family. We remain committed to supporting our employees through life’s most difficult moments while continuing to serve the people of Harney County with dedication, professionalism, and compassion.
