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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 1, 2015)
community/in other words january1 2015 Warrenton Facility to Care for Residents in Mental Health Crisis An innovative community collaborative has plans to solve a long- standing health issue in the North Coast area--respite care for individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis. The group plans to open a new 16-bed facility in Warrenton that will care for people in crisis situations instead of using space in local hospital emergency departments or transporting patients out of the area. The collaboration of community health providers includes: Sumuer Watkins, Clatsop Behavioral Health; Scott Somers, Clatsop County; Erik Thorsen, Columbia Memorial Hospital; Michael Blauer and Bonnie Thompson, Providence Seaside Hospital; and Leslie Ford, Columbia Pacific Coordinated Care Organization and Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc. (GOBHI). The team brainstormed ideas on how to solve the problem and realized that no one partner could do so on its own. The team has now pulled together resources and funding to purchase a building in Warrenton that can be converted into a respite care facility for those having a behavioral or mental health emergency – such as extreme anxiety, depression, and mental disorientation or suicidal thoughts. “To date, GOBHI has purchased the building and Providence Health & Services has contributed more than $70,000 for equipment at the new facility,” said Leslie Ford, director of clinical innovation at GOBHI. “We look forward to our other community partners contributing as much as they can to fill this important need.” If anyone would like to make a tax-deductible financial contribution to the project, please contact Tonja Hodgkinson of GOBHI at 541-298-2101. The center, which has yet to be named, is expected to be open in early spring 2015. It will accept walk-in patients from Clatsop, Columbia and Tillamook counties, as well as referrals from local police departments, hospitals and medical clinics. The new center will accept Oregon Health Plan members and many other insurance plans. It will be located at 326 SE Marlin Avenue, Warrenton. “There is a huge need in the region for a center like this,” said Chief Jason Schermerhorn, Cannon Beach Police Department. “Trying to care for those in a behavioral health crisis can really tie up police and medical resources, which in turn can create other problems in our community.” “I am so thankful for the concerted effort that has gone into creating a respite care center for Clatsop County” adds Sheriff Tom Bergin, Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office. “The need is immense and the opportunity is welcomed with open arms.” About Greater Oregon Behavioral Health Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc., (GOBHI) provides community mental health programs in Baker, Clatsop, Columbia, Douglas, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Lake, Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Tillamook, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa and Wheeler counties. GOBHI is dedicated to the health care needs of rural Oregonians with the triple aim of better care, better health and lower costs by promoting wellness and focusing on the power of preventative and local care in partnership with Coordinated Care Organizations, including Columbia Pacific Coordinated Care Organization. Publisher and Managing Editor Scott Laird 503-367-0098 scott@vernoniasvoice.com Contributors Brett Costley Senator Betsy Johnson Stacey Lynn Garrett Mullikin Natassia Salinas Michal Smith Grant Williams Photography Tracy Easlon Scott Laird Want to advertise? Have an article? Contact: scott@vernoniasvoice.com One year subscriptions (24 issues) $35 Vernonia’s Voice is published on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. Vernonia’s Voice, LLC PO Box 55 Vernonia, OR 97064 503-367-0098 Creature Comforts: Bath Time! By Michal Smith Now is the time of year you can’t seem to let the animals outside without them coming back in with mud- dy paws and/or having that “wet dog” smell permeate the place. As a result, the task of keeping the house clean can also become overwhelming. Have you con- sidered giving the dog a bath? The idea, of doing it at home and the mess that can be created can be frightening, and for some it’s just not practical. A trip to the groomer seems like way too much fuss and cost. BUT WAIT ~ NOW THERE’S CREATURES U-Wash! Dog (and cat) owners looking for an alternative to costly trips to a groomer are now offered the ability to wash their dog themselves with the conveniences of a groomer’s tools and equipment just in- side Creatures pet store. Self-serve style dog washing offers the perfect solution for keeping animals clean and happy at a much lower price. Aside from the great value, Crea- tures U-wash will soon be a convenience difficult to live without. If you’ve washed your dog at home, you’ll appreciate no more backaches leaning over the tub or sore and bruised knees and soaked clothes. No wet towels, no fur balls lining the bathtub or clogging the drain, no mess to worry about at all. Af- ter a trip to your local pet store – Creatures that is, Fido returns home clean and happy, smelling like a bouquet of fresh flowers. The process is pretty straightforward and our friendly staff is always available to help with questions or tasks. (1) Bring in Fido/Fluffy to Creatures. Large, medium and small dog size crates are available to contain them un- til you’re settled in (purse stowed, coat hung up, apron fitted etc.) and ready to put the dog in the tub. The tub sets up off of the floor about 2 ½ feet making it an easy task to accomplish while standing. There’s a handy hydrau- lic lift that’s used to hoist the heavier dogs up and at a level comfortable for the Happy Hour Mon-Fri 4-7 Lady’s Night Wed 5-12 Events www.VernoniasVoice.com dog to step into the tub. (2) Once the dog is in the tub, you’ll secure them using security loops which are attached firmly to the wall. (3) Wet the dog, shampoo, lather and massage, rinse and condition, rinse again, then blow off the excess wa- ter with our high force blower until the fur is just damp, or dry if preferred. Tow- els and a variety of brushes and combs as well as nail trimmers are also available for your use. (4) Top off the trip with an ear clean and a skin moisturizing spritz and Fido/Fluffy is ready for a night on your best linen. The price is only $15 per wash! As always, Creatures promotes a fre- quent washer program of buy 3 and the 4 th one is FREE! AND for an additional $2 off per wash, bring your own towels! Give a call to the store in advance of your arrival so the store is ready for you and your friend!. Creatures is OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Mon-Fri 10-6; Sat 10-5; Sun Noon-4 at 503-429-PETS (7387). Cedar Side Inn Sunday Breakfast Now serving 10am-9pm Karaoke New Year’s Eve Party with Patrick the DJ • Specialty hamburgers • Draft beer & mixed drinks • Pool tables & satelite TV Sat, Jan. 10th Dixie Wrecked Sat, Jan 21st Texas Hold Em • Pool Tourny Most Friday nights • Free Wi-fi • Beer & Kegs to go Sun - Thurs 11 AM - Midnight • 733 Bridge St, Vernonia “STILL BIKER FRIENDLY” Fri - Sat 11 AM - 2:30 AM • 503-429-9999 3 Every 2nd & Last Friday Taco Tuesday from opening until 9pm 3 hardshell or 1 softshell $4.25 Ladies’ Night every Thursday 6pm-close • Free Pool • Free WiFi • Specialty Pizzas iheck our Facebook page for daily specials and upcoming events 756 Bridge Street, Vernonia 503-429-5841