Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (July 18, 2002)
PageB The INDEPENDENT, July 18, 2002 Health Notes ByAudeen Wagner School Physicals/lmmunizations: It’s only July, but Providence Family Med icine is thinking about “back to school” al ready. They remind parents and students that it is time now to make that trip to the clinic to get sports physicals, immunizations, and a checkup out of the way ahead of the rush before school starts. It is important to bring immunization records with you to the clinic, so they can de termine for you what, if any, immunizations are needed (there have been some changes in the schedule for shots and boosters, so it is especially important this year). The clinic can help you de termine your child’s immunization status. Even if you just need a quick shot, you will need to call the clin ic to make an appointment. And it is a good idea to take care of this requirement now, before the school year is upon us— things can get a little crowded at the clinic in August. Health Partnership for Columbia County There has been much activity in the past year or more by a group called the “Community Health Partnership.” This committee is made up of volunteer community leaders from Columbia Coun ty whose mission is to improve health services for the county. The first phase of the partnership involved surveying the county’s health care needs, and interviewing community leaders, em ploy ers, doctors and more. Through this effort, much valuable infor mation was collected, and was presented to the public in Sep tember, 2001 at a meeting in St. Helens. At the meeting, it was reported that the most-desired improve ment to healthcare in the county would be a 24-hour Urgent Care or Emergency Room service, and a local hospital. An interesting finding was that, while there were 72,000 doctor visits reported, an estimated 60,000 local residents used out-of-county doctors. Also, revealed is that Columbia County is a grossly under-served area, with only 14 local full-time physicians. Compared to national popula tion norms, the county is short 19 physicians and 40 specialists. It was found that a Critical Access Hospital (CAH) would fit the county’s needs better than a regular hospital. CAHs have been in existence for about five years; a major benefit is that they are eli gible for full rebates on Medicare and Medicaid payments. It would provide “short-stay" hospital care, and emergency room and oth er optional services. “Having hospital and emergency care in the county,” the Health Partnership reported, “would benefit our com munity in saved lives, quicker response in emergencies, and in convenience/less transportation.” Having a CAH would also at tract more doctors to the county, since doctors tend to practice where there is a hospital nearby. How this affects Vernonia re mains a question, since the CAH would be located in St. Helens, about the same distance that local patients must travel now for hospital care or other extended services (to Hillsboro or Portland). Thanks to Pam Rahn, Coordinator of the Health Partnership, Co-chairs Brian Burright and Carolyn Keasey, and the hard-work ing members of the Partnership, some positive action may be a reality in the future, resulting in improved healthcare services for Columbia County residents. For more information about the Part nership and its activities, interested people may call Rahn at 503- 396-1804. Next Mammovan visit to Vernonia is Wednesday, August 21. Volunteers needed for “families” board The Columbia County Board of Commissioners is soliciting applications from county citi zens willing to serve on local boards, committees, com m is sions and advisory boards. These committees help shape public policy for the county. The County will be consider- ing appointments of lay mem bers from the Clatskanie, Rainier and Vernonia areas to the Columbia County Commis sion on Children and Families. Interested parties are asked to call the Board of Commis sioners at 503-397-4322. This Vernonia team was delighted with their third place win at Newberg, in the Washington County Girls Softball League for ages 14 and under. From left, in the front row, are Miranda Nutting, Jessie Gehrke and Sam Jeffers; middle row, Kristin Kelly, Jessica Shaw, Erin Gehrke and Stephanie Benes; back row, Coach Jim Kelly, Kristina Lamping, Kristin Cota, Mac- Without your generous support, Vernonia Kenzie Bassett and Coach Chris Cota. could not enjoy Fourth of July Fireworks! Thank you... SUMMER MUSIC CAMP in Vernonia July 29 - A u g u st 2 10 AM 2 PM Beginning & intermediate activities for children age 5 and up. No prior music experience required. Gall Madeleine: (503) 429 9402 Vernonia Lion’s Club Jim & Ginger Johns Christopher &’ Ruth Burkett Holce Logging Skidmore & Son Mike Pihl Logging Summer Country Massage Clinic Archie Dass Logging, Inc. Daniel E. Koch, Inc. Western Auto Associate Store The Yard Doctor Gwin & Sons Logging Allied Logging, Inc. RSG Forest Products Keenon Land Services Marie Krahn Massage Sports People Triple S Service West Oregon Electric Cooperative, Inc. Vernonia Inn Art & Enid Parrow Spiralz Loren & Robin Dennis Karen Parrow Lew’s Place Rod Alexander Floor Covering, Inc. Vernonia Booster Club Vernonia Sentry Carey’s Create-A-Cate Cub Scout Pack 201 Vernonia Area Chamber of Commerce — Vernonia Pride
