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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