Stories from our neighborhoods
Providence in Oregon honors fiscal responsibility while fulfilling our Mission of compassionate service by assessing the health needs of our communities. Some neighbors require medical care they can't afford. Some thrive because our services meet their basic needs. Others benefit from the support we give to local organizations, which, in turn, meet community needs.
For stories of how Providence cares in Oregon, visit www.providence.org/cares. We'll share new stories throughout the year. Check back monthly to learn how we're serving in local neighborhoods.
- Muslims in Portland have found a trusted friend in health care at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. The hospital staff has formed strong bonds with local Muslim groups, especially Somali immigrants. Working together, they have created sacred space, bridged cultural gaps in medical care and even shared a post-Ramadan meal.
- Clatsop Community College received a grant from Providence Seaside Hospital to support the college's nursing program. The grant will ensure well-trained nurses are available to meet the needs of hospitals and long-term care facilities on the northern Oregon coast.
- Thirty percent of Columbia River Gorge residents are Hispanic. Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital is teaming with Providence Hospice of the Gorge to better serve and bring comfort to Spanish-speaking people facing the end of life.
- Keeping low-income children healthy is the goal of a southern Oregon program supported by Providence Medford Medical Center. Kids Health Connection brings doctors and nurses into school-based clinics where kids can get medical care without mom or dad needing to take time off work.
- For many in Clackamas County, preventive health screenings are a luxury they can't afford. Thanks to free mammograms offered at Providence Milwaukie Hospital, an uninsured woman received a potentially life-saving screening. Filled with gratitude, she now volunteers at hospital events.
- The gift of meeting space is benefitting OC residents who attend classes and support groups sponsored by some local nonprofit groups. Providence is partnering with the groups to make meeting rooms at Providence Willamette Falls Community Center available, keeping operating costs manageable for these organizations.
- When situations go from bad to worse, Providence financial counselors work miracles for needy patients. A single mother suddenly facing unemployment and cancer was blessed when tenacious counselors at Providence Newberg Medical Center created miracles for her.
- Oregon ranks as one of the hungriest states in the nation. To ease hunger in their community, the Nutrition Services team at Providence Portland Medical Center donates food from its refrigerators and pantry to a local agency that helps homeless adults. But they don't stop there: They also cook and serve the food to these vulnerable neighbors.