Reporter for The Canyon Weekly
Santiam Hospital & Clinics celebrated the achievements of its Service Integration program on Friday, June 14, on the north lawn of the hospital.
A crowd of about 75 people was on hand, including Linn County Commissioner Will Tucker, Mayor Brian Quigley and Councilor Steve Sims of Stayton, representatives of the offices of Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and Detroit Mayor Jim Trett.
Melodie Weeks was the top honoree. Weeks received the “Surfboard Award” for her work with Santiam Canyon households.
Kim Dwyer, Santiam Service integration coordinator, said that Weeks “demonstrates the service integration model by assessing a household’s needs.
The initial need may be met, but she will continue to work with the household to eliminate barriers, connect them to services and resources without duplication.”
The surfboard, Dwyer said, is a symbol of strength. In a further explanation she channeled those old BASF television commercials in which the company touts that they don’t make, say surfboards, they make them better. Ditto for the SIT program.
Weeks gets to keep the Surfboard Award trophy for a year. The surfboard itself, a splendid looking model, goes back to Dwyer where “it sits in my office as a prop.”
Dwyer also noted that SIT has spent about $19,000 in team funds this year through June 14.
The program used that money to leverage more than $260,000 in grants and matching funds.
The awards ceremony featured presentations from each of the four teams: Santiam Canyon, North Santiam, Scio and Cascade.
Perhaps the most compelling story came from the Cascade group. Marie Thompson, administrator of the Cascade Opportunity Center, told the tale of a homeless girl who became pregnant.
The Cascade team helped find her free housing and items for the baby, which was born in May. The girl was able to graduate on time and is enrolling at Chemeketa Community College to study nursing.
“It took a community of people,” Thompson said. “We’re not just helping one person. We’re helping the generations that come after her.”
This is year seven of the SIT program, while the Surfboard Award was presented for the fourth time.
“I have a feeling we’re not done yet. We’re just getting started,” Santiam Hospital & Clinics President and CEO Maggie Hudson said.
“Health care begins way before a patient comes in. One by one we are building a healthier community for the Santiam Canyon.
“We are so proud of Service Integration and the difference you are making.”
