Southern Coos Health Foundation

Tuition Assistance: The Mary Richards Scholarship Program supports individuals pursuing education in healthcare and healthcare-related fields. Many recipients are staff members of Southern Coos Hospital & Health Center-or their immediate family-who are furthering their education such as CNAs working toward degrees as Registered Nurses. In the reported year nine scholarships of $2,500 each were awarded. The program is funded by individual contributions proceeds from the Foundations Gift Shop after operating expenses and the annual Golf for Health Classic fundraiser held each September. The program helps strengthen the rural healthcare workforce by investing in local talent.

Early Cancer Detection Assistance: The Foundation supports early cancer detection efforts in the underserved rural community of Bandon by funding preventative screenings for individuals who are uninsured and unable to afford these services. Screenings include mammograms and PSA lab tests which are performed through Southern Coos Hospital & Health Centers ancillary services. The Foundation pays the full cost of these screenings ensuring access to essential cancer detection and prevention services for vulnerable populations.

Community Health Education Events: The Foundation hosted two major annual community events Womens Health Day and Living & Aging Well each with over 100 attendees. These events which were free to attend aim to promote public health in our rural and aging community through education and engagement. They featured expert speakers and healthcare professionals presenting on topics such as disease prevention wellness education and healthy aging. The events were largely staffed by volunteers including Southern Coos Hospital & Health Center staff Southern Coos Health Foundation board members and Southern Coos Health District board members. Modest sponsorships were accepted to help cover event expenses though sponsor benefits were minimal and non-promotional. These events are a core expression of the Foundations mission to support community wellness through accessible mission-driven programming.

Art Show Program: The Foundation curates four themed art shows annually showcasing original work by local and regional artists. Each show is selected through a public Call-to-Artists and is displayed throughout the hospital creating a welcoming and healing environment for patients visitors and staff. Themes have included exhibits such as A Walk in the Woods and Stormy Weather particularly fitting for our coastal region during the winter months. The program is well-regarded in the local art community and draws community members to the hospital during quarterly opening receptions. While artists retain proceeds from sales of their work many choose to donate a portion back to support the Foundations mission. This ongoing program integrates the arts into a healthcare setting to promote wellness community engagement and cultural enrichment.

Community Vaccine Clinics: As part of its mission to improve community health and expand access to care in rural and underserved areas Southern Coos Health Foundation supported a no-cost community vaccination clinic in collaboration with Southern Coos Hospital & Health Center. Held in October 2023 at Bandon City Park the clinic provided free COVID-19 and flu vaccinations to approximately 450 members of the public regardless of insurance or ability to pay. Vaccines were purchased by the hospital and administered by staff volunteers supported by community members donating their time. Contributions received by the Foundation in connection with this event were granted to SCHHC to help cover vaccine expenses. The Foundations role in this initiative reflects its broader commitment to public health health equity and reducing barriers to preventative care for vulnerable populations in rural Oregon.