E-V Charging Stations Available to Hospital Patients January 8, 2021 Patients at Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital can now charge their electric vehicles there, with the recent construction of two dual-EV charging stations. The four electric vehicle parking spaces are for use without charge by patients or their traveling companions. They are located at the north end of the new main parking lot that stretches across the west side of the recently completed and remodeled SPCH facility. This costly EV-charging station project received a financial boost from a $15,000 grant awarded last January by the Lincoln County Community and Economic Development Fund, to the Pacific Communities Health District Foundation. “This EV charging service is primarily intended for patients who are in Newport as visitors and find themselves in need of health care services,” said Ursula Marinelli, PCHD Foundation executive director. “Often, this is the result of an emergency, such as stroke, heart attack or accident. Providing EV charging stations for patients and their traveling companions offers a comforting service and alleviates the anxiety of finding a place to charge their vehicles during such a stressful time. In short, it is one less thing for our patients to worry about.” The grant was used to partially fund the above-ground installation of the two dual-EV stations and a portion of the below-ground infrastructure that will permit the future installation of three more dual-EV charging stations, for a total of 10 vehicles able to recharge at the same time. Installing the infrastructure during construction of the new hospital and hospital parking lot has helped to avoid future costs, inconveniences and safety hazards associated with digging up the parking lot at a later date. “While there are gas stations on every corner, EV charging stations are less plentiful,” Marinelli said. “I am so pleased that our hospital and health district executives recognize the value of this technology and are preparing to meet this growing patient need in our communities.”
