Staff & Volunteers Participate in National Night Out August 10, 2021 Emergency Services and Emergency Management staff from Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital took a break from their ordinary workday to participate in Newport’s National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 3. Held inside and outdoors at the National Guard Armory from 4 to 7 p.m., the event featured free food, giveaways and the opportunity to meet local law enforcement officers and emergency responders, as well as to enjoy attractions like a booth by the Newport Discovery Zoo, touch-a-truck and other kid-friendly activities. “It was so much fun and so exhausting,” said Pamela Halbrook, SPCH trauma coordinator. She and an officer from the Newport Police Department provided and fitted bicycle/skateboard helmets to a long line of children for two busy hours before slowing down to a few children at a time for the final hour, she reported. The final count was 128 children fitted, with only two helmets left over. Roberta Mesa is SPCH’s new Emergency Management coordinator. She took the opportunity to meet and greet attendees and to provide information about disaster preparedness at the hospital and how people can plan and prepare for emergencies at home, as well. She also handed out Samaritan items such as lip balm and hand sanitizer, with the small bandage kits and emergency blankets proving very popular. “It was great to see so many people in the community interested in disaster preparedness,” Mesa commented. Halbrook added that two Women’s Giving Circle members, Karen Murphy and Karla Clem, were “super helpful” in making the process flow seamlessly and quickly and that SPCH volunteer Cyndee Martin stayed at the door of the Armory to provide masks, which were donated by the hospital, and to ensure that everyone entering the building was wearing one. The helmets were provided through a partnership between the Newport Police Department, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and the Pacific Communities Health District Foundation Women’s Giving Circle. Members of the Women’s Giving Circle pool annual gifts of $250 each and make grants like this one to help improve health care for women and children in their communities. Employees interested in joining the Women’s Giving Circle may contact Karla Clem, senior development specialist for the PCHD Foundation.
