CMH celebrates National Rural Health Day
Contact: Sarah Bello
BuildCMH Expansion Project expanding rural health access in Astoria
ASTORIA, Ore. — Columbia Memorial Hospital (CMH) is excited to join communities nationwide in celebrating National Rural Health Day (NRHD) on Thursday, November 21. This important event showcases the “Power of Rural” and honors the individuals and organizations committed to meeting the unique health care needs of nearly 61 million people living in rural America.
“As we marked the recent groundbreaking of the BuildCMH Expansion Project in October, it’s a great moment to consider what this development means for the rural community in northwest Oregon and southwest Washington,” says Erik Thorsen, CEO. “This expansion will increase the hospital’s size from 56,000 to 182,000 square feet, significantly improving our ability to deliver high-quality health care right where it’s needed most.”
In the past year, CMH has welcomed several new providers and surgeons to the hospital and the CMH-OHSU Health Medical Group. With these new additions to the care team, there are more opportunities for new forms of care right here in the community. Some services expected in the coming expansion include:
- Robotic surgery
- Dedicated interventional radiology suite
- Additional telemedicine services with OHSU
- Increased mammography services
- Dedicated imaging equipment in the Emergency Department
- Increased access to advanced imaging with new CT, MRI and PET CT machines
- Safer Rooms in the Emergency Department that will allow caregivers to accommodate a broader spectrum of patient types and acuity levels
- Dedicated observation unit
- Beautiful, new OB suites, with private labor tubs in each room
- Expanded access to surgery and outpatient procedures
Additionally, the incorporation of essential features such as the Tsunami Vertical Evacuation Structure will enhance our community preparedness for natural disasters. This project underscores CMH’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of our rural population, ensuring everyone has access to the care they deserve for generations to come.
CMH invites community members and caregivers to engage in various NRHD activities that celebrate the dedication to rural health and the outstanding work of health professionals and volunteers throughout the year.
As the hospital celebrates National Rural Health Day, CMH remains committed to providing affordable, quality health care for everyone in our community, regardless of where they call home.
For additional information about National Rural Health Day, visit https://powerofrural.org.