About NW Hospital Partnership

The Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (OAHHS) along with the Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) partnered today with NW-based medical relief agency Medical Teams International to assist in their “on-the-ground” efforts to provide medical care to the Haitian people so deeply impacted Tuesday’s earthquake.

“The devastation we have all seen in the region compelled us to do something significant as health care providers,” stated Leo Greenawalt, WSHA president and CEO. “This partnership is a natural fit for our members to support the emergency relief efforts of Medical Teams International; we can provide the resources needed to provide the appropriate care in Haiti.”

The two NW hospital associations have committed to raise $100,000 across their collective 156 hospital membership to sponsor 10 emergency medical response teams from Medical Teams International who will provide medical service in the devastated region. Each medical team requires $10,000 to cover travel, food and basic supplies for the volunteers.

Additionally, Medical Teams International has made a request to its hospital partners to provide medications for the ravaged area. Both OAHHS and WSHA have asked their members to also assist by helping to supply Medical Teams International with the medications necessary for each emergency medical response team. Each team will have enough medication for 3,000 Haitian victims.

“This is what we do best and we need to do all we can to pull our resources together as an industry and provide the critical support that is needed in these early days,” stated Andy Davidson, OAHHS president and CEO. “Our goal is to raise more than our initial commitment so that Medical Teams International can focus on the work they do best, provide appropriate care, at the right time and at the right place.”

CONTACT:
Andy Van Pelt
Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems
503-479-6018
avanpelt@oahhs.org