March marked the beginning of a new time at Virginia Garcia. Oregon’s first COVID-19 case landed in Washington County and the virus became a very real threat to our staff, patients, and our community as a whole.
In the blink of an eye we shifted our focus from inpatient care to telemedicine. We converted our clinics to serve patients on the phone instead of in the exam room. The barriers that normally get in the way for our patients – food access, affordable housing, anti-immigration policies – were magnified in their intensity. We partnered with local organizations to find ways to knit a safety net that supported our patients and reduced the effects these barriers were having in their lives.
Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center was born from adversity and we are rising to this occasion much like we did in 1975. We are providing critical health care in the midst of this crisis, innovating in our response by expanding testing availability through the use of our mobile clinic and standing on the front-line as essential workers. We know what it takes to rise to the occasion and to continue pushing forward, serving our patients and speaking for those who cannot.
The support of our donors and the community have been nothing short of amazing over the past three months. We are here, doing this work, because of the generous support of donors and funders throughout our community.
On Friday, August 28, please join us for a virtual gala in support and celebration of the resilience of our patients and community.
Together we can continue moving forward during these challenging times.
Together, we are Virginia Garcia.
Tickets for the event this year are free. Celebrate from the comfort of your home see below for a few ways you can celebrate safely with friends.