OCCU Foundation gift helps bring lifesaving tool to Cottage Grove

COTTAGE GROVE, Ore. – Thanks to a generous gift from OCCU Foundation, the philanthropic arm of OCCU, PeaceHealth Cottage Grove Community Medical Center will soon be able to offer the latest technology to help diagnose stroke patients.

OCCU Foundation’s donation lets the medical center purchase a platform that will allow providers in Cottage Grove to consult with neurology specialists at Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend’s Comprehensive Stroke Center when patients arrive that may be exhibiting symptoms indicative of a stroke.

Called the Telestroke program, the platform uses audio and video technology so providers at RiverBend can share their expertise and collaborate with Cottage Grove providers caring for patients aged 16 and older in the Emergency Department while also examining the patient remotely.

"The program will have an immediate, positive impact," said Dr. Elaine Skalabrin, Stroke Medical Director at Sacred Heart at RiverBend. The rollout is timely, since May is National Stroke Awareness Month.

When a stroke occurs, every second counts. Having a resource like Telestroke in Lane County communities, including Cottage Grove Community Medical Center, will be invaluable. This partnership enhances the center's ability to deliver high-quality stroke care, reducing the need for patient transfers and improving outcomes for those experiencing acute stroke symptoms.

The generous gift from the OCCU Foundation is just one way it is helping the residents of Cottage Grove and nearby communities.

“OCCU has significantly increased our investment in south Lane County, and we are thrilled that the OCCU Foundation can support the introduction of Telestroke technology at PeaceHealth Cottage Grove Community Medical Center,” said Ron Neumann, OCCU President & CEO and chair of the OCCU Foundation. “We believe this initiative will greatly enhance access to advanced medical care and improve health outcomes for individuals across our community.”

The gift exemplifies the power philanthropy can have in a smaller community such as Cottage Grove, said Jennifer Svihus of the PeaceHealth Foundation.

“When Ron and OCCU approached us about wanting to have a positive impact in south Lane County, we immediately thought of the Telestroke program,” Svihus said. “Their gift effectively brings the providers at RiverBend’s comprehensive stroke center into the exam rooms at Cottage Grove Community Medical Center.” 

Chris Martin, RN, MBA, is the Telestroke Network coordinator, and helped launch the program and has guided its development and implementation. He said this is a perfect use for the technology and an ideal way to help leverage the knowledge found within PeaceHealth.

“As a former EMT and nurse, I recognized the opportunity to provide fast access to the resources we have at RiverBend among our outlying communities,” Martin said. “Now patients in south Lane County will benefit from it, and we expect this is just the start.”

The technology joins a recently upgraded, more advanced CT scanner at Cottage Grove, enhancing the accessibility and care of imaging services for local patients in diagnosing acute strokes. 

About PeaceHealth: PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a non-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. PeaceHealth has approximately 16,000 caregivers, nearly 3,200 physicians and clinicians, more than 160 clinics and 9 medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Visit us online at peacehealth.org.

About OCCU: OCCU is a not-for-profit financial cooperative with more than $3.4 billion in assets. The credit union was founded in Eugene, OR, in 1956, and has an expanding network of branches and web tools to provide its more than 260,000 member-owners with a full suite of financial services. Membership is open to anyone living or working in 31 Oregon counties or anywhere in Washington. Learn more at MyOCCU.org.

About OCCU Foundation: OCCU Foundation is the philanthropic arm of OCCU. It provides wellness support and community response to the neighborhoods OCCU serves. OCCU Foundation was founded to further extend the credit union’s vision to Enrich Lives. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Foundation is funded by OCCU, businesses, families and individuals. More than $3 million has been granted to build happier and healthier communities since its start in 2018. Learn more at MyOCCU.org/Foundation.

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