Samaritan Health Services

01/29/2026

Did you know? Each week, nearly 30 individuals take time to volunteer at the guest assistance desk at Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital in Newport. 🥰 ❤️

These caring, kind and smiling volunteers welcome guests and patients as they enter our hospital. They diligently train to stay current with new processes, learn the names of new providers, and stay informed on what services are offered.

When asked the "why" behind their decision to volunteer, the most common response is: “To help people and see their smiles.” 😃

Next time you come in the main entrance, take a moment to say hello to one of guest assistance desk volunteers.

The photo shows they happy group gathered for a photo with Santa at their recent holiday party. They are, front row from left, Susan Pilling, Sue Schepers, Carey Collard, Sabine Maresco, Nancy Beaton, Santa Rennie Ferris and MacKenzie Maxon. Back row from left, Bonnie Hendren, Volunteer Services Coordinator Mag Leis, Toby Cole, Doug Scott, Jacky Tiede, Ed Simon, Kay Simon, Gloria Mazzeo and Tamara Craig.
❤️❤️❤️

01/29/2026

🎓 Scholarship opportunities are now open! 🎓
Samaritan Health Services is kicking off this year’s scholarship cycle, offering financial support for students and health care career‑seekers across Benton, Lincoln and Linn counties. These scholarships, offered by our hospital foundations, auxiliaries and Volunteer Services, support a wide range of educational paths. 💙

A few of the opportunities available:
📚 Health care degree scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students
📚 Nursing scholarships supporting RN, BSN and MSN pathways
📚 Midwifery and doula scholarships

If you or someone you know is looking to advance in a health care field, now’s a great time to explore what’s available.

Learn more and apply at https://samhealth.org/careers-education/scholarships/.

01/27/2026

🌟 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔? 🌟

Join the 16‑week Precision Wellness Weight Loss Program - a proven, expert‑led course that helps participants lose an average of 6.4% of their body weight (some up to 20%!).

S𝐩o𝐭s a𝐫e v𝐞r𝐲 𝐥i𝐦i𝐭e𝐝, and early registration is required to complete your pre‑class steps before we begin on March 3.

✔ Expert support, including a visit with Dr. Katy Brown
✔ Nutrition, fitness, sleep, mindfulness & hormone optimization
✔ SamFit membership + small‑group personal training
✔ Meal plans, grocery lists & more

👉 Deadline to enroll: Feb. 6
👉 𝐎n𝐥y 5 s𝐩o𝐭s l𝐞f𝐭 - don’t wait!

Learn more & sign up at https://samhealth.org/event/precision-wellness-sustainable-weight-loss/.

Samaritan Weight Management Institute's Precision Wellness weight loss program is a 16-week evidence-based course for patients with a BMI greater than 30.

01/24/2026

We’re proud to celebrate John Ketcham, MD, anesthesiologist at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center Clinics, as our January Rising Star 🌟. During a critical moment of patient care, Dr. Ketcham stepped in without hesitation—returning to the bedside, providing medication support, and staying hands-on to ensure the patient’s safety and stability. His willingness to go the extra mile made all the difference and exemplifies what compassionate, team-based care looks like. 🌟💫

01/21/2026

💛🦆
Last week, Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center celebrated National Rubber Duckie Day, with cheerful duckies of all kinds popping up throughout the facility — bringing smiles to staff members, visitors and patients alike.
The lighthearted tradition dates back to Sesame Street. In 1970, Ernie introduced the world to the song “Rubber Duckie,” turning a simple bath-time toy into an unexpected symbol of joy and comfort. The tune became so popular it even landed on the Billboard charts, reminding us that small moments can have a big impact.
Sometimes, a little fun goes a long way — and these duckies proved it. 🦆💛

01/19/2026

Humble and appreciative 🙏, former Oregon State Beaver wide receiver 🏈 Aaron Nichols was surprised to be named January’s Rising Star 🌟 at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center. As manager of GSR Retail Specialty Pharmacy 💊, Aaron credits his amazing pharmacy team for the honor: “They’re the reason I love what I do.”

01/18/2026

We're celebrating Rocio Badger, maternal care coordinator in the Women’s Center, as one of Samaritan Albany General Hospital's January Rising Star! 🌟

Rocio provided incredible support for a Spanish-speaking mother during a cesarean section! She helped with translation, prepping for surgery, recovery and baby care until the early hours of the morning. Her dedication ensures every patient feels cared for and understood. 💙 Thank you, Rocio, for your compassion and commitment!

Know someone who shines? Nominate a Shining Star at samhealth.org/ShiningStar.

01/18/2026

Welcome, baby Nora! 💕 She was born Saturday, Jan. 3, at 5:19 a.m. at Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital. Her parents, Tori and Keith Truett, are thrilled and so is her big brother. He couldn't wait to meet her! Congratulations to the Truett family! 🎉

01/16/2026

Our Rising Star program recognizes exceptional employees for their work that exemplifies Samaritan PRIDE: passion, respect, integrity, dedication and excellence. 🏆 Congrats to the most recent Lincon City Rising Stars! ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

👉 Amanda Mangold is described as an amazing manager for Lincoln City's three specialty clinics. She leads with compassion and connection, ensuring that all patients get amazing care while her teams are supported and managed. Good work, Amanda! ❤️

👉 Jeremy Raber, RN, works in our hospital's Medical/Surgical Unit. He is praised for being compassionate, honest, knowledgeable, dedicated, respectable and a quiet but strong leader. Congrats, Jeremy! ❤️

01/15/2026

Our hospital's Rising Star program recognizes exceptional employees for being the embodiment of Samaritan PRIDE: passion, respect, integrity, dedication and excellence. ⭐⭐ ⭐ Each month, one hospital employee and one clinic employee is selected from nominations submitted by patients and co-workers. 👏 🏆

Congrats to the most recent Rising Stars at Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital:

👉 Kayla Edwards, Newport's specialty clinics manager, was praised for providing grounded and compassionate guidance to improve the patient experience at the clinics while supporting the staff. Congrats, Kayla! ❤️

👉 Sandie Schaefer, manager of the hospital's infusion and wound department, was praised for consistently demonstrating exceptional leadership, compassion and dedication to her team. You rock, Sandie! ❤️

01/15/2026

Measles is more than “just a rash” — it’s one of the most contagious viruses in the world. The good news? It’s also highly preventable. 💉

Learn why staying up to date on the MMR vaccine protects you and our community. 💛

Plus: Dr. Adam Brady was recently featured on KMTR, sharing important updates about the recent measles exposures in Linn and Lane counties.

Read the full story ↓
https://samhealth.org/news/measles-is-more-than-just-a-rash/

Watch the KMTR segment ↓
https://nbc16.com/news/local/health-officials-urge-prevention-as-those-exposed-to-measles-patients-sought

01/14/2026

🩸 January is National Blood Donation Month!

Megan Hosmer, one of our own at Samaritan Health Services, began donating blood after her stepdaughter Ava relied on frequent transfusions during cancer treatment. Inspired by Ava’s strength, Megan now donates regularly — and her blood has even helped patients right here in our community after making it's way to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center.

💪 You can make a difference too. Donating takes about an hour, can save a life and be done year round.

👉 Find a donation site near you: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive

🖥️ Read Megan and Ava's full story at https://samhealth.org/news/turn-loss-into-action-with-blood-donation/.

❤️ Donate today. Every drop counts.

Pictured below is Ava Hosmer with Caesar the No Drama Llama Needs New Wheels. Ava loved animals and these two had a special connection.