Douglas County Commissioners Recognize National Nurses Week

ROSEBURG, Ore. — Douglas County commissioners have proclaimed May 6 through May 12 as National Nurses Week in Douglas County, recognizing the work of local nurses in hospitals, clinics, home visiting programs, veterans care, corrections, and nursing education.

The proclamation was issued during the Board of Commissioners’ weekly business meeting by Commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice, and Tim Freeman. The recognition calls on residents to observe the week and thank nurses for their service to the community.

Commissioner Tom Kress said the week is a time to celebrate and recognize the hard work, dedication, and compassion of nursing professionals. County officials said nurses play a critical role in the health care system, providing care, education, advice, and support in a wide range of settings.

Representatives from several local organizations attended the proclamation presentation, including CHI Mercy Medical Center, Aviva Health, Umpqua Health Alliance, UCAN’s Nurse Home Visiting Program, the Roseburg VA, Umpqua Community College’s nursing program, and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Division.

Holly Cook, chief of nursing at CHI Mercy Medical Center, thanked commissioners for the proclamation and said health care is a team effort.

“I'm so proud of the team of nursing and all of those that support nursing, and especially here in Douglas County, it is a privilege to be able to care for the family and friends that make up Douglas County,” Cook said.

Elise Hansen, RN and program manager for UCAN’s Home Nurse Program, thanked commissioners for the proclamation and for supporting programs that serve families in Douglas County.

“Our nurses get to see babies when they're first born and help set families in Douglas County off on the right foot, and it's making a tremendous impact,” Hansen said.

Jess Freeman, RN with Aviva Health, said nursing can be physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting, but described it as meaningful work.

“It is an absolute honor to walk alongside our community members,” Freeman said. “Whether that is acute or chronic conditions, we get to be there to support them in some of their best days and some of their worst days.”

Jodi Fassler, RN and health services administrator for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Division, said nurses in the jail provide care to people who often have not received regular medical attention.

“We have helped diagnose some patients and we have saved some lives because their illness has gone unrecognized,” Fassler said.

Douglas County officials said the county has about 1,500 nursing professionals in the local workforce. The county also pointed to Umpqua Community College’s nursing education program as part of the local pipeline for future nurses.

The proclamation encourages residents to recognize nurses during National Nurses Week and thank them for their role in supporting the health of the community.