Pacific Communities Health District Foundation

Founded by volunteers in 1983, the Pacific Communities Health District Foundation received its 501(c) (3) status in 1985. Our mission is to build healthier communities together by assisting the Pacific Communities Health District and the nonprofit Samaritan Pacific Health Services. We help them acquire equipment, services, and education to enhance the quality of medical care and health-related programs for the 30,000+ community members in our service area -- south, central and east Lincoln County. Samaritan Pacific Health Services operates community clinics in Waldport, Newport, Toledo and Depoe Bay. It also operates Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital, a 25-bed, non-profit, federally-designated Critical Access Hospital in Newport. The Pacific Communities Health District is a taxing authority with a five-member elected board tasked with ensuring we have health care in our communities. They own Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital and surrounding buildings. Samaritan Pacific Health Services doesn't turn anyone away for inability to pay or insurance type.

Our current primary project is the creation of a substance use disorder residential and intensive outpatient recovery center. Oregon is second in the nation for substance use disorder yet 50th for treatment availability. Our local Regional Mental Health/Substance Use Disorder Coalition reported that 1,933 Lincoln County residents (4.5% of the adult population) were diagnosed with substance use disorder between 9/1/19 and 8/31/21, yet there are no residential treatment services in Lincoln County. In response, the Pacific Communities Health District purchased a former adult foster care facility in Newport to serve as a 16-bed substance use disorder residential and intensive outpatient facility for adults (18+). Patients will come from across Oregon with priority given to residents of Lincoln County. Programs will include group and individual therapy, medication-assisted treatment and peer-delivered services for people with substance use disorder, including opiates, alcohol, methamphetamines and others. Funds are being raised to equip and furnish the facility; build an 8000-sq-ft addition for a commercial kitchen, a medical exam room, meeting spaces and offices; and remodel the existing 4696 sq-ft NW Biggs facility. As part of its mission, Samaritan Pacific Health Services is committed to operating and maintaining the center in Newport.