PeaceHealth Responds to Governor Kotek
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek raised concerns last week over PeaceHealth’s plan to transition emergency department staffing in Lane County to ApolloMD, urging a delay and greater transparency. In a letter to PeaceHealth leadership, Kotek said she was “troubled” by the potential loss of local physicians and warned the move could lead to “serious disruption and deterioration” of emergency services. She also cited concerns about staffing readiness, patient safety, and what she described as a lack of transparency in how the decision was made. The governor called for a pause of up to 180 days and encouraged continued involvement from the current physician group while more oversight and data could be reviewed. Late Friday, PeaceHealth President Dr. Jim McGovern responded, acknowledging communication gaps and saying he should have more clearly explained the rationale and process behind the change. However, McGovern pushed back on delaying the transition, stating that postponement would increase risk by disrupting recruitment, staffing stability, and clinical readiness. He said ApolloMD physicians will meet the same credentialing standards as current doctors and emphasized the transition has followed a structured process since November 2025. McGovern also proposed public-facing dashboards to track metrics like emergency room wait times, staffing levels, and patient outcomes to improve transparency and accountability. Both sides agreed on the importance of patient safety and maintaining reliable emergency care, but differed on whether delaying the transition would help—or harm—the community.
Child Seat Clinic
A child safety event in Florence is set to coincide with a popular annual community tradition this weekend. The Florence Police Department, along with Western Lane Fire and EMS Authority, Safe Kids Northwest, the Three Rivers Foundation, and State Farm Insurance, is hosting a free Car Seat Clinic on Saturday, March 28, at Miller Park. The clinic runs from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., offering families a chance to have their child safety seats properly checked and installed. Organizers encourage parents to bring their children along to ensure the seats are fitted correctly. The clinic lines up with the annual Miller Park Easter Egg Hunt, which is happening a week earlier than usual this year. The hunt begins at 10 a.m. and is organized by the Interact Club at Siuslaw High School in conjunction with the Florence Rotary Club. Event coordinators suggest families can enjoy the egg hunt and then take advantage of the car seat clinic afterward. For more information on the clinic, people can call 541-997-3212.
Three Rivers Announces
Nonprofit organizations in the Florence area will soon have an opportunity to apply for community funding through the Three Rivers Casino Resort Foundation. The foundation’s annual grant application cycle runs from April 1st through April 30th, offering support for projects that benefit local communities. Nonprofits throughout the region are encouraged to apply during that window. According to foundation organizers, funding has helped support a wide range of local initiatives in Florence and surrounding areas. More information on eligibility and the application process is expected to be available through the Three Rivers Casino Resort Foundation.