Our very own Velda Handler has been recognized during National Volunteer Week. Velda is EVCNB’s Nehalem Bay Medical Reserve Corps Coordinator and Shelters Division Lead. She also serves on EVCNB’s executive committee and board as Secretary.
National Volunteer Week is an annual celebration observed in many countries, including the United States and Canada. It takes place during the third week of April and is an opportunity to recognize the impact of volunteer service and the power of volunteers to tackle society’s greatest challenges, build stronger communities, and transform the world.
State Emergency Registry of Volunteers in Oregon (SERV-OR), which is Oregon’s roster of licensed physicians, nurses, pharmacists, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), behavioral health providers, respiratory therapists and others who have registered to volunteer in response to local, state, and/or federal emergencies, provided the following:
In honor of National Volunteer Week, the SERV-OR team is thrilled to announce that Velda Handler has received Honorable mentions for the Outstanding MRC volunteer Award, Most Hours Served Award, as well as the Outstanding MRC Coordinator Award.
Nehalem Bay MRC also received an Honorable mention for the Community Response Award.
Guy Gehling says “Velda goes beyond , she organizes, directs and nurtures the MRC group. And does all the hard work associated with this task. She is a true leader by example. Selfless dedication to the mission , and her husband gives just as much energy to the MRC mission.”
Len Petrush says “Velda has written and secured major grants that sourced two Emergency Response Trailers, fully equipped, for our Coastal community and lead deployment training. This alone IMHO qualifies Velda for The Outstanding MRC Volunteer recognition. Velda has also secured funding and sourced Emergency Shelter (M.A.S.H. style tents) as well as emergency medical supplies, communications and all that will allow our community to face and survive large scale natural disasters. At the same time, Velda has lead our volunteer community. Duties included but not limited to: Recruitment, Event Planning, Continuing Education, Credentialing and much more than can be listed here. Finally, Velda’s heart felt passion for this Mission always shines through.”
Stuart Vaughters says: “This past year, as the volunteer unit coordinator of the Nehalem Bay Medical Reserve Corps (NBMRC), Velda has worked diligently in getting the two newly acquired MRC Transport and Response Trailers preparation for use. She has arranged for the MRC to partner with CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) to have an orientation to train volunteers in towing, accessing, and working with the new trailers before taking them on the road to visit various cities, neighborhoods, and assembly areas to conduct community training and raise awareness. In addition to the work on the trailers, Velda plans and oversees the MRC’s very active calendar schedule. Including the MRC’s sponsor organization, the Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay, Velda has developed strong connections to city, county, state, and community partners, including the Red Cross, NB Fire & Rescue, Adventist Hospital and Clinic, Nehalem Bay Health Center & Pharmacy, Tillamook County Community Health Center, and the other volunteers. Her work is truly admirable and deserving of recognition.”
We would like to thank you for your amazing contributions to SERV-OR in 2024 and 2025. Our programs would not be possible without the tireless effort put in by volunteers like yourself. This year you have gone above and beyond to help SERV-OR achieve its mission of protecting the health and well being of all Oregonians.
Way to go Velda, we couldn’t be prouder!
More about Nehalem Bay Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)
The Nehalem Bay Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is the MRC Unit for Tillamook County, and consists of 47 countywide Medical and Support Volunteers.
The NBMRC was vital in the Tillamook County COVID-19 response in partnership with Tillamook County Community Health and Adventist Health, with deployment countywide. We finished our third Fall Vaccination Deployment in November 2024.
In our endeavor to be in a state of “Emergency Preparedness”and “Emergency Response Readiness”, we have been Thankful to have been the recipients of additional equipment, supplies and training through the award of several grants in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.
2021-22: HPO Grant ($14,325)
2022: Columbia Pacific CCO ($15,000)
2022: Tillamook County Grant (MRC) ($1046)
2023: Tillamook County Grant (MRC) ($955)
2023: MRC RISE Award ($33,750):
2023-2025: MRC STTRONG Grant Award for two 8’ x 18’ Trailers. “Pass Through Grant” with SERV-OR. ($84,600.)
2024: MRC RISE Award Mini Grant ($2576)
2024: HPO Wishlist Grant ($6700)
Total of $159,000
The NBMRC has volunteered 11,400 hours, resulting in an Economic Value to our County of $597,000 (1/1/2020 thru 12/31/2024).
Emergency Response by the MRC is effective by having ongoing training, integrating the new equipment, having it readily available, and having excellent MRC volunteers and supportive Partners.
Our committed, skilled and dedicated volunteers make our communities much safer.