The significance of the Nehalem Bay Health District’s work extends far beyond mere healthcare delivery. It represents a comprehensive approach to nurturing community well-being, addressing both immediate health concerns and long-term preventative strategies. Marc Johnson, the President of the District board, sat down with the Pioneer during part of our ongoing Get to Know Your Local Nonprofit Podcast series.
The Nehalem Bay Health District, established in 1951, has been serving the people of North Tillamook County for over seven decades and encompasses over 25 square miles of northern Tillamook County, including the communities of Wheeler, Nehalem, Manzanita, and nearby unincorporated areas. The Manzawheelem area as it’s sometimes called is home to over 3000 full-time residents, with thousands more seasonal and part-time visitors.
The District’s properties in Wheeler include an approximately 5-acre site on Rowe Street, which is home to the Nehalem Valley Care Center, the Nehalem Bay Health Center and Pharmacy, the old Wheeler hospital, and the North County Food Bank. There is also a 1.3-acre site at Highway 101 and Hospital Road, envisioned as the location for a new, expanded state-of-the-art health center and pharmacy.
The District is governed by a board of directors consisting of five publicly elected community volunteers. The board employs a CEO to manage the District’s day-to-day operations. The Nehalem Bay Health District’s initiatives focus on renovating and modernizing the Nehalem Valley Care Center, planning and constructing workforce housing, and constructing a new state-of-the-art health center and pharmacy to meet the growing and aging population’s needs.
The district’s future goals aim to further enhance the well-being of the Nehalem Bay community, specifically through the construction of a new health care facility. The new two-story, 16,000 square-foot facility for the Nehalem Bay Health District, collaboratively envisioned by board members, community stakeholders, and design experts, represents a significant step forward in regional healthcare.
Strategically located at the south entrance of Wheeler, the building enhances community visibility while offering improved parking and closer ties to the commercial district, yet safely outside the flood zone. This modern, accessible space is poised to attract more healthcare talent to the region and expand the range of specialized services available, marking a transformative moment in healthcare provision for the Nehalem Bay area.
The new facility at the Nehalem Bay Health District epitomizes the critical role of modern healthcare infrastructure in enhancing community well-being. By combining community input, advanced technology, and strategic location, it not only improves healthcare accessibility but also fosters economic growth and holistic health approaches. This state-of-the-art, strategically located building allows the District to deliver top-tier health services and attract medical talent, thereby setting a new standard in healthcare excellence for the Nehalem Bay area and beyond.
Listen to the entire interview here:
