Bay Area Hospital

01/29/2026

TODAY IS THE DAY!!! You're invited to join us at our COMMUNITY PUBLIC FORUMS. Our President and CEO, Gretchen Nichols, will share an informative presentation and answer your questions.

𝙇𝙀𝘼𝙍𝙉 𝘼𝘽𝙊𝙐𝙏:
1) the current state of the hospital
2) ongoing challenges
3) how we're trying to ensure long-term financial sustainability for your community hospital.

𝙏𝙒𝙊 𝙏𝙄𝙈𝙀𝙎 𝙊𝙁𝙁𝙀𝙍𝙀𝘿: 10-11am or 6-7pm
Thursday, January 29, 2026
Bay Area Hospital
Myrtle Conference room

01/28/2026

Get orthopedic care close to home from Bay Area Orthopedics' dedicated, collaborative team, committed to exceptional care for Coos Bay and Oregon’s South Coast. Our orthopedic surgeons are highly trained, board-certified specialists and members of an orthopedic team that provides care for a wide range of orthopedic conditions.

Our two physician associates focus on musculoskeletal health and injury rehabilitation, assisting our orthopedic surgeons in recovery from strains, overuse, or orthopedic injuries, and providing surgical assistance, trauma care, and joint injections and aspirations. Additionally, we have two Nurse Navigators who offer personalized guidance and support before, during, and after procedures. This team approach ensures clear communication, patient education, and coordinated care as you navigate joint replacements, surgical interventions, or other treatments.

Move like you used to. Request an appointment today at bayareaortho.org

01/27/2026

TODAY IS THE DAY. Join us January 27 and 28, from 10am to 3pm each day. Our first blood drive of the year will be held at Bay Area Hospital - Main Lobby - 1775 Thompson Rd. Coos Bay, OR 97420. Walk-ins will be welcome.

TO REGISTER VISIT: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=BayAreaHospital

Maximize your blood donation. If you are an eligible type O, B- or A- donor, consider making a Power Red donation. Red blood cells are the most commonly transfused blood component. Signup for the Blood Drive and help our community.

During the blood drive, the American Red Cross is running a promotion offering a $20 e-gift card. Give blood January 26 - February 28 for a $20 e-gift card to your choice of merchant. See RedCrossBlood.org/Heart for details.

01/26/2026

Have you marked your calendar yet? 3 DAYS TO GO UNTIL OUR COMMUNITY PUBLIC FORUMS. Our President and CEO, Gretchen Nichols, will first deliver an informational presentation, followed by a Q&A session where audience members can ask questions directly.

𝙇𝙀𝘼𝙍𝙉 𝘼𝘽𝙊𝙐𝙏:
1) the current state of the hospital
2) ongoing challenges
3) how we're trying to ensure long-term financial sustainability for your community hospital.

𝙏𝙒𝙊 𝙏𝙄𝙈𝙀𝙎 𝙊𝙁𝙁𝙀𝙍𝙀𝘿: 10-11am or 6-7pm
Thursday, January 29, 2026
Bay Area Hospital
Myrtle Conference room

01/24/2026

January is National Birth Defect Prevention Month. While not all birth defects can be prevented, the National Birth Defects Prevention Network raises awareness each January about steps parents-to-be can take before and during pregnancy for the best outcomes.

Reducing birth defects involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle before and during pregnancy. Adequate prenatal care, proper nutrition, avoiding harmful substances, and genetic counseling can contribute to minimizing the risk of birth defects. If you have Diabetes, or other medical conditions, consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance in managing your health.

The top five tips include:

1) Be sure to take a minimum of 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day. Pregnant women can get this amount from a daily supplement, or fortified foods.
2) Book a visit with your healthcare provider before stopping or starting any medicine. If you take a daily medication, consult with your doctor about potential risks of both continuing the medication during pregnancy and stopping it.
3) Become up to date with all vaccines, including the flu shot. Vaccines protect both you and your baby!
4) Before you get pregnant, try to reach a healthy weight. One size does not fit all. During pregnancy, follow the guidelines for weight gain that match your weight before pregnancy. Talk to your provider about making physical activity a part of healthy pregnancy.
5) Boost your health by avoiding harmful substances during pregnancy, such as alcohol, to***co, and other drugs.

Get more information here: https://www.nbdpn.org/

01/23/2026

It’s simple: wound care is essential. Our on-site physicians have specialized training in chronic wound care and hyperbaric medicine. We work closely with referring and consulting physicians to provide the most appropriate and effective care plan.

For more information, please visit https://bit.ly/3WPbZnr or call 541-269-4180 today!

01/22/2026

Thank you to the Southern Oregon Coast community for voting us Best Orthopedic Care! We're so proud to be chosen as the Toast of the South Coast 2025 Gold winner. Learn more about how we're offering orthopedic care close to home. We're focused on providing personalized treatment plans for various conditions affecting bones, joints, and muscles. Let's Get You Moving. BayAreaOrtho.org

01/21/2026

Bay Area Hospital is continuing to make meaningful progress toward long-term stability, and we’re pleased to share several important updates from the January 20 Joint Board & Finance Committee Meeting.

𝟏. 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠
For the first time in more than 4 years, the hospital closed a month with a positive operating margin. This turnaround reflects careful expense management, improved productivity, and strengthened cash reserves.

𝟐. 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞
The hospital is reducing reliance on temporary labor, strengthening payer relationships, and actively recruiting physicians to support expanded and sustainable services for our community
𝟑. 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐲
Ahead of February’s legislative session, the hospital is pursuing a bill to refinance its debt, seeking improved Medicaid reimbursement, and preparing additional funding requests. Community members will soon have opportunities to lend their voices in support.

𝟒. 𝐇𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲
The hospital has launched a Culture of Safety Survey, begun implementing tiered safety huddles to enhance communication and reliability, and welcomed Jen Culbertson as the new Chief Nursing Officer.

𝟓. 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞
The hospital’s Defined Benefit Pension Plan is 97.6% funded, and recent investment adjustments help ensure long-term protection for retirees and employees. The updated investment policy was approved by both the Finance Committee and the full Board.

𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐮𝐩𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦𝐬 on 𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟗. Visit our website to learn more https://bit.ly/4jgZzO2

01/20/2026

Bay Area Cancer Center wants to share that cervical cancer rates in the United States have dropped significantly, yet the National Cancer Institute projected approximately 13,360 cases in 2025. For the most part, cervical cancer is a preventable disease.

Nearly all cases of cervical cancer are caused by infections with high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Fortunately, the HPV vaccine currently used in the United States, Gardasil 9, works by helping the immune system develop protection against seven high-risk HPV strains responsible for causing cancer.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women start getting Pap tests every three years, beginning at age 21. For more testing information visit: https://bit.ly/392hnd6

01/19/2026

We're inviting you to join us on January 29 during our Community Public Forums. Our President and CEO, Gretchen Nichols, is sharing an informational presentation followed by an open Q&A session.

𝙇𝙀𝘼𝙍𝙉 𝘼𝘽𝙊𝙐𝙏:
1) the current state of the hospital
2) ongoing challenges
3) how we're trying to ensure long-term financial sustainability for your community hospital.

𝙏𝙒𝙊 𝙏𝙄𝙈𝙀𝙎 𝙊𝙁𝙁𝙀𝙍𝙀𝘿: 10-11am or 6-7pm
Thursday, January 29, 2026
Bay Area Hospital
Myrtle Conference room

Bay Area Hospital is a comprehensive provider of health & well-being for the greater Coastal Oregon community. Learn more.

01/17/2026

The Bay Area Hospital District’s Quality and Patient Safety Committee will hold a meeting on Thursday, January 22, 2026. Bay Area Hospital will hold this meeting in person beginning at 3:30 p.m. in the Myrtle Conference Room. The purpose of this meeting is to conduct regularly scheduled business related to the quality and safety of patient care. Public attendance and input are welcome.

If you would like to attend this meeting, please reserve your place by calling Bay Area Hospital Quality Division at 541.266.7923 and speak with Tina Warlick, Executive Assistant or by email at tina.warlick@bayareahospital.org. While the Oregon mask mandates have been lifted, masking supplies will be available if desired.

The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting to Tina Warlick, Executive Assistant, Administration Office of Bay Area Hospital, at 541.266.7923.

01/17/2026

The Bay Area Hospital District’s Board of Directors and Finance Committee will hold a joint board meeting on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, in the Myrtle Conference room at Bay Area Hospital, 1775 Thompson Road, Coos Bay, Oregon, beginning at 5:00 p.m. NOTE: new start time for these meetings.

An agenda is posted and meeting dial in access is listed on our website https://bayareahospital.org/about-us/board-of-directors/. This will be a combined Board and Finance Committee meeting.

While the Oregon mask mandates have been lifted, masking supplies will be available if desired. The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting to Denise Bowers, Executive Assistant, Administration Office of Bay Area Hospital, at 541.269.8135.