Legacy Health

04/24/2026

Gresham firefighter Spencer Tejeda spent four months in the Legacy Oregon Burn Center after suffering burns on 45% of his body while responding to a residential fire.

Today, he’s back home with his wife and two boys—stronger, healing, and grateful.

“The Oregon Burn Center saved my life,” Spencer shared. “Traumatic experiences, as dark as they may seem, there’s light. They hold that light and help you find yours again. Mine was pretty dim, but every single person brought me out of there.”

This June, the Legacy Oregon Burn Center will continue delivering world-class care to patients like Spencer when a new, expanded burn center opens on the Legacy Emanuel Medical Center campus.

Watch Spencer’s journey and see the impact of the care provided at the Oregon Burn Center: https://bit.ly/488QiEC

04/22/2026

Come together with us on May 7 for Salmon Creek Cares.

This annual event brings our community together to support the smallest, most vulnerable patients at Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center.

As Southwest Washington continues to grow, so does the need for specialized newborn care. Our Family Birth Center and NICU teams care for infants born as early as 23 weeks, providing critical care when it matters most. ❤

Funds raised through this event help ensure our care teams have what they need to support newborns and families.

Event details:
🗓 May 7
⏰ 6:00–9:00 p.m.
📍 AC Hotel Vancouver Waterfront

Save your spot and register today: https://bit.ly/48cxbcE

04/16/2026

We’re pleased to share conversations with Regence have resumed. We know that the contract termination has created confusion and frustration for our patients and Regence members.

Our own Dr. Nathalie Johnson and Merrin Permut recently spoke with KPTV on the cost of healthcare, and how the end of the contract impacts our communities. While it's no secret that the healthcare industry is struggling to contain costs, insurance companies like Regence must work together with us to share the costs to maintain access for patients that rely upon us.

We remain committed to working toward a contract that works for our patients, Legacy and Regence, and we will provide updates as we have them.

https://bit.ly/4vFlgOM

Merrin Permut and Dr. Nathalie Johnson, both representatives of Legacy Health, join FOX 12 Now to talk about the negotiations from Legacy’s perspective.

04/10/2026

Legacy Health’s contract with Regence has ended, and we know many people are trying to understand what this means for their health care.

We’re hearing from families across our community about how this is affecting their health care and creating uncertainty. We understand this situation is stressful.

In an interview with FOX 12 News, Merrin Permut, Legacy Health Vice President and Chief Population Health Officer, discusses the importance of not delaying care and encourages Regence members to apply for continuity of care.

Patients who qualify for continuity of care may continue to receive care at in-network rates for a period of time. Regence members should call the phone number on the back of their member ID card to request continuity of care.

We are committed to working toward a resolution. Our focus is to be here for the community and ensure our patients have access to the care they need.

Learn more:

Melanie Bobbett was already facing mounting medical expenses when her partner received a notification that his insurance plan was ending on April 1.For more ...

04/09/2026

We’re pleased to share that discussions with Regence have resumed.

We remain focused on reaching a resolution that supports patient access and continuity of care.

Visit the link to learn more from Merrin Permut, Legacy Health Vice President and Chief Population Health Officer:

I am pleased to report that contract discussions with Regence have resumed. We are focused on having productive discussions with Regence while also keeping you – our patients, partners and community – informed every step of the way.

04/07/2026

Legacy Health’s contract with Regence, our largest payer, has expired, impacting patient coverage and community care.

We recognize the uncertainty this creates for patients and families. Over the past two years, 150,000 Regence patients in the Portland and Vancouver area have received care at Legacy Health. This is why it is important for Legacy and Regence to continue to work together to come to an agreement on a fair and reasonable reimbursement increase.

As Merrin Permut, Legacy Health Vice President and Chief Population Health Officer, shared with KGW news, from a patient perspective, we are grateful that many patients may continue to have access to care at in-network rates and benefits for an additional 12 months.

At the same time, the lack of sustainable reimbursement increases over the next 12 months presents a serious challenge to continuing the level of care our community depends on.

We remain committed to working with Regence to reach a resolution that supports both access to care and long-term sustainability.

Learn more: Legacy Health, Regence dispute leaves patients in limbo https://bit.ly/4tqjQ8A

The Regence health insurance network no longer includes Legacy Health, leaving tens of thousands of patients in the lurch, but both say they're open to negot...

04/01/2026

You may have heard that Legacy Health and Regence have been negotiating a new contract. We regret to announce that our current contract with Regence has ended, despite our best efforts to come to an agreement. We provided a proposal to Regence and they did not respond with a new offer, which has stalled negotiations. This means, as of today, many Legacy services and clinics will become out-of-network for Regence members. Regence members can use some Legacy services and clinics at in-network rates and benefits for an additional 12 months. See the link below to determine what services will be at in-network vs. out-of-network rates and benefits.

We are sorry for the uncertainty this news brings our patients. We remain committed to working towards resolution so we can continue to support the health of our people, our patients and our communities. Click the link for more information: https://bit.ly/4m6T8zy

03/31/2026

In support of Women’s History Month, the Legacy Health Women’s Employee Resource Group was proud to designate special grant funding to uplift organizations making a meaningful impact in our community.

We were thrilled to support the Community Doula Alliance 5th Anniversary Celebration. This milestone event celebrated five years of community-centered doula care. Legacy has strong doula programs at both Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel and Legacy Silverton Medical Center, and we were inspired to stand alongside our incredible Legacy doulas at the gala.

Our ability to support the March REAP Luncheon was such an honor. Working with local youth, REAP is helping build the resilient leaders of tomorrow and empowering them to achieve their dreams.

At Legacy Health, we are here for our community and grateful for the opportunity to support organizations advancing equity, family well-being and the next generation of leaders.

03/30/2026

Good health comes from people caring for one another.

At Legacy Health, we see that every day through our doctors.

As we celebrate National Doctors’ Day, we invite you to take a minute to share a message of gratitude with a doctor who made a difference in your life.

Your message is a small way to remind our physicians how much their care matters. ❤️

If someone comes to mind, you can share your message using the link: https://bit.ly/40YFh4E

03/17/2026

Art expresses what words sometimes cannot.

At Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel, art therapy provides pediatric patients the space to express themselves, explore their emotions and take ownership of their own story. Through drawing, painting and other creative projects, kids can process what they’re feeling and share their experiences in ways that feel natural to them.

By combining creativity with emotional support, the program helps promote holistic healing for the children and families we care for.

Learn more about the Art Therapy Program: https://bit.ly/4sTsXP7

02/11/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the second annual Legacy Oregon Burn Center’s Safety Fair & Chili Cook-Off!

Held during National Burn Awareness Week, this year’s event welcomed nearly 900 community members for an afternoon focused on burn prevention education and community connection.

The Safety Fair provided hands-on learning opportunities for families. About 90% of burn injuries happen in the home, and one-third of patients treated at the Legacy Oregon Burn Center are children, making prevention education an important part of the work.

A special thank you to Erin Horrax, educator at the Legacy Oregon Burn Center, and to the staff for their leadership, planning, and dedication in bringing this event to life.

We’re also grateful to partners, volunteers and first responders — including those who participated in the friendly Chili Cook-Off. ❤️

02/11/2026