Community celebration, ribbon cutting October 4 in Wheeler – Tillamook County Pioneer

On October 4, 2025, the community of Wheeler, Oregon, is set to celebrate a monumental milestone in local healthcare with the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Nehalem Bay Health Center and Pharmacy. This event, scheduled for 1 PM at 855 Nehalem Blvd., marks the culmination of a project that has been long-awaited by residents and healthcare advocates alike. With an expansive 16,000 square feet, the new facility not only replaces an aging clinic from the early 1980s but significantly expands the region’s healthcare capabilities.

The Nehalem Bay Health Center will feature 15 exam and procedure rooms, effectively doubling the capacity of the current facility and allowing for an array of new services, including dental care and x-ray services, which were previously unavailable in the area. The upgraded facility is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), ensuring continued access to comprehensive primary care and preventive services for all community members, regardless of their ability to pay.

The funding and support for this project are a testament to the community’s united front in advocating for better healthcare options. In May 2023, nearly 70% of health district voters backed a general obligation bond to finance the construction. This initiative gained significant political support, notably from Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley, who secured a $3 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Additionally, the effort was bolstered by contributions of $2 million from state legislators, alongside backing from various foundations and individual donors.

The celebration on October 4 will not only inaugurate the new facility but also serve as a festive gathering for the community, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and partnership in advancing local health outcomes. Marc C. Johnson, President of the Health District, emphasized this sentiment, stating, “We are describing this as a community celebration because without the incredible support and encouragement of our entire community, we would simply not have been able to create a new, state-of-the-art Health Center built to serve our area for years to come.”

One of the crown jewels of the new Health Center is the Leila Newhouse Salmon Room, a beautifully designed community space that offers views of Nehalem Bay. This multi-functional room includes a full kitchen, promoting community engagement through cooking classes and other activities designed to foster health and wellness.

Beginning operations on October 8, just days after the dedication ceremony, the Nehalem Bay Health Center will bring much-needed healthcare resources to Wheeler and surrounding areas. The expansion of services, including specialty care not currently available, is expected to significantly enhance the quality of life for residents, particularly those in underserved populations.

This event not only symbolizes the spirit of community collaboration but also serves as a model for other rural communities facing similar healthcare challenges. It underscores the idea that when communities work together and prioritize health, meaningful change can occur.

Local residents and stakeholders are invited to join the festivities, which will feature refreshments, special guests, and tours of the impressive new facility. It is a moment of pride for Wheeler and an opportunity to strengthen the bonds within the community as they collectively embrace improved healthcare services.

In summary, the October 4 ribbon-cutting event for the Nehalem Bay Health Center in Wheeler stands as a reflection of community resilience and determination in advancing healthcare access. This new facility promises to enhance the quality of life for residents, embodying the spirit of what a dedicated, united community can achieve. As the Nehalem Bay Health Center officially opens its doors, it signals a brighter, healthier future for Wheeler and its surrounding areas.

Source link