An important priority for the funds to be raised by Ocean Beach Hospital in the Aug. 1 bond initiative includes provisioning an Urgent Care Clinic and expansion of the Ilwaco Clinic and Wellness and Rehabilitation Center. These investments will be exceptionally valuable to our community’s well-being and public health in many ways:

1. Timely and accessible healthcare: Urgent care centers provide immediate medical attention for non-life-threatening conditions when primary care physicians are unavailable or when waiting for an appointment would delay treatment or spread infectious diseases. This is especially important in rural areas such as ours where long distances and limited public transportation add to the challenges of access to health care.

2. Relieving emergency room burden: By providing care for minor injuries and illnesses, urgent care centers alleviate strain on hospital emergency departments. A recent study led by Northwestern University found that the very existence of an urgent care center in a zip code reduced the number of emergency room visits by nearly 17%.

3. Preventive care and education: Urgent care centers are not only equipped to treat acute conditions but also provide preventive services such as vaccinations, physical exams, and health screenings. These activities contribute to early detection of diseases, promote health maintenance, and educate patients about preventive measures.

4. Continuity of care: Urgent care centers can collaborate with primary care providers to ensure seamless transitions and follow-up care. They can share medical records, provide treatment summaries, and refer patients to appropriate specialists or primary care physicians for further evaluation and ongoing management.

Vote “Yes” in support of the OBH bond proposal to ensure quality healthcare for our community!

KELLY RUPP

and BEV ARNOLDY

Ocean Park