In late January, I experienced a health crisis as unexpected as it was frightening. We went to Ocean Beach Hospital ER, where staff did exactly what this community facility is meant to do: manage the pain as much as possible, do imaging and get a preliminary diagnosis, contact area hospitals to find a bed in a place with the appropriate specialists, and, as time was of the essence, put me on Life Flight to Portland fast.

For those saints and heroes among us, we are so very grateful. 

But we also realize that it is the fact that people in our community have chosen to support these public institutions — which all can access whether they vote for or not! — that allows these good works to continue. We are all better, and stronger, together.

MARY COHN

Ilwaco