OAHHS Fall/Winter 2018

26 » A magazine for and about Oregon Community Hospitals. HOSPITAL SPOTLIGHTS, CONT. pens, and erasers, as well as scissors and notebook paper. “This truly makes it worthwhile to come to work,” said Ralph Yates, DO, Salem Health chief medical officer. “It’s more important than anything else that we do, frankly —more affirmational.” This year’s effort marked the fifth anniversary of the backpack drive and nearly doubled 2017’s total. Salem Radiology Consultants became a community partner this year and helped expand the effort’s reach. “We really appreciate the time and effort and work that everyone has put into this project for the benefit of our children in Salem-Keizer,” said Tara Baldridge, Bush Elementary School principal. “It’s overwhelming, and we can’t thank you enough.” Physicians say healthy habits start early in life. The backpack drive is just one more way Salem Health employees support healthy lifestyles and community, even outside of work.  H continued 