BANDON –The history of Bandon’s hospitals is rich. Dr. Roland Leep founded the first Emergency Hospital in 1912, located on Alabama Street across from the Masonic Temple in Old Town.
R.L. Leep Memorial Hospital (1937-1955) was named in his honor and located on First Street in Old Town.
The Southern Coos Health District was formed in 1955 and a new hospital opened in 1960 on the bluff overlooking the Coquille River and Lighthouse.
By the late 1990s, the hospital on the bluff was in dire need of upgrades and expansion. On land donated by Bill Magness, along with loans, Southern Coos Hospital, as we know it today, was constructed in 1998-99 and dedicated in its current location on Sept. 9, 1999 (9-9-99).
A photo of the Southern Coos Hospital dedication that ran in the Western World newspaper on Sept. 15, 1999. The photo was taken by Mary Schamehorn, who worked as a reporter and editor of the newspaper. Schamehorn is now Bandon’s mayor and serves on the Southern Coos Health District Board (and was a past member of the SCHD Board). The plaque is displayed by the front entrance of the hospital.
The campus has continued to expand. The Southern Coos Health Center and Southern Coos Health Foundation and Business offices opened in 2015.
In commemoration of the hospital’s Silver Anniversary (25 years) and the services provided to the city of Bandon, surrounding communities and the thousands of visitors and tourists that visit the area each year, SCHHC is planning a 25th anniversary celebration and cordially invites the public to participate.
“We are turning 25 years old this year and are proud of the important role that we play in this community, as one of the largest employers and the major provider of medical services, including emergency medical services, in Bandon,” said CEO Raymond T. Hino
A special logo was created to kick off the 25th Anniversary. Community events are also planned, including a monthly lecture series, an open house, a reception and ribbon cutting, and special commemorative gifts.
Southern Coos Hospital & Health Center will host a special celebration from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, at the hospital. Everyone is welcome. There will be speakers, music, an art show, facility tours, and refreshments.
Our 25th Anniversary Lecture Series have been well-attended. Every second Tuesday, the Meet & Greet event, organized by Lori Osborne of Bandon Fisheries Warehouse, will feature a speaker sponsored by Southern Coos Hospital & Health Center. The talks are held at the Bandon Fisheries Warehouse, 250 First St. SW, Old Town Bandon.
So far, our Meet & Greets have included:
On June 11, SCHHC Chief Information Officer Scott McEachern presented “Unlocking the Future at Southern Coos Hospital & Health Center,” on the implementation of a new health records and accounting system. This is a major project for the hospital and McEachern will explain what it means for the public.
On July 16, local attorney Robin Miller presented “Estate Planning Tips,” including information on wills, trusts, real estate, taxes, probate, and estate administration.
On Aug. 13, Dr. Neil Nathan spoke on “Chronic Inflammation” including information on Lyme disease and mold toxicity. Visit his website for more information: https://neilnathanmd.com
Our September event was the 25th Anniversary Celebration, held on Sunday, Sept. 8, on the hospital campus.
On Oct. 8, Lisa Amaral, VP, Senior Trust Officer with Oregon Pacific Bank, spoke on “Estate Planning.”
On Oct. 29, Lynette Whitcomb with MagaCare Insurance LLC will speak on “Medicare 101” and may touch on recent changes to Medicare Advantage options in our area.
Check the Southern Coos Hospital & Health Center’s southerncoos.org website and social media pages and the Bandon Health Wave, as well as local media for the November and December Meet & Greet speakers, and more information about the 25th Anniversary Celebration.
Come celebrate with us!
For more information, contact Chief Information Officer Scott McEachern at 541-329-1040.