Rural Obstetric Solutions: Empowering Northeast Oregon
NEOAHEC is launching a groundbreaking project aimed at enhancing OB education and preparedness in Northeast Oregon. Following the closure of the Baker City OB department, this initiative seeks to fill a critical gap in care for expectant mothers and newborns in the region. By acquiring high-fidelity OB simulators, we will offer healthcare professionals, including EMTs, RNs, and first responders, hands-on, realistic training to improve their response to OB emergencies. This program will not only serve hospitals and clinics but also extend training to tribal clinics, midwifery centers, and other healthcare partners across the region.
NEOAHEC will also offer specialized training through our simulation associate, who is pursuing Basic Life Support Obstetrics (BLSO) certification. This will allow us to provide additional essential training to local clinics and hospitals, further supporting healthcare workers in rural areas. By equipping healthcare providers with the skills needed to manage OB emergencies, we aim to ensure that families in rural areas receive the care they need close to home.
A Legacy of Student Involvement: Narcan Training & Addressing Dental Barriers
Our commitment to healthcare education goes beyond just OB preparedness. Over the past year, OHSU students have actively participated in key community-driven projects. One such project focused on adolescent opioid overdose prevention, where students provided hands-on training using Narcan simulations. These simulations were conducted with La Grande School District employees to teach them how to recognize opioid misuse and administer Naloxone, a life-saving drug used to reverse opioid overdoses. This initiative continues to expand, offering vital training in rural communities facing opioid-related challenges.
Additionally, our students have worked on improving access to dental care in rural Oregon, addressing barriers to oral health in underserved communities. These projects highlight how student involvement and simulation-based training at NEOAHEC are helping to tackle critical healthcare issues in rural areas.
With the launch of our OB Solutions project, NEOAHEC is committed to ensuring rural healthcare providers have the advanced training they need to serve their communities effectively, while also providing students with valuable hands-on experience that makes a lasting impact.
Community Based Projects Completed
- Oral Health in Underserved Communities
- Adolescent Opioid Misuse & Naloxone Administration
- Union County Warming Shelter
- Wallowa County Medicated Assisted Therapy Workflow
- Childhood Immunization Awareness
- Baby Bag Program
- Teen Safety and Fentanyl Awareness