Washougal, WA — As the school year comes to a close, 2024 Regional Teacher of the Year Donna Schatz prepares students to apply tangible job-readiness skills in her engineering class at Washougal High School. Schatz was recently recognized as 2024 Regional Teacher of the Year by ESD 112 for her adaptability, understanding, and creative application of classroom skills to solve real world problems.
Students in Schatz’s class are creating their own proposals for managing stormwater runoff issues in the Washougal High School student parking lot. Kyle Rogers, local architect and internship program director at LSW Architects in Vancouver, visited the class to discuss design proposals with the students. Schatz develops these partnerships to bring job opportunities into the classroom.
“The most valuable part of this project is that students feel a sense of ownership over their school and a purpose to their work,” said Schatz.
The project exposes students to real world applications for classroom work. “We’re creating rough draft proposals to add more green infrastructure to the parking lot, because the parking lot isn’t draining correctly and a bunch of parking spots aren’t usable when it rains because a huge puddle forms,” said Abraham White.
Students get creative to propose modern and realistic solutions to the problem at hand.
“We’re looking at how adding permeable surfaces and plants can help the parking lot to drain better,” said Emylie Guido.
Students complete this work in the classroom and outdoors on class visits to analyze the parking lot site. As the district begins planning processes with the City of Washougal and the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership, these student proposals will provide some insight to student perspectives on the future of the Washougal High School student parking lot.
Schatz designs learning activities that are scaffolded, engaging, and relevant to both the students and the content standards. Engineering is one of many Career & Technical Education (CTE) course options available at Washougal High School. CTE combines technical, leadership, employability and academic skills to prepare students for success in education and in life. Students can learn about STEM careers as early as 7th grade continuing through high school in engineering, applied math and computer science classes or explore one of the nine other career clusters offered at Washougal High School.
Washougal, WA — The Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards banquet Tuesday honoring the Citizen, Business Persons, and Educators of the Years, as well as student scholarship recipients. Held at the Orchard Hills Golf Club, Executive Director Jennifer Senescu emceed the program.
2023 Citizen of the Year: Pat Suggs
Contributions to the Community: Suggs has served the Camas-Washougal community for 47 years. During that time, she also raised six daughters. She was a volunteer teacher for the Camas Community Education Program, has been a Brownie and Girl Scout leader and although she doesn’t have boys, she was a Cub Scout leader, as well.
Suggs has been the Young Women’s President at her church and is responsible for all of the 12-18 year olds. She runs a program to enhance the progressive growth of young girls. Suggs was also the Relief Society President at her church where she oversaw the activities of all Latter-Day-Saint (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) women ages 18 and over. It is the oldest women’s organization in the United States.
She works on food drives for the community. Including support for the Children’s Home Society of Washington. She also ran their backpack program for over 5 years. Suggs collects cups for Hathaway Elementary Schools Program of Affordable Gifts for Parents as well as clothing and shoes for the Family Resource Program for Washougal School District. Suggs is a Book Fairy, which is a program that provides equitable opportunities for children to learn, grow and thrive.
Today at 74 years old, Suggs is still involved in the community. She serves on the Drug Take Back Program, the Unite Committee, Two Rivers Heritage Museum Committee and is Co-chair on the Washougal Safe Board.
Pat also volunteers at Hathaway Elementary School each week where she helps teach reading and Spanish. And, according to her husband, she does all of these things for one simple reason. Her love of this community.
2023 Businessperson of the Year: Chris Dierickx, Straubs Funeral Home
As the owner of Straubs Funeral home in Camas, Washington, Chris Dierickx has been a member of this community for over 26 years. Dierickx has helped thousands of families during what is one of the the hardest times in their lives. He makes himself available all hours of the day and night. He is genuinely caring and extremely compassionate. In his service, Dierickx wears many hats, including, a shoulder to cry on, guide, rock and a friend to those in need.
The C-W Chamber received a record number nominations for Chris to be named Businessperson of the Year for 2023.
“It is a clear testament to his commitment and work in this community,” said Senescu.
CW Businessperson of the Year Chris Dierickx (right) with CW Chamber Executive Director Jennifer Senescu and Washougal Mayor Dave Stuebe.
Educators of the Year:
CCMS Science PLC Team at Washougal High School: Ryan Hooser and Patrick Rice
Ryan and Patrick, science teachers at Canyon Creek Middle School, are a high functioning team committed to their collaboration. They use the instructional materials provided through the Amplify curriculum and supplement with hands-on experiments and activities for their students. They spend time in each other’s classrooms learning and brainstorming new ideas on how to create engaging lessons for their classes. Their work, and focus on achievement, has resulted in state assessment scores far higher than the state average for science.
Washougal Educators of the Year Ryan Hooser and Patrick Rice with WSD Superintendent Mary Templeton.
2023 Camas Educators of the Year: Stephanie Eakins and Whitney Patton
Stephanie Eakins and Whitney Patton came together in the Fall of 2021 to restructure and redesign the Adult Transition Program at Camas High School. They work with students aged 18-21 served by Individualized Educational Plans in the newly named Adult Transition Training Center (A.T.T.C.) housed at The Heights Learning Center. Although there may be teams that have worked together for a longer length of time, there is no team more committed to providing a positive and exceptional experience for their students. In the short time they have worked together, they have been able to impact a large number of students and are directly responsible for many of the successes that these young adults have achieved.
Together they are able to motivate and encourage students who would otherwise feel lost within the constraints of the regular curriculum. They work hard at establishing a strong rapport with each individual and their families. Each can always be found going the extra mile that can make a difference for these students. Eakins and Patton both promote community access for their students and work hard to facilitate opportunities that allow them to learn real-world applicable skills that will support them as they move beyond a high school setting.
Eakins and Patton truly believe in the concept of “firm goals, flexible means” as they continually improvise and modify for their students. They see and serve all students and families as they ready them for the transition into the world beyond the public school system.
Camas Educators of the Year Stephanie Eakins and Whitney Patton.
2023 Camas High School Scholarship Recipient Olivia Brotherton
Brotherton will be attending Oregon State University this fall where she plans on studying biology while she works toward becoming a veterinarian. At Camas High School, she is on The National Honor Society and is involved with the CHS Choir. Brotherton has volunteered with multiple local organizations including Buddy and Food Box Builder. She is involved with St. Joseph’s Church and has served as a Vacation Bible School Counselor. She has also served as an Equestrian Camp Counselor at Cantera Equestrian. Brotherton plans on doing an internship with Next-Vet this summer.
2023 Washougal High School College Scholarship Recipient Carter Nichols
Nichols will be attending Eastern Washington University this Fall where he plans on studying nursing or pre-med. Three years ago, Nichols began as a volunteer at Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital. He spent the summer of 2021 completing a volunteer internship program where he spent 72 hours assisting with discharges, delivering meals and checking in visitors. Since Nichols turned 16, he has been a caregiver in the memory care unit at Touchmark.
Nichols began taking health classes at Cascadia Technical Academy his junior year. He says that is what truly sparked his interest in the medical field. It’s also where he learned that caregivers must be good listeners and empathetic conversationalists.
Nichols is one of five siblings. His mother is a social worker and his father is a Firefighter/paramedic.
CW Scholarship recipients Olivia Brotherton and Carter Nichols.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/09132757/IMG_5327-scaled-e1686343037798.jpeg10302214Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-06-09 13:55:302023-06-09 14:11:56Camas-Washougal Chamber Honors Citizen, Business Person, Educators of the Year
United Precision Corp (UPC) held its official Grand Opening Friday night at the Steigerwald Commerce Center in Washougal with dozens of elected officials, business leaders, educators and citizens in attendance.
General Manager Robert Hawrylo was one of several UPC leaders who greeted guests, providing them an overview of their work and the facility.
UPC manufactures high tech seals and vertical launching system components for defense clients, such as the Navy, and spacecraft products (parts, seals, bolts) for SpaceX, a company led by Elon Musk. Their clients include the following companies and government entities:
NASA
SpaceX
Boeing
Moog Aircraft Group
United Launch Alliance
United States Navy
United States Air Force
Aerojet Rocketdyne
Lockheed Martin
Teledyne Technologies
UPC manufactures specialized machine seals for the space industry, including port seals, omega seals, beam seals and pressure-assisted seals.
The construction of this site has been several years in the making. The site was chosen for its business friendly environment, its beauty and ability to expand.
They will have 20 employees working onsite and plan to have 100 in about a year.
UPC seals on display.Guests were provided tours of the facility.
Camas, WA — The homeless and panhandler problems in downtown Camas and in other areas of the city came to a head on Memorial Day when Carmen, a homeless woman who sleeps on sidewalk benches along 4th Avenue, was accused of desecrating American flags on display. Local veterans had placed the flags to honor fallen veterans for Memorial Day.
“On Monday morning we heard a commotion, while having breakfast at Natalia’s Cafe, and we saw a lady who threw an American flag on the street and then she spit on it,” said Sonny Liston, a U.S. veteran, and commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW #4278).”
Liston said Carmen cursed the flag, and yelled “I don’t want this flag in my house!”
“Other VFW members confronted her, called the police and things got heated,” said Liston. “She started yelling at all of us, and the police were called. The police talked to her and to all of us, but no arrest was made.”
It’s one in a string of incidents with Carmen, and others who continue to sleep and squat along 4th Avenue. A younger man, named Jordan, was asked to leave the premises last week while panhandling on Lutz Hardware property.
Barry Lutz, owner of the Lutz Hardware building, said his tenants have been a dealing with unauthorized use of the upstairs office bathrooms. A homeless man used the facilities to clean up and left a big mess on the premises. Lutz plans to place additional security measures inside his building.
“I’ve been involved in a couple of these experiences,” said Amy Begley, owner of 4Ever Growing Kids at 4th and Dallas Streets in downtown Camas. “We had one incident on Camas clean up day and while cleaning up Carmen (who has spent four months camping outside her store) was yelling at me in front of my children and I got into quite the argument with her. I called the police because I didn’t think this was appropriate for this to happen in front of all these families and instead of coming down to tell me what my rights were the police decided to give her a rundown of her rights. I don’t believe she has the right to use that space as she does. Her stuff is on the bench 24/7. She moves around during the day but she keeps her belongings here.”
Begley said the police “treat me like I’m the nuisance, like I’m the problem.”
Begley also reported an altercation Carmen had with a customer.
“She (Carmen) smacked the hands of one of my customers who inquired about her being there, and she told them go away or she would call the cops on them.”
Lacamas Magazine also asked Carmen about why she uses this space, and she replied: “I’m busy, get out of my space.”
Jordan told Lacamas Magazine “I’m here because my family dropped me off to get money.”
The employees at Juxtaposition reported that their customers are concerned because they too have been threatened by several people wandering the streets, and said “unless the problem goes away we won’t shop here anymore.”
So, what can be done?
“I have received comments from several citizens and am aware of the incident that occurred on Memorial Day,” said Camas City Council member, Jennifer Senescu. “I have reached out to Mayor Hogan, Administrator Quinn and Chief Lackey requesting a discussion on how to best handle this situation. I recognize the importance of addressing this matter and will work with my peers toward a resolution.”
The Downtown Camas Association (DCA) has also held meetings with city officials to address the growing issue.
Downtown Camas employees have expressed feeling unsafe at night (when working late) as they see another homeless man wander the streets on an ongoing basis. And, the city was able to clear Goot Park of a homeless issue that arose there months ago.
“We are aware of the situation that occurred (on Memorial Day),” said Bryan Rachal, City of Camas Communications Director. “Camas PD was dispatched to the situation and determined that it did not rise to the level of arrest or citation. Homelessness in itself is not a crime, as such we follow standard protocol and connect the individuals with the Clark County Council for the Homeless. We understand the public’s concern and will continue to discuss options internally.”
Senescu plans to address the problem in official City Council sessions, and local merchants plan to formally address the homeless and panhandling issues.
Carmen relocated to a city sidewalk bench in front of the Camas City Hall Annex building on 4th Avenue.Jordan said his family drops him off in downtown Camas to ask people for money.
Camas, WA —Following a nationwide search, the City of Camas announced today that Tina M. Jones will be the next Chief of the Camas Police Department.
Jones will assume the position effective July 3, 2023. However, Council will have a vote to confirm the appointment at the June 5 City Council meeting.
Jones was one of four finalists brought in for a multi-day interview process, that included meeting with the public, the City Senior Leadership team and peer subject matter experts, among others.
“It is a great honor to be selected as the next Camas Police Chief,” said Jones. “I am very excited to join the excellent Camas Police Department team, and to serve this fantastic community.”
According to Camas Mayor Steve Hogan, Jones stood out as the clear choice for the role.
“Tina’s background and her commitment to law enforcement really stood out, but her understanding of our community and where we need to grow made her the right choice,” said Hogan. “While the other candidates were stellar, Tina had everything we need currently, and everything we want for the future of our police department. We’re very excited to see what she’ll bring to Camas.”
Jones currently serves as a Commander for the Portland Police Bureau, after joining the department in 2001 as an officer. Prior to working with the Portland Bureau, Jones served as a Corrections Officer for the Placer County Sheriff’s Office in California.
Jones will replace current Police Chief Mitch Lackey who is retiring from the City after 32 years of service.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/01150521/Jones.jpg336337Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-06-01 15:10:262023-06-01 15:10:34Portland Commander Tina M. Jones Selected as Next Camas Police Chief
Camas, WA — The 16th Annual Camas Car Show, hosted by the Downtown Camas Association (DCA), will run from 2-7 pm on Saturday, June 24th bringing classic and specialty cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the streets of historic Downtown Camas. This event also includes live music by The Robusto Rejects Band, dance performances by Virtuosity Performing Arts Studio, balloon art by Joe Mishkin, food vendors, multiple raffles, and shopping and dining specials throughout downtown. Admission is free to spectators.
For participating vehicles: $20 cash entry, open event, no preregistration necessary, though it is recommended to fill out the registration form ahead of time and bring with you for faster registration. Cars can start entering car show area at 12:00pm. See information online here for more details. Goodie bags to first 100 cars and dash plaques to first 250 cars.
Trophies will be awarded, including Best in Show, People’s Choice and a variety of Sponsors’ Picks. In addition to classic categories, 2023 brings new awards for more modern vehicles including Best Modern Muscle and Best Modern Custom. Best in Show award will be presented to winner by Camas Mayor Pro Tem Don Chaney and the car will be featured on next year’s Camas Car Show poster and promotions. The 2022 Best in Show winners were Richard and Janelle Cummins with their 1948 GMC Pickup.
Kids can enter to win a car themed coloring contest with prizes in 3 different age categories. Each participant will take home a free Hot Wheels car for participating. The coloring area will be near the DCA tables across from Camas Antiques on 4th Avenue.
“Downtown Camas is revving with excitement, and we can hardly wait for the Camas Car Show!” says Jan Carter, Marketing and Volunteer Coordinator for the DCA. “The variety of cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other custom vehicles that come out for this show is truly remarkable. Watching the community connect over their love of all things automotive is such a treat for us. Kids will enjoy entering the coloring contest, and everyone can enjoy the live music, delicious hot food vendors, and the lovely dance performances by Virtuosity. Thank you to the City of Camas and all our generous sponsors for their continued support of this beloved event in our downtown.”
The DCA is a nonprofit community development organization that works year round to strengthen and promote Downtown Camas through partnerships, events, beautification and historic preservation projects, economic development, advocacy, and tourism functions. For information on the DCA and other downtown events, visit www.downtowncamas.com, email promotions@downtowncamas.com or call 360-953-1326.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/01094530/290944397_5910363325646981_4468846089026396858_n.jpg13582048Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-06-01 09:51:322023-06-01 09:51:42The Camas Car Show Returns to Downtown Camas With Autos for Every Aficionado
Camas Grove Airport, WA — FLYIT ACADEMY, a flight training school, proudly announces its commitment to going green with alternative fuel in the aviation community. Under the leadership of owner Rick Andersen, FLYIT ACADEMY is spearheading a green revolution in the aviation industry, setting a precedent for others to follow.
Recognizing the pressing need to reduce carbon emissions and minimize the ecological impact of aviation, Rick Andersen has made it a top priority to pursue environmentally friendly solutions within his flight school. By introducing alternative fuel options at Camas Grove Airport (1W1), FLYIT ACADEMY aims to make significant contributions towards building a greener and more sustainable aviation community.
To celebrate this significant milestone, FLYIT ACADEMY will be hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand debut of the alternative fuel truck Thursday, June 1st, from 4-6 pm at Grove Field Airport. The entire FLYIT ACADEMY team and the Port of Camas Washougal are excited for this inspiring occasion, bringing together aviation enthusiasts, industry leaders, and environmental advocates to witness the positive impact that sustainable choices can make within the aviation sector.
“We are excited to help pioneer this crucial endeavor in the aviation industry,” said Rick Andersen, owner of the flight school. “As a responsible member of the general aviation industry, we believe it is our duty to take proactive steps towards minimizing our carbon footprint and fostering a cleaner future. We are proud to be the first airport in the state of Washington to offer alternative fuel, and we hope this initiative will inspire other aviation communities to join us in our commitment to sustainability.
ABOUT FLYIT ACADEMY:
FLYIT ACADEMY’s goal is to teach the art of flying for everyday people with a healthy community and that includes a healthy environment. Lead is not healthy in our community. That’s why they’ve invested not only in the fuel truck but in a brand new state of the art certified light sport Vans RV12is for the future of our training direction. Its FADEC system averages 3.5 gal per hour which is 1/3 the fuel consumption of a comparable Cessna 172 and it is designed for unleaded fuel. We are committed to creating solutions for a greener future.”
FLYIT ACADEMY has experienced remarkable growth since its establishment four years ago, a testament to the high-quality training and dedication to safety exemplified by the flight school. The introduction of alternative fuel options further solidifies FLYIT ACADEMY’s position as a forerunner in the aviation community, demonstrating their commitment not only to producing skilled pilots but also to preserving the environment for future generations.
FLYIT ACADEMY extends its sincere gratitude to the Port of Camas-Washougal for playing a pivotal role in making the introduction of alternative fuel a reality. Their unwavering support and collaboration have been instrumental in this groundbreaking achievement.
FLYIT ACADEMY is a leading flight school committed to providing high-quality pilot training and aviation education. With a focus on safety, skill development, and community-building, FLYIT ACADEMY aims to produce exceptional pilots while championing environmental sustainability within the aviation industry.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/01082636/tempImagew7au8M.jpg7501000Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-06-01 08:31:552023-06-01 09:26:54FLYIT ACADEMY Takes Flight Towards Greener Future Using Alternative Fuel
Camas-Washougal, WA – The development of Parker’s Landing Historical Park at the Port of Camas-Washougal has been and continues to be a collaborative, community effort which includes a history of special events and dedications. Currently it is the site of the annual Parkersville Day held on the first Saturday in June, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm celebrating local history.
The Parkersville Site in Washougal was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 11, 1976. Nearly 10 years later, a 25.4-ton rock was moved there for a Department of the Interior plaque to be mounted upon. The plaque was unveiled at the opening of Parker’s Landing Historical Park and Archaeological Site on June 1, 1986.
John Buchholz, and E. Snoey landscaped an arrowhead design planter framing the boulder plaque display. Jeff Buchholz, grandson of John, attended the park opening. “All I remember about the opening was standing next to Grandma Ester,” Jeff Buchholz recalls. “She told me how proud she was that Grandpa worked so hard on the landscaping of the park. I didn’t notice that the planter was shaped like an arrowhead until she pointed it out to me. At that time, I was only 10.”
Jeff Buchholz now serves on the Parkersville National Historic Site Advisory Committee to the Port (PAC) and the Parkersville Heritage Foundation (PHF). His grandfather served on the initial Parkersville Site Development Committee (PSDC). The PSDC, now operating as PAC, is a permanent committee established under the authority of the Camas-Washougal Port Commission to protect and preserve the Parkersville National Historic Site and to design and continue to develop the 3.88-acre site known as the Parker’s Landing Historical Park.
Washington became a state on November 11, 1889, the only state named after a U.S. president. A Centennial Commission was established in 1982 by a state law act to organize, fund, and coordinate events, artwork, and publications.
Big news for the park arrived on December 13, 1988, in the Camas-Washougal Post Record which read, “The Washington State Centennial Committee and the Washington Centennial Committee of Clark County have certified and approved four centennial projects to be constructed upon the historical site.”
Soroptimist International Club of Camas-Washougal implemented the plans for Centennial Project #1, the Old Silo Base, on September 14, 1988. A bronze plaque with the State Centennial logo engraved on it was donated by the Soroptimists and mounted on a rock in the center of the Old Silo Base planter. The planter continues to host beautiful flowers and is managed by the local Soroptimists.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held for Centennial Project #2, the Rose Arbor, on November 11, 1989, and was completed in January 1990 by members of the PUD and Kiwanis. They were led by Michael O’Hearne. A new wooden sign for the historical park, visible from the highway, was erected in September 1998, made possible by Port and PHF shared funding.
The third centennial project was the marking of the VanVleet homestead structure. The Van Vleet Plaza, where the 100-year-old historic home once stood, was dedicated in 2002.
Long-term PAC Member and Secretary/Treasurer, David Parker, continues to advocate for the fourth centennial project, a view structure, which has not been completed. Over the years, the PAC has discussed adding a replica of the Parker’s Landing maritime light, a project once pursued by park founder, and former PAC member, Rosalee Macrae.
Eight new historic interpretive panels inside a wood kiosk were dedicated in 1997 and in 1999, the Community Garden Club (CGC) planted a pink dogwood tree near the west side of the park. They placed a granite plaque in the grass nearby honoring decades of volunteer gardening in the park by members.
When the Chinook Plaza was dedicated in 2009, long-term president of the PAC, Bruce Fuerstenberg, engraved the stone Chinook Chiefs Tayi, and provided the transportation of it. His family company, Vancouver Granite Works, Inc. was owned by his parents before him, and now by his son. The company engraved all the bricks that are throughout Van Vleet Plaza and waterfall area. The first bricks placed in the plaza tell local history with names of Chinook chiefs, Donation Land Claim and later Homestead owners and the year they arrived in the area.
In 2022 a new annual Parkersville Day was launched, to be held annually on the first Saturday in June. It will be held June 3, 2023 from 12 pm to 3 pm. This free, family friendly event celebrates local history, with a look back at the historic town of Parkersville in 1854, and the grand events there in 1878-1880. The event features a Chinook blessing, storytellers, historic displays, 1800s games and prizes, ice cream, a park-themed art contest, band music from the 1800s, and, in 2023, a new Parkersville Day song played by Washougal High School Band with band teacher, Dave Duarte, conducting. Mark your calendars now.
Camas, WA —The City of Camas has once again been recognized for its outstanding work in the area of wastewater. The Camas Wastewater Treatment Plant recently received the Washington State Department of Ecology 2022 “Wastewater Treatment Plant Outstanding Performance” award. Out of the 300 wastewater treatment plants across the state, Camas ranks among the top 109 selected as top performers.
The Department of Ecology provides the awards each year using a specific set of criteria to evaluate specific domestic wastewater treatment plants for compliance with their permit. Camas was considered a top performer for regularly meeting numeric effluent limits per criteria, for conducting monitoring and for reporting data as required.
Camas Public Works Director, Steve Wall, said the 2022 award is an amazing accomplishment considering the City’s Wastewater team has been short-staffed all year.
“While we’re always happy to be recognized, this year’s award is really special considering the circumstances,” said Wall. “Even though we’ve experienced significant staffing issues in the Wastewater division over the last year, the team on hand really stepped up and delivered for this community,” he said.
This marks the second consecutive year that Camas’ Wastewater Treatment Plant has received the coveted award.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/09124046/74423-585x.webp-Veolia_Hi_Res-_64-of-85_.jpg320585Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-05-09 12:48:042023-05-09 12:48:13City of Camas Recognized With 2022 Wastewater Treatment Plant Award
Camas, WA– The Camas-Washougal Fire Department will soon team up with American Medical Response (AMR) to offer a new program. Starting May 16, Camas and Washougal residents dialing 911 will have the option of using a new program, Nurse Navigation, which will provide options for quickly reaching the appropriate level of medical care for non-life-threatening emergencies when calling 911.
Those who do call 911 for urgent, life-threatening, or potentially life-threatening emergencies will not see a change in service. However, if a condition is determined not to be an urgent medical emergency, callers will be transferred to a Nurse Navigator to determine the next appropriate steps for coordinating care.
The Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency, or CRESA, handles all 911 calls in Clark County. Out of the 58,000 thousand 911 calls they receive each year, around 14,000 calls are considered non-emergent. Typically, calls like this could be handled by a person’s primary care provider for non-emergency medical advice, appointments and prescription refills.
The new Nurse Navigators program will feature Washington state licensed nurses with professional experience in emergency nursing and telephone triage. After determining the level of service needed, the nurses can connect callers with clinics in Clark County, arrange transportation to and from appointments and notify a clinic when a patient is arriving. Nurse Navigators can also connect callers directly to telehealth physicians who can provide care and prescribe medication if necessary. The service does not require the caller to have medical insurance to access this service.
In addition to Clark County, 10 states have integrated the Nurse Navigation program into 911 systems to alleviate strain on EMS and healthcare systems while ensuring that all calls reach the most appropriate level of care.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/26150936/87C2A0FB-8A14-4B69-B9BD-01016171DF41-e1682547049246.jpg6731202Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-04-26 15:13:292023-04-26 15:13:38New 911 Feature to Provide Additional Support for Local Residents
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