Columbia Memorial | Health Compass | Summer 2020

COLUMBIA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL 2111 Exchange St. Astoria, OR 97103 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44 Find us on social media! @cmhcommunity @cmhcommunity linkedin.com/company/ columbia-memorial-hospital @cmhcommunity CH I L DCAR E R E L I E F Supporting our caregivers By Mark Kujala, Director, Columbia Memorial Hospital Foundation Even before COVID-19, finding reliable childcare was challenging in Clatsop County. During the past few months, I and other CMH representatives met with Astoria Parks and Recreation, the Astoria School Board, and county officials to discuss childcare options for the fall. Filling a need In August, CMH announced a new stipend program to offer eligible caregivers some financial relief to help pay for childcare expenses. There were 45 caregiver applications approved for the COVID-19 childcare relief stipend, which runs through the end of 2020. Childcare relief will continue to be an ongoing benefit in 2021 through a flexible spending account. Qualifying full-time and part-time caregivers with children age 10 and under can receive up to $2,400 per year to offset childcare expenses, which can include daycare centers, in-home care, nanny services, babysitters and more. Expanding options In addition to the stipend, CMH partnered with Astoria School District to assist in relocating Lil’ Sprouts childcare to the Astoria Recreation Center. This move provides additional classroom space, leading to a greater post-COVID-19 enrollment capacity and the ability to better customize areas for care of small children. CMH recognizes the value of childcare services and generously supported this endeavor by giving $10,000 to help offset construction costs. We were excited to see that CMH’s contribution inspired others to give toward expanding the program as well. The Samuel S. Johnson Foundation matched CMH’s donation by giving an additional $10,000 toward the move. Lil’ Sprouts made the move to its new home in September. Childcare availability is an ever-increasing need in Clatsop County, so this is great news for all of us! We are truly grateful for all of our caregivers and are hopeful this relief will help provide them with peace of mind as they find care for their children.