COLUMBIAMEMORIAL.ORG Late Spring 2026 7 COLUMBIA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOUNDATION The Nygaard Family and CMH: A legacy of community care CMH has long stood as a cornerstone of health care for the communities of Oregon’s North Coast. Serving the region for generations, the hospital traces its roots to the late 19th century and continues to provide essential medical services as a criticalaccess hospital today. Over the decades, the hospital has been sustained not only by medical professionals but also by families deeply committed to the well-being of their community. Among those are the Nygaards, whose connection to the hospital and the region reflects a long tradition of service, generosity and civic involvement. A family with deep community roots The Nygaard family has a long history in Clatsop County, active in the local timber industry through five generations and over 100 years. Their business employs more than 80 current employees. The Nygaards have supported and been involved with CMH for several generations. In addition to serving as major donors for other CMH projects in the past, including the CMH-OHSU Knight Cancer Collaborative, most Nygaard family members have been born at the hospital. Doris Nygaard was the first female president of the Columbia Hospital Board, David Nygaard is currently on the CMH Board of Trustees, John M. Nygaard served on the CMH Foundation Board, and Tracie (Nygaard) Brockey works as a physical therapist at the CMH Health & Wellness Pavilion. A community spirit The Nygaards have contributed $250,000 to the BuildCMH Expansion Project. The importance of having quality health care, especially in rural areas, is a priority for them, especially since it is something everyone needs and uses. Their continued investment in CMH will greatly improve health care services and opportunities for the entire community. “CMH has been crucial to providing critically needed health care for our family, employees and community for many years,” they say. Families like the Nygaards help illustrate how community institutions endure. Through leadership, service and generosity, they have contributed to the growth and stability of CMH, helping ensure that quality health care remains available on the Oregon coast for generations to come. Building better health care Email Mark Kujala, executive director of the CMH Foundation, at mkujala@ columbiamemorial.org to learn how you can leave a legacy for generations to come by donating to the BuildCMH Expansion Project.
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