LA GRANDE — Grande Ronde Hospital was recently recognized for its century-long membership in the American Hospital Association, according to a press release from GRH.

The national organization recognized Grande Ronde Hospital’s Board of Trustees during the annual meeting of the American Hospital Association in Washington, D.C., in April.

“We are so honored to be recognized in this way because 100 years is a big deal. It shows Grande Ronde’s longevity, as well as our commitment to and passion for rural health care. Since 1907, we have been serving this part of Oregon for those who live here. And for almost as long, we have been taking our perspective to the national level for the benefit of all small, rural healthcare organizations that face the same challenges,” President and CEO of GRH Jeremy Davis said in the release.

The annual meeting serves as an opportunity to discuss concerns and priorities within rural medicine, including particular challenges faced by small, independent hospitals. Those who attended the meeting also had the chance to meet with congressional delegates about these topics.

The team from Grande Ronde Hospital met with Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and District Rep. Cliff Bentz.

Sean Barry, American Hospital Association regional executive, presented Davis with the award. Davis was joined by Board Chair Steve McLean, Vice Chair Steve Kimball and Board Secretary Jared Rogers.

“The American Hospital Association is proud to recognize Grande Ronde Hospital for 100 years of membership in the AHA,” Barry said. “The team of caregivers and other professionals at Grande Ronde Hospital play a vital role in the health of the community and its economy.”

LA GRANDE — A presentation on eating disorders in children and adolescents will be given on Thursday, May 16, at Grande Ronde Hospital, La Grande.

The presentation will run from 9-10:30 a.m. in the hospital’s Mt. Emily Conference Room.

The importance of screening children and adolescents for eating disorders will be one of the subjects discussed during the presentation, which will be given by Dr. Naghmeh Moshtaei of the Kartini Clinic Clinic for Children and Families at Randall Children’s Hospital in Portland.

The presentation is free. Non-GRH employees should register by sending an email to education@grh.org or by calling 541-963-1486.

COVE — Oregon’s U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley announced he will be holding nine in-person town halls across Eastern Oregon.

“I hold a town hall for every Oregon county every year because there is simply no substitute to hearing directly from folks about the ideas and priorities that matter most to them and their communities,” Merkley said in a press release. “Oregonians’ thoughts help shape my work in Congress, including positions on policies, ideas for bills, and strategies for securing resources for every corner of our state.”

Merkley’s Union County town hall will start at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18, in the gym at Cove High School, 803 Main St.

The Wallowa County town hall will be held later the same day starting at 6 p.m. in the mail hall of the Enterprise Senior Center, 702 NW First St.

“Over the course of the more than 550 town halls I’ve held since Oregonians sent me to the Senate, I’ve seen how these events provide respectful, safe spaces for people to express their unique points of view during these often-divisive times,” the senator said. “We all benefit significantly when we leave our comfort zone and open ourselves up to new ways of looking at issues—me included.”