St. Charles Health System’s Trauma Program is hosting an event to honor and recognize former trauma patients Wednesday, May 15 at St. Charles Bend. The event will include a visit from therapy dogs, free barbecue lunch and the chance to connect with St. Charles caregivers, first responders and fellow trauma survivors.
The program will include a welcome from a trauma doctor and two trauma survivors will speak: Emma Vlossak will share her experience as a former trauma nurse who became a trauma patient and Richard Marcias will perform a song that he wrote during his stay at St. Charles while recovering from a fall.
Jeremy Buller, trauma program coordinator, is excited to bring the event back for a second year, after a successful first Trauma Survivor Day in 2023.
“I hope that the trauma survivors and family members can connect with each other and understand they aren’t alone in their experiences. For some people, this event helps provide a sense of closure,” said Buller. “Our caregivers also find tremendous meaning and joy when they are able to interact with former patients who are healing.”
All former trauma survivors are invited to attend the event; RSVPs are required at the link. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the St. Charles Bend Conference Rooms A and B and the outside patio, weather permitting.
More about the Trauma Program at St. Charles
St. Charles cares for approximate 2,300 trauma patients every year across its four hospitals, including injuries caused by falls, vehicle crashes, recreational accidents and more. St. Charles Bend is a level 2 trauma center, the only one east of the Cascades. The average trauma patient stays 5.5 days in the hospital and receives care from more than 200 caregivers during that time.
About St. Charles Health System
St. Charles Health System, Inc., headquartered in Bend, Ore., owns and operates St. Charles Bend, Madras, Prineville and Redmond. It also owns family care clinics in Bend, La Pine, Madras, Prineville, Redmond and Sisters. St. Charles is a private, nonprofit Oregon corporation and is the largest employer in Central Oregon with more than 4,500 caregivers. In addition, there are more than 350 active medical staff members and nearly 200 visiting medical staff members who partner with the health system to provide a wide range of care and service to our communities.
