Above: Our Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital BOB team, left to right: Rena George, mental health counselor and Michala Gonzalez, patient liaison.
September 2026
Strong community partnerships can help families access the resources they need to thrive. Recently, Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital's Better Outcomes thru Bridges (BOB) program joined local organizations at the Gorge Native American Collaborative Back-to-School Cultural Event and Health Fair, connecting Native American youth and families with support as they prepared for the school year.
Connecting families with support
The event welcomed 191 students and brought together organizations from across the Columbia Gorge focused on education and community well-being.
Representing Providence were Rena George, mental health counselor, and Michala Gonzalez, patient liaison. They shared information about the BOB program, which helps individuals navigate behavioral health, substance use and social challenges by connecting them with community resources and ongoing support.
Celebrating culture and community
In addition to school supplies and health resources, families participated in cultural activities honoring Native American traditions. In one of these activities — a feather ceremony — dancers and drummers created opportunities for families to celebrate their heritage and strengthen community connections.
The event reflected Providence's commitment to meeting people where they are and partnering with local organizations to support whole-person health.
By building trusted relationships and improving access to resources, programs like BOB help individuals and families feel supported both inside and outside the healthcare setting.
Related news
- See more of our services at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital.
- Watch a news segment following a caregiver at Providence Brookside Manor.
- Read about a Health Equity Project about injury recognition for underrepresented patients.
