Rep. Greg Walden, Sen. Jeff Merkley Are Honorary Co-Chairs of Apple-A-Day Campaign

Contact:   
Robert Duehmig, 503 494-4450; duehmigr@ohsu.edu
OHSU Communications, 503 494-8231; news@ohsu.edu

The Oregon Office of Rural Health at Oregon Health & Science University announced Rep. Greg Walden and Sen. Jeff Merkley will co-sponsor the Apple-A-Day Campaign. The campaign raises money to help fund the training of rural volunteer emergency medical technicians and to reimburse rural health care providers for care given to patients without the ability to pay.

Congressman Walden represents the largest rural district in Oregon and is an active member of the Congressional Rural Caucus — a group of more than 100 democratic and republican members of Congress working for rural communities. Sen. Merkley has been a strong advocate for rural health care in his role as a member of the Senate Health, Labor, Education and Pensions Committee.

The Apple-A-Day Campaign Auction is now live online. Supporters of rural health care throughout the state have donated a wide variety of items to raise money for local services. A selection of items are available for online bidding now, while others can be previewed but will only be offered at the live auction to be held at the campaign kick-off dinner on Friday, Nov. 6. The online auction features a variety of items, including beautiful hand-turned wooden bowls, gift certificates, original paintings and handmade jewelry, all starting at the lowest possible bid.

To access the auction, go to www.ohsu.edu/oregonruralhealth and click on “Apple-A-Day Campaign,” then follow the link to the online auction. Check the online site often, as items will be added as they arrive in the Office of Rural Health.

The Apple-A-Day Campaign kick-off dinner will be held Friday, Nov. 6, at Salishan Spa and Golf Resort in Gleneden Beach, Ore. This event will feature a silent and live auction; dinner, including cocktail, wine and dessert; a limited edition, custom-designed commemorative lapel pin; and a concert by renowned jazz artist Nancy King.

Those who attend the Apple-A-Day Fundraising Dinner and Auction will have the opportunity to bid on more auction items, such as Chinese tapestries; a handmade, solid wood sailing canoe; original artwork by OPB favorite Jim Newman; large gourmet food baskets; a Hawaiian vacation rental; and more. Tickets can be purchased at the Oregon Office of Rural Health Web site: www.ohsu.edu/oregonruralhealth.

The Office of Rural Health is still seeking sponsors for this event, ranging from “Seed” level ($200) to “Orchard” level ($10,000) and many points in between (Blossom, Apple, Bushel, Tree). Please contact the Oregon Office of Rural Health if you would like to be a part of this important event, 503 494-4450.

For more information on the Apple-A-Day Campaign, contact Robert Duehmig, 503-494-4450, 503-887-4454 or duehmigr@ohsu.edu; or Jenifer Hood at 541-335-1246.