Adventist Health Global Mission supports relief efforts after wildfire

In the wake of the June 11 wildfire that swept through Rowena, Oregon, Adventist Health Global Mission partnered with the Adventist Health Columbia Gorge team, organizing relief efforts to support affected community members and Adventist Health employees. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek (pictured, second from left) took note during her visit to the area to survey fire damage.

Cheri McCall, Senior Human Resources Business Partner for Adventist Health Columbia Gorge, reached out to John Schroer, Director of Global Mission, and Adrienne Barton, Administrative Director of Philanthropy, to initiate relief efforts. The team launched a donation initiative, “Rapid Response for Rowena Fire,” rallying the strength of the wider Adventist Health community to provide assistance for employees who lost homes or experienced damage from the fire.

Stefanie Boen, Emergency Management Manager for Adventist Health Columbia Gorge, partnered with local agencies and faith leaders such as Wes Welch, Mission and Spiritual Care Leader, coordinating Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) events offering recovery resources and emotional care for residents.

A significant milestone came on June 21 with the arrival of a semi-truck from Global Mission humanitarian partner World Vision. The shipment included 24 pallets of emergency supplies—water, generators, diapers, hygiene kits, and air purifiers. Distribution was managed by the Columbia Gorge Food Bank, with assistance from employees of Adventist Health Columbia Gorge and Boen who coordinated logistics.

Throughout July, Adventist Health Columbia Gorge staff volunteers continued to assist with ongoing supply distribution, including for those affected by additional fires as the summer continued.

“This is who we are,” Schroer said. “In crisis, we respond with love, faith, and action.”