EPHC Celebrates Ribbon Cutting of Portable Shelter Systems

PORTOLA — As lightweight frames and sidewalls rose into the sky, the Eastern Plumas Health Clinic (EPHC) training crew along with Bob Dunn, Regional Manager from Western Shelter, placed the final anchoring system before officially debuting the shelter at the grand ribbon cutting event.

Moments later, a small crowd gathered with anticipation to get a peek at the interior before the shelter doors were opened for this celebration held Wednesday, October 25.

The three portable structures, two trailers and half ton pickup truck for transportation of these large structures were made possible by the tenacious effort of EPHC’s Program Manager Joanna Garneau. Through her skillful abilities, she landed EPHC with a Test to Treat Equity grant award of $456,766 from the California Department of Public Health.

At the ribbon cutting event, the public, local dignitaries, and organizations were treated to refreshments which included hot coffee, and doughnuts and tea provided by Headwaters Bistro in Portola, along with tours of the shelter system from both Garneau and Dunn.

Both CEO Doug McCoy and Program Manager Joanna Garneau touched on the importance of these portable structures specifically citing their multipurpose use, from disaster response to health emergencies.

“This shelter is completely self-contained with heat, air conditioning, generator, lighting, and air purification system, allowing for positive air pressure to stop contaminants from entering a space for something like surgery, and negative air pressure that will keep contaminants from leaving a space if sick patients were inside,” said Garneau. “With the thought-out addition of hot water, sanitizer handwashing stations, and ten individual exam rooms and beds, this shelter can easily be deployed to support expanded clinic or emergency room space as needed.”

With one 10’x10’ and two 19’x35’ shelters, Eastern Plumas Health Care can now erect central command centers, medical extensions, or space for vaccinations or infectious disease testing, within hours.

Later in the ribbon cutting ceremony, EPHC was presented a certificate of Congressional Recognition from the office of Congressman Kevin Kiley the Third Congressional District commending Eastern Plumas Health Care for their dedication to providing exceptional emergency and disaster response services.

“With these shelters, EPHC will respond to disasters and health emergencies more effectively. Should something require this level of preparedness, we will be ready,” said Garneau.

For more information about the shelters, contact EPHC Program Manager, Joanna Garneau at 530-832-6632.