Coast Community Health Center is reaching out to help residents make the most of health services and resources. Steven Eggert joined the health center team in October as Community Resource Coordinator for Bandon.

Outreach workers for Federally Qualified Health Centers serve as liaisons between health centers, partnering health and human services organizations, and the communities they serve.

“I love connecting with people. Meeting with somebody when they’re in a vulnerable place and helping them out, that’s where I get satisfaction,” said Eggert.

Eggert is a Bandon High School graduate who earned his B.S. in Public Health Education from Linfield College, McMinnville, Oregon. He’s excited to bring his training back to his home town, guiding residents to resources they may not know exist.

            “Working in health care is a humbling experience. When you’re focused on the patient, you’re not thinking about yourself.” –Steven Eggert

Photo of Steven Eggert

“We have long awaited having outreach services in our health center,” said Executive Director Linda Maxon.

“Steven is the perfect person to be coordinating our community resources. Being local allows Steven to build on the relationships he already has while using his education and outreach training to support the services we will offer. His work is exactly what we want to be doing for the communities we serve!”

After high school, Eggert left Bandon to join the United States Air Force. His work with the Air Force Military Police included security and acute first aid for soldiers and civilians in Iraq, Saudi Arabia and South America. Following active military duty, Eggert worked as a Certified Nurse Assistant, earned his Bachelor’s degree, spent time traveling abroad, and worked locally for Hardin Optical Company.

When he returned to Bandon after his expat exploration, he thought he was just coming home for a short visit.

Finding a position in Bandon that aligns with his degree is a pleasant surprise. He’s enjoying the synergy of the health center team, including the wealth of volunteers, in a work environment that lets members share their gifts.

Public Health Resources

Coast Community Health Center regularly offers education and health services to the public.

The health insurance enrollment period for 2015 is underway, and insurance assistance is available to everyone, not just health center patients.

Medicare patients can apply for changes to their insurance plans through December 7. Residents 65 years and older can take advantage of free Medicare information through the federal Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance program, hosted in Coos County by Coast Community Health Center. Call the health center to request an appointment with a trained SHIBA volunteer.

Oregon Health Plan enrollment assistance is now available at the health center. OHP enrollment is open year round. But, for coverage starting in January 2015, patients must apply or re-enroll by December 15, 2014. Enrollment assistance is free, by appointment. For help checking eligibility, enrolling or re-enrolling in OHP, contact the health center and ask for Steven Eggert, 541-347-2529.

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