Community Response Award - Lane County Public Health Reserve Corps 

As one of Oregon’s newest MRC units, the Lane County Public Health Reserve Corps has already made a big impact. After a lengthy application process, Lane County was awarded $19 million dollars in Community Change Grant Climate funding from the Environmental Protection Agency. The funds will primarily go towards improving existing buildings to create “community resilience hubs” in six disaster-vulnerable areas across the county. These new hubs, stocked with emergency supplies, will serve as shelter and clean air spaces for community members during extreme heat or smoke events. Lane County is also partnering with United Way to distribute over $1 million in a competitive funding opportunity for organizations working on climate resilience initiatives within those same communities. With strong leadership from Sarah Swofford, the PHRC Manager, and Cayetana Gomez de Soler, the PHRC Coordinator, and of course the dedicated group of volunteers, the unit has grown quickly. Sarah and Caye respond to challenges with optimism and determination, inspiring the same from their small but mighty roster of volunteer responders. As one of just two MRC units in southwest Oregon, their presence is vital. Their work supports equity, strengthens community resilience, and exemplifies the transformative impact of committed volunteers. Their success in securing this multimillion-dollar grant is a testament to their unwavering commitment, and it will enable them to expand their efforts, drive lasting change, and further empower the communities they serve.

Sophie Flora-DeSart, SERV-OR Volunteer Manager and MRC State Coordinator

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Honorable Mention

Nehalem Bay MRC