NEWPORT – Dr. Lesley Ogden, chief executive officer of Samaritan Health Services two hospitals in Lincoln County, has been named a 2021 “community star” by a national rural health organization.
Ogden is among 50 individuals, coalitions and organizations that showed resiliency and resolve this year, according to the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health. The organization takes nominations and selects top recipients for the recognition and produces a book with their stories to inspire others who are working to improve the lives of rural Americans.
Ogden was nominated for her leadership during a September 2020 wildfire that forced the evacuation of SHS’ hospital in Lincoln City and impacted services at its Newport hospital, and for her hands-on approach to handling the ongoing pandemic, including active participation in community vaccination efforts.
“These Community Stars teach us lessons and provide positive examples of what can be accomplished, even during a public health crisis,” said Teryl Eisinger, the chief executive officer of the organization. “Their stories tell the tale of keeping resolve, maintaining and growing relationships, ensuring readiness in communities and never giving up on being resilient.”
Ogden was an emergency room doctor at Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital from 2006 to 2013, when she became chief executive officer of that hospital. She began overseeing Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital in Newport as well in 2017.
