2026 Superstars
On April 30, Superstar Awards were presented to:
Mary Carol Roberson
Mary Carol Roberson is recognized for her outstanding work with the Kids HOPE Center and her dedication to supporting children and families in need. She has served for years on the advisory board, led the Kids HOPE prevention campaign in Bandon, and spearheaded annual fundraising efforts for the Center. She also works through the Bandon Ministerial Association to help provide support for unhoused individuals through bus vouchers, motel vouchers, and hygiene supplies. Her work often happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt across the community.
Barb Yost
Barb Yost, a nurse with more than 30 years of experience, was recognized for creating the NEST Project at Bay Clinic. When postpartum nursing support services were discontinued, Barb stepped up to ensure new parents and babies still had access to early preventive care. The NEST program provides newborn assessments, feeding support, postpartum screenings, and compassionate follow-up care for families. Through her leadership, fundraising, and hands-on service, Barb has helped strengthen the long-term health of our community.
Her dedication helps shape not only healthier individuals, but a stronger future for all of us.
Reverend Don Ford
Reverend Don Ford was honored for his decades of work serving individuals experiencing homelessness. With nearly 30 years of experience, he has dedicated his life to helping people, with compassion, dignity, and practical support. Even after retiring from Harmony United Methodist Church, his commitment to the community has never slowed. His belief that helping even one person can make all the difference continues to inspire those around him.
Reverend Ford recently said, ‘If you help one person, that’s great, but when you have someone say “Reverend Ford, you saved my life,” that makes all the difference.’ “You cannot expect to save a man on Sunday, when the rest of the week you are a complacent witness to the crucifixion of their soul.”
This is not easy work—it takes patience, resilience, and a whole lot of heart. And Reverend Ford clearly brings all three.
Compass Outreach
Compass Outreach was recognized for its commitment to serving individuals experiencing homelessness through meals, housing support, and outreach services. Under the leadership of Executive Director Mike Hanks, the organization works to meet people where they are and help them access the resources they need. Their team prepares daily meals, supports outreach clinics, and partners with local churches to ensure community members have access to food, transportation, and services. Their work is a powerful example of compassion in action.
We are proud to honor Compass Outreach, for their commitment to providing meals to those experiencing homelessness.
Harmony United Methodist Church
Harmony United Methodist Church, led by Pastor Karen Love Basinger and dedicated volunteers, was honored for its many efforts to support the community. From weekly meals and school snack packs for elementary students to the DKD Clinic and transitional housing support, the church provides critical services for families and individuals in need. Their partnerships with Compass Outreach and other service organizations help ensure no one in the community is left without support. Their compassion and commitment make Coos Bay stronger.
We are proud to honor Harmony United Methodist Church, Pastor Karen Love Basinger and the volunteers for their compassion in our community.
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church was recognized for its long-standing commitment to community health and outreach. The church hosts free community lunches, support groups, youth programs, and monthly educational events while also providing household goods through Ruth’s Closet for people transitioning into housing. Their volunteers create a safe, welcoming space for individuals facing difficult times and quietly provide support where it is needed most. Their consistent service makes them a valued public health partner.
We are proud to honor Gloria Dei Lutheran Church for its commitment to providing meals to those experiencing homelessness.
Working For Your Well-Being
Our Mission
Coos County Friends of Public Health (CCFoPH) formed a 501c3 charity in 2008
We contribute time and resources to enhance local public health services, which are provided by Coos Health and Wellness.
Our Activities and Accomplishments
Fundraising
Since 2008 we have brought in $558,353 from foundation grants and individual donations for public health programs.
Some of the projects we have supported:
- The Nurses’ Purse Fund: Emergency funds for families’ essential health needs
- Survival Kits: Supplies, equipment and education for preparing for emergencies
- Safer Homes: Baby gates, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, cabinet and window locks, outlet covers
Advocacy
We have testified to improve the health of our community:
- To Coos Bay City Council for Mingus Park to be smoke-free
- To Coos County Commissioners about the importance of public health prevention of contagious diseases
- To City of Coos Bay advocating tor public funding for bike lanes
Events
CCFoPH sponsors a number of events throughout the year to increase awareness of public health issues and activities.
- Afternoon with Friends for members to discuss important public health topics
- Annual Recognition Lunch to honor Superstars, outstanding contributors to public health in our community
- Annual meeting with all members invited to review accomplishments, elect board members and approve annual budget
Volunteer Activities
Our members volunteer in the community to help many public health activities:
- Supported Covid-19 vaccine clinics across the county during the pandemic
- Provide booths at community health fairs with health resources and education
Education
- Distribute quarterly digital and printed newsletters
- Share public health announcements, news and events
Our Recent Blog Posts
Bottledrop
The money from your donated bottles and cans will go to the Nurses’ Purse, which is a discretionary fund that can be accessed by public health nurses at Coos Health & Wellness. The Nurses’ Purse fund helps families in need with essentials such as food, clothing, infant care, and payment of medical bills for the uninsured. The relatively small assistance from this fund can help a family overcome what seems to be an insurmountable obstacle to their health and wellbeing.
To promote health in Coos County through enhancement of local public health services.
The Coos County Friends of Public Health (CCFoPH) is a non-profit 501c3 organization supporting services to people in our community through Coos Health & Wellness. These services include the promotion of healthy families through programs such as the WIC nutrition program, and Babies First! / Parents As Teachers home visiting services; clinic services such as immunizations, and reproductive health services; and educational projects and activities.
Purpose of the Friends of Public Health
To promote an understanding of the public health needs of communities in Coos County, including vulnerable populations, and the availability of services to address those needs;
To increase community collaboration to achieve public health goals and to provide public health services;
To encourage volunteer involvement in local public health activities;
To educate about public health issues; and
To generate resources in fulfillment of our mission. Membership dues, and individual and corporate donations sustain CCFoPH, and enable us to raise funds, and receive grants for projects and programs which are administered through Coos Health & Wellness.
Be a Friend of Coos County Public Health.
Your support through your dollars and volunteer time help us make a difference in the health of our
communities in Coos County.
Members can participate in public health events, support our public health program and be part of the
board and other important committees that support the work of the CCFoPH.
Members receive a quarterly newsletter to keep up to date on all that the Friends are doing.
Join Coos County Friends of Public Health
Members receive bulletins about important public health issues and events, through email and Facebook. As a member, you can learn about current public health issues and concerns.
Site Updated 2/19/2024