Coos County Friends of Public Health honored four Public Health Superstars at the 2025 Recognition Luncheon.

The Salvation Army—Majors David and Erin Kauffman

The Salvation Army has done remarkable work in the community and has become a valued partner to our local public health department.

Because their facility has been designated as an emergency shelter in the City of Coos Bay, Coos Health & Wellness obtained grant funds to provide them with generators, cots, and other supplies needed to set up an emergency shelter. This is an excellent example of organizations working together to address community needs.

In addition, The Salvation Army has been serving as a community warming center for the unhoused, which helps protect the less fortunate from the elements.

Through their Hope Market open pantry they offer fresh food to community members. David and Erin were instrumental in making that happen shortly after they took over.

They also provide after-school meals for children. In addition to providing nourishment, this program creates a safe space for children to wait while their parents’ work.

They host events like the recent community fentanyl exposure event that helped provide the public with information and resources related to exposure to fentanyl.

Taking care of the many public health needs in the community is much too much for any single organization to accomplish alone. Because of their help in addressing those needs, The Salvation Army is a great partner, and truly a superstar in our community.

Coos Health & Wellness–Kara Long

Kara Long serves as the Prevention Services Outreach Specialist at Coos Health & Wellness, where she continues to make a lasting impact on public health in Coos County.

During the COVID-19 response, Kara played a critical role in organizing resources for individuals and families in need, including utility assistance and grocery support. From the start, she has been kind, determined, energetic, and incredibly hardworking.

As she transitioned into her current outreach role, Kara has continued to support public health in many ways. Her graphic design skills and ability to craft effective public health messages have been invaluable in spreading awareness through flyers and outreach materials. We should note that Kara used her design skills to design the new Friends of Public Health Logo, which you’ll see on the new membership brochure.

Additionally, her work in prevention efforts—most notably her leadership in tobacco retail inspections—has ensured that retailers comply with Oregon laws, preventing sales to youth and promoting healthier communities.

Kara’s dedication and contributions have significantly strengthened public health efforts in Coos County, making a meaningful difference in the community. We are proud to recognize her as a true public health superstar.

Food and Faith–Marissa Nuez

Food and Faith, in Bandon is an excellent example of how an individual, along with city government, the faith based community, businesses, and private individuals can team up to address a problem.

It all started in a local grocery store where Marissa approached someone who appeared to be unhoused or at least food insecure. She asked this person how she could help. The answer that came to her was that she could provide food.

As a first step she prepared home cooked meals in her own kitchen and took them to where the unhoused people of Bandon were staying. This was her own initiative and her own effort.

Her initiative broadened in February, 2024. That was when the Bandon City Council met with members of the Bandon Ministerial community (and other city officials) about the needs of the unhoused. Marissa attended that meeting.

At that meeting Marissa told stories about the unhoused people she had gotten to know. Her stories helped to humanize the people she had been supporting, which made it easier for those gathered to visualize how to support them.

The seeds of a collaborative effort were planted at that meeting and a 501 c3 was formed with a primary mission of helping the less fortunate individuals who were either unhoused or food insecure.

Local merchants, the faith community, and community individuals have contributed food and their volunteer hours to help distribute the donated food. At first people came to a trailer on her property to pick up the food, but early this month the distribution center moved to the gym at the Seventh Day Adventist church in Bandon. In addition to food, the organization distributes clothing, and even books.

Marissa continues to cook meals for the unhoused while at the same time caring for her family, which includes three sons, ages 10, 8, and 4.

Marissa is the inspiration that attracts people to support Food and Faith, and is a true public health superstar.

Coos Elderly Services–Erlette Upshaw

Coos Elderly Services promotes the dignity and security of vulnerable people on the south coast who need assistance in managing their financial affairs.

As Executive Director of Coos Elderly Services, Erlette takes this role very seriously. She has led Coos Elderly Services through a period of tremendous growth over the last five years. She has grown services to individuals including bill-pay assistance, guardianships, conservatorships, and serving as trustee when asked.

She has also broadened the reach of the organization through community-facing grant programs to increase access to vaccines during COVID, and now to increase awareness about preparedness for emergencies which disproportionately affect our vulnerable south coast residents.

Erlette has built an amazing Coos Elderly Services team of staff and volunteers through her leadership, compassion, thoughtfulness, teambuilding… and her amazing homemade dishes for company potlucks!

She has also built a fantastic reputation across the state and with state officials, where she is routinely called upon for consultation, and she has worked hard to engage locally with community partners.

This role requires constant learning and Erlette is always willing to jump in feet first. Her commitment to the organization and to the community that they serve is commendable.

Erlette’s leadership at Coos Elderly Services has made her a great asset to the community and a true Public Health Superstar.