In the wake of the June 11 wildfire that swept through Rowena, Oregon, Adventist Health Global Mission partnered with the Adventist Health Columbia Gorge team, organizing relief efforts to support affected community members and Adventist Health employees.

Cheri McCall, senior human resources business partner for Adventist Health Columbia Gorge, reached out to John Schroer, director of Global Mission, and Adrienne Barton, administrative director of philanthropy, to initiate relief efforts. The team launched a donation initiative, “Rapid Response for Rowena Fire,” rallying the wider Adventist Health community to help with employees who lost homes or experienced damage from the fire.

Stefanie Boen, emergency management manager for Adventist Health Columbia Gorge, partnered with local agencies and faith leaders, including Wes Welch, mission and spiritual care leader, to coordinate Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) events offering recovery resources and emotional care for residents.

A significant milestone came on June 21 with the arrival of a semi-truck from Global Mission humanitarian partner World Vision. The shipment included 24 pallets of emergency supplies — water, generators, diapers, hygiene kits, and air purifiers. Distribution was managed by the Columbia Gorge Food Bank with assistance from employees of Adventist Health Columbia Gorge, including Boen, who coordinated logistics.

Throughout July, Adventist Health Columbia Gorge has invited staff volunteers to assist with ongoing supply distribution, including support for those affected by the current Brewer Road/Snyder Canyon Fire, which started on July 23 and continues to impact Adventist Health employees and the Columbia Gorge region.

“This is who we are,” Schroer said. “In crisis, we respond with love, faith, and action.”