Tillamook County board honors transportation district staff and volunteers for dialysis rides

The Tillamook County Board of Commissioners on March 26 publicly recognized Tillamook County Transportation District staff and volunteers for providing daily transportation to dialysis patients after the county dialysis center closed in April 2024.

The recognition acknowledged volunteers and staff who coordinated rides outside the county to ensure continued treatment for patients. Commissioner Cornier said, “our dialysis center shut down April 2024. And those are people that need daily daily dialysis.”

Brian, a representative of the transportation district, introduced staff who were present and described the mix of services involved. “Tori works in our Northwest Rides brokerage, does a lot of the coordination with Crystal and Mike from the district side,” he said, noting coordination between Dial-A-Ride, the Northwest Rides brokerage and volunteers. Brian named Tori Pesterfield, Crystal Scott, Mike Reed, John Klein and Kathy Bond as core staff and volunteers who supported the effort. He added that John Klein frequently drives trips well outside the district’s service area “to Lincoln City or Forest Grove or Astoria.”

Commissioners praised the logistics and the nature of the work, noting that many dialysis riders require wheelchair-capable vehicles and door-to-door assistance. One commissioner said the rides were lifesaving for riders who lack vehicles or family who can provide accessible transport. Kathy Bond was identified by Brian as the district’s finance supervisor and was thanked for managing the funding and costs involved.

The board paused to allow a photograph with staff and volunteers and extended public thanks for the district’s continued service.

The recognition was a ceremonial item on the agenda and did not include a recorded vote or additional board direction.