This petition comes from a place of deep concern for the 12 local residents who rely on Tillamook County's renal unit for their dialysis treatment. The proposed closure of this vital service is more than just an inconvenience; it poses a significant risk to their health and well-being. These individuals cannot undertake long, arduous journeys to alternate facilities, especially considering the geographical challenges posed by our region. Our county is surrounded by mountains that are often impassable during winter months due to treacherous conditions and road closures.

The renal unit in Tillamook County provides an essential service to these 12 residents, allowing them access to life-sustaining dialysis treatment within a reasonable distance from their homes. Without this facility, they would be forced into perilous travel or potentially miss out on crucial treatments.

According to the National Kidney Foundation, regular dialysis treatments are critical for people with kidney failure as they help control blood pressure and remove waste that can build up in the body (National Kidney Foundation). The closure of our local renal unit puts these vulnerable community members at risk.

We urge you not only consider the lives directly affected but also recognize that this could set a dangerous precedent for healthcare accessibility in rural areas across America. We must prioritize health services in all communities regardless of size or location.

Please join us in calling upon our local authorities to keep Tillamook County’s renal unit open. Sign this petition today and stand up for accessible healthcare for all! These residents have until 2/23/24. 

Shown photo is just one of the 12 patients directly affected.

Edit to add:
This does not affect just 12 patients, this affects a whole community. These patients are someones Mother, Father, Daughter, Son, Grandmother, Grandfather, Sister, Brother, etc. These people need this life saving treatment, they do not have the option to skip treatments, this is life or death for them. Closing this clinic is a CHOICE. Not only does this affect current patients and families but it also affects future patients and families as well. I challenge you to face each of these patients and families and tell them money is more important than thier lives. Its very bold to make these kind of decisions while also boasting of the millions that have been raised. This is a blanted slap in the face to the community of Tillamook. I hope when you go home to your family, you remember your CHOICE has lead to someone not being able to go home to theres - Jennifer Wallberg