With the terrible Pacific Northwest flooding we are reminded that we are connected as a region.
We all feel it when a storm tosses our neighbors in Tillamook or Centralia.

A washout on Highway 35 at Polallie Creek (kudos to ODOT for its quick repair) served as a small reminder of the kind of flood damage this area has known, repeatedly, in recent years.

We can count our blessings that we have not experienced the degree of damage seen in the Washington Interstate 5 corridor and on the northern Oregon coast and the communities in the Coast Range.

Rather than just count blessings, though, local residents are counting syringes, blankets, bottles of water and other needed supplies, and either taking them directly to flood victims or preparing to do so. (Details on page A1.)

From Hood River merchants’ growing campaign to collect food, clothing, bedding and even Christmas toys for flood victims in Chehalis and Centralia in Washington state to Providence employees’ rapid mission to Vernonia, it is clear that people around here want to help and know how to go about it.

A highly visible health services presence in rural Hood River, the “Mission in Motion” bus, has headed west for a few days. Residents of Pine Grove and Cascade Locks won’t see the Providence Mobile Health Unit until sometime next week; instead of doing health screenings, cholesterol exams, pediatric physicals and nutrition counseling — all vital services — the bus has transported health personnel and plenty of supplies to people in Vernonia. Many in that community are now without homes or have lost personal belongings and supplies.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife also got involved in a novel way: The Cascade Locks Hatchery disinfected a 2,300-gallon fish hauling truck Tuesday and sent it to the coast to help haul water to Vernonia.

Providence, ODFW, Acre Coffee owner Christie Hessler and others have responded quickly to humanitarian need in areas far from home.