PeaceHealth
08/04/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/04/2026 13:15
PeaceHealth facilities remain open, safe and ready to care for communities during wildfire/smoke events
PeaceHealth facilities remain open, safe and ready to care for communities during wildfire/smoke events
August 4, 2026 | News
VANCOUVER, Wash. - With active wildfires in our region and smoky air affecting communities across Washington, Oregon and Alaska, we want to share a quick update about our care operations and how we can support you and your family right now. First, please know that all PeaceHealth hospitals, emergency centers and clinics are open, safe and fully operational. Our facilities teams have activated high-efficiency air filtration systems and advanced ventilation controls across our buildings. Whether you have an upcoming appointment or need immediate medical care, our indoor spaces are safe, clean and prepared for you.
Caring for your health in smoky conditions
Wildfire smoke can cause eye and throat irritation, coughing or headaches - and it can be especially challenging for individuals with asthma, COPD, heart conditions or allergies, as well as children, older adults and pregnant women.
Steps you can take today:
Limit outdoor exposure: If your community is experiencing poor air quality, keep doors and windows closed, and avoid strenuous exercise outdoors while smoke levels remain elevated.
Manage indoor air: Set your home HVAC system or vehicle air conditioner to recirculate air.
Keep medications handy: Ensure you have an adequate supply of your maintenance and rescue medications (such as inhalers).
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help soothe irritated airways.
We are here if you need us
If poor air quality is making it difficult for you to travel, or if you prefer to stay indoors, you can connect with your care team virtually:
Message your care team: Contact your doctor or provider.
Virtual visits: Schedule or request a video visit for routine care or symptom advice.
Prescription support: If you need assistance with medication refills due to smoke conditions or local displacement, contact your clinic right away or message your care team.
If you or a family member experience severe difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, or sudden dizziness, please call 911 or visit the nearest Emergency Department immediately.
Wildfire conditions like we're experiencing can be taxing - physically and emotionally. Please know that your PeaceHealth care team is standing by to support you in any way we can.
Stay safe, take care of yourself, and please reach out if you need us.
About PeaceHealth: PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a non-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. PeaceHealth has approximately 16,000 caregivers, nearly 3,200 physicians and clinicians, more than 160 clinics and 9 medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Visit us online at peacehealth.org.
PeaceHealth published this content on August 04, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 04, 2026 at 19:15 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]