(Wheeler, OR) – The statewide organization of Oregon special districts has recognized the Nehalem Bay Health District as the outstanding small special district in the state, and Health District board secretary/treasurer Debbie Moberly of Nehalem as Oregon’s outstanding special district board member.
The Special Districts Association represents more than 920 special districts in Oregon, including health, port, water, sewer, recreation and fire districts. The recognition was announced during the organization’s recent annual conference in Bend.
Moberly was recognized with the “Outstanding Special District Service Award” presented annually to an “individual board member who has contributed substantially to the improvement and successful operation of his or her district.”
Among her many accomplishments, Moberly has led the modernization and enhancement of the District’s budget and financial management and served as a lead director working on issues relating to the District-owned Nehalem Valley Care Center in Wheeler. Moberly also serves as president of the Lower Nehalem Community Trust.
The Health District was recognized for “accomplishments which allow [districts] to provide better service to the public,” and particularly “for innovative projects and programs, outstanding safety, public information, public involvement in a district decision-making process, and outstanding
achievement.”
The District is currently constructing the new Nehalem Bay Health Center and Pharmacy in Wheeler, a 16,000 square foot upgrade of the existing health center that will have modern facilities to offer specialty care, including dental and x-ray services. Construction is on schedule with substantial completion scheduled in early September 2025. The District has also begun renovations at the Nehalem Valley Care Center, the region’s only skilled nursing facility.
Nominations for special district awards were collected throughout 2024 and reviewed by the SDAO Awards Committee, and winners were selected using a scoring matrix.
SDAO also produced short video profiles of Debbie Moberly and the Health District.
For more information about the project and the district, visit www.nehalembayhd.org