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News Release

INTERVIEWS Today: Spring Allergy Advice From Dr. Naqvi - 04/09/26

PORTLAND, Ore. (April 9, 2026): Seasonal allergy symptoms are increasing across the Portland area as warmer weather drives higher pollen levels. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that about one in four adults and one in five children experience seasonal allergies.

Khurram Naqvi, MD, with Kaiser Permanente in Portland, says early action is the key to keeping early symptoms from becoming more severe. “We are seeing allergy symptoms ramp up and many people wait too long to act. Allergy symptoms don’t stay mild for long if they’re ignored,” said Dr. Naqvi.

Tree pollen is currently the primary contributor to worsening allergy symptoms. Grass and weed pollen levels remain lower but are expected to rise as spring progresses. Once pollen levels rise, untreated allergies can quickly affect sleep, focus, and overall health.

“Right now, tree pollen is driving symptoms across the Portland area, and for many people that means congestion, itchy eyes, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. The good news is that with early treatment and a few practical changes, most people can significantly reduce their symptoms and feel better through the season.”

For children, symptoms may be harder to identify.

“Kids don’t always have the words to describe what they’re feeling,” Dr. Naqvi added. “Persistent sneezing, mouth breathing, congestion, or itchy eyes can all be signs of allergies. When symptoms affect sleep, school performance, or don’t improve with over‑the‑counter treatments, that’s a clear signal to talk with a physician.”

Tips to Reduce Spring Allergy Symptoms

Dr. Naqvi recommends these strategies for both adults and children:

Monitor pollen levels: Check pollen counts daily. Pollen counts are often high during midday and in the afternoon. Limiting outdoor activity during peak times can reduce exposure.
Keep indoor air clean: Keep windows closed to prevent pollen from entering. Clean and change HVAC filters regularly and consider using a HEPA air purifier to reduce pet dander, dust, and other allergens.
Limit pollen indoors: Shower and change clothes after outdoor activities. Wash bedding in hot water and vacuum frequently. Wipe pets down weekly as pollen easily clings to fur.
Plan outdoor time: Pollen levels fluctuate during the day and are typically lowest early in the morning (5–10 a.m.) and later in the evening. Plan outdoor activities during these times.
Consult a physician: If symptoms persist, interfere with daily life, or disrupt sleep or school, a doctor can help tailor treatment options.

Interviews available April 9

Khurram Naqvi, MD, with Kaiser Permanente in Portland, is available for Zoom interviews with media today, April 9, from noon to 2:00 p.m.

Contact Kim Mounts to schedule.

Dr. Naqvi is prepared to discuss:

Common allergy symptoms in adults vs. children
How to reduce or prevent spring allergies
Treatment options and when to seek medical care
Allergy symptoms vs. respiratory illnesses — how to tell the difference
Practical steps viewers can take right now to reduce health risks

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.6 million members in 9 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org.

INTERVIEWS Today: Spring Allergy Advice From Dr. Naqvi - 04/09/26

PORTLAND, Ore. (April 9, 2026): Seasonal allergy symptoms are increasing across the Portland area as warmer weather drives higher pollen levels. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that about one in four adults and one in five children experience seasonal allergies.

Khurram Naqvi, MD, with Kaiser Permanente in Portland, says early action is the key to keeping early symptoms from becoming more severe. “We are seeing allergy symptoms ramp up and many people wait too long to act. Allergy symptoms don’t stay mild for long if they’re ignored,” said Dr. Naqvi.

Tree pollen is currently the primary contributor to worsening allergy symptoms. Grass and weed pollen levels remain lower but are expected to rise as spring progresses. Once pollen levels rise, untreated allergies can quickly affect sleep, focus, and overall health.

“Right now, tree pollen is driving symptoms across the Portland area, and for many people that means congestion, itchy eyes, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. The good news is that with early treatment and a few practical changes, most people can significantly reduce their symptoms and feel better through the season.”

For children, symptoms may be harder to identify.

“Kids don’t always have the words to describe what they’re feeling,” Dr. Naqvi added. “Persistent sneezing, mouth breathing, congestion, or itchy eyes can all be signs of allergies. When symptoms affect sleep, school performance, or don’t improve with over‑the‑counter treatments, that’s a clear signal to talk with a physician.”

Tips to Reduce Spring Allergy Symptoms

Dr. Naqvi recommends these strategies for both adults and children:

Monitor pollen levels: Check pollen counts daily. Pollen counts are often high during midday and in the afternoon. Limiting outdoor activity during peak times can reduce exposure.
Keep indoor air clean: Keep windows closed to prevent pollen from entering. Clean and change HVAC filters regularly and consider using a HEPA air purifier to reduce pet dander, dust, and other allergens.
Limit pollen indoors: Shower and change clothes after outdoor activities. Wash bedding in hot water and vacuum frequently. Wipe pets down weekly as pollen easily clings to fur.
Plan outdoor time: Pollen levels fluctuate during the day and are typically lowest early in the morning (5–10 a.m.) and later in the evening. Plan outdoor activities during these times.
Consult a physician: If symptoms persist, interfere with daily life, or disrupt sleep or school, a doctor can help tailor treatment options.

Interviews available April 9

Khurram Naqvi, MD, with Kaiser Permanente in Portland, is available for Zoom interviews with media today, April 9, from noon to 2:00 p.m.

Contact Kim Mounts to schedule.

Dr. Naqvi is prepared to discuss:

Common allergy symptoms in adults vs. children
How to reduce or prevent spring allergies
Treatment options and when to seek medical care
Allergy symptoms vs. respiratory illnesses — how to tell the difference
Practical steps viewers can take right now to reduce health risks

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.6 million members in 9 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org.

Photos & Video From Sunnyside Hospital Groundbreaking Today! (Photo) - 04/02/26

Today, Kaiser Permanente hosted a celebration to mark the start of construction on a new, state-of-the-art hospital tower at Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center in Clackamas, Oregon. The new facility is scheduled to open in 2029.

The event brought together Kaiser Permanente leaders, employees, community members, and elected officials to celebrate a major milestone for health care in the region.

B-roll for media:
Download interview clips of Wendy Watson, President of Kaiser Permanente Northwest, speaking at the event; and footage of the dirt-turning with Kaiser Permanente leaders, employees, community members, and elected officials:
https://vimeo.com/1179708042/8641c9f2ea?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

Augmented reality:
View a digital visualization of the future hospital tower.

The ceremony to break ground featured remarks from regional leaders and community partners, a performance by the Clackamas High School Choir, and interactive elements highlighting Kaiser Permanente’s connection to the community and its vision for the future of health care.

“Since opening our doors in 1975, Sunnyside Medical Center has been a place where lives are saved, families begin, and people come for care at every stage of life,” said Wendy Watson, regional president of Kaiser Permanente in the Northwest.

“Today, it’s incredibly special to celebrate this moment alongside our employees, community members, and local leaders — people who have all been part of Sunnyside’s story. As we break ground on this new hospital tower, we’re building on that legacy with a vision for the future that brings together leading-edge technology and a significantly reduced carbon footprint, a healing environment, and our deep commitment to helping our communities live longer and healthier lives for generations to come."

“Hospitals are more than buildings. They are where science meets compassion and where some of life’s most important and caring moments unfold,” said Leong Koh, MD, executive medical director of Northwest Permanente. “For more than 50 years, Sunnyside has been a place where our physicians, nurses, and care teams have delivered exceptional care to this community, and this new hospital tower is a direct investment in their ability to continue that work. Designed for team-based care, advanced technology, and a healing environment, it will give our patients the privacy, safety, and comfort they deserve while supporting our clinicians in delivering the best possible outcomes. As Oregon’s first fully electric hospital, it also reflects our belief that environmental health is public health, and demonstrates our responsibility to build a healthier future for the communities we serve.”

The ceremony included alumni families from the neonatal intensive care unit to symbolize care at every stage of life. Attendees also took part in a “wishing tree” activity, sharing their hopes for the future of care at Sunnyside Medical Center on handcrafted medallions that will later become part of a permanent installation in the new hospital.

A highlight of the event was an augmented reality moment, where a digital visualization of the planned future hospital tower was revealed. The new 7-story, 615,000-square-foot hospital tower will feature leading-edge technology, expanded capacity, and modern patient amenities, including:

100% private patient rooms
In-room telemedicine capabilities, advanced robotics, and image-guided surgical equipment
Expanded emergency department capacity to reduce wait times
Easy navigation for patients, staff, and visitors
Natural light, green spaces, walking paths, and healing gardens

This hospital will be fully electric, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. The facility is also targeting LEED Gold certification. Once complete, it will become Kaiser Permanente’s 87th LEED-certified building, adding to the largest group of LEED-certified health care facilities in the United States.

Sunnyside Medical Center first opened in 1975 and has served the Portland metro community for more than 50 years. Today, more than 2,300 doctors, nurses, and health care professionals provide care for tens of thousands of patients each year, perform thousands of surgeries, and deliver more than 2,000 babies annually.

The medical center is home to Kaiser Permanente’s regional centers for neurosurgery and adult cancer care, a Level III NICU, and the Northwest Center for Heart and Vascular Care. It is also recognized as the only hospital in Oregon and Washington to have received Healthgrades’ America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Surgery Award for 10 consecutive years.
During peak construction, the project is expected to employ more than 600 local tradespeople, supporting the regional economy. When the new tower opens in 2029, the existing hospital building is scheduled to be replaced with additional parking, walkways, and outdoor spaces.

Sunnyside Medical Center is 1 of 2 Kaiser Permanente hospitals that serve Oregon and Southwest Washington; the other is Kaiser Permanente Westside Medical Center in Hillsboro, Oregon, which opened in 2013.

View the fact sheet for the new Sunnyside Medical Center hospital tower.

About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.6 million members in 9 states and the District of C-olumbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health.

Attached Media Files: Kaiser Permanente leaders, employees, community members, and elected officials turn the dirt at the groundbreaking., Sunnyside's first patient, Dr. John Bauman, with Wendy Watson, President of Kaiser Permanente Northwest. Dr. Bauman was treated at Sunnyside for tonsillectomy as Sunnyside's first patient at age six!, Kaiser Permanente leaders, employees, community members, and elected officials turn the dirt at the groundbreaking., Former Sunnyside NICU patient helping turn the dirt!, Clackamas High School Choir performed at the event., Building the future of heath care!,

Photos & Video From Sunnyside Hospital Groundbreaking Today! (Photo) - 04/02/26

Today, Kaiser Permanente hosted a celebration to mark the start of construction on a new, state-of-the-art hospital tower at Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center in Clackamas, Oregon. The new facility is scheduled to open in 2029.

The event brought together Kaiser Permanente leaders, employees, community members, and elected officials to celebrate a major milestone for health care in the region.

B-roll for media:
Download interview clips of Wendy Watson, President of Kaiser Permanente Northwest, speaking at the event; and footage of the dirt-turning with Kaiser Permanente leaders, employees, community members, and elected officials:
https://vimeo.com/1179708042/8641c9f2ea?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

Augmented reality:
View a digital visualization of the future hospital tower.

The ceremony to break ground featured remarks from regional leaders and community partners, a performance by the Clackamas High School Choir, and interactive elements highlighting Kaiser Permanente’s connection to the community and its vision for the future of health care.

“Since opening our doors in 1975, Sunnyside Medical Center has been a place where lives are saved, families begin, and people come for care at every stage of life,” said Wendy Watson, regional president of Kaiser Permanente in the Northwest.

“Today, it’s incredibly special to celebrate this moment alongside our employees, community members, and local leaders — people who have all been part of Sunnyside’s story. As we break ground on this new hospital tower, we’re building on that legacy with a vision for the future that brings together leading-edge technology and a significantly reduced carbon footprint, a healing environment, and our deep commitment to helping our communities live longer and healthier lives for generations to come."

“Hospitals are more than buildings. They are where science meets compassion and where some of life’s most important and caring moments unfold,” said Leong Koh, MD, executive medical director of Northwest Permanente. “For more than 50 years, Sunnyside has been a place where our physicians, nurses, and care teams have delivered exceptional care to this community, and this new hospital tower is a direct investment in their ability to continue that work. Designed for team-based care, advanced technology, and a healing environment, it will give our patients the privacy, safety, and comfort they deserve while supporting our clinicians in delivering the best possible outcomes. As Oregon’s first fully electric hospital, it also reflects our belief that environmental health is public health, and demonstrates our responsibility to build a healthier future for the communities we serve.”

The ceremony included alumni families from the neonatal intensive care unit to symbolize care at every stage of life. Attendees also took part in a “wishing tree” activity, sharing their hopes for the future of care at Sunnyside Medical Center on handcrafted medallions that will later become part of a permanent installation in the new hospital.

A highlight of the event was an augmented reality moment, where a digital visualization of the planned future hospital tower was revealed. The new 7-story, 615,000-square-foot hospital tower will feature leading-edge technology, expanded capacity, and modern patient amenities, including:

100% private patient rooms
In-room telemedicine capabilities, advanced robotics, and image-guided surgical equipment
Expanded emergency department capacity to reduce wait times
Easy navigation for patients, staff, and visitors
Natural light, green spaces, walking paths, and healing gardens

This hospital will be fully electric, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. The facility is also targeting LEED Gold certification. Once complete, it will become Kaiser Permanente’s 87th LEED-certified building, adding to the largest group of LEED-certified health care facilities in the United States.

Sunnyside Medical Center first opened in 1975 and has served the Portland metro community for more than 50 years. Today, more than 2,300 doctors, nurses, and health care professionals provide care for tens of thousands of patients each year, perform thousands of surgeries, and deliver more than 2,000 babies annually.

The medical center is home to Kaiser Permanente’s regional centers for neurosurgery and adult cancer care, a Level III NICU, and the Northwest Center for Heart and Vascular Care. It is also recognized as the only hospital in Oregon and Washington to have received Healthgrades’ America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Surgery Award for 10 consecutive years.
During peak construction, the project is expected to employ more than 600 local tradespeople, supporting the regional economy. When the new tower opens in 2029, the existing hospital building is scheduled to be replaced with additional parking, walkways, and outdoor spaces.

Sunnyside Medical Center is 1 of 2 Kaiser Permanente hospitals that serve Oregon and Southwest Washington; the other is Kaiser Permanente Westside Medical Center in Hillsboro, Oregon, which opened in 2013.

View the fact sheet for the new Sunnyside Medical Center hospital tower.

About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.6 million members in 9 states and the District of C-olumbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health.

Attached Media Files: Kaiser Permanente leaders, employees, community members, and elected officials turn the dirt at the groundbreaking., Sunnyside's first patient, Dr. John Bauman, with Wendy Watson, President of Kaiser Permanente Northwest. Dr. Bauman was treated at Sunnyside for tonsillectomy as Sunnyside's first patient at age six!, Kaiser Permanente leaders, employees, community members, and elected officials turn the dirt at the groundbreaking., Former Sunnyside NICU patient helping turn the dirt!, Clackamas High School Choir performed at the event., Building the future of heath care!,

Join Us Today For Sunnyside Hospital Tower Groundbreaking Celebration (Photo) - 04/02/26

PORTLAND, Ore. (March 30, 2026) – Kaiser Permanente will host a groundbreaking celebration on Thursday, April 2, marking the start of construction on a new, state-of-the-art hospital tower at Sunnyside Medical Center in Clackamas, Ore. The new facility is scheduled to open in 2029.

The event will bring together Kaiser Permanente leaders, employees, community members, and elected officials to celebrate a major milestone for health care in the region. Speakers include Oregon Representative April Dobson, Clackamas County Chair Craig Roberts and Dr. Sejal Hathi, MD, MBA, Director of the Oregon Health Authority.

The groundbreaking ceremony will feature remarks from regional leaders and community partners, a performance by the Clackamas High School Choir, and a variety of interactive elements designed to highlight Kaiser Permanente's connection to the community and its vision for the future of health care. Displays throughout the event will also recognize Sunnyside care teams and feature local community partners supported through the project.

"Since opening our doors in 1975, Sunnyside Medical Center has been a place where lives are saved, families begin, and people come for care at every stage of life," said Wendy Watson, President of Kaiser Permanente Northwest. "Today, it's incredibly special to celebrate this moment alongside our employees, community members, and local leaders -- people who have all been part of Sunnyside's story. As we break ground on this new hospital tower, we're building on that legacy with a vision for the future that brings together leading-edge technology and a significantly reduced carbon footprint, a healing environment, and our deep commitment to helping our communities live longer and healthier lives for generations to come."

"Hospitals are more than buildings. They are where science meets compassion and where some of life's most important and caring moments unfold," said Leong Koh, MD, Executive Medical Director of Northwest Permanente. "For more than 50 years, Sunnyside has been a place where our physicians, nurses, and care teams have delivered exceptional care to this community, and this new hospital tower is a direct investment in their ability to continue that work. Designed for team-based care, advanced technology, and a healing environment, it will give our patients the privacy, safety, and comfort they deserve while supporting our clinicians in delivering the best possible outcomes. As Oregon's first fully electric hospital, it also reflects our belief that environmental health is public health and our responsibility to build a healthier future for the communities we serve."

Interviews available:

Media are invited to attend the event. The program begins at 11:30 a.m.; groundbreaking (dirt turning) at approximately 12:05 p.m.; and interviews with Wendy Watson, President of Kaiser Permanente Northwest, will be available from 12:30-1 p.m. Please contact Karen Vitt to RSVP.

Media parking:

Location: Future site of the Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center Tower (10180 S.E. Sunnyside Rd., Clackamas, Ore., 97015). As a media VIP, please park in designated event parking next to the tent. Upon entry, provide your name to the parking attendant. Map attached.

Visuals available:

Groundbreaking ceremony with leaders and NICU alumni children
Augmented reality reveal of the future hospital tower
Community "wishing tree" activity
Photo booth with commemorative keepsake frames
Clackamas High School Choir performance
Northwest-inspired event design with spring wildflowers and moss

The groundbreaking ceremony will include participation from Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) alumni families to symbolize care at every stage of life. Attendees will also take part in a "wishing tree" activity, sharing their hopes for the future of care at Sunnyside on handcrafted medallions that will later become part of a permanent installation in the new hospital.

A highlight of the event will be an augmented reality groundbreaking moment, where a digital visualization of the future hospital tower will be revealed during a live broadcast experience. Guests will also receive a Northwest-themed keepsake and can explore displays showcasing Sunnyside care teams, reinforcing the connection between the people who deliver care and the future facility being built for them and their patients.

Construction on the new tower begins April 2, 2026. The current hospital will remain fully operational throughout the project, ensuring uninterrupted patient care. The new 7-story, 615,000-square-foot hospital tower will feature leading-edge technology, expanded capacity, and modern patient amenities, including:

100% private patient rooms
In-room telemedicine capabilities, advanced robotics, and image-guided surgical equipment
Expanded emergency department capacity to reduce wait times
Easy navigation for patients, staff, and visitors
Natural light, green spaces, walking paths, and healing gardens

This hospital is fully electric, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. The facility is also targeting LEED Gold certification. Once complete, it will become Kaiser Permanente's 87th LEED-certified building, contributing to the largest portfolio of LEED-certified health care facilities in the United States.

Sunnyside Medical Center first opened in 1975 and has served the Portland metro community for more than 50 years. Today, more than 2,300 doctors, nurses, and health care professionals provide care for tens of thousands of patients each year, perform thousands of surgeries, and deliver more than 2,000 babies annually. The medical center is home to Kaiser Permanente's regional centers for neurosurgery and adult cancer care, a Level III NICU, and the Northwest Center for Heart and Vascular Care. It was also recognized as the only hospital in Oregon and Washington to receive Healthgrades' America's 50 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Surgery Award for 10 consecutive years.

During peak construction, the project is expected to employ more than 600 local tradespeople, supporting the regional economy. When the new tower opens in 2029, the existing hospital building will be replaced with additional parking, walkways, and outdoor spaces.

Sunnyside Medical Center is 1 of 2 Kaiser Permanente hospitals that serve Oregon and Southwest Washington; the other is Kaiser Permanente Westside Medical Center in Hillsboro, Oregon, which opened in 2013.

View the fact sheet for the new Sunnyside Medical Center hospital tower.

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.6 million members in 9 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org.

Attached Media Files: Event site parking map for media, Rendering of future Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center. Credit CO Architects., Rendering of future Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center. Credit CO Architects., Rendering of future Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center. Credit CO Architects.,

Join Us Today For Sunnyside Hospital Tower Groundbreaking Celebration (Photo) - 04/02/26

PORTLAND, Ore. (March 30, 2026) – Kaiser Permanente will host a groundbreaking celebration on Thursday, April 2, marking the start of construction on a new, state-of-the-art hospital tower at Sunnyside Medical Center in Clackamas, Ore. The new facility is scheduled to open in 2029.

The event will bring together Kaiser Permanente leaders, employees, community members, and elected officials to celebrate a major milestone for health care in the region. Speakers include Oregon Representative April Dobson, Clackamas County Chair Craig Roberts and Dr. Sejal Hathi, MD, MBA, Director of the Oregon Health Authority.

The groundbreaking ceremony will feature remarks from regional leaders and community partners, a performance by the Clackamas High School Choir, and a variety of interactive elements designed to highlight Kaiser Permanente's connection to the community and its vision for the future of health care. Displays throughout the event will also recognize Sunnyside care teams and feature local community partners supported through the project.

"Since opening our doors in 1975, Sunnyside Medical Center has been a place where lives are saved, families begin, and people come for care at every stage of life," said Wendy Watson, President of Kaiser Permanente Northwest. "Today, it's incredibly special to celebrate this moment alongside our employees, community members, and local leaders -- people who have all been part of Sunnyside's story. As we break ground on this new hospital tower, we're building on that legacy with a vision for the future that brings together leading-edge technology and a significantly reduced carbon footprint, a healing environment, and our deep commitment to helping our communities live longer and healthier lives for generations to come."

"Hospitals are more than buildings. They are where science meets compassion and where some of life's most important and caring moments unfold," said Leong Koh, MD, Executive Medical Director of Northwest Permanente. "For more than 50 years, Sunnyside has been a place where our physicians, nurses, and care teams have delivered exceptional care to this community, and this new hospital tower is a direct investment in their ability to continue that work. Designed for team-based care, advanced technology, and a healing environment, it will give our patients the privacy, safety, and comfort they deserve while supporting our clinicians in delivering the best possible outcomes. As Oregon's first fully electric hospital, it also reflects our belief that environmental health is public health and our responsibility to build a healthier future for the communities we serve."

Interviews available:

Media are invited to attend the event. The program begins at 11:30 a.m.; groundbreaking (dirt turning) at approximately 12:05 p.m.; and interviews with Wendy Watson, President of Kaiser Permanente Northwest, will be available from 12:30-1 p.m. Please contact Karen Vitt to RSVP.

Media parking:

Location: Future site of the Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center Tower (10180 S.E. Sunnyside Rd., Clackamas, Ore., 97015). As a media VIP, please park in designated event parking next to the tent. Upon entry, provide your name to the parking attendant. Map attached.

Visuals available:

Groundbreaking ceremony with leaders and NICU alumni children
Augmented reality reveal of the future hospital tower
Community "wishing tree" activity
Photo booth with commemorative keepsake frames
Clackamas High School Choir performance
Northwest-inspired event design with spring wildflowers and moss

The groundbreaking ceremony will include participation from Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) alumni families to symbolize care at every stage of life. Attendees will also take part in a "wishing tree" activity, sharing their hopes for the future of care at Sunnyside on handcrafted medallions that will later become part of a permanent installation in the new hospital.

A highlight of the event will be an augmented reality groundbreaking moment, where a digital visualization of the future hospital tower will be revealed during a live broadcast experience. Guests will also receive a Northwest-themed keepsake and can explore displays showcasing Sunnyside care teams, reinforcing the connection between the people who deliver care and the future facility being built for them and their patients.

Construction on the new tower begins April 2, 2026. The current hospital will remain fully operational throughout the project, ensuring uninterrupted patient care. The new 7-story, 615,000-square-foot hospital tower will feature leading-edge technology, expanded capacity, and modern patient amenities, including:

100% private patient rooms
In-room telemedicine capabilities, advanced robotics, and image-guided surgical equipment
Expanded emergency department capacity to reduce wait times
Easy navigation for patients, staff, and visitors
Natural light, green spaces, walking paths, and healing gardens

This hospital is fully electric, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. The facility is also targeting LEED Gold certification. Once complete, it will become Kaiser Permanente's 87th LEED-certified building, contributing to the largest portfolio of LEED-certified health care facilities in the United States.

Sunnyside Medical Center first opened in 1975 and has served the Portland metro community for more than 50 years. Today, more than 2,300 doctors, nurses, and health care professionals provide care for tens of thousands of patients each year, perform thousands of surgeries, and deliver more than 2,000 babies annually. The medical center is home to Kaiser Permanente's regional centers for neurosurgery and adult cancer care, a Level III NICU, and the Northwest Center for Heart and Vascular Care. It was also recognized as the only hospital in Oregon and Washington to receive Healthgrades' America's 50 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Surgery Award for 10 consecutive years.

During peak construction, the project is expected to employ more than 600 local tradespeople, supporting the regional economy. When the new tower opens in 2029, the existing hospital building will be replaced with additional parking, walkways, and outdoor spaces.

Sunnyside Medical Center is 1 of 2 Kaiser Permanente hospitals that serve Oregon and Southwest Washington; the other is Kaiser Permanente Westside Medical Center in Hillsboro, Oregon, which opened in 2013.

View the fact sheet for the new Sunnyside Medical Center hospital tower.

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.6 million members in 9 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org.

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