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@OHAOregon
March 29, 2023
Media contact:
Amber Shoebridge (she/her)
Strategic Communications Officer, Oregon State Hospital
amber.shoebridge@oha.oregon.gov, Cell: 503-931-9586
Oregon State Hospital patients deliver for Salem business
On Tuesday, Oregon State Hospital (OSH) staff delivered several flats of different tomato varieties, basil and zucchini to 13th Street Nursery in Salem. The hospital and nursery have a long-standing partnership to provide vegetable starts that have been seeded and nurtured by OSH patients.
Patients can work various jobs across the hospital, including the greenhouse, where they can earn a wage and learn valuable skills that will help them have a successful transition back into the community.
Aside from learning the science and care involved in seeding, nurturing, harvesting and propagating plants, patients learn other skills, such as working in a team environment, showing up consistently for work, socializing with others and taking and following direction.
Scott King and his wife, Dianna Brainard-King, owners of 13th Street Nursery, say the partnership reflects the nursery’s commitment to serve the community.
“It’s a great program,” King said. “Gardening does wonders for stress and it’s therapeutic. I saw it as a way to help the program and they’re great plants, so it helps the customers. It’s a win-win all the way around.”
Michael Taylor, OSH Greenhouse program training and development specialist sees their shoulders relax when patients walk into the greenhouse and are surrounded by nature. “You’re doing something productive and also getting therapy that isn’t necessarily something you’re doing, it’s just kind of happening to you while being there.”
Patients work in the greenhouse year-round overseeing seasonal gardens and a wide variety of houseplants including succulents, aloe, begonias, ferns, snake plants and other varieties. Seasonal vegetables, fruits and herbs are used in the hospital’s kitchens and patients also help plan and organize plant sales held twice a year for OSH employees.
Media – please use this link for access to b-roll of OSH Greenhouse, delivery of plants to 13th Street Nursery, and soundbites from Michael Taylor and Scott King: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/2r2lcgwuh1itrzxqia94k/h?dl=0&rlkey=hqafzg9c91lxama5trdglh3h1
