A nurse from Providence Portland Medical Center was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street on her way to join a picket line. The incident occurred at 47th Avenue and Glisan Street, leading to moderate injuries for the nurse. Despite the setback, she has received an outpouring of support from colleagues and the community, highlighting the solidarity within the healthcare sector.

Accident Details and Immediate Response

The accident took place when Catie Brannan, a nurse, was halfway through a crosswalk when a car turning onto Northeast Glisan Street hit her suddenly. She sustained injuries to her lower extremities and face but was fortunate to receive immediate medical attention from nearby healthcare workers. Colleagues like Cari Gill witnessed the aftermath and quickly mobilized to assist Brannan, ensuring she received prompt care. This swift response underscores the commitment and compassion inherent in the nursing profession.

In greater detail, the preliminary investigation by the Portland Police Bureau revealed that the driver failed to notice Brannan in the crosswalk. She experienced significant bruising, a sprained left knee, a contusion to her tailbone, and lost one of her front teeth. Although the injuries were painful, nothing was broken. Brannan had to seek emergency dental work, which required her to pay out-of-pocket due to limited availability of insurance-accepting providers at the time. This experience highlighted the challenges faced by individuals in accessing timely and affordable healthcare services.

Support and Solidarity Following the Incident

Following the accident, Brannan’s colleagues and the broader community rallied around her to alleviate the financial burden and provide emotional support. A GoFundMe campaign was launched by her coworkers, raising over $5,000 to help with medical expenses. This collective effort demonstrated the strength of community ties and the unwavering support within the healthcare sector, especially during challenging times.

Gill emphasized the unfortunate reality of relying on crowdfunding for medical care, reflecting on the broader issues within the healthcare system. Despite these challenges, the community’s response was overwhelmingly positive. Brannan expressed gratitude for the immediate assistance she received from her colleagues and the compassion shown by those who cared for her. She also plans to return to the picket line once she recovers, expressing pride in her colleagues’ efforts and hoping for a swift resolution. Both the Oregon Nurses Association and Providence provided statements affirming their commitment to safety and support for their staff during this period.