Biz Beat 10-8-2015

PeaceHealth Medical Group (PMG) has a new anti-marijuana policy that was posted about the same time recreational marijuana become legal for adults in Oregon. The policy reads, “Our doctors are not able to sign Oregon State attending physician’s statements for medical marijuana, even though some of our providers have signed the forms in the past.” The memo was signed by Robin Virgin, M.D. of Vancouver, Washington, who is the medical director of primary care at PMG. This new policy “has engendered at lot of internal discussion by physicians,” according to an anonymous source in a note mailed to EW. “It was enacted without input from practicing physicians.” The source goes on to speculate that “as a billion-dollar corporation, they could not risk the problems associated with the federal inconsistency with state law in Oregon and Washington.” When asked if doctors had any input into this policy, local PeaceHealth spokesman Jim Godbold said, “I don’t have any additional information to share on the subject.” PeaceHealth has net revenues in excess of $1 billion a year and operates hospitals and medical practices in Oregon, Washington and Alaska.

We asked the competing Oregon Medical Group in Lane County if it has a similar policy regarding medical marijuana and did not receive a response by press time.

S.A.R.A.’s Treasures has expanded its gift and thrift shop and held a grand opening last weekend at 871 River Road. The Shelter Animal Resource Alliance is a nonprofit dedicated to removing animals facing euthanasia from shelters and finding them homes. The shop accepts donations and volunteers, but not animals. See sarasavesanimals.org or call 607-8892.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the local Womenspace is organizing a series of trainings, events and fundraisers throughout the month. Supporting businesses include Pappy’s Pizza, Track Town Pizza, Hop Valley Brewery, Plank Town and Red Barn. For more information, call 485-8232.

On a related note, we hear a new women’s shelter in Springfield is being organized and meetings are being held that include homeless people. The group is “assessing needs such as transitional housing, medical, legal, trauma healing, nutritional needs, pets, clothes and above all a safe place to heal and grow while transitioning back into society,” according to a flyer. Call Pastor June Fathergill of Ebbert Church, 746-3513, to get involved.

David Minor Theater is celebrating its seventh anniversary in October. The movie theater and pub at 180 East 5th Ave. has a new digital projection system and in November plans to become a first-run theater, according to owner and manager Josh Goldfarb. “As always, we will be serving many local beverages on tap,” he says. Call 762-1700.

The Spencer Creek Community Growers Market in Lorane is wrapping up its sixth season and has two events coming up. The first is a Harvest Fair from 10 am to 4 pm Saturday, Oct. 10, with live music, cider pressing, crafts and food. The next is a members-only, end-of-the-year meeting and potluck Sunday, Oct. 25. To become a member, email cookieconscious@gmail.com.

Marijuana and hemp advocates are gathering in Portland Oct. 10-11 for the third annual Oregon Hemp Convention at the Portland Expo Center. More than 4,000 attended last year, and a record crowd is expected this year. Admission is $10. No cannabis products will be sold at the event. See oregonhempconvention.com.

Falling Sky Brewing is hosting the second annual World’s Shortest Bike Race, only 13.05 feet long, at 3 pm Sunday, Oct. 11, at the brewery, 1334 Oak Alley. Falling Sky introduced its own free bike-sharing program last year.

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