News and press releases

What makes a hero?

If there’s anything we’ve learned in the past two years is that a hero is someone who step ups in a hard time, who innovates, who meets the needs of our community, who strives to do what's best even when it's hard.

This year at the Starlight Parade we are celebrating those heroes who've put so much on the line to keep us all going, like the first responders at Portland Fire & Rescue.

CareOregon is recognizing Portland Fire & Rescue’s Community Health Assess and Treat (CHAT) team for their work in meeting non-emergency medical needs of our community. The CHAT program is centered around teams that go out into the community and respond to medical 911 calls along with the Fire Bureau and advanced life support like AMR and help connect individuals to the right healthcare resources.

Launched in November 2021 with help of a $2.5 million grant from CareOregon, this program has already aided hundreds of community members. 

Michelle LaVina, CHAT Community Health Nurse Manager, will walk in the parade on behalf of Portland Fire & Rescue. Watch the video below and learn more about how Portland Fire & Rescue shows up as a hero in our community.