Puget Sound Energy presented a check for $30,000 to the Overlake Medical Center Foundation to provide new two-way radios to facilitate staff communication in the case of an emergency evacuation.

In the case of a disaster or community crisis hospital services are critical and staff needs to move quickly to ensure the safety of patients, especially when evacuation is required. Even if the phone system remains operational, an alternate, mobile communications method is necessary to enable ongoing contact and information sharing throughout the facility. Cell networks often go down, making personal phones unreliable during a crisis.

“PSE has been an important partner of Overlake Medical Center for more than 35 years, contributing over $200,000 in gifts,” said Molly Stearns, Chief Development Officer of the Overlake Foundation and Auxiliaries. “We are grateful for today’s gift that will help Overlake continue to put patient safety front and center.”

“As fellow first responders, we know that being able to communicate is key to managing an emergency situation,” said Marla Mellies, vice president of the Puget Sound Energy Foundation and senior vice president and chief administrative officer at Puget Sound Energy. “We share Overlake’s commitment to the health and safety of our region and we’re honored to be part of their efforts to ensure they have the best tools to facilitate patient treatment in a disaster.”

As a nonprofit hospital that receives no public tax support, Overlake relies on donations to help support program, technology and capital needs and provide care for patients and families coming to the 349-bed regional medical center.

To learn more or make a donation to Overlake Medical Center, visit www.overlakehospital.org/support.