Samaritan Health Services President and CEO Dr. Larry Mullins received sandboxes this year for his birthday, proof that age is just a number for this successful Oregon leader. Executive leaders at SHS pondered what to get Mullins before stumbling across the idea of sandboxes. Those close to Mullins are well aware of his concern for the health and well being of children, as well as how passionate he has been about addressing the needs of children and parents in Lincoln County through the Samaritan Early Learning Center  in Lincoln City.

“Samaritan's executive team thoughtfully recognized my birthday by  donating funds in my honor to  purchase playground equipment for the Samaritan Early Learning Center,” said Mullins. “Knowing that the center influences children through early childhood education and promotes healthy practices during their formative years has made this one of my best birthday gifts.”

The Samaritan Early Learning Center is currently located in the grange building near Tanger Outlet Mall. Plans are underway for a new permanent home for the center to be built on land donated by the North Lincoln Health District near Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital. The City of Lincoln City has generously committed $300,000 of support  to help build the new structure. 

“We appreciate the support of the City, North Lincoln Health District and the community in our efforts to build the Samaritan Early Learning Center on the hospital campus,” said Mullins.