To accommodate visitors for the eclipse, Blue Mountain Hospital and Strawberry Wilderness Community Clinic are increasing staffing from Aug. 17-23.

Increased emergency room volume is expected, so wait times may be longer than usual. Strawberry Wilderness Community Clinic access has been increased and will be open on the weekend as well for walk-ins with urgent needs. The clinic will be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 17-18 and Aug. 22-23; from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 19-20; and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 21. Phones open at 7 a.m. on the weekdays and at 8:30 a.m. on the weekend.

Two ambulance crews will be running full time in John Day from Aug. 17-23 with volunteer ambulances also available in Monument, Long Creek, Seneca and Prairie City. Both Life Flight and Air Link air ambulances will also be available.

For more information, call the hospital, 541-575-1311, or speak to a patient navigator who will be available during regular business hours at the downstairs and ER entrances.