Tensions escalate as anonymous posters spread in Heppner

HEPPNER — Morrow County Health District CEO Emily Roberts announced she will step down from her position.

Roberts made the announcement during a regular board meeting on March 31 at Morrow County Grain Growers in Lexington. Tensions had escalated in recent weeks after anonymous posters calling for her removal appeared throughout the Heppner community.

The poster featured a picture of her with the title “Stop Emily Roberts” and bullet points listing accusations: “from abusing power,” “from firing good local employees,” and “from bankrupting MCHD.” At the bottom, it called for action, urging, “Tell the MCHD board she needs to go.”

MCHD Chair Diane Kilkenny described the posters as “shocking.”

“The cruelty and brazenness of it in our small community go against our ethics and boundaries,” Kilkenny said. “A lot of people were upset. Whoever did it — and anyone who knows who did — should be ashamed of their actions.”

Roberts said the behavior in the community had crossed boundaries, including legal and safety concerns, leading her to prioritize her family. She emphasized that certain individuals’ actions made her question her safety and the safety of her family, prompting her to make the difficult decision to step down.

“ I live in this community. I am raising my kids here, and those posters were very far over the line,” Roberts said. “That’s not something I want to expose my kids to. I don’t want them to be walking down the street and see posters like that of mom, because they’re gonna walk right up to ’em. At some point you do have to take a step back and prioritize your family and really think about what’s important.”

Friction in the community

Before the posters, tensions rose in the community for more than a year during ambulance service contract negotiations between the Morrow County commissioners, Boardman Fire Rescue District and the health district, as they worked to ensure full county coverage and effective emergency response.

Community members voiced grievances and criticisms against the commissioners and the health district during meetings, which came to a close in August 2024 when Morrow County leaders signed five-year ambulance service contracts for the southern and northeastern regions of the county.

“I know some in Boardman aren’t happy about it, but it was a big accomplishment,” Kilkenny said. “It ensures that the more rural areas of Morrow County have quality emergency medical services, so everyone can rest easier at night. Emily and Robert’s negotiations made that happen. She did a great job.”

Since 2019, Roberts has worked for the Morrow County Health District, initially serving as the compliance officer before becoming the CEO in 2021. Her health care career, which began in 2004, spans various settings, including hospitals, clinics, behavioral health and insurance.

Roberts sent an email to the East Oregonian explaining why she is stepping down and outlining the next step in her life.

“At the end of March, I made the difficult decision to resign from my role as Chief Executive Officer of Morrow County Health District. This decision was not made lightly, but after careful reflection, I’ve concluded that it is time to prioritize my family.

“Unfortunately, recent actions by certain community members have crossed boundaries that challenge both decency and legality. These actions have ultimately led to my decision to step down.

“I want to emphasize that my decision is not based on concerns about the District’s financial health or future. The District is not failing. In fact, we’ve made significant strides in improving patient access, outcomes, and satisfaction. The data backs this up (healthymc.org). I have seen our staff do incredible things over the past few years and I have full confidence in the Board, the management team, and the staff to continue providing exceptional care to our community.

“I will remain with the District in the short term to assist the Board in selecting an Interim CEO and to ensure a smooth transition for the team. After that, I will be leading Opportunity Healthcare Consulting, a consulting firm dedicated to helping rural health care organizations optimize their operations and overcome challenges.”

Roberts expressed her ongoing support for the health district, as well as for the board, leadership and staff.

“The board accepted her resignation, but with great sadness,” Kilkenny said. “We felt that she is a big asset. She had full support of the board. She has made some pretty big contributions to our health district.”