Welcome to the Health Promotion & Prevention Newsletter, released by Marion County's Health Promotion & Prevention Team! This special edition newsletter is about Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention. In it, our team highlights the information, news, and work being done to promote mental health and prevent suicide in Marion County. We also share helpful health information for the season.
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What's in this Article: Table of Contents
Upcoming Trainings:
- Sept 8: Why Alcohol Policy: A Community Approach to Reduce Community Harms
- Sept 12, 26, Oct 10, & 24: Mindful Monday - Breathing & Visualization Techniques + Creative Mindfulness Through Art
- Sept 12, 19, & 26: Suicidal Awareness, Response, Safety Planning, and Postvention Learning Series
- Sept 15: Ending the Silence for Families with NAMI Seattle
- Sept 15: The Collaboration Continuum: Connecting Across Fields to Prevent Suicide and Substance Misuse
- Sept 20, 27, & Oct 4: Effecting Change through Alcohol Control Policies (3-part series)
- Sept 22: Preventing Suicide Among LBGTQ+ People
- Oct 5, 12, 19, & 26: Confronting Implicit Bias in Society and Ourselves: A Four-part Series
- Oct 8: Culture: An Integral Part of Mental Health Services for Latinos with Co-Occurring Disorders
Additional trainings not listed can be found at:
Know of another organization that provides great trainings and want to share with our network? Let us know at MCHDPrevention@co.marion.or.us.
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September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
On September 7th, the Marion County Board of Commissioners declared the month of September in Marion County Suicide Prevention Awareness month. Prevention Team members Scott Vu and Laura Sprouse presented the theme "Life is Better with You Here," stating "We believe that everyone should experience a place of belonging, and that every single person brings value and meaning to our lives." They shared information on 988 (the new National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), and outlined actionable steps Marion County Health Promotion & Prevention is doing to raise awareness of suicide, including:
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September is National Emergency Preparedness Month
September is National Emergency Preparedness Month! Each week on Marion County Health's Facebook Page we will post helpful information for individuals, families, and communities to be prepared for an emergency. Be prepared!
- Create a emergency preparedness plan and kit
- Consider family, friends, and pets in plans
- Consider being involved in community preparedness
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November is National #DiabetesMonth!
Prediabetes is a serious health condition affecting more than 1 in 3 U.S. adults. Follow these tips from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) about how to manage and even reverse your prediabetes:
- Start with small changes to your lifestyle.
- Move more.
- Consume healthier foods and drinks.
- Lose weight and keep it off.
- Seek health support from your doctor.
- Stay up to date on vaccinations.
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 Abby Anderson, Outstanding Public Health Intern!
Abby Anderson served as an intern with our Prevention Team setting up a intern system in 2021-22 to increase Marion County Public Health's ability to bring quality service learning projects to students. Thank you for your hard work and congratulations on your recognition!
Conor Foley, Chronic Disease Prevention Coordinator
Conor joined the Prevention Team at the end of July and will be working on chronic disease prevention for older adults as well as coordinating the Tobacco Prevention and Education Program. He has a Master’s in Public Health degree from Oregon State University where he studied health promotion and health behavior and an undergraduate degree from Willamette University where he studied anthropology, American ethnic studies, and Spanish.
In the last few years, Conor has worked on several public health projects including policy approaches to reduce sugar sweetened beverage consumption, increasing vaccine confidence in rural areas, and HPV vaccine demand generation in Nigeria. Conor was drawn to the field of public health because of its holistic approach to address health disparities and he is excited to work within the community he has called home for 14 years.
In addition to his passion for public health Conor has a love for the outdoors where he can often be found on the weekends hiking, kayaking, and climbing with his wife. He is also a track and field coach at McKay High School where he specializes in the pole vault and loves watching kids challenge themselves to learn something new.
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Heidi Johnson, Problem Gambling Prevention Coordinator
Heidi Johnson is excited to join the Prevention Team as the new Problem Gambling Coordinator at Marion County Health and Human Services. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at Western Oregon University. Throughout her undergraduate program she became passionate about Public Health and the need for prevention in Health Care. After graduation she had an opportunity to teach Outdoor School. Part of what drew her to this position is the ability to continue to work with and educate kids through guest speaking in classrooms.
During her free time, she loves to be out in nature with her daughter. She has two dogs, a cat, and is at constant risk of adopting more animals.
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Drew Paul, Health Educator
My name is Drew Paul, I started in July of this year as a Health Educator 1, primarily helping out with the Tobacco Prevention and Education Program (TPEP) and also helping out with other programs as needed. I went to Arizona State University from 2019-2021 and graduated with my Bachelor's Degree in Health Education and Health Promotion in August of 2021, receiving my certification as a Health Education Specialist in October 2021. I moved to Salem from Phoenix, Arizona for this position and have been enjoying my time here so far a lot, particularly the weather. I enjoy spending time listening to new albums and collecting vinyl, some of my favorite bands include Joy Division, Mazzy Star, and My Bloody Valentine.
Alexis Vrontakis, Prevention Team Intern
University: Currently getting her master’s in public health from the City University of New York.
Major: Environmental and Occupational Health Science
What project(s) are you working on?
I am working with the prevention team on an environmental resilience project. Currently, I’m writing a literature review that details short and long term health impacts from environmental stressors and events such as extreme heat and wild fire. The goal is to be able to use this review to help inform decisions on how to address and prepare for the public health threats in our community.
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Joe Page, Prevention Team Intern
University: Oregon State University
Major: Public health with an option in health management and policy, as well as a Spanish major
What project(s) are you working on?
I am working on drafting a literature review regarding the chronic diseases most impacting older adults nationwide, statewide, and in Marion County. This will be used to make recommendations on ways to improve existing prevention and promotion programs to better serve older adults in Marion County. I am also working to create an inventory of existing support/prevention services for older adults in the county.
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We are excited to have many new members on our Health Promotion & Prevention Team, and thankful for our interns!
Stress and anxiety are normal feelings that everyone experiences, but more and more Americans are reporting higher levels of these feelings. In fact, according to a recent poll by the American Psychiatric Association approximately 30% of people polled had an anxiety disorder. These high levels of anxiety can be very disruptive to our lives. In an interview with Amanda Egan, PhD, she answers some common questions about anxiety and stress.
A huge thank you to Amanda for her insight! Amanda has her PhD in Behavioral Health and has been working in that field for 13 years. She has been the Lead Behavioral Health Clinician at Santiam Hospital for the past 8 years. In her free time Amanda enjoys backpacking and hiking with her family and new puppy.
What is the difference between normal day to day stress and anxiety?
Stress and anxiety have similar presentations. Stress is in response to an event and typically improves when the event is over. Anxiety is present even without stressors involved and includes persistent worry. Stress leads to things like irritability, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, muscle pain and digestive issues. Similarly, anxiety leads to irritability, insomnia, fatigue, muscle tension, and difficulty concentrating.
When should we be concerned that anxiety is getting out of hand?
Many people experience anxiety and are able to manage it with some coping strategies. Signs that you might need to talk to someone about your anxiety include: Your day to day functioning is affected, your mood is persistently irritable or angry, and your relationships are starting to suffer.
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What are some tips to help deal with anxiety?
Some basic coping strategies include eating a well-balanced diet with a variety of foods, having a good sleep routine, and exercising. Additionally, meditation, alternate nostril breathing and progressive muscle relaxation are some good things to get in the habit of doing. There are apps such as Calm or Headspace with guided meditation, however, YouTube is also a great free resource for these.
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Where can people get help?
Many people start with their primary care physician. Some PCP offices have behavioral health clinicians in their office who can help you determine what type of anxiety you have and how to best manage it. Some individuals take medications as well. Seeing a mental health provider (a psychologist, a licensed clinical social worker, a marriage and family therapist, or a licensed professional counselor) is always a good idea to get help managing more persistent anxiety. You can get information on which providers are covered with your insurance from your insurance company. The resource line 211 can also be helpful in finding a provider.
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We would like to thank Amanda for her expertise! If you have questions for Amanda or want to nominate another expert to spotlight for our Winter 2022 Prevention Newsletter released in December, contact us at MCHDPrevention@co.marion.or.us.
If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis please call 988.
Mental Health is a big topic of conversation in our community. Youth in particular are reporting high stress and anxiety and are concerned about violence in schools. Safe Oregon was created with the goal of helping students feel safe in school by providing a confidential way to report safety concerns. Safe Oregon Coordinator, Lisa Miller shares more information below.
What is Safe Oregon?
Safe Oregon is a school safety tip line that students, parents, and other community members can use to anonymously report and share information regarding potential threats to student safety. These safety concerns may be about their school, friends or even themselves. Sometimes students need help from an adult at school and they are not sure who to tell. The reporting is confidential, so youth don’t have to worry about their name being shared. There are several ways to submit a tip: They can call, text, email or report on the website. There is even a mobile app. Specially trained staff are available 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year to receive these tips.
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What type of things can be reported?
Safe Oregon is to report safety concerns at school. These include anything that may make a student feel unsafe such as threats of violence, fights, drugs, alcohol, weapons, bullying, sexual harassment, intimidation, or self-harm. For example, if a youth is concerned about a classmate using drugs or alcohol or talking about hurting themselves but they don’t know how to help, Safe Oregon provides a way to anonymously pass this information along to school personnel who will know what to do.
Is there a way that people can be involved in the project?
Yes! Safe Oregon is doing a pilot project in Marion / Polk Counties to create a youth advisory council. They are looking for 10-12 high school students that would like to participate. The students would be working on creating messaging and promotional materials that are appealing to youth and working with their school leadership to distribute the materials. For more information on how to get involved, email Lisa at Lisa.miller@osp.oregon.gov
Any parting words?
Thank you for helping us get the tip line information out there. We know there are students and parents who don’t know the tip line exists or are unsure about how to use it. The more we can increase awareness, the better. The tip line helps get information to the right people as quickly as possible, making schools safer and helping students get the support they need. The tips really do make a difference. Learn more at www.safeoregon.com.
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In June 2022, the Oregon Health Authority released a report highlighting the effects of increasing climate disasters and environmental threats on the mental health of teenagers and young adults. Heatwaves, a severe winter weather, a devastating wildfire, hazardous smokey air, cyanotoxins in drinking water, and drought have been declared emergencies in many parts of Oregon recently, including Marion County. As directly reported from youth, the trauma – and the concern of ongoing trauma – contribute to feelings of hopelessness, despair, anxiety, and frustration.
“I think it can be very overwhelming, just thinking about this, like our future,” said one youth participant. Another youth participant noted, “I feel scared… like, for example, California. With all the fires, I think what if more fires come up, like, how will it be for my little siblings? How will they experience all the trauma that’s happening around them?
The report highlights the concerns of Oregon youth, effective resilience strategies as defined by youth, and a recommendation to increase youth voice in decision-making.
Many youth and adults experience anxiety. These feeling can range from mild to very serious and can interfere with a person’s day to day activities. Below are some tips on how to manage these strong emotions. These are from the weekly email, “Tech Talk Tuesday’s” written by filmmaker and author, Dr. Delaney Ruston.
The TIPP skill is one example of skills to decrease feelings of anxiety. If a person is suddenly overcome by anxiety or other strong emotions, doing one of these things changes a person's physiology, which helps stop or lower the intense emotions.
T- Temperature--the person applies ice in a bag to their face for a minute or two. Many teens also talk about how useful it is to put their faces into an ice bath of water for a few seconds. I have known many teens who find this temperature skill very helpful.
I- Intense exercise--the person takes the energy of the emotions and does some quick jumping jacks or other quick exercises.
P- Paced breathing--the person slows their breathing-such as breathing in for breathing for 5 seconds in and then 7 seconds out.
P- Paired muscle relaxation-the person breaths in and tenses a body part at the same time, such as the arms--they pay attention to the feeling of the contractions and then when they breathe out they release the contraction.
If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis please call 988.
If you would like to know more about the Community Health Improvement Plan and how to be involved in planning and taking action, contact MCHDPrevention@co.marion.or.us
Parents and caregivers have a significant influence on their children’s decisions about using alcohol and other drugs. The beginning of the school year is a good time for parents and caregivers to think about what they can do to prevent teens from using alcohol.
Be Aware of Factors that may Increase the Risk of Alcohol use, such as:
- Significant social transitions, such as graduating to middle or high school
- Depression and other emotional problems
- Family history of alcoholism
Be a Positive Adult Role Model
- Don’t drink and drive
- Get help if you think you have an alcohol-related problem
- Do not give alcohol to your children
Support Your Children and Give them Space to Grow
- Be involved in your children’s lives
- Make it easy for your children to share information about their lives
- Know where your children are, what they are doing, whom they are with and whom they are friends with
- Make an effort to get to know the parents of your children’s friends
- Set clear rules about alcohol use
- Help your children find ways to have fun without alcohol
- Do not let your children attend parties where alcohol is served
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OHA launches the Rethink the Drink Campaign
The Oregon Health Authority released the Rethink the Drink campaign to explore new ways to think and talk about alcohol.
Click here for more information in English & Español
 Resources found at www.rethinkthedrink.com
 Students of all ages are headed back to school, and now is a great time to revisit some safety tips for parents of young children. Doernbecher Children’s Hospital through OSHU shares their insights. Visit the Safe Kids webpage for more safety tips and resources at www.safekids.org.
School Bus Safety:
- Parents should wait with their children until the school bus comes to pick them up
- Teach children to wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before entering and exiting the bus
- Always cross the street in front of the bus, never behind, and make sure to make eye contact with the driver before crossing
- Drivers should follow school speed zones and slow down and stop near school buses
Pedestrian Safety:
- Remind children to look left, right, and left again before crossing a street
- Always walk on sidewalks and paths, and use crosswalks and traffic signals
- Children under 10 years should never cross the street alone
- Teach children not to use any cell phones or other devices while crossing to prevent any distractions
Playground Safety:
- Always supervise children while on the playground
- Make sure children are dressed appropriately, remove necklaces, scarves, or any clothing that can get caught on equipment
- Remind children that pushing, shoving, or horseplay can be dangerous on the playground
- Parents should be aware of any potential hazards on equipment
Sports Safety:
- Make sure children get a physical examination before participating in a sport
- Encourage children to stay hydrated during practices and games
- Ensure athletes are wearing properly fitted gear to prevent injuries
- Make sure athletes get rest to avoid overuse injuries
- Parents and coaches should learn the signs and symptoms of a concussion
- Inspect the equipment and sports field to make sure it is in good condition
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Marion County Health Promotion & Prevention will be highlighting various programs and health topics to keep you connected to the most important Health Promotion Topics in Winter 2022. If there is a subject you would like covered, please let us know through the email below.
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