Welcome to the Health Promotion & Prevention Newsletter, released by Marion County's Health Promotion & Prevention Team! In this newsletter, our team shares information, tips, news, and community work being done to promote health and prevent disease in Marion County. Our Health Promotion & Prevention Team would like to wish you and your family, friends, and colleagues a happy holidays! Our community is made stronger through diverse knowledge, experience, faith, and inclusive connection and collaboration. May your celebrations this winter be filled with love, connection, joy, and peace!
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What's in this Article: Table of Contents
Upcoming Trainings:
- Dec 2: Intervention Focus: Exposure | IDD Track, Mental Health Institute
- Dec 6: Overcoming Data Collection Challenges in Rural Communities
- Dec 6 & 8: The Social Determinants of Health and Environmental Strategies Series
- Dec 7: Maternal Health and Substance Use: Uncovering the Stigma and Shame of Mothers Struggling With Substance Use
- Dec 7: Providing Culturally Relevant Services to Families of LGBTQ+ Youth
- Dec 13: Overcoming Data Collection Challenges with Schools and Parents
- Dec 14: Introducing: "Kratom: An Emerging Youth Concern?"
- Dec 14 Series: Introduction to Classroom Well-Being Information and Strategies for Educators (WISE) and Cultural Inclusiveness and Equity (CIE) WISE
- Jan 9, Feb 13, Mar 13, April 10: Moving from Collective Trauma and Compassion Fatigue Towards Resilience Series
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LOCAL! FOR TEACHERS! January 10 & 11: Good Behavior Game Training
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LOCAL! IN-PERSON! Feb 15 & 16: High in Plain Sight: You Can't Stop What You Don't Know
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.
Training Spotlight: Good Behavior Game - January 10 & 11
Any teachers or school personnel with questions should email MCHDPrevention@co.marion.or.us or visit www.Paxis.org.
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Event Spotlight: High In Plain Sight - February 15 & 16
Jermaine Galloway, aka "Tall Cop" is an internationally known expert in youth drug and alcohol trends and works with parents, educators, community leaders, law enforcement and others to understand and reduce harm caused by substance misuse in their communities. Officer Galloway will be giving two presentations in our community that are free and open to ages 18+.
Community Night: WED, FEB 15, 2023 at 6PM. Click here to register
Professionals Workshop: THURS, FEB 16, 2023 8:30-11:00am. Click here to register
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Awareness: Gift Responsibly for the Holidays
Oregon teens who gamble are more likely to develop a gambling problem later in life than teens who do not. Give your kids and teens a gift from the heart! For more information in English & Spanish, visit our website at gambling.MCHealthy.net
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December is Impaired Driving Prevention Month
In December, we look forward to getting together with friends and family to celebrate the holidays. It’s also a time when prevention can play an especially important role. December is a deadly month for impaired driving. Encourage safe driving with loved ones for the holidays with tips and information from SAMHSA.
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February is American Heart Month
February is American Heart Month, a time when all people can focus on their cardiovascular health.
The Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention is shining a light on hypertension (high blood pressure), a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The Division is committed to addressing barriers to health equity in communities disproportionately affected by cardiovascular disease.
Health care professionals and community partners: We know you’re busy! We can help. Use these toolkits developed by CDC to implement evidence-based hypertension control strategies.
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Calista Kountz, Public Health Modernization Coordinator
Calista Kountz recently joined the team as the Public Health Modernization Program Coordinator in October. Her role will be focused on improving internal processes so the county can better respond to future health threats.
She received her Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Pacific University (Go Boxers!) and her Master of Public Health from Oregon State University (Go Beavs!). She is very passionate about the benefits of public health. Specifically, she strives to incorporate community input and the social determinants of health into all aspects her work.
She’s a local girl, born and raised in Salem. She loves hearing from community members about their experiences living in Marion County, so please reach out to her if you’d like to chat. Calista looks forward to serving her community to the best of her ability and making lasting connections along the way!
In her spare time, Calista loves to rewatch movies she’s seen a thousand times, dance, sing, attempt to bake things she saw on the Great British Baking Show, and play with her dogs Roxy and Milo.
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Kayla Peterson, Health Educator 2
Kayla Peterson recently joined the Prevention Team as a TPEP Health Educator 2 in October. Her role in prevention will be focused on the Tobacco Prevention & Education Program (TPEP) working with community partners and upstream programs. She received her Bachelors of Science in Public Health with a concentration in health promotion and health behavior at Oregon State University. She previously worked with Marion County in communicable disease with COVID-19. Her role was to assist with contact tracing and COVID-19 hotel referrals. She helped those in the community most impacted by COVID-19.
She is excited to work with community partners within Marion County to collaborate on tobacco projects that will help build a more equitable and healthy community. In her free time, she likes to spend time with her children Adelynn (3) and Hudson (1), reading and gardening.
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Sonia Zand, Public Health Intern
University: Willamette University
Major: Public Health and Anthropology
What projects are you working on?
I have been helping with outreach for the mental health promotion and suicide prevention team in addition to a literature review for my public health thesis. Through evaluation of scholarship and my applied fieldwork, I created core recommendations for undergraduate universities working on promotion campus mental health. The title of my capstone project is Communicating Mental Wellness: Developing Mental Health Partnerships Between a Pacific Northwest Private Liberal Arts College, The Local County Health Department, and The Jed Foundation. The published paper will be available through Willamette University Department of Public Health in January 2023.
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We are excited to have Calista join our Health Promotion & Prevention Team, and are so thankful for Sonia's internship project!
What is Micronesian Islander Community and what does your work in the community look like?
The Micronesian Islander Community (MIC) is a nonprofit organization based in Salem, Oregon, and provides services to all Micronesians who live in Oregon and back home on our islands including the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Kiribati, and Nauru. While our focus is on Micronesians, our organization is open to helping anyone who identifies as Pacific Islander.
Our work is both in-person and virtual, with staff based in Oregon, Hawai'i, and home on our islands (specifically the Marshall Islands).
What are some goals or upcoming plans for MIC?
Upcoming goals for MIC include the following: (1) Establishing affordable housing units for Micronesians in Salem, Oregon (2) Creation of a Micronesian community center for our community in Salem, Oregon (3) Become a recognized Oregon Health Authority-approved training site to train community health workers.
Can you tell me more about MIC’s plans for affordable housing units and a Micronesian community center?
This is a new venture that MIC is expanding upon. One of MIC's goals, when it was first established, was the creation of a community center. We are currently in the process of purchasing land to build affordable housing including a Micronesian community center.
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What are some challenges MIC has faced recently?
As a non-profit, MIC’s primary challenge is continuous funding. MIC receives funding from agencies and foundations, who are pressed for funding and resources.
In addition, for the past two years, MIC has seen many of our community become severely ill and die from complications of COVID. We continue to press for prioritizing the health needs of our community, and while the rest of the nation moves on into life with COVID, our organization continues to see, feel, and work with families who are still dealing with the lasting impact of COVID including unstable housing, unemployment, and significant health needs.
How can community members support your work?
Join us at our community events – volunteer to provide people power. We also appreciate donations and introductions to foundations and other individuals who support our cause.
Any parting words?
Thank you for highlighting the work we do. Our community is proud, strong, and diverse. We encourage everyone to learn about the Micronesian people and our organization. More information can be found at www.micoregon.org.
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Looking for a way to give back this holiday? Many organizations throughout Marion County are accepting donations, from toys, food, and everything else in between. See below and click the links for more information.
Toy & Gift Donations!
Salem Police Toy Drive
What to donate: Toys (new, unwrapped, up to age 14)
When: Through December 13th
Salem Drop-off Locations:
- Cycle Country, 4764 Portland Rd NE
- Salem Electric, 633 7th St NW
- White Oak Construction, 2455 River Road S
- Green Acres Landscape, 5711 Gaffin Rd SE
- Salem Police Station, 333 Division St NE
- Caffe Capri, Reed Opera House, 189 Liberty St NE
- Power Kia, 3705 Market St NE
Toy Swap
What to donate: Gently used or new toys
When: Through December 2nd
Drop-off Locations:
- Keizer City Hall, 930 Chemawa Rd. NE | Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm
- Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty Street SE Salem | Tues - Sun 10am - 7pm
- Marion Co. Public Works, 5155 Silverton Road NE Salem | Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm
Marion-Polk Salvation Army Toy & Joy Project
What to donate: Toys
When: Ongoing
Location: Kroc Center at 1865 Bill Frey Dr. NE Salem, Oregon 97301
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Food Donations!
Society of Saint Vincent de Paul
What to donate: Food, household items
When: Ongoing.
Locations: 3745 Portland Rd. NE Suite 110 Salem, Oregon 97301 or PPO Box 7864 Salem, Oregon 97303
Marion Polk Food share
What to donate: Food
When: Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM
Location: Marion Polk Food Share warehouse at 1660 Salem Industrial Dr. NE
Hope Station Community Services
What to donate: Food, toiletries
When: Ongoing
Location: 1337 Madison Street, Ste 115 Salem, OR 97301
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Various Other Donations!
Peter Courtney Minto Island Bicycle & Pedestrian Bridge in Salem, Oregon. Photo Credit: City of Salem.
Community Connection is Prevention!
As the cold months reach into 2023, we are reminded to care for each other and the importance of investing in community connections to bring people of different ages and social groups together for our health, wellness, safety, and education. In 2023, consider getting engaged by volunteering where you live. Marion County has volunteer opportunities to build relationships as well as capacity to deliver services. City of Salem volunteers make a difference by working with appointed officials, paid staff and elected representatives on issues that matter.
Community Engagement is Prevention!
Remember that social isolation impacts everyone. Protect the ones you love by making sure your social circle includes everyone, even people with differing viewpoints. Look for opportunities to work or play together. Adopt a local road or street. Work together on a local park project or attend a social event together. Focusing on things that strengthen, connect, and beautify where we live makes for good neighbors.
Community Preparedness is Prevention!
Even when we disagree with each other, we are more likely to lend a hand to those who we know. Are you up to date on your CPR or First Aid Trainings? Do you know the resources you would need in a flood, earthquake, or fire? Planning for what to do when things are stressful and times are hard can help ease anxiety, build the skills needed for communities to withstand natural disasters, and give people a sense of purpose in times of change. Connect with your Marion County or City of Salem local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).
Jordan Covered Bridge in Stayton, Oregon
Is making first contact scary? Don’t know where to start? Here is a helpful list of things to help connect, bridge the divide, and build a more resilient community:
1. Help lower stress, create space for connections in your community
- Putting out community coloring sheets: great for indoors, schools, places of work.
- Motivational messages: handwritten notes to encourage each other.
- Kindness rocks: leave painted rocks in your neighborhood with uplifting pictures or messages.
2. Invest in residents and support your community for a bigger impact
- Coordinate CPR/First AID/CERT training or neighborhood mapping in your community
- Improve access to libraries or increase number of little free libraries in area
- Update area parks and playgrounds for residents to improve access
3. To help build a bridge into 2023, remember connecting across differences makes communities stronger.
- Share common questions, concerns, or misconceptions of your community when you gather. This helps establish patterns and assist with troubleshooting in the future.
- Expect and respect mistakes. Help your community become a network of lifelong learners by sharing the resources you have used when you make mistakes or find roadblocks.
Alone we know a little, together we know a lot. In 2023, let’s work across differences for a healthier Marion County.
The Wheatland Ferry north of the Willamette Mission State Park
The New Year is not just the start of a new year, but can also be a time to set healthy personal goals for yourself. Whatever your resolution - whether it be healthy eating, exercise, sleep, mental health, social connection, personal improvement, or something else - our Prevention Team has a few tips to help make your goals a reality!
~ Calista Kountz ~
Give yourself a compliment multiple times a day! I've struggled with negative self-image for a looong time, but one thing that's helped is giving myself praise in small doses. If you can remember to do so, every time you look in the mirror say something nice to yourself. For example, you can say, "you look so good today", "you're a kind person", "you make others smile by just being you", and/or "you're doing the best you can and I'm proud of you". Be kinder to yourself and life gets a little bit easier 😊
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~ Conor Foley ~
Phone a friend! Starting new habits can be really hard, especially when you are the only one holding yourself accountable. Reach out to a friend and a find an activity or habit you both want to pursue together. Time spent socializing with friends has its own health benefits and can be a strong motivating factor for continuing to show up on hard days.
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~ Diana Dickey ~
Try something a little new! Stuck in a rut with your healthy eating goals? I am continually trying to find ways to eat more fruits and vegetables and not get bored with having the same thing every day. Once or twice a month, take a walk around the produce department in the grocery store and find something new to try. There will almost certainly be something you haven’t tried before and probably a few things you didn’t know even existed. Last summer I learned that there are several varieties of edible figs and tried a different type each week when they were in season. I was surprised to discover that they were all very different from each other in taste and texture. This is a great way to add more fruits and vegetables in your diet and maybe find a few new favorites in the process!
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~ Heidi Johnson ~
Focus on how exercise makes you feel! In the past, my new year’s fitness goals were focused on fitting into a certain size of jeans or losing a certain number of pounds. This mindset made exercise miserable and of course I would inevitably always quit whatever grueling routine I had planned. Now I focus on how moving my body makes me feel. I kept a journal and scored my mood before exercise and then again directly after. Doing this for even a week made it evident that moving my body equals a boost in energy and improved mood. Working out for how it made me feel took away the pressure of needing every workout to be “perfect.” Kicking around the soccer ball with my daughter or walking my dog still counted. If I missed my morning workout, I could still exercise later that day. This shift in perspective actually made me exercise more frequently and it made exercise fun!
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~ Scott Vu ~
Boost endorphins without exercise! Yes, you read it right. There are easier ways to get the “runner’s high” without logging miles and some of these activities are things you’re already doing.
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Try massage and acupuncture: Both have been shown to stimulate the release of endorphins, particularly when specific trigger points are targeted. When these pain trigger points are hit, that “induces the pain sensation and can lead to the release of endorphins,” And endorphins are your natural pain reliever.
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Laugh it Up! The burst of laughter that happens during a funny TV show or when cracking jokes with friends may actually have more benefits than you think. Many studies have shown that laughter physiologically stimulates the production of beta-endorphins. The thinking is the endorphin release comes from the deep breathing and whole-body motion that is associated with laughing.
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Sing, dance, or beat the drums: A 2012 study measured pain tolerance (since endorphins are a pain reliever) in performers and found that singing, dancing and drumming all trigger endorphin release.
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~ Michael Keuler ~
Start with a very small, easily attainable goal and scale up! This could be one pushup every other day, purchasing a slightly larger water bottle, or a handful of blueberries in the morning. Personally, I struggled to maintain consistent physical activity habits for years. When I experienced a significant Achilles injury and couldn’t walk, I set a goal of a few short resistance band workouts laid-up in bed. These small, little goals helped me slowly build up to my full workout I maintain consistency today!
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~ Susan McLauchlin ~
Let Others Help You! As a Working professional, Friend, Wife, Sister, Daughter, Mom of 5, and Grandma, its easy to feel like I should be able to do everything for everybody including myself all the time. I know I want to and I often try. I can be pretty stubborn about asking for help or accepting help when people offer. I feel lots of guilt over it and can be pretty hard on myself. Sometimes though, “doing it all” can leave me feeling burnt out, stressed and less able to actually be there when I’m really needed. Over time, I’ve learned I need to not only be there for others, but accept help from them as well.
If someone offers to help you with something, say yes, please! Letting someone help does not mean you’re doing a terrible job in any of your roles. You’re still a good Mom, Wife and Friend. In fact, it might help you do better in the long run, strengthen some relationships, and really be there for others when you are needed.
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Holidays can be overwhelming for some. Our team and Caesar the llama want to remind you that Life is Better with you here!
Photo caption: Kelly Martin (left), Cesar the No Drama Llama (middle), and Susan McLauchlin (right) pose during a "Life is Better With You Here" pop-up event at Rosie's Mountain Coffee House in Mill City
How Are You Feeling These Days?
We have made it through so much. Sometimes we still feel stressed or anxious. Remind yourself that tomorrow is a new day that could bring new celebrations and challenges.
Conversation is a powerful coping tool. Talking with friends, neighbors and loved ones about your feelings and concerns can relieve stress and promote resilience.
Go to www.HowRightNow.org and use the feelings words to find trusted resources that can help us through the range of emotions we all face.
If you or someone you know is in crisis or just needs someone to talk to please call 988, help is available.
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HIGH IN PLAIN SIGHT: YOU CAN’T STOP WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW
Community Trends in Youth Drug and Alcohol Use
Jermaine Galloway, aka “Tall Cop” is an internationally known expert in youth drug and alcohol trends and works with parents, educators, community leaders, law enforcement and others to understand and reduce harm caused by substance misuse in their communities. Officer Galloway will be giving two presentations in our community that are free and open to ages 18+. To learn more about Officer Galloway, visit tallcopsaysstop.com
COMMUNITY NIGHT
Parents and the community are invited to attend this FREE presentation to learn more about trends in drug and alcohol use, high-risk behaviors, new drugs, vaping and more. Light meal provided.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2023, 6PM
Keizer Civic Center
930 Chemewa Rd. NE
Doors open at 5pm
PROFESSIONALS WORKSHOP
This presentation is designed especially for professionals such as educators, law enforcement, health care providers, community leaders, coalition members and more. Refreshments provided.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023
8:30-11am
Keizer Civic Center
930 Chemewa Rd. NE
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The FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) just released the results of the 2022 National Youth Tobacco Survey. The report details current tobacco related behavior for middle school and high school students. See below for some of the findings and find the full report here: 2022 National Youth Tobacco Survey
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Tobacco Cessation Opportunities
Looking to quit tobacco as a New Years Resolution? Here are some helpful resources that include counseling, tobacco cessation medication, or both:
Oregon Tobacco Quitline: Individual telephone counseling and referral services. Two weeks free tobacco cessation products for qualifying patients. Available in many languages: 800-784-8669 (English), 877-266-3863 (Spanish), & more at www.quitnow.net.
Salem Health Freedom From Smoking Classes: Eight two hour in person classes at Community Health Education Center (CHEC) for $120.
Freedom From Tobacco from Kaiser Permanente: Online classes and programs, free for Kaiser Permanente members. In English only.
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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 next newsletter. This newsletter will be released in the first week of March 2023. If there is a subject you would like covered, please let us know through the email below.
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