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 Welcome to the Health Promotion & Prevention Newsletter, released every two months by Marion County's Health Promotion & Prevention Team! In this newsletter, our team shares information, tips, news, and updates on community work being done to promote health and prevent disease in Marion County.
Help us spread awareness by sharing this newsletter with your friends and colleagues!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to shine a light on the power of hope, healing, and connection. Mental health challenges the lives of many, but there is hope! This month, we come together to remind one another: no one is alone, and there is always a path forward.
Hope is the cornerstone of healing. Let’s unite this month to foster kindness, raise awareness, and extend a hand to those who may be struggling.
Keep an eye out throughout Marion County for the Signs of Hope. These positive messages are powerful reminders that each of us is important. Thank you to our community partners who are helping to spread the message of hope in our community!
Remember, Life is better with you here!
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Members of Keizer United hold up Signs of Hope signs in support of mental health promotion!
May 15, 2025 is Mental Health Action Day
Been Seen in Green! You are invited to take part in Mental Health Action Day on May 15, 2025, by wearing your favorite green attire.
Why wear green? Green is more than just a color — it’s the international symbol for mental health awareness. Representing fresh starts, optimism, and energy, wearing green (or even adding a touch of it to your space) affirms: I care about mental health!
Invite your friends and work teams to join in the fun and share on social media! Please tag us on Facebook or Instagram
Trainings
Mental Health Trainings
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May 3rd- YMCA Mental Health Awareness Workshops - FREE. https://theyonline.org/spiritual-mental-wellness/mental-health-awareness-workshop-series
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May 9th- 9:00-12:00pm. Emotional Wellness Workshop - Emotional Wellness Community Workshop- May 9th | Vashti's House
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May 20th - Veteran’s Mental Health Summit - FREE. VETCare Mental Summit 2025 Tickets, Tue, May 20, 2025 at 8:30 AM | Eventbrite.
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May 22th - 5:00-7:00pm QPR: Suicide Prevention Training - FREE. Learn myths and facts about suicide and how to help people struggling to get help. QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer Tickets, Thu, May 22, 2025 at 5:00 PM | Eventbrite
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May 29th - 10:00-12:00pm Power of Social Connection at the Salem Center 50+ - FREE. Visit Recreation Programs - Center 50+
The following is a list of additional health promotion trainings and education opportunities.
Know of another organization that provides great trainings? Share them with us at MCHDPrevention@co.marion.or.us.
By Marie Alaniz, MCHHS Youth Development Coordinator
Every year, the City of Salem hosts high school-aged youth from all over the Mid-Willamette Valley at ILEAD. ILEAD is a free, one-day high school leadership summit that connects Mid-Willamette Valley teens, inspires change, and includes eating lots of donuts. ILEAD was led by 13 youth committee members from seven local high schools. These youth helped to plan and lead the summit, from workshop content, to lunch menu and t-shirt design, logo and messaging.
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ILEAD is open to any high school-aged youth living in Marion, Polk, and Linn Counties. There were 11 workshop presenters and 13 non-profit and government representatives. Leadership workshops revolved around leadership development, college and career life readiness, managing finances, personal growth and health and well-being.
This year, we brought back the Vendor Resource Fair for community organizations offering youth opportunities, including volunteer roles, internships, and paid opportunities. The youth enjoyed their time speaking with the various representatives, gathering information, and potentially landing a summer opportunity. The organizations were happy to be there, meet the students, and share the opportunities they had to offer.
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 There were 108 teens in attendance, from 13 different school across Marion, Polk, and Linn counties. Surveys reported that 99% of youth in attendance recommend that their peers attend future ILEAD events. Teens reported that after ILEAD, they feel more prepared in their ability to make choices that support their future. A big topic of discussion was the Mini-Fentapil Awareness Presentations, which educate youth on the dangers of fentanyl. These were presented at the beginning of each workshop to kick off the ILEAD summit. Ninety-four percent of teens found this information helpful. Vaping and e-cigarette use was the top substance use concern among teens, with 60% identify it as their primary issue.
In the afternoon after lunch, teens danced to music from DJ Joe, and the Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament was another fun event that nearly all teens participated in.
IMPACT Awards were presented to Punx with Purpose out of Salem, Melissa Dezsofi from Woodburn High School and Educator Amorette Drexler from South Salem High School.
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By Conor Foley, MPH, MCHHS Tobacco Prevention & Education Coordinator
 On April 10th students and faculty from Willamette University visited Marion County Health and Human Services (HHS) to showcase their work on the 2025 Marion County Tobacco and Alcohol Retail Assessment.
This celebration was the culmination of over a year of planning, preparation and collaboration between Marion County’s Tobacco Prevention and Education Program (TPEP) and Willamette University’s undergraduate Public Health Ethics, Advocacy, and Leadership program.
During the collaborative effort, Willamette students worked in teams to assess 87 tobacco retail locations in Salem and Keizer. They documented the retail environment in these stores for tobacco, alcohol, and healthy food products including pricing, placement, promotions, and product information. The same assessments are being completed by the Marion County TPEP team for tobacco retailers across the County as well as by other health departments across the state. The information gathered during these assessments will provide insight into tobacco, alcohol, and healthy food availability in our communities and inform future prevention program and policy work.
In addition to conducting assessments, the students also worked in groups to conduct independent research projects. Their topics ranged from cancer prevention in Marion County utilizing a food prescription program to comparing approaches for tobacco retailer education across states. The students created research posters highlighting their findings and presented them to Marion County HHS staff during the celebration event.
Collaborations like this contribute a rich experience for all those involved. They incorporate a diverse range of experiences and perspectives, increase the capacity of public health organizations to accomplish meaningful work, and provide positive workforce development opportunities for the next generation of public health professionals.
Stay tuned for more information on the results of these assessments coming later this year!
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By Diana Dickey, MCHHS Alcohol & Drug Prevention & Education Coordinator
Earlier this year, the United States Surgeon General released an advisory titled Alcohol and Cancer Risk. The advisory highlights alcohol use as a leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States, contributing to nearly 100,000 cancer cases and about 20,000 cancer deaths each year.
From the advisory:
“The direct link between alcohol use and cancer was first established in the late 1980s, and evidence for this link has strengthened over time. This body of scientific evidence demonstrates a casual relationship between alcohol use and increased risk for at least seven different types of cancer, including breast (in women), colorectum, esophagus, liver, mouth (oral cavity), throat (pharynx) and voice box (larynx). The more alcohol consumed, the greater the risk of cancer.”
The advisory shares the science on different ways alcohol can cause cancer along with recommendations for actions that can be taken to address the issue. Some of the action steps in the advisory include:
- Inform patients in clinical setting about the link between alcohol consumption and increased cancer risk. Promote the use of alcohol screening and provide brief intervention and referral to treatment as needed.
- Highlight alcohol consumption as a leading modifiable cancer risk factor and incorporate proven alcohol reduction strategies into population-level cancer prevention initiatives and plans.
- For individuals, be aware of the relationship between alcohol consumption and increased cancer risk when considering whether or how much to drink.
To read the Surgeon General’s full advisory, visit https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/oash-alcohol-cancer-risk.pdf. (Source: Alcohol and Cancer Risk, 2025, The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory)
In Oregon, Rethink the Drink is an initiative with the goal to decrease excessive drinking and the harm it causes individuals, families and communities throughout the state. Visit RethinkTheDrink.com to learn more.
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Hello, my name is Leónardo Cumplido, a master-degree seeking student in Public Health with a focus on Global Health at Oregon State University. I am one of the new interns with the Health Prevention & Promotion team and am looking forward to the wonderful experience here! I was raised in Colorado and lived there until I went to Minnesota to pursue my undergraduate degree in Peace Studies. From there I have volunteered with the AmeriCorps as a teacher until deciding to change my path for new opportunities.
I am excited to network and connect with the folks here in Marion County to learn about the opportunities I may pursue to serve the local communities in the area.
I am also a huge fan of the Denver Nuggets. See you around!
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In honor of pets being health heroes, the Prevention Team at Marion County Health and Human Services is highlighting their amazing pets.
This newsletter we would love to introduce Phoebe’s pet dog, Augie!
Augie is a two-year-old Golden Retriever who was rescued by his owners last September. When he was found as a stray, he weighed only 35 pounds and was in rough shape. Thanks to the care of his family, Augie has gained nearly 30 pounds and is now full of energy and loving life.
Augie adores his family, swimming, playing fetch, going for walks, and giving hugs. His favorite place to visit is Minto-Brown Island Dog Park, where he can play with other dogs — and, most importantly, swim in the river. Augie is incredibly friendly and kind to all creatures, although he does enjoy the occasional squirrel chase. He brings endless joy to his family and to everyone who meets him.
By Michael Keuler, MCHHS Environmental Health Resiliency Coordinator
Marion County Health and Human Services wants you to stay safe and healthy this summer.
Stay cool. Stay hydrated. Stay informed. Visit Heat.MCHealthy.Net
High summer temperatures will soon be upon us. Temperatures above 90°F can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke for anyone. Here are some tips to help you stay cool indoors and outdoors when the temperature approaches 90°F.
Need help with almost anything? Visit 211info.org or simply dial 2-1-1.
Additional resources to keep your family safe:
Stay cool. Stay hydrated. Stay informed.
By Calista Kountz, MCHHS Public Health Modernization Coordinator
 With rising rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), we encourage everyone to Talk. Test. Treat. It’s important to raise awareness about STIs and how they impact our lives. Now is the time to share resources for STI prevention, testing and treatment. Together we can reduce stigma and make sure people have the tools they need to stay healthy.
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Talk to your partner(s) and provider. Communication is key. Small actions, like talking about STIs, could keep you healthy.
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Test yourself. Getting tested for STIs is easier than you think. There are free or low-cost confidential resources for testing in Marion County. For more information, check out STI.MCHEALTHY.NET.
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Treat infection. If you test positive for an STI, work with your medical provider to get treated. Some STIs can be cured with the right medicine, and all STIs are treatable.
Please share this information with community members who could benefit from it. And remember: Talk. Test. Treat.
By Calista Kountz, MCHHS Public Health Modernization Coordinator
Modernization is a framework that outlines the skills, abilities, and services every health department must have. In other words, it aims to keep our community healthy and improve our health system.
Modernization depends on strong foundational programs and capabilities - they're key to making real progress.
The foundational programs are the four programs that need to be present at each health department. These are:
- Communicable Disease Protection
- Environmental Health
- Equitable Access to Health Services
- Health Promotion and Injury Prevention
The foundational capabilities are knowledge, skills, and abilities. They support public health programs that keep our community healthy. They are:
- Assessment and epidemiology
- Communications
- Community partnership development
- Emergency preparedness and response
- Health equity and cultural responsiveness
- Leadership and organizational competencies
- Policy and planning
Here are some examples of how Marion County is working to address the foundational programs and capabilities:
Communication Plans: plans have been created to promote STI testing in the community and promote knowledge of modernization. Fun fact: This newsletter segment relates to the Communications capability and is a part of the modernization communication plan!
Workforce Development Training Days: these days are dedicated to helping staff learn new skills or strengthen existing ones. This supports the Leadership and Organizational competencies capability.
Communicable Disease Task Force: The Task Force is a group comprised of community members and Marion County staff committed to reducing STIs in Marion County. Their goals are to promote health equity, foster collaboration across partners and organizations, share data and community-driven best practices, and elevate the expertise of organizations serving populations experiencing disparities in STIs/HIV. This work aligns with the Communicable Disease Protection program and Community Partnership Development capability.
If the work you do connects to any of these programs or capabilities in any way, you’re contributing to modernization!
Want to learn more about modernization? Visit the link below or contact Calista Kountz, the Local Modernization Coordinator at CKountz@co.marion.or.us.
OHA’s Public Health Modernization website https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/ABOUT/TASKFORCE/Pages/index.aspx
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Marion County Health Promotion & Prevention will feature a variety of programs and health topics in our upcoming newsletter to keep you informed about key health promotion issues. The next edition will be released during the first week of July 2025. If there's a topic you'd like us to cover, please let us know by emailing us at the address below.
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