What drew you to partner with Tillamook County Wellness?

I worked in the legal profession where I saw so many situations that called for vibrant and accessible community health services.  After I retired, I volunteered a lot in the community, focusing on improving connections and services with under-served populations. I’ve mentored a number of young people in prison and others in need of emotional support.  Our community is in great need of services that connect people with each other on a personal heart-to-heart level and with essential resources. One day I volunteered at the Homeless Connect event, and saw firsthand the stark disparity of basic health services and human connection, and the need to inform the community on our many social and health needs.  I’m a writer, so I have tried to increase that awareness through the telling and sharing of personal stories and available resources. The Wellness program is “boots on the ground” and focuses on actions that are evidence-based and effective.

What, if any, changes have you seen come about as a result of this work? 

There’s an increased awareness of individual education and responsibility, of taking small yet significant steps to change lifestyles, to be pro-active, and to work collectively for social change on a community level. I’m interested in not just physical health changes, but also mental health action steps and services, serving everyone.  “It takes a village” has become an accepted attitude in the community. The Wellness project has brought about an effective gathering of like-minded people who know how to get things accomplished. 

What have you learned from being involved in this work?

As Margaret Mead said, “Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has.”

 What are your hopes for this work as it relates to you?  

I need to understand more about the role of trauma in our lives and in our work. Our individual and collective response to emotional and physical trauma is an overarching force in our lives, and we all need healthy tools to respond and heal.  We need more trauma-informed care. Our schools are working on that, and we need to follow their lead.

What are your hopes for this work as it relates to changing community health in Tillamook County? 

I’ve been empowered and I realize that a small group of impassioned, committed people can change community attitudes and provide a collective and effective response to long term problems. Most solutions are found in small communities, and we can effectively work together to make a difference.  The Wellness group doesn’t take “no” for an answer, and keeps exploring and implementing innovative, creative solutions.  This work gives me hope and is an empowering positive force in our community. 

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Each member of the community matters. We each have something to offer. There is an enormous need for mentorship, and we underestimate the power of empathic, one-on-one relationships to change and heal lives.