by Guest | Apr 24, 2024 | Connect Well, Featured, Uncategorized, Why I'm In
“WHY I’M IN …” An interview with Emery Edwards, AmeriCorps, VISTA
What drew you/your organization to partner with Tillamook County Wellness?
I’ll be honest, I started working with TCW because it was something required of my position as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer. I came to Tillamook, though, because I was in search of something more fulfilling, authentic, and close to nature than what I had built in Seattle. Since the first day I learned about TCW I was inspired by the community-driven initiatives to make Tillamook a better place to work, live, and be. I will continue my work with TCW because I am inspired by the passion exhibited by its members towards the never-ending work of improving this county. I have found that TCW embodies what I was searching for when I moved to Tillamook- it is authentic, innovative, fulfilling, and emphasizes genuine relationships and community action.
What, if any, changes have you seen come about as a result of this work?
I can see how TCW brings organizations and people together for initiatives to improve the county. Being behind the scenes and involved in several committees I have the unique opportunity to see so much of what TCW is doing! The collaborative nature of the committees creates buy-in throughout organizations in the county and provides a platform for the exchange of ideas all towards the betterment of our community. I specifically see how a lot of what TCW does is directly informed by data collected about the greatest needs of the county, specifically for vulnerable populations. I see access to care and access to physical activity being increased for all of Tillamook County, but particularly emphasized for historically underserved populations. This is critical work that is not being done everywhere and I’m so happy that TCW is taking that initiative.
What have you learned from being involved in this work?
Gosh, I have learned so much about what it means to bring about community action. This community has so many wonderful members who are passionate about improving the livelihoods of all county residents which has restored some of my faith in humanity. I learn so much from my work with TCW almost every day, but I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is that community action like TCW is even possible!
What are your hopes for this work as it relates to you/your organization?
I hope that this work can continue to grow and expand to include more representatives of the community. I really hope to see more community members, retirees, and other people looking to use their time, energy, and skills to better their community through TCW. I hope that this will cultivate a sense of ownership for Tillamook County residents. In my experience, if you yourself work on something you feel a sense of ownership over it. And that’s really important for this program’s sustainability. The more people come together wanting to improve their community through TCW the more positive impact we’ll be able to make
What are your hopes for this work as it relates to changing community health in Tillamook County.
Moving to Tillamook County has changed my life, and I know it can change so many others. I really hope that this work will improve access to a happy and healthy life for all. It’s really hard to not have any healthy habits, nutritional knowledge, or a healthy relationship with your body. I believe that TCW is providing access to healthy choices we can make for ourselves. This is essential work to improving community health because when you feel like you’re on your own with your health, it’s really isolating and it can feel like you have to reinvent the wheel. TCW is changing Tillamook County for the better, and my biggest hope is that we continue to receive support from the community we serve.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I would just like to add that moving to Tillamook County has changed my life for the better! I’ve been able to build a wonderful community of authentic, caring, amazing people who truly care about this community. Tillamook County has its flaws but it is such a special place to me and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to serve here. I am so looking forward to seeing what amazing things we can accomplish with community action! And, a special thank-you to Michelle Jenck, the Tillamook County Wellness Coordinator. Without her, so much of this work would not be possible!
by Guest | Feb 20, 2024 | Connect Well, Eat Well, Featured, Uncategorized, Why I'm In, Work Well
“WHY I’M IN …” An interview with Mari Tasche, Oregon Health & Science University
What drew you/your organization to partner with Tillamook County Wellness?
When first introduced to Tillamook County Wellness, I was inspired by the work of the committees and felt that TCW aligned with my passion for improving the wellness and quality of life of others, particularly those made vulnerable by current systems. I have always been actively involved in my community, whether coaching youth soccer or coordinating a community-wide couch to 5k running group. As an exercise physiologist looking to transition into public health and plant my roots on the north coast, TCW provided a great opportunity to understand the region’s needs and get involved in efforts to address community health.
What, if any, changes have you seen come about as a result of this work?
Improving the health and wellness of a county is challenging work and truly takes a village. TCW is a unifying force that brings people and organizations together to share knowledge, leverage resources, and provide support. This strengthens our connections, creates unity, and fosters collective progress for the betterment of our community. I have seen many organizations coordinate and collaborate on projects, programs, and initiatives they might not have otherwise pursued together. This coalition has also taken ownership of the community health needs assessment and improvement plan to address the region’s top health and social needs. Efforts include evaluating and refocusing the work of committees, pursuing or supporting grants, establishing or strengthening partnerships, and broadening community outreach and engagement.
What have you learned from being involved in this work?
I have learned that opportunities are endless if you make the effort to reach out. Many people want to see this county thrive and want to contribute their part to make that happen. It is inspiring and fuels my optimism for this work. I have also learned that this work is like climbing a mountain with no top. It’s endless, but if you enjoy what you are doing, it doesn’t feel like a daunting task- and don’t forget to celebrate the small steps!
What are your hopes for this work as it relates to you/your organization?
My role has continued to evolve since joining a few years ago, and I strive to find my niche and how to best contribute my time and resources to TCW. As I wrap up my master’s degree in public health this fall, I am looking to align my final projects with TCW initiatives and develop relevant content and materials to drive this work forward. As a regionally based employee with the Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network at OHSU, I aim to pursue future opportunities for cross-over and collaboration.
What are your hopes for this work as it relates to changing community health in Tillamook County.
Changing community health takes a multifaceted and dynamic approach. I hope that TCW continues to address this challenge holistically by strengthening a diverse network with a unified message, comprehensive strategy, and county-wide framework that can meet the needs of every individual and help them live their best, healthy lives.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I appreciate being a part of this coalition and look forward to what we can accomplish in the coming years.
For more local health and wellness information, visit www.tillamookcountywellness.org or follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook and Instagram.
by Guest | Dec 7, 2023 | Connect Well, Featured, Why I'm In
Why are you “IN”?
The Tillamook County Wellness “Why I’m In” interview series highlights our community partners and what has inspired and motivated them to work toward the common goal of improving community health.
“WHY I’M IN …” An interview with Janeane Krongos, Prevention Specialist, Tillamook Family Counseling Center (TFCC). Janeane is the co-chair of the health and promotion committee.
What drew you/your organization to partner with Tillamook County Wellness?
Janeane: Being part of the Tillamook County Wellness (TCW) Health Promotion committee was a natural choice for me, because TCW and I have a shared goal of improving community health through increasing protective factors. Protective factors are characteristics or attributes that can help to lower the risk of negative health outcomes such as diabetes, substance misuse, underage substance use prevention, problem gambling, and suicide prevention. Examples of protective factors include access to basic needs (food and housing), social connections, connection to the community, access to resources, access to healthcare, coping skills, and problem-solving skills.
What, if any, changes have you seen come about as a result of this work?
Janeane: One change that I have seen since I have been part of this group is an increased focus on prevention topics (substance misuse, problem gambling prevention, and suicide prevention) and mental health in TCW content on the website and social media. I think this is a beneficial change and I hope to see more content on these topics.
What have you learned from being involved in this work?
Janeane: I am relatively new to the Tillamook County, I moved to the community in March 2020. Being part of the committee has allowed me to learn about Tillamook County directly from committee members who know the area well. In the monthly meetings I had opportunities to meet with people who are active in the community. Additionally, I have learned about local places that I can go to exercise (local parks, hiking trails, beaches, & facilities), local organizations, community resources, and community events.
What are your hopes for this work as it relates to you/your organization?
Janeane: The organization that I work for (Tillamook Family Counseling Center) has played an active role in TCW since its inception. I hope that they will continue to play an active part in TCW. As for myself, I hope that I will continue to play an active role in TCW. I am the current co-chair of the Health Promotion committee. I enjoy having this role. I respect the members of the group, enjoy the meetings, and enjoy having opportunities to share prevention messaging and share helpful resources in TCW content. Since I have been part of this committee, I have had opportunities to write blogs on a variety of topics including problem gambling prevention, safe medication practices, suicide prevention, and mental health.
What are your hopes for this work as it relates to changing community health in Tillamook County.
Janeane: One hope that I have for the future, is for more community members to get involved in TCW. Currently TCW has around 80 partners who volunteer their time and skills and around 50 community partner organizations who allow staff to attend the meetings. A person can get in TCW in whatever way that works best for them. Examples of ways a person can get involved include: joining a TCW committee(Health Promotion, Access to Care, Access to Physical Activity, and Workplace Wellness), participating in TCW campaigns(This Way to Well-Being), attending TCW programs(walking groups, workshops, or events), sharing your ideas by filling out surveys, following TCW on social media, engaging with TCW social media post (like, share, and comment), subscribing to the TCW newsletter, or making a donation to TCW on the website.
What are your hopes for this work as it relates to changing community health in Tillamook County?
I hope that TCW continues to have strong partner support and continues to generate relevant and trusted health inspiration content.
Other wellness questions? Email us at info@tillamookcountywellness.org. For more local health and wellness information, visit www.tillamookcountywellness.org or follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook and Instagram.
by Guest | Oct 5, 2022 | Why I'm In
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.
by Guest | Aug 17, 2022 | Why I'm In
“WHY I’M IN …” An interview with Lewis Martin, Nutrition Director, Oregon Dairy and Nutrition Council
The Tillamook County Wellness “Why I’m In” interview series highlights our community partners and what has inspired and motivated them to work toward the common goal of improving community health.
What drew you/your organization to partner with Tillamook County Wellness?
Martin: The Oregon Dairy and Nutrition Council works on behalf of all dairy farmers and processors in the state to educate and inform on the essential role that dairy foods, healthy eating, and public health promotion have in community well-being. Since 2014, ODNC’s commitment to Tillamook County Wellness and to the health of those living in this area (which houses the most dairy farms in the state) has been a natural fit. As a Registered Dietitian and the new Nutrition Director for ODNC, helping others reach their highest level of health has always been one of my greatest passions, and I plan to continue to support the wonderful work being done by this group that has had years in the making.
What, if any, changes have you seen come about as a result of this work?
Martin: During my brief time with Tillamook County Wellness so far, I’ve seen the This Way to Well-being campaign come to life and inspire individuals across the county to reconsider their perception of ways to lead a healthier life. This initiative has gone beyond traditional approaches in health promotion that only emphasize movement and healthy eating (as important as they are), and encourages social connectedness, mental well-being, outdoor recreation, and even financial awareness. This work has also demonstrated the power that Social Media has to help reach and engage with an even greater number of individuals living in the Tillamook community.
What have you learned from being involved in this work?
Martin: Something I’ve learned time and time again throughout my career, and especially with Tillamook County Wellness, is that when you bring others together with the shared vision and drive to make a difference to the health and well-being of those in their community, you can accomplish wonderful feats. Our committee is composed of a diverse group of members of different professional backgrounds and organizations, and we continue to find ways to connect the dots, lean on our strengths, and draw from collective expertise to drive our mission forward.
What are your hopes for this work as it relates to you/your organization?
Martin: I want to continue to provide a voice of expertise in nutrition as a foundation for well-being, and the role that dairy foods play as part of a healthy life. I’m also excited to bring years of experience in health promotion and community well-being to the Tillamook County Wellness team, and to help create fun and engaging initiatives that will continue to make Tillamook a wonderful place to live, gather, and grow.
What are your hopes for this work as it relates to changing community health in Tillamook County?
Martin: It’s my goal for everyone living in Tillamook county to be invested in and excited for their health and wellness. This is partly to aid in our public health efforts to prevent and manage chronic illness in our community, but also because there’s simply just so much to inform about and share in this county related to well-being. This includes the incredible outdoor recreation, the plethora of social events and interest groups, access to mental health and social support resources, the amazing and nutritious foods and dairy products produced right in our back yard (some of the best in the entire country), and the help that this organization offers in guiding others to lead their best life.
Thank you!
by Guest | Nov 1, 2019 | Why I'm In
“WHY I’M IN …” An interview with Curt Shelley, Superintendent, TSD9
The Tillamook County Wellness “Why I’m In” interview series highlights our community partners and what has inspired and motivated them to work toward the common goal of improving community health.
What drew you/your organization to partner with Tillamook County Wellness?
Shelley: Tillamook County Wellness appeals to me both personally and professionally because it is community based and incorporates emotional, social and physical wellness. These are three legs of a triangle. They go together. If one of the components is missing, it affects the other two. If our brain isn’t where it needs to be, our body won’t be there either and vice versa.
This is also about enhancing our quality of life. As someone who has type 2 diabetes, I want to live the healthiest life I can. I struggle to manage my blood sugars and I worry about my eyesight, kidney failure, obesity and all the risks that come with this disease. I am doing this for myself and for others.
On a professional level, having healthy foods in our school cafeterias is a priority for me. If I have a healthy attitude, and people to see me eating healthy food, that sets an example. And I hope it’s contagious. I always ask people, “Is your attitude worth catching?” If our community can be healthier – socially, emotionally and physically – it’s a better community.
What, if any, changes have you seen come about as a result of this work?
Shelley: I’m new to the community and I can tell you that there is an all-encompassing awareness around health here, somewhat because of the work Tillamook County Wellness is doing, but also because of the beauty and natural surroundings here on the north Oregon coast.
Awareness is really the key. It’s like state test scores – if there’s an awareness that something needs to change, people start talking about it. Awareness grows and that awareness helps change the culture around that issue. It’s about those two things – awareness and culture – and I think there is a culture of wellness in Tillamook County.
What have you learned from being involved in this work?
Shelley: I have learned there is a huge need for this. People are reaching out, asking for help in so many ways. If we can change lives, one teacher at a time, one student at a time, then that’s what we should be doing. If we can help reduce one person’s blood pressure, this is worth it. We are making a difference. This work also makes me feel good. I can lay my head on my pillow each night knowing I am doing what I can to help our staff and students live healthier lives.
What are your hopes for this work as it relates to you/your organization?
Shelley: I’m not one for strategies and rules, I’m more about building culture. If you have the right culture in place, other things take care of themselves. If our community can swing the pendulum toward a culture of health, then we can improve a lot of other issues, like crime and drug use. We often talk about the 20% of kids who smoke or vape. What I believe we should be doing is celebrating the 80% who don’t. When we shine a light on the good things people are doing, it creates a culture of wellness – something I think we have in our school district.
What are your hopes for this work as it relates to changing population health in Tillamook County.
Shelley: What we are doing in our system now, sets the tone for the world our kids are going to live in. I want these kids to know where their food comes from and to be aware of how nutrition affects their health. Our kids need to be prepared to go out in life and be successful. I hope awareness around the importance of hard work and health comes back to our population.
It’s my hope is that we are healthy in Tillamook because we sweat, we cry, we work hard and then we feel so good about ourselves for doing all those things. I don’t know if we have that feeling right now and it’s my hope that it can be restored in our young people.
Ultimately, I would like to have played a role in improving the quality of life in Tillamook County. It would make me feel good to know that someone’s life was made better because of me or that our school system or our community is better because of my involvement.
For local health and wellness information, visit tillamookcountyhealthmatters.org or follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
