by Guest | Mar 12, 2025 | Being Well, Featured, Uncategorized
We each deserve to spend the last months, weeks, days, and hours of our lives in an environment that makes us feel empowered, human, and whole. But doing so requires frank conversations about death, which many of us struggle to have, even with ourselves. According to a 2018 national survey by the Conversation Project, only 32% of people have discussed their wishes for end-of-life care, even though 92% believe it’s important to have those discussions.
When we do manage to have those discussions, the systems around death and dying are complex and often exhausting to navigate, meaning many people who are terminally ill or dying end up with unmet needs, even when their support system is doing everything they can.
Those situations are where a death doula—also called an end-of-life doula—can be helpful to have.
What is a death doula?
A death doula is a companion and guide through the end-of-life process. Their primary client is the dying person, though they also work with other members of the family, community, or care teams. Many death doulas take on small caseloads, allowing them to meet with clients more often and for longer sessions than care providers with intense caseloads or family caregivers with multiple responsibilities may be able to.
Death doulas provide six areas of support:
- Presence: Acting as a nurturing, calming companion.
- Emotional support: Being there for patients to talk to, being the person who doesn’t shy away from talking about death.
- Information sharing. Educating on relevant topics as needed.
- Proactive guidance. Anticipating patient needs and planning accordingly.
- Resources connection: Referring out to appropriate providers and community resources.
- Comfort measures: Using non-medical means to ease physical discomfort.
- Logistical support: Including household help, coordinating community care, etc.
Why might you work with a death doula?
Since wants and needs at the end of our life are as unique as each of us, there are many reasons why you might engage a death doula. Common ones include:
- You want the assistance of a compassionate guide when having those difficult conversations about death and end-of-life planning with yourself, or with someone else.
- You’re unsure how to start planning your end-of-life care and want help navigating the process.
- You have a limited support system and want a companion through your final months, weeks, or days.
- You want more companionship, emotional support, comfort measures, or logistical support than hospice, caregivers, or the other members of your care team have the capacity to provide.
- You want someone to help plan and/or participate in your vigil.
- You have knowledge, stories, etc. you want to pass on and need help with legacy planning/projects, which have been shown to increase patient and caregiver wellbeing.
- You want help planning your deathbed ecosystem; where you pass away, who is present, what the room looks, sounds, and smells like. You have every right to cultivate a deathbed ecosystem that brings you comfort, peace, even joy.
- You’re nowhere near death but you want to be on the safe side by planning proactively.
How to choose a death doula
Currently, death doula work is not heavily regulated. Organizations like the National End-of-Life Doula Association and the Internation End-of-Life Doula Association offer certifications in order to lend a degree of consistency and accountability for doulas. But certification isn’t legally required for someone to advertise as one.
When contacting a death doula, you can ask if they’re certified, and by who, and what training they’ve undergone; in Oregon, the Peaceful Prescence Project is commonly used and well-regarded. You can also familiarize yourself with the death doula scope of practice; that way, you can identify if a death doula is offering services outside their capacity to provide.
It can help to spend time thinking about what death doula services you want, as the exact services offered can vary between providers. Knowing what matters most to you in your end-of-life care makes it easier to find a death doula who’s a good fit.
You can find more advice on selecting a death doula at NEDA. If you decide to work with a death doula, you can use the NEDA “Find a Doula” directory or this state-by-state directory to find one near you.
Written by contributor Sam Wall, LMSW NEDA-Proficient, and trained in death doulaship through the Peaceful Presence Project. You can visit Sam’s website for more information here: https://morningstardeathdoula.com/about/
by Guest | Mar 3, 2025 | Being Well, Featured, Move Well
Progress over Perfection Update Written by Emery Edwards
Almost a year ago, I wrote and published an article about my journey of pursuing progress over perfection. I’m a year and a half into my journey, so I thought it’s time for an update.
Having a progress over perfection mindset has changed my life for the better. Before last year, I believed that if I couldn’t do something perfectly the first time, I couldn’t, or wouldn’t, do it at all. This was a toxic mindset and not only limited my journey towards physical health, but also my creativity. I wish that someone had been realistic with me about what this actually looks like. Even now, it’s hard not to compare when I see people accomplishing their weight loss, fitness, or other health goals, in shorter periods of time. However, if you’re interested in pursuing your goals with the progress over perfection mindset, it’s important to recognize that comparison is the thief of joy. Your body, your goals, what you enjoy, and your circumstances, will never be the same as someone else’s. And for me, I’m still changing my habits and learning what works for me. In the process, however, I’ve found so much more joy and happiness than I have ever known possible, but that isn’t reflected on the scale at the doctor’s office.
When I began this journey of progress over perfection, I felt so out of touch with my body and I was constantly inflamed, bloated, and in pain. I had lost a significant amount of muscle mass during a particularly bad bout of depression; and combined with the effects of staying indoors during COVID, I felt trapped inside myself. I couldn’t move the way I wanted; I didn’t feel the way I wanted and had no idea how to fix it. How can you change decades of poor eating habits, and a lifelong toxic relationship with food and exercise? Well, the answer for me was I had to start somewhere. Anywhere, really. And that’s the key with having a progress over perfection mindset- start anywhere and make small, incremental changes that you can sustain for the rest of your life. So, that’s what I did. I started by just trying to get more protein and fiber. Then I started walking along the bay. I discovered I enjoyed doing it, so I started walking more often. There were days when I wanted to go on a walk and yet I felt stagnant and trapped. I found on those days, saying ‘if I get out there and don’t want to anymore, I’ll go home’ helped, because I have never regretted going for a walk. Not even the time I got stuck in a sudden hailstorm.
Perfection is the enemy of good. The enemy of feeling good. If I kept quitting after not reaching my unrealistic goals the first time, I wouldn’t be where I am today – a happier, healthier version of myself than I ever thought possible. I make delicious and nutritious meals, I forage, I take walks, I don’t get winded on the stairs, I dance for hours with my friends, hike for miles… the list goes on. It’s a far cry from when I started – unable to walk a half mile without fatigue. For me, taking a step to tap into what I enjoyed doing as a kid, like bike riding or gardening, helped me be more successful. Even collecting things can be physical activity! I spend hours walking miles along the beach looking for agates or in the forest foraging for mushrooms. Try different things and see what works for you and stick with it, not because you must, but because you want to. Getting physical activity in doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the gym unless you want it to. In my experience, walking and spending time in nature has become a favorite pastime. I do it for fun now and it’s helped me regain my creative spark. I have built muscle, I have regained my confidence, I sleep better, I create more often, I have the energy to show up for my community, and the scale still hasn’t changed. It’s changing your habits slowly and consistently that will get you to where you want to be. Not shame, blame, or perfectionism. Instead, it takes time, love, and care.
Someone once told me that every meal is a chance to learn more about yourself. Every meal, whether you’re following your goals or eating a mound of french fries for dinner, has something you can learn from it. Paying attention to the feeling you get when you eat different things is important. Do you eat that mound of fries and then feel exhausted after? Do you have energy after eating that chicken caesar? No amount of research will tell you the perfect plan for you and your lifestyle, but it can provide you with guidelines and ideas. Eating more protein and fiber, building muscle, being active, limiting your sugar intake… are all important features of a healthy lifestyle. But this world is full of challenges when it comes to eating healthfully, exercising, and maintaining the habits that help you feel your best. Advertising, social pressures, holidays, and a host of other circumstances put those of us who struggle to self-regulate our eating habits and physical activity in daily battles. Sometimes, especially during the holidays, it can feel like an all-out war. A physician can tell you to follow a certain diet, follow the weekly guidelines for physical activity, avoid certain foods, etc. Work with your healthcare provider to find a plan that works for your physical and dietary needs—getting a dietician was so helpful for me!
At the end of the day, it’s always easier said than done, but this is where progress over perfection comes in. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your ideal habits and lifestyle won’t be, either. It takes hard work, determination to feel better, and the willingness to try and fail over and over. It takes trial and error to figure out what works for you, and that’s what the perfection mindset robs you of. So, this year, instead of trying to adhere to strict, unrealistic, New Years Resolutions, I have a new challenge for you. Try, fail, and try again. I think you’ll find some things that are worth sticking to for the long term. Who knows, you might enjoy it!
by Renee Aufdermauer | Jan 28, 2025 | Featured, Uncategorized
Estrategias para disfrutar del invierno
Las estaciones del año nos traen cambios a nuestro medio ambiente. Estos cambios son necesarios para que la vida natural siga su curso. Las estaciones se presentan de modo diferentes de acuerdo a la ubicación geográfica del lugar. En el condado de Tillamook las estaciones nos permite disfrutar de la belleza de nuestros bosques verdes ya que las temperaturas son frías pero no en extremo. Aunque por otra parte hay que aceptar que algunas veces el clima del invierno nos afecta el estado de animo de una manera negativa.
Es por esto que he decidido hablar de cinco estrategias simples que podemos implementar cada día durante el invierno para disfrutar y evitar la melancolía de la estación. Estas son las cinco estrategias; actitud positiva, alimentación saludable, hidratación, socialización, y nuevas actividades.
Actitud positiva
Al concentrarse en pensamientos positivos y las cosas que nos traen alegría, esforzamos nuestra mente a cambiar de actitud. Es tan fácil enfocarse en las cosas que nos va mal. A todos nos pasan cosas que nos desaniman, alguien hablo mal de nosotros, nuestra pareja se enoja muy seguido, nuestros hijos no parecen escuchar lo que les decimos, y muchas circunstancias más de las que nos podemos quejar. Pero que tal si nos enfocamos en concentrarnos en las cosas que nos traen alegría, y las cosas que si tenemos control. Como por ejemplo nuestra actitud positiva, y la manera de percibir lo que pasa alrededor de nosotros.
Una forma en la que podemos crear sentimientos positivos es a través de la escritura. Podemos escribir porque estamos agradecidos hoy. Puede ser algo tan simple como “Estoy agradecido porque puedo ver la lluvia y no mojarme”. O “Estoy agradecido porque es un nuevo día”
No necesitas ser un escritor profesional para empezar un diario, tampoco necesitas estresarte en escribir correctamente, usar puntación correcta o palabras sofisticadas. Recuerda cuando haces esta actividad para ti mismo. Puedes usar cualquier libreta, e incluso puedes usar tu teléfono usando las aplicaciones disponibles. También el grupo de prevención de TFCC tiene diarios que te puede proporcionar totalmente gratis. Para tu diario personal gratis comunícate con Angelica Ortiz angelicao@tfcc.org.
Alimentación Saludable
Todos sabemos o hemos escuchado de la importancia de la alimentación saludable. Hay lugares locales donde te pueden brindar información de valor y respaldada medicamente para que implementes una dienta balanceada. Algunos de los lugares son tu centro de salud local y el siguiente sitio de internet de prevención contra la diabetes. Prevenir la diabetes tipo 2 | Diabetes | CDC.
Hidratación
También no debemos olvidarnos de la hidratación. Muchas veces con el frio olvidamos la importancia de tomar agua. Según la asociación de la clínica Mayo la recomendación de agua depende de la actividad física, el clima, y la salud de cada persona. Para más información lee el siguiente articulo. Agua: ¿cuánto tienes que beber todos los días? – Mayo Clinic
Algunos tips para incrementar el consumo de agua son usar botellas medidoras para medir la cantidad de agua , prepararla por la mañana y tomarla durante el día. También podemos añadir unas gotas de limón para darle sabor. No olvidemos que en estos tiempos de invierno con el frio viene bien disfrutar de las tes de sabores o de fruta fresca. Compartiré la receta del ponche tradicional al final.
Socialización
La socialización es una parte integral en la vida del ser humana. A través de la socialización es como aprendemos comportamientos, compartimos tradiciones, cultura y nos integramos en la sociedad. Aunque algunas veces necesitamos tiempo a solas, el estar completamente en soledad no es recomendable o bueno para la salud mental.
La organización HelpGuide.org nos habla de ocho maneras de lidiar con la soledad. Me siento
solo: 8 maneras fáciles de lidiar con la soledad
Actividades Nuevas Creo que todos nos hemos sentido atrapados en la monotonía de la rutina diaria en algún momento de nuestra vida. Especialmente en los meses cuando no tenemos muchas horas de luz del día. Claro está que no podemos cambiar el tiempo pero si podemos hacer algo diferente para cambiar la rutina. Hay muchas actividades que podemos hacer sin necesidad de comprometer nuestros bolsillos con altos costos. La mejor manera de hacer algo nuevo y divertido es planificando con anticipación. Algunas veces solo tenemos que ser creativos o hacer una pequeña investigación de eventos, clases o celebraciones gratis que hay en la comunidad. Lo mas importante es estar dispuesto a explorar nuevas actividades. Algunas de las actividades nuevas que he estado haciendo este invierno son buscar oro en los ríos, hacer videos para las redes sociales, propagar hortensias, y ser voluntaria en eventos comunitarios.
En resumen, la lista de cosas para disfrutar el invierno son:
Esfuérzate en ver las cosas positivas y en enfocarte en las cosas que te traen alegría. Alimenta tu cuerpo a través de una alimentación balanceada, e hidratación. Pasa tiempo con las personas que te hacen feliz, desarrolla nuevas amistades y prueba algo nuevo que te permita salir de tu zona de confort y a la vez te distraiga de la rutina diaria.
Evita el consumo de drogas o el juego para hacer frente al estrés o la soledad. Si siente que está teniendo problemas en estas áreas no dude en buscar ayuda.
Comuníquese con la agencia al 503-842-8201 para obtener más información sobre el tratamiento de problemas de prevención de drogas o adicción al juego de azar.
Llame a la línea de ayuda para problemas de adicción al juego de Oregón: 1-877- mylimit (1-877-695-4648)
Chatee con un asesor de adicción al juego en línea en www.opgr.org Aquí les dejo la Receta de ponche tradicional
Ingredientes
½ cana pelada y en cortada en trozos.
1 libra de Tejocote entero.
1 libra de Manzana picada en pedazos pequeños y sin la semilla.
1 libra de guayaba partida en dos.
1 pina pelada y picada en pedazos pequeños.
300 gramos de tamarindo sin cascara.
100 gramos de flor de Jamaica
3 trocitos de canela
1 taza de Azúcar morena o al gusto
Modo de preparación
En una olla se ponen cinco litros de agua, se añade la canela, la caña y el tejocote y se le prende a juego medio. Después de 20 minutos se le añaden el resto de los ingredientes. Se deja hervir por otros 40 minutos y estará listo para saborear.
Acerca de la autora “Angelica Ortiz”
La autora es graduada de la universidad de Eastern Oregón University con una licencieatura en estudios integrados en salud pública y negocios. Es inmigrante mexicana, reside en el condado de Tillamook y trabaja para Tillamook Family Counseling Center y Tillamook Bay Community College.
Strategies to enjoy winter
The seasons of the year bring changes to our environment. These changes are necessary for natural life to continue its course. The seasons present themselves differently according to the geographic location of the place. In Tillamook County the seasons allow us to enjoy the beauty of our green forests since the temperatures are cold but not extreme. Although on the other hand we must accept that sometimes the winter weather affects our mood in a negative way. That is why I have decided to talk about five simple strategies that we can implement every day during winter to enjoy and avoid the melancholy of the season.
These are the five strategies; positive attitude, healthy eating, hydration, socialization, and new
activities.
Positive attitude
By concentrating on positive thoughts and the things that bring us joy, we force our mind to change its attitude. It is so easy to focus on the things that are going wrong. We all have things happen that bring us down, someone speaks badly about us, our partner gets angry too often, our children don’t seem to listen to what we say to them, and many more circumstances that we can complain about. But what if we focus on concentrating on the things that bring us joy, and the things that we do have control over. Like for example our positive attitude, and the way we perceive what happens around us.
One way we can create positive feelings is through writing. We can write down why we are grateful today. It can be something as simple as “I am grateful that I can see the rain and not get wet.” Or “I am grateful that it is a new day.”
You don’t need to be a professional writer to start a journal, nor do you need to stress about writing correctly, using correct punctuation or fancy words. Remember when you do this activity for yourself. You can use any notebook, and you can even use your phone using the available apps. Also the TFCC prevention group has journals that they can provide you totally free. For your free personal journal, contact Angelica Ortiz angelicao@tfcc.org.
Healthy Eating
We all know or have heard of the importance of healthy eating. There are local places where
you can get valuable, medically supported information to help you implement a balanced diet.
Some of the places are your local health center and the following diabetes prevention website.
Preventing Type 2 Diabetes | Diabetes | CDC.
Hydration
We should also not forget about hydration. Many times in the cold we forget the importance of drinking water. According to the Mayo Clinic Association, the water recommendation depends on physical activity, the weather, and the health of each person. For more information, read the following article. Water: How much should you drink every day? – Mayo Clinic
Some tips to increase water consumption are to use measuring bottles to measure the amount of water, prepare it in the morning and drink it during the day. We can also add a few drops of lemon to give it flavor. Let’s not forget that in these cold winter times it is good to enjoy flavored teas or fresh fruit. I will share the recipe for traditional punch at the end.
Socialization
Socialization is an integral part of human life. Through socialization is how we learn behaviors, share traditions, culture and integrate into society. Although sometimes we need time alone, being completely alone is not advisable or good for mental health.
The HelpGuide.org organization tells us about eight ways to deal with loneliness. I feel lonely: 8 easy ways to deal with loneliness
New Activities
I think we have all felt trapped in the monotony of the daily routine at some point in our lives. Especially in the months when we do not have many hours of daylight. Of course we cannot change the time but we can do something different to change the routine. There are many activities that we can do without having to commit our pockets to high costs. The best way to do something new and fun is to plan ahead. Sometimes we just have to be creative or do a little research on free events, classes, or celebrations in the community. The most important thing is to be willing to explore new activities. Some of the new activities I’ve been doing this winter are looking for gold in rivers, making videos for social media, propagating hydrangeas, and volunteering at community events.
In summary, the list of things to enjoy in winter are:
Strive to see the positive and focus on the things that bring you joy. Fuel your body with a balanced diet and hydration. Spend time with people who make you happy, develop new friendships and try something new that allows you to get out of your comfort zone and distract you from the daily grind.
Avoid drug use or gambling to cope with stress or loneliness. If you feel you are having trouble in these areas do not hesitate to seek help.
Contact the agency at 503-842-8201 for more information on drug prevention or
gambling addiction treatment.
Call the Oregon Gambling Addiction Helpline: 1-877-mylimit (1-877-695-4648)
Chat with a gambling addiction counselor online at www.opgr.org
Here is the recipe for traditional punch
Ingredients
• ½ peeled and chopped sugarcane.
• 1 pound of whole Tejocote (you can find this fruit in Mexican stores).
• 1 pound of apple, chopped into small pieces and without the seed.
• 1 pound of guava, cut in half.
• 1 pineapple, peeled and chopped into small pieces.
• 300 grams of tamarind without shell.
• 100 grams of hibiscus flower
• 3 pieces of cinnamon
• 1 cup of brown sugar or to taste
Preparation method
In a pot, put five liters of water, add the cinnamon, sugarcane and tejocote and turn on medium heat. After 20 minutes, add the rest of the ingredients. Let it boil for another 40 minutes and it will be ready.
About the author “Angelica Ortiz”
The author is a graduate of Eastern Oregon University with a bachelor’s degree in integrated studies with two minors, community health and business administration. She is a Mexican immigrant, resides in Tillamook County, and works for Tillamook Family Counseling Center and Tillamook Bay Community College.
by Renee Aufdermauer | Dec 18, 2024 | Being Well, Featured, Uncategorized
Michael “Smily” Hurliman’s story begins like many others—a high school kid longing to fit in and be accepted. In his teenage years, Michael quickly became known as the guy who could bring alcohol to the party, earning a false sense of popularity. What started with drinking alcohol soon led to smoking weed, and eventually, Michael was introduced to methamphetamine.
By the age of 17, Michael’s life had already begun to spiral out of control. His first visit to rehab came that year, but quickly relapsed into a destructive cycle of drug and alcohol abuse. Trouble with the law followed. Michael later described this period not as feeling defeated, but as being depleted—there was a void he didn’t yet know how to fill.
Another stint in treatment seemed hopeful but ultimately he failed to remain clean. Michael’s addictions deepened, and he began selling drugs, further entrenching himself in a life of lawlessness. His family, heartbroken and desperate to save him, staged an intervention when he was 21 years old. The confrontation triggered a torrent of emotions, and Michael retreated to his room in frustration.
It was in this pivotal moment that Michael’s fate took a remarkable turn. Holding a nickel he considered lucky, he made a decision. “Heads, I’ll go to treatment,” he said to himself. “Tails, I’ll go on the run.” When the coin landed on heads, Michael honored the result and entered treatment once again.
This time, he stayed clean for a while, but the consequences of his past caught up to him. Arrested for crimes committed during his years of addiction, Michael faced another battle.
After serving his time on parole, Michael moved to Hillsboro in hopes of starting fresh. Unfortunately, he quickly fell back into the grip of drugs and alcohol. It wasn’t long before he met the woman who would become the mother of his son. With the news of a baby on the way, Michael and Jessica made the decision to clean up their hard drug use and try to build a better life for their growing family. For a time, things seemed to be going well. But the pull of addiction was never far behind.
As the years went on, Michael found himself struggling once again. But when Jessica was diagnosed with cancer, everything changed. She fought bravely for almost 11 months before passing away, leaving Michael in a deep state of grief and despair. Her death only worsened the hold addiction had over him.
Hit hard by the loss of his partner and the mounting pressure of his addiction, Michael reached rock bottom. He realized that he couldn’t keep running from his problems and was deeply missing his son. With a long list of warrants, unpassed drug tests, and the looming threat of prison, Michael made a life-changing decision. He called his parole officer and said he wanted to turn himself in and face the consequences.
During court, Michael learned that he qualified for rehab, a decision that would become the turning point he had been waiting for. His prayer was answered, and Michael entered treatment once again, determined to break free from the chains of addiction. This time, he committed himself to staying clean.
Michael returned to Tillamook, drawn by the support system, resources, and people who had successfully overcome similar struggles. He knew he needed to be in an environment that would help him stay on the right path. He joined the reentry program offered at Helping Hands, began attending meetings at the Serenity Club and began rebuilding his life.
Getting clean has transformed Michael in ways he never thought possible. He is now a devoted father to his 15 year old son, and has a steady job at Bob J. Johnson Flooring, and holds the position of President and Board Member of the Serenity Club, where he has served in various roles. His experiences have fueled a deep passion to give back to his community. Michael dreams of helping others break free from addiction and regain their lives, just as he has done.
Michael’s Advice for Those Struggling
For anyone battling addiction, Michael offers simple yet powerful advice: “Just show up to a meeting.” Taking that first step to connect with others who understand what you’re going through can make all the difference. Surround yourself with a clean and sober community—friends who will support and encourage your recovery journey. Building those connections is key to staying on the path toward a better life.
During his time in treatment, Michael found strength in two quotes told to him by an old guy named “1 Legged Larry” that deeply resonated with him:
“All you have to do is change everything.”
“Do the next right thing.”
If you or someone you know is looking for support on their recovery journey, there are local resources available to help:
– Serenity Club Tillamook : 5012 Third St. Tillamook, 503-842-1115 (check out their website for meeting days/times
– Celebrate Recovery : Tillamook Church of the Nazarene, 2611 Third Street, Tillamook; 503-842-2549 and St. Mary’s By the Sea, 275 S. Pacific Street, Rockaway Beach, 503-318-2370
– Helping Hands Reentry Outreach Centers- Tillamook Hope Center : Contact Brianne Prince (503) 354-8014
These organizations provide valuable support, community, and tools for overcoming addiction and rebuilding a better life. Remember, you’re never alone—help is available, and recovery is possible.
by Guest | Nov 21, 2024 | Featured, Uncategorized, Why I'm In
Written by: Sarah Ermer, MPH, CHES; Prevention Specialist at Tillamook Family Counseling Center
What drew you/your organization to partner with Tillamook County Wellness?
I’m a recent transplant to Tillamook; I moved here at the end of January for my position at TFCC. When I was preparing to move, I was doing some searching online to learn more about health initiatives in the county. I distinctly remember sitting at my parents’ dining room table looking at the Tillamook County Wellness website on my laptop and thinking, “Wow, Tillamook County has a great system for health promotion!” After officially moving and starting at TFCC, I knew I needed to prioritize getting to know as many different people and organizations as I could in order to do my job well. One of the first people I talked to was Michelle Jenck, who is the coordinator for Tillamook County Wellness. My background and current position are well-aligned with Tillamook County Wellness, so she connected me with the Health Promotions committee. The rest is history!
What, if any, changes have you seen come about as a result of this work?
I haven’t been here long enough to say first-hand what larger changes have come about as a result of Tillamook County Wellness, so I’ll share about a moment that stands out to me. One of the first community events I went to was Healthy Kids Day at the YMCA, where the Tillamook County Wellness Access to Physical Activity committee held the Bike Rodeo. I was amazed by the number of bikes and helmets that were available to go home with families! After watching a long line of kids practice bike safety around the parking lot, I have no doubt that even that event alone created positive change.
What have you learned from being involved in this work?
One of my favorite parts of being involved in Tillamook County Wellness, and of Tillamook as a whole, is seeing how the community really does come together to make things happen. I’ve learned a lot about all the systems at play in the area, and the fact that Tillamook County Wellness brings so many of them together is an amazing model for any community that wants to build stronger coalitions. I’ve learned what it really looks like to work as a community!
What are your hopes for this work as it relates to you/your organization?
My work is focused on substance misuse/addiction prevention, and doing that work effectively means looking beyond substance use alone. If we want to prevent young people from drinking or using drugs, we have to be willing to go beyond telling them what NOT to do. It means creating an entire community that supports people who are struggling with their mental health, who need a place to go, or who need positive, healthy activities to help build their confidence. I’ve seen how effective Tillamook County Wellness is in mobilizing people to support health initiatives; I hope that we can continue to mobilize in building support for both physical and mental health access.
What are your hopes for this work as it relates to changing community health in Tillamook County.
Much like my hope as it relates to me/my organization, my hope for our community health is that our collective idea of health and wellness continues to expand. In so many communities, support for different areas of health is siloed. Mental health, physical activity, nutrition, healthcare, social connectedness, financial wellbeing… they all play into our quality of life. I hope that Tillamook County Wellness can continue to be a part of the bridge that connects all these areas of health.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Tillamook County has been such a wonderful place to live and work. Thank you to everyone who has been so welcoming! I’m excited to continue to be a part of this community 🙂
For more local health and wellness information, visit www.tillamookcountywellness.org or follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook and Instagram.
