The NW Buzz Newsletter | August 2023

Safety Fair

Celebrating Together: Annual Safety Fair & Employee Appreciation

IN QUALITY MANAGEMENT

Dear NWHS Team,

I’m excited to share that we have a new addition to our Quality Management team - Rachel Becker!

We are thrilled to share the success of our recent NWHS Annual Safety Fair, held in conjunction with the National Health Center Week, Employee Appreciation Day. A heartfelt thank you goes out to our dedicated Quality Management team and all the individuals who played a crucial role in orchestrating this fantastic event.

The day unfolded with many events happening at one time. From the delightful Spud Bus offering delicious lunch options to the engaging games that fostered friendly competition, every moment was designed to bring a smile to our employees faces.

A highlight was the thoughtful gesture from our valued client at HOST. Each of our employees received a hand-painted token of appreciation. The dedication and effort that went into crafting these individual gifts over the course of months is a testament of the hard work and thoughtfulness.

We had our talented photographer, Kristi Crawford, join us once again. Kristi’s expertise captured professional head shots for those who seized the opportunity. In the coming two weeks, these photo-

graphs will find their way to your work email. It’s important to note that these are edited professional head shots. If you have any specific edits in mind, whether it’s fine-tuning via Photoshop or adjusting colors, Kristi is at your service.

A special shout-out and a warm welcome to the volunteers from the OPCA who joined us at the Safety Fair. It was truly wonderful to witness our community come together and participate in our annual event. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for their support and partnership, which added an extra layer of community spirit to the festivities.

Raffle Winners!

Adventure Time : Molly Joubert (HOAP)

Camping Basket: April Payseno (Dental)

Car Kit:

Liz Torres (WSC Medical)

Home Fire Safety: Lonna Wornstaff (Billing)

Movie Night:

Tye Dailey (THCC Medical)

Spa Day:

Jennifer Starck (Mental Heath

Summer Fun: Mayra Dominguez (WSC Medical)

Rachel has taken on the role of Quality Management Assistant, with a focus on Quality Assurance. Previously, Rachel held the position of Administrative Specialist within our Agency, so she is no stranger to NWHS. Her in-depth understanding of our Agency’s processes, organizational skills, and attention to detail make her a valuable asset to our Quality Management team.

We look forward to her contributions and insights as we continue to improve the quality of our Agency’s work.

Let’s join in congrats to Rachel on this well-deserved success to send her a congrats: RBecker@nwhumanservices.org

Mary Jordan Quality Management Director, Privacy Officer

Prepare Your Family for Traveling Safe in Summer

Summertime is the time to have fun, spend time with family and enjoy the warmer weather. Also, we can’t forget about our furry friends too.

We as parents have busy schedules with work and social obligations including our children’s extracurricular activities. It’s no wonder that we can be a bit more tired and forgetful during our morning routines. It’s important to maintain the same routine to ensure that nothing is left behind. Planning ahead is also vital if there is a change in routines or for a family getaway.

Balancing work, social commitments, and our children’s activities can lead to tiredness and lapses in our routines. Maintaining consistency in our morning rituals is essential to ensure that nothing is overlooked. Furthermore, effective preparation becomes paramount when there’s a shift in our daily patterns or a family vacation is on the horizon.

Helpful Tips:

• Place important items in the backseat.

• Run the A/C or have the window completely down.

• Park in shaded areas or use side window shade visors.

• Teach children that the vehicle is not a play area and to stay out if it is unlocked.

• Whenever feasible, it’s best for our furry companions to stay home.

Special Consideration for Animals:

• If you’re traveling with your furry friend in tow, ask your vet ahead of time how to recognize signs of heat stress.

• Make sure your pets have unlimited access to fresh water and shade even when outside.

Summer Traveling

Heat Safety Facts:

954 children have died due to pediatric vehicular heatstroke (PVH) since 1998. Yet, all these deaths could have been prevented. Sadly, these are the statistics as of July 19, 2023 (noheatstroke.org)

• Make frequent stops to allow the animals to use the bathroom, stretch their legs and get some stimulation from sniffing around and checking things out.

• Never leave a pet in the car, even in the shade or with windows cracked. As the summer unfolds, taking these measures will not only safeguard the well-being of your family.

An independent study showed that the interior temperature of vehicles parked in outside temperatures ranging from 72 to 96°F rose steadily as time increased. And cracking the window made no difference in the interior temperature.

Every year, hundreds of pets die from heat exhaustion because they are left in parked vehicles. (AVA) From National Safety Council (NSC), U.S. Department of Transportation

Summer, Summer, Summertime!

The sun-drenched days of summer have unveiled their splendor, gracing the picturesque landscapes of Oregon. As we step into the month of August, a world of possibilities opens up before us, beckoning us to embrace the great outdoors and lead an active, invigorating lifestyle. This month, Northwest Human Services (NWHS) shines the spotlight on the beauty of movement and the joys of staying active. And the best part? Our very own Willamette Valley provides a plethora of options for us to explore and engage with, ensuring that this summer will be nothing short of spectacular!

Defining the Magic of Being Active:

But what does it truly mean to be “active”? In essence, it encompasses a diverse range of activities that set our bodies in motion. These activities encompass various types of physical exertion, each contributing to different facets of our well-being. The realm of aerobic activities nurtures our cardiovascular health, fortifies our heart and lungs, and nurtures our endurance. Strength training endeavors diligently shape and reinforce our muscles and bones, contributing to a stronger, more resilient body. And then there’s the often-underestimated importance of stretching – a practice that enhances flexibility, ensuring that our bodies remain agile and capable.

[For a deeper dive, check out this informative video!] (https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/oregon-washington/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia/he.abo2076#)

The Radiance of an Active Lifestyle:

The beauty of embracing an active lifestyle lies in its transformative power. It’s not just about enhancing physical strength; it’s about fueling our lives with boundless energy. The act of engaging in regular activity can lead to weight management, muscle gain, and a reduction in body fat. But that’s not all – it holds the potential to uplift our spirits, foster restful sleep, and elevate our ability to focus on tasks.

Adriana M Ramirez, Medical Assistant, West Salem Clinic

Sandy Fulkerson Schaeffer, MPH, PA-C, West Salem Clinic

Kellee Borsberry, RN, and Husband, West Salem Clinic

Charting the Path to Wellness through Activity:

Curious about the optimal amount of physical activity required for a thriving lifestyle? The frequency and intensity of your aerobic exercises largely hinge on your schedule, dedication, and personal goals. The wide spectrum of aerobic exercises, ranging from walking to running, cycling, swimming, and dancing, offers a diversified palette of choices. Experts advise dedicating at least 2½ hours to moderate activity or 1¼ hours to more vigorous activity each week. Mixing and matching these activities, even in shorter bursts throughout the day, contributes significantly to achieving your health objectives.

Unveiling the Key to Consistency: Pleasure! Undoubtedly, one of the most profound pieces of advice is to revel in activities that genuinely resonate with you. When you’re passionate about what you’re doing, the commitment comes effortlessly. Incorporating activities, you enjoy into your routine ensures that your journey remains both enjoyable and effective.

Summer Unveils the “Action Shots” Challenge:

As the summer unfolds, NWHS brings you the “Action Shots” challenge – a call to capture the vibrant spirit of activity. Whether it’s a spirited dance, a stroll on the river, a serene kayaking adventure, a brisk hike, or even a leisurely stroll with your canine companion – seize the moment. Thank you for sharing your photos!

This summer invites us to infuse every step with vitality, to relish the wonders of an active lifestyle, and to harness the essence of joy that accompanies movement. Let’s make this season one that resonates with dynamism, optimism, and flourishing well-being. Here’s to a summer of movement, NWHS!

“Summer is a canvas of adventures, where each day is a stroke of vibrant colors on the masterpiece of memories.”

Sabrina Ruffner, Emergency Assistance, West Salem Clinic

Sherri Hodgson, Finance Dept., Admin.

Karon Catterson, Human Resources, Admin.

House Bill 2757

This impactful bill centers around enhancing crisis services in Oregon, demonstrating the state’s commitment to effectively addressing critical situations. One of its key provisions involves expanding and financially supporting a well-coordinated crisis management system. This comprehensive system encompasses a vital suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline, identified as 9-8-8. To bolster this initiative, a dedicated fund named the 9-8-8 Trust Fund is set to be established.

To ensure the sustainability of these essential crisis services, the bill introduces a new approach known as the 9-8-8 tax. This tax will be applied to individuals utilizing telecommunications services, such as traditional phone calls and modern internet-based calls (Voice over Internet Protocol service). It’s worth noting that the tax specifically targets users of prepaid telecommunications serviceHowever, those who are receiving these services due to their specific needs as part of an assistance plan will be exempt from this tax burden.

Starting from January 1, 2024, until January 1, 2030, this tax will gradually be integrated into people’s bills and retail transactions. An additional positive aspect of the bill involves fostering collaboration between cities and counties to establish a mutually beneficial agreement regarding the provision of mobile crisis intervention.

988 | Celebrates One-Year Anniversary

As we come together to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the nationwide launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we find ourselves reflecting on the incredible journey that has brought us to this significant milestone. This commemoration isn’t just about acknowledging the passage of time; it’s about recognizing the dedication, compassion, and unwavering efforts of our Northwest Human Services (NWHS) Hotline team that has made a lasting impact on our community.

Over the past year, the 988 Lifeline has proven itself to be a beacon of hope for countless individuals in need. Our NWHS Hotline team has stood at the forefront of this initiative, offering a lifeline to those grappling with crisis and despair. It’s a testament to their commitment that, since July 16, 2022, we have collectively answered over 53,000 calls, providing an essential support system to those reaching out for help.

As Oregon’s exclusive regional 988 call center, NWHS has played a pivotal role in the success. The figures alone speak volumes about the impact we’ve made. In the span of a year, our Hotline team responded to nearly 30,000 total calls, a remarkable 20% of which originated from individuals dialing 988. Within these conversations lie stories of courage and resilience, as over 2,100 callers confided in our team about their thoughts

of suicide. Equally remarkable is that 17 individuals who were in the midst of a suicide attempt reached out, and our Hotline staff’s swift intervention successfully diverted these attempts. These statistics underline the profound influence our team has had on creating a safe, nonjudgmental space for those seeking assistance.

In light of these remarkable achievements, I invite each and every one of you to join me in expressing gratitude to the Hotline staff members who have worked tirelessly to bring 988 to life. Their dedication is an embodiment of our organization’s values, showcasing the importance of extending a helping hand to those in need. A simple “Thank You” or a heartfelt note of appreciation can go a long way in acknowledging their exceptional efforts.

As we celebrate this significant milestone, let’s also reflect on the larger impact we’re making as a community. Every call answered and every conversation held through the 988 Lifeline resonates beyond the immediate moment – they embody the spirit of unity, empathy, and support that NWHS stands for. Each instance of reaching out is a testament to the strength of community, reminding us that we’re never truly alone in our struggles.

Stephen Goins attending the signature ceremony (5th person from the left.)

Summer Kickball

Unveiling Team Spirit: NWHS No Profit No Problem Kickball Team Shines in Summer Season

Within the realm of NWHS, a dynamic and spirited force has claimed the spotlight:the NWHS No Profit No Problem Kickball Team. With the summer season just wrapping up, this dynamic group has been turning heads both on and off the field, embodying the core values of teamwork, camaraderie, and an unwavering passion for healthy competition.

As sunlight bathes the outfield and the sounds of teammates’ cheers reverberate across the playing field, the NWHS No Profit No Problem Kickball Team symbolizes more than just a sports endeavor. It serves as a clear demonstration of unity and shared ambitions. This team is made up of individuals from different departments within NWHS, coming together with a collective passion for the excitement of competing and the joy of belonging to a greater whole.

At the heart of NWHS, the kickball team embodies the cooperative ethos that defines our organization. Beyond the physical arena, the sense of camaraderie cultivated during games spills into our daily interactions, strengthening the ties that bind our community together. It’s not solely about the game itself – it encompasses the friendships formed and the positive influence that ripples through our entire organization.

For those who are drawn to the unwavering energy of the NWHS No Profit No Problem Kickball Team, a warm invitation is extended. Whether you possess a wealth of experience in kickball or are new and enthusiastic, there’s a spot reserved for you within this spirited group. Numerous chances are available for becoming part of or backing this remarkable initiative, which serves as a living example of the importance of getting involved in

2023 Kickball Summer (Red League)

The Summer Schedule standings can be found online: https://www.teamsideline.com/ sites/salem/schedule/478466/ RED-Summer

the community.

If you’re eager to take hold of this exciting opportunity, don’t hesitate to contact Aaron Flager at [AFlager@ nwhumanservices.org]. The team is open to newcomers and has spots available for the upcoming season!

The annual summer party returns with a carnival-themed extravaganza

Amidst the cheerful summer vibes, Northwest Human Services hosted their much-anticipated annual summer party at the picturesque Salem Riverfront Park. Employees and their families gathered to revel in an evening filled with delightful food, exciting activities, and laughter!

The event, which boasted a lively carnival theme, proved to be a remarkable success as employees and their loved ones reveled in the festivities. Laughter echoed across the park as children enjoyed the various games and attractions set up to emulate a classic carnival atmosphere. From colorful booths offering face painting and balloon animals to amazing snow cones that elicited squeals of joy, the event had something for everyone. One of the undeniable highlights of the party was the mouthwatering BBQ dinner, masterfully prepared by the renowned culinary expert “That BBQ Guy.” The Human Resources and Facilities Department, the architects behind the festivities, deserve a standing ovation for orchestrating such an engaging event. Their meticulous planning and attention to detail ensured that the entire affair ran seamlessly, from the well-co ordinated games to the impeccably set-up. See you again, next year!

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Let’s create together – one story, one idea, one picture, and one event at a time. Submit to NW Buzz Newsletter today!

Sara Suttle, Admin

Rod Johnson, Keldon Thompson, Dan Sands, and William Dettwyler

Aria Schultz, Arielle Schultz, Compliance Director’s Daughter