NW Buzz Newsletter | April 2024

Shining Star Award Winners

5-Guys from our Facilities accept the Shining Star award this month.

We turn the spotlight on our Facilities team for their achievement in winning this months Shining Star award! This award isn’t just given out lightly; it’s earned through recognition from peers, which makes it even more meaningful.

Our Facilities team received this honor for their exceptional work in getting our recently acquired “White House” fully operational for our TLP/ Outreach Programs. Since we purchase the property last year, the White House has been a reno-

vation demanding careful attention and lots of hard work to restore it to its former glory. Despite their already heavy workload, our Facilities team took on the challenge head-on with determination.

We can’t thank them enough for their commitment and tireless efforts. To show our appreciation, the HOST team (who nominated the department) treated our “Five Guys” to a well-deserved celebration at Five Guys Burgers.

Welcome Jacqueline Vance

We’re happy to welcome Jacqueline Vance, PA, as the newest addition to our healthcare team! Jacqueline began at Colorado State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree before gaining invaluable clinical experience in rural healthcare in both Colorado and Alaska. Her passion for reproductive health and primary care led her to pursue further education at Drexel University in Philadelphia, where she obtained her Master of Health Science degree.

Now, Jacqueline brings her expertise and dedication to our agency. She is eager to explore the the Pacific Northwest, including hiking, horseback riding, and cycling.

So, here’s to our “Five Guys” from Facilities – thank you for all that you do, and congratulations once again on this well-deserved recognition!

Join us in extending a warm welcome to Jacqueline Vance, PA!

Mid Valley Resources

www.midvalleyresources.org

Empowing our Community Together

Since it launched in 2019, Mid-Valley Resources (MVR) has been a vital source of help and support for businesses, neighborhoods, and people throughout Salem, Marion, and Polk Counties. With more than 14,000 visitors in just 2023, it’s evident that MVR is truly impacting our community for the better!

Our dedicated Hotline team consistently updates and oversees the MVR. They work hard to keep both the website and printed guide fresh and relevant, so you can always find the latest information. With the main goal of making it simple to access important health and social support services, MVR is a crucial resource for our local community.

But none of this would be possible without the incredible support from our community partners. As we gear up for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, we would like to thank our sponsors for their monetary donations:

Gold Sponsor

Salem Health

United Way

Silver Sponsor

CANDO Neighborhood Assoc.

Marion County Health & Human Services

People’s Bank

Mid-Valley Resources is an amazing hub packed with local information and essential resources, making it a go-to for anyone in our community. Take a moment to

where you’ll find info on everything from healthcare to community support programs. Not only will this broaden your own understanding, but it’ll also equip you to guide patients, clients, or neighbors to the help they need.

THE “WHITE HOUSE” BEFORE

The Facility Team pouring new concrete.

AFTER Renovations

This property has a few important goals. First, it will become a training center and a hub for our Transitional Living Program. This means it’ll be a place where we can focus on training and provide many different services.

One big job it will have is to collect donations and distribute resources for all our programs from one central location. Another key purpose is to give participants in the Transitional Living Program a chance to gain real work experience. This will help them develop skills they’ll need for future jobs. Lastly, the Outreach Team will work from this property and offices will be here. Once again, applause to the Facilities Team! The old “white house” look brand

Casey Eye Insitution | community partner collab.

The collaboration between the Casey Eye Institute and NWHS resulted in a significant benefit for patients, clients, and community members. Beyond receiving free eye exams, individuals also gained access to a well-stocked food pantry and hygiene items. During the recent Vision event, OHSU provided comprehensive eye exams to 25 people, distributed 11 pairs of glasses free of charge, and assisted numerous individuals with Oregon Health Plan enrollment and education. Notably, the collaboration extended beyond medical services, exemplified by a heartwarming gesture from the Polk County staff. When a 71-year-old individual traveled a long distance for their appointment, the Casey Eye Institute team went above and beyond by not only providing transportation home but also supplying food and hygiene items. This act of kindness made a significant difference for someone with limited income and underscores the exceptional dedication of the Casey Eye Institute team.

Healthy Eating RX | for Brainpower

Healthy eating is about balance, variety, and moderation. It means that you eat enough, but not too much, and that you eat a variety of foods that give you the nutrients you need to stay healthy. All foods, if you eat them in moderation, can be a part of healthy eating.

Healthy eating will help you get the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. These nutrients keep your heart beating, your brain active, and your muscles working.

Healthy eating will help you feel your best and have plenty of energy. And it is one of the best things you can do to prevent and control many health problems, such as:

• Heart disease.

• High blood pressure.

• Type 2 diabetes.

• Certain types of cancer.

Healthy eating also impacts your brainpower as well. Research shows that the best brain foods are the same ones that protect you heart and blood vessels so consuming these foods is a win! win! for your entire body. The most important strategy is to follow a healthy dietary pattern that includes lots of fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains. Focus on getting your protein from plant sources, fish, and lean meats and choose healthy fats such as olive oil or canola oil. *Research shows the best foods to consume for your brain, heart and blood vessels include:

• Green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach or broccoli

• Fatty fish such as salmon, cod or canned light tuna

• Berries of all kinds, but especially strawberries and blueberries

• Tea and Coffee – especially to boost mental functioning

• Walnuts and nuts in general are a great source of protein and fats

How can you start eating in a healthier way?

If you’re trying to eat in healthier ways, you may need to change some of your daily habits. But you don’t need to make huge changes. Over time, small changes can make a big difference. So change your eating habits just one little bit at a time. Eventually it will become a lifestyle worth living!!

The Safety Committee

De-Escalation and Conflict Resolution Techniques

Reporting for work daily shouldn’t be a minefield that any employee is expected to navigate on their own. The average employee expects their work environment to be conflict free. However, this is not the case. All employees are at risk of experiencing conflict or violence with co-workers, clients, management, or complete strangers off the street.

Conflict can start by having a difference of perspective or opinion, by being already emotionally compromised, either starting or spreading rumors and gossip, bullying, or lying about a situation in part or in whole.

There are identified and proven techniques that all individuals can use to help mitigate and de-escalate most people. However, ultimately, it is management and leadership’s responsibility to handle co-worker conflict while emphasizing accountability for the parties involved. Otherwise, the conflict won’t be resolved and will continue to perpetuate and further permeate in the workplace and cost the company money.

What is De-Escalation? De-Escalation is a method to prevent potential violence. It is the use of communication or other techniques during an encounter to stabilize, slow, or reduce the intensity of a potentially violent situation without using physical force, or with a reduction of force according to the Department of Homeland Security. So, what are the De-Escalation and conflict resolution techniques to use?

De-Escalate and Conflict Resolution:

• Breathe: take a few deep breaths to get yourself under control first.

• Remain Calm: a purposeful demonstration of calmness and composure can enable de-escalation.

• Change the setting: if necessary, remove people from the area. That includes the parties to the conflict and onlookers.

• Respect personal space: maintain a safe distance and avoid touching the other person.

• Listen: give your full, undivided attention and truly listen to what the other person is communicating. Nod, ask questions,

• Respond: in a calm tone of voice, acknowledge their feelings and perspective before moving on to your side of the disagreement. Present genuine concern and a willingness to understand without judgement.

• Body Language: be mindful of your body language that you are unconsciously communicating to the other party. Don’t clench your fists, point at the other party, or make sudden movements.

Facts that don’t conflict:

• 85% of employees experience conflict in the workplace.

• U.S. employees spend an average of 2.8 hours per week in conflict.

• 49% of workplace conflict can be attributed to personality clashes.

• 76% of employees use avoidance as their workplace conflict management style.

• Workplace conflicts cost companies an average of $359 billion per year.

• Conflicts in the workplace account for one-third of employee resignations.

• Over 33% of conflicts are about resolving differences in style or strategy.

• 12% of employees have experienced workplace conflict caused by gossip and rumor.

If you’d like more information on De-Escalation and deescalation techniques, you can reference the NWHS Behavior Management Protocol Policy: AD-200-950.

Health Career Fair at WSC

NWHS launches the first Health Career Fair at West Salem Clinic

We are excited to welcome all our graduating students, job seekers, and NWHS employees for our first-ever Meet & Mingle Healthcare Career Fair, happening on Thursday, May 9, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the West Salem Clinic.

Do you know someone who is interested in pursueing a career in the Health field? This is a perfect opportunity for you to invite friends and family to join the NWHS team. We will have managers from the medial and dental clinic on site to answer questions and learn more about opportunities at NWHS.

Employees are encouraged to stop by and learn more about programs that are offered to our staff:

Wellness Program: Learn more about the reimbursement programs for gym memberships, smoking cessation, and weight loss programs.

Education Reimbursement Program: Are you interested in going back to school to further your education in the medical field? Stop by the career fair and learn more about the new education tutition reimbursement program.

Enjoy Some Snacks: Take a break and enjoy some snacks while mingling with attendees and colleagues. It’s the perfect opportunity to network and build connections.

On site tours will be provided through out the day. We will forward to seeing you at the Health Career Fair!

Mark your calendars for May 9th and join us at the West Salem Clinic.

Human Resources Department Contacts:

Kristi Crawford Photography will be available the day of the Health Career Fair (in the Cascade Hallway - by the leaf art) from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM, if you would like a professional headshot. Free to all employees.

HR@nwhumanservices.org

Deb McCurry, HR Director, ext. 2830

Nicole Pries, Medical Staff Services Supervisor, ext. 2833

Mayra Gutierrez, Human Resources Analyst, ext. 4783

Maria (Lupita) Jimenez Delgado, HR Assistant, ext. 2849

Karon Catterson, Lead Benefit Admin/Payroll Specialist, ext. 2848

Sara Baltazar Medina, Lead HR Specialist, ext. 2843

Sara Suttle, Administrative Specialist, ext. 2828