The NWBuzz Newsletter | November 2023

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November 2023

NWHS Annual Meeting NWHS _ THE BUZZ

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Binational Fair

New Chief Operating Officer

Health & Support: Bringing Medical and Social Care to Underserved communities

Stephen Goins

The Salem Binational Health Fair Committee would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your attendance at this year’s Binational Health Fair. As you may have noticed, this year’s event was quite different from previous years! It marked a unique combination, a ‘pilot’ program that brought together a Health Fair and the Mexican Consulate Mobile Services.

Our goal was to create a one-stopshop for participants, allowing them to access your amazing services while also obtaining crucial documents from the consulate, including passports and IDs, among others.

Thanks to its tremendous success, we are planning to continue this combination for next year, so be sure to mark your calendars for October 12th, 2024 (the 2nd Saturday of October).

We’d like to extend a special thank you to the vendors who provided direct services: OHSU, Northwest Medical Teams, Marion County Health Department, Salem Free Clinics, Salem Health, Northwest Human Services, and Professional Interpreters.

Additionally, we’re immensely grateful to our financial supporters: OHA CPOP team, Northwest Human 2 NWHS _ THE BUZZ

Services, and MWVHEC. Our volunteers, especially the CAMPS Students, were truly amazing, and we are thankful for their invaluable contributions, along with the support of community members.

A big shout-out to Chemeketa Community College, not only for being part of the committee but also for opening their doors to host this incredible event. We can’t forget to express our gratitude to the Mexican Consulate for their collaborative planning, which allowed us to successfully combine both events.

And, of course, a special mention to the entire committee, which includes Planned Parenthood, Salem Free Clinics, Chemeketa Community College, Salem Health, Centro Cultural, OHA’s Community Partner Outreach Program, and Northwest Human Services. Once again, thank you for making this year’s Binational Health Fair a resounding success. We look forward to your continued support in the future.

I am very pleased to announce the promotion of Stephen Goins to the position of Chief Operating Officer for NWHS! This is a new position and is consistent with our strategic plan to provide necessary infrastructure to support the phenomenal growth in the number of employees and service offerings we have experienced over the past five years; as well as meet the needs for the continued growth of our agency in the future.

Stephen has been our Transitional Program Director for over nine years and is well versed in the operations of HOAP, HOST and Hotline. He has also recently completed FQHC Executive training through the Oregon Primary Care Association and Senior Leadership training through the Northwest Regional Primary Care Association to deepen his knowledge and understanding of Federally Qualified Health Center operations.

Over the course of the coming weeks, Stephen and I will be working closely together as he assumes oversight of day-to-day operations of select departments, programs and projects. Going forward, Stephen will also act as CEO in my absence.

Please join me in welcoming Stephen to his new position!

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-Memo NW Human Services

,

Paul Logan, CEO

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Invisible Threat:

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Stay Protected!

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s the days grow shorter, and the weather turns colder, one common preventable disaster could be lurking in the background. Carbon Monoxide poisoning is more common during the winter months as people increase their use of heating devices. Known as the Silent or Invisible Killer, carbon monoxide is hard to detect because you can’t see it or smell it. Any living or work area that is heated with gas or wood-burning appliances that is not properly maintained (or is in a space that is not properly ventilated) is susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning. Taking preventative measures will decrease the likelihood of this tragedy from playing out.

Quick Facts: • Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless and odor less gas that is produced due to the incom plete combustion of hydrocarbons.

• Common symptoms of carbon monoxide poi soning include nausea, headaches, dizziness, a sore throat/cough, and abdominal pain.

• The quickest and easiest way to know if some one is experiencing carbon monoxide poison ing is to take them outside into fresh air; the symptoms should begin to disappear once outside.

Do’s • Do a Home Hazard Assessment to determine potential sources of carbon monoxide poison ings and take the necessary action to correct it or mitigate it.

• Do have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appli ances serviced by a qualified technician every year.

• Do install a battery-operated or battery

back-up CO detector in your home. Check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall. If the detector sounds, leave your home immediately and call 911.

Don’t • •

• •

Don’t use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement, or garage or near a window.

Don’t run a car or truck inside a garage attached to your house, even if you leave the door open.

Don’t burn anything in a stove or fireplace that isn’t vented.

Don’t heat your house with a gas oven.

Don’t use a generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine less than 20 feet from any window, door, or vent. Use an extension cord that is more than 20 feet long to keep the generator at a safe distance.

CO Posioning Safety Facts: Common Sources of Carbon Monoxide include unvented kerosene and gas space heaters; leaking chimneys and furnaces; back-drafting from furnaces, gas water heaters, wood stoves, and fireplaces; gas stoves; generators and other gasoline pow-

ered equipment; automobile exhaust from attached garages; and tobacco smoke.

(United States Environmental Protection Agency) _____________________ The average annual death rate from carbon monoxide poisoning for males (0.22 per 100,000 population) was

more than three times higher than that for females (0.07).

The death rates were highest among those aged ≥65 years for males (0.42) and females (0.18). The rates were the lowest for males (0.08) and females (0.04) aged <25 years.

(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

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Halloween: (left to right)Paw Patrol Villian Nicholas and Cat Dad Tim T, Skelton Angie E., PPVillian Nicholas, Mario Veronica B, Cry of Love Employee Trina H.,Wednesday Adams Arielle S., Minnie Mouse Lupia J., Pirate Sara B., Pumpkin Karon C., Mr. Clean Ron G., Dodgeball Meschell A., HotDog Adriana M, Barbie Kacie

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NW Wellness November Wellness: Embracing the Power of Pets!

As we transition into the Fall/Winter season, a time when many of us may find ourselves yearning for a little extra warmth and comfort, we’ve chosen to highlight something that brings joy, companionship, and even health benefits into our lives - the POWER OF PETS! Here’s a sneak peek at some of the incredible ways our furry friends can positively impact our health and well-being: Lower Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: Studies have shown that spending quality time with pets can lead to reduced blood pressure and cholesterol levels, contributing to a healthier heart.

Less Feelings of Loneliness: The companionship of a pet can provide a sense of purpose and alleviate feelings of isolation, leading to improved mental well-being.

Case Outcomes

Medical Legal Partnership

Buffer Against Stress: The simple act of petting a dog or cat has been proven to release feel-good hormones, such as oxytocin and serotonin, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety.

Prevent Weight Gain: Regular exercise with pets, such as walking or playing fetch, not only benefits them but also helps us stay active, promoting a healthier weight and overall fitness.

Keep Allergies at Bay: Surprisingly, exposure to pets from an early age can help build immunity against allergies and asthma, leading to fewer allergic reactions in the long run.

Join us in celebrating the incredible influence our pets have on our lives.

Challenge Alert!

The highlight of our November Wellness campaign is the PET POWER CHALLENGE! We invite you to share a photo of you and your beloved pet, or even a furry friend from your community, along with two sentences about how they bring positivity into your life. Let’s fill our upcoming BUZZ with heartwarming images of our cherished pets!

As a token of our appreciation, every participant will be entered into a draw to win a delightful prize at the end of this month.

So, grab your cameras and start sharing the love!

Send in your pictures by month’s end to join our monthly drawing! Email your pictures tokkuenz-barber@nwhumanservices.org

At its heart, a Medical-Legal Partnership (MLP) is a compassionate collaboration that unites healthcare providers and legal experts, working hand in hand to tackle the intricate web of health and legal challenges that individuals and communities grapple with. NWHS, in tandem with the OHJC, stands as a shining example of this union, dedicated to dismantling obstacles that hinder access to healthcare. By intertwining legal support with medical care, these programs extend a helping hand, ensuring that every person receives the comprehensive care they deserve. List below are just a small sample of this months case outcomes: • Patient was feeling threatened by her neighbors and was facing eviction due to ongoing issues with landlord as a result of negative neighbor interactions. MLP attorneys worked with the landlord and negotiated a deal allowing patient to move to a different unit, rather than be evicted. MLP attorneys also worked with a local agency to get the patient funds so she could complete the move without additional financial burden.

• Patients unexpectedly got emergency custody over a minor family member. They were completely unprepared for this sudden change to their family and finances and were unsure of how to proceed. MLP attorneys drafted a thorough memo of various guardianship/custody options, and were ultimately able to refer this family to a specialist who took the case pro bono.

• Patient is a victim of identity theft, which may be impacting her ability to get Supplemental Security Income. MLP attorneys are working with patient to complete the Federal Trade Commission recommended steps to address her identity theft, which will hopefully help patient towards financial stability.

• MLP attorneys have worked with multiple patients on preparing for and filing restraining orders, as well as making safety plans for patients and their children.

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NWHS | Annual Meeting Willamette Heritage Center | October 24, 2023

Annual Meeting: (left to right) Arielle S., Dr.Chen, Stephen G. and KayLynn G, Rod J., Janell W., Paul L., Sid M and Karon C., Jacob J.

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WHS ecently hosted its Annual Meeting on October 24th, 2023, at the historical Willamette Heritage Center in Salem. The event served as a platform to recognize outstanding service contributions, ratify board members, and offer a lovely dinner with your peers.

The evening began with a welcome from Paul Logan, setting the stage for an event focused on honoring the extraordinary accomplishments of our organization. As Chairman of the Board of Directors, Susan Scott took the stage she emphasized the comprehensive approach we take in serving our clients, recognizing the importance of addressing the entirety of their needs rather than isolated aspects. The Chairman of the Finance Committee, Bob Moore, then offered

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valuable insights into our financial position and the diligent work carried out behind the scenes throughout the year. One of the evening’s highlights was the presentation of service awards, which honored the dedication and commitment of our employees.

These awards underscore the exceptional efforts of individuals who consistently go above and beyond to support the community and further our mission.

The event also saw the ratification of the board. The newly and re-appointed board members bring a wealth of experience and expertise, ensuring we remains at the forefront of healthcare and social services in the region.

Adding an element of excitement to the evening was the lively employee raffle, which brought together staff from different departments for a chance to win fantastic prizes. This engaging activity not only fos-

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Nicholas A., Admin Team (Sara S., Sara B., Teri H., Trina H., Sid M., Nicole P.., Arielle S., Kristin K., Mayra G., Lupita J., Karon C., Micheal H., Paul L. and Matt E.

tered team spirit but also provided a fun opportunity for employees to unwind and enjoy each other’s company.

As Northwest Human Services looks ahead, this Annual Meeting serves as a powerful reminder of the organization’s unwavering commitment to excellence in service and its dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of who we serves A warm thank you to all the employees who attended this year’s meeting! Your presence and contributions are truly valued. I wholeheartedly welcome your feedback, so please don’t hesitate to share any thoughts on how we can further enhance our efforts for continuous improvement. Your insights are invaluable in shaping our future endeavors.

E:thenderson@nwuhumanservices.org

NWHS Service Awards 5 Year Service Awards

Kristin K. Elke S. Kevin H. Mayra D. Miriam O. Meghan F. Taylor M. Erik G. Karina M. Cindy L. Veronica B. Brenda B. Wendy R. Edwin G. Patrick J. Muni R. Susan O.

10 Years Service Awards Sara B. Fabiola F. 15 Years Service Awards Lior A. Tonya G. May H. Stephanie W. Deb M. Rod J. 20 Years Service Awards Susana E. Sally H. 30 Years Service Award Janell W

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Sponsorship Events

Binational Health Fair: (left to right, Beatrice, MA, James, Eligibility, Ana, CHW; Liz, MA, Maria, Eligibility)

Upcoming Events: Daylight savings 2023: “Fall back” time change is Sunday, November 5 Shine the Light Event at Salem Capitol Steps, November 9th St Paul’s Episcopal Church Presentation November 14th Waldo Middle School Health Fair November 14th Thanksgiving Holiday, November 23rd.

Be Part of the Buzz!

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

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Meet JA, a determined 19-year-old who has faced homelessness since the age of 13. His family left him behind when they returned to Mexico, leaving him to navigate life on his own.

Despite having only a fourth-grade education, JA is currently enrolled at Chemeketa with a strong desire to learn English. He is eager to overcome the language barrier and find employment.

How JA explained his collage: “Mars represents that I can go beyond my limits; that I can achieve anything. I liked the monkeys, and I put them on. I was inspired listening to Ice Cube.”