Willamette Health Council

06/11/2026

Our Spring 2026 Newsletter is live!
This issue shares updates from across Marion and Polk counties, including:
🔹 A new partnership with Marianne Bradshaw to define and measure community belonging
🔹 Progress toward launching mobile health services through regional collaboration and planning
🔹 A Community Impact Grant spotlight on Marion Polk Food Share, working to distribute 5.4+ million pounds of food in 2026
🔹 Highlights from our Children, Youth & Family Services Summit, bringing together 330+ participants to center youth voice and community action
We’re grateful to the many partners helping move this work forward across our region.
Read the full newsletter:
https://mailchi.mp/willamettehealthcouncil/spring2026

06/10/2026

Last week, we brought together 27 Community Impact Grant recipients for our All Grantee Convening. It was a space created in order to learn from one another, build stronger connections, and explore opportunities for collaboration and alignment.

It was a valuable time to share experiences, strengthen partnerships, and deepen our collective impact in the community.

When asked to describe the convening in one word, participants shared words such as: inspiring, helpful, connections, and community.

We’re grateful to work alongside such dedicated partners who are helping make our communities healthier and stronger—together.
Learn more about the funded projects underway:
https://willamettehealthcouncil.org/funding-opportunities/past-grant-awards/

05/28/2026

🌱 Looking for something new to explore this summer? We’re excited to sponsor this Summer Workshop Series, featuring a wide range of topics for all ages.
Join the Sustainable Living Center at Pringle Creek for hands‑on workshops that help people connect with nature, community, and everyday sustainability. Attend one or join the whole series.
👨‍👩‍👧 All ages welcome | Kid‑friendly activities included
Workshop topics include:
• Container gardening
• Native bees & pollinator habitats
• Mental health in nature
• Bird houses & bat boxes
• Mushroom growing
• Community connection & celebration
👉 RSVP using the QR code or visit slcsalem.org for more info.

05/14/2026

🎤 Speak Your Truth: Youth Voices Take the Stage
Punx with Purpose and iSpeak Lab invite you to “Speak Your Truth,” a powerful youth-led fundraiser celebrating confidence, courage, and storytelling.
📅 June 13
🕒 3:00–5:00 PM
📍 Reed Opera House Theater
Over the past 8 weeks, young people were guided through an empowering public speaking course, helping them build confidence and share their lived experiences. This event honors their growth, resilience, and bravery as they take the stage.
✨ Early-bird tickets are available through May 23 at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/ispeak-lab-showcase
Funds raised support:
• Summer activities and enrichment for youth
• Speaker stipends to honor the time, vulnerability, and hard work of youth participants
• Ongoing mentorship, leadership, and empowerment programming through Punx with Purpose

Please share with your networks and help us amplify youth voices in our community.

05/07/2026

⏰ Friendly reminder: RFPs are due May 10, 2026
Willamette Health Council is seeking proposals for the Belonging Definition and Measurement Development Project.
This project will support a community‑engaged process to develop a shared definition and measurement framework for belonging across Marion and Polk counties, centering equity, lived experience, and local voices.
💰 $75,000 in total funding
📅 Proposals due by 5 pm on May 10
👉 Learn more and apply:
https://willamettehealthcouncil.org/funding-opportunities/grants/

05/05/2026

We’re excited to invite you to the Traditional Health Worker Alliance Summit on Thursday, June 25 at Roth’s Event Center in West Salem!
This one‑day summit 8:00 AM–5:00 PM includes:
✔️ Breakfast and lunch
✔️ CEU opportunities
✔️ Wellness activities throughout the day
✔️ A networking hour to wrap things up
🎤 Hear from keynote speakers Lou Radja and Lillian Tsai as we come together to learn, connect, and support the Traditional Health Worker community.
👉 Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1986672673446?aff=oddtdtcreator
Please share with colleagues and partners who would benefit from attending!

04/30/2026

📣 Belonging RFP FAQs Now Available
We’ve posted Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the current Belonging Request for Proposals (RFP) to support applicants as they prepare submissions.
FAQs will continue to be updated through May 4, while the question submission period remains open. We encourage applicants to check back regularly.
🔗 View the FAQs and full RFP details here or at the link in our bio:
https://willamettehealthcouncil.org/funding-opportunities/grants/

04/29/2026

WHC in the news - in case you missed it!

A recent Statesman Journal article highlights Santiam Hospital & Clinics’ plans to turn the former U.S. Bank building in Mill City into a pharmacy for the Santiam Canyon.

WHC contributed $200,000 to support this important project, which will help improve access to prescriptions and healthcare resources for rural residents who currently have to travel farther for pharmacy services.

We’re proud to support community investments that strengthen access to care across Marion and Polk counties.

Read more through our media page: willamettehealthcouncil.org/more/

04/27/2026

At this year’s SOC Summit last month, some of our Healthy Awards were announced in a fun video inspired by The Office - because celebrating community impact should include a little humor. Don't worry - if you missed the Summit, you can watch the awards video here: https://youtu.be/mIWpTGj2nMo

Congratulations to these awardees featured in the video:

🏆 Guardians of the Grub Award — Marion Polk Food Share
Because hunger doesn’t stand a chance when these heroes are on duty.

🏆 No-Cap, Keeping It 100 Award — Punx in the Park
For the real ones who stay authentic, fr fr.

🏆 Fearless Firsts Award — Konev Consulting
For blazing trails, even where there are roadblocks.

🏆 No-Chill Champion Award — Grassroots Counseling & Consulting
Because bold moves don’t come with a chill button.

Thank you for bringing creativity, courage, and community care to this work.

2026 Summit Video

04/24/2026

One of the highlights of the Marion-Polk Children, Youth & Family Services Summit was celebrating partners through our Healthy Awards, recognizing the creativity, heart, and impact of organizations supporting children, youth, and families in our region.

Congratulations to our live award recipients:

🏆 The Brew-tiful Impact Award — Isaac’s Room
Serving youth leadership with a side of latte.

🏆 The Roots to Resources Award — Alianza Poder
Rooted in community. Connected to opportunity.

🏆 The Rural Rockstar Award — Polk County FCO
Making big moves where the roads may be dirt but the dreams are paved.

🏆 The Recipes for Hope Award — HYB Community
Where resilience is always on the menu.

Thank you for the ways you strengthen hope, belonging, and opportunity in our communities.

On Monday, we'll bring you the second part of our Healthy Award recipients, who were announced in our annual video at the Summit. Stay tuned!