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United Way Sparks Conversation on Health Equity

United Way of the Columbia-Willamette hosted a Community Health Issues Forum on Oct. 8, drawing together a wide range of community leaders and experts in the areas of youth mentoring, prisoner re-entry, and community-based health strategies. The breakout sessions followed Dr. Adewale Troutman's presentation on the importance of focusing on social determinants to advance health equity in all communities. Dr. Troutman is a nationally renowned expert on health equity issues, and has studied the confluence of race and class in impacting health outcomes in underserved communities.

Sharon Gary-Smith
Sharon Gary-Smith, Director at Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare, led the session on "Mentoring Strategies To Build Strong Communities," which featured panelists Carolyn Becic, Executive Director, Oregon Mentors; Judy Strand, LCSW, Chief Operating Officer, Metropolitan Family Service; Nancy Ochoa, Program Director, Adelante Mujeres; and Gerald Deloney, Director of Program Advancement Self Enhancement, Inc.

Discussing "Rethinking Re-Entry: Pathways Away from Prisons," Jill Fugilister, co-director of the Coalition for a Livable Future served as facilitator. Panelists include Doug Cooper, Assistant Director, Mercy Corps Northwest; Erica Strachan, Loan and Reentry Program Support Officer, Mercy Corps Northwest; David Rogers, Executive Director of Partnership for Safety and Justice; and Debby Dover, Executive Director Second Step Housing.

Tricia Tillman, MPH, Director, Office of Multicultural Health and Services, State of Oregon facilitated the session on "Community-Based Health Strategies: The Promotores Model." Panelists are: Tera Couchman Wick, Program Development Advisor, Village Gardens - Janus Youth Programs; Helen Nash, Program Assistant, Village Gardens - Janus Youth Programs; Holden Leung, MSW, Executive Director, Asian Health and Service Center; and Ann Blaker, Board Member, Bienestar.

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