Willamette Vital Health

Our annual HeartStrings fundraiser for music therapy was a great success! We met our goal of $15,000 and then some! Many thanks to our Chief Conductor Sponsor Capitol Subaru for making this event possible.

There are so many people we want to thank for their support but we would like to take a moment to highlight our silent auction and raffle basket partners: Adelman Peony Gardens, Amy's Lavender, Balanced Yoga with Melissa Lindley, Bethel Heights Vineyard, Inc., Björnson Vineyard, Bryn Mawr Vineyards, Compassionate Heart Massage Therapy, Deepwood Museum & Gardens, Enchanted Forest, Espresso Road, Gatsbysalem, , Kicking Glass Studio, Kissed By Mother Nature- Judy Farrar, Laurie K***a Creations, Mo's Seafood & Chowder, Nancy Lewis Jewelry, Noble Wave, Northwest Goods Handcrafted Jewelry, The Oregon Garden, Oregon Rain Soap, Portland Timbers & Portland Thorns FC Stand Together, Resinly Cute, Santiam Brewing Co. , Schreiner's Gardens, The Sable Hare, Salem Art Association, Willamette Heritage Center, Wood Art by 2 Old Farts- Tom & Daryll, Yerba Buena Tea Co

If you would like to support music therapy, including joining our monthly Music Patron Circle follow this link to our website: https://www.wvh.org/music-therapy

Choosing a complementary medical practitioner - More and more Americans are turning to complementary and alternative healers such as herbalists, chiropractors, and acupuncturists. Learn the questions to ask as you search for a provider.

Choosing a complementary medical practitioner - Willamette Vital Health More and more Americans are turning to complementary and alternative healers such as herbalists, chiropractors, and acupuncturists. Learn the questions to ask as you search for a provider.

Passing along cooling center information for today, July 5th

Cooling Centers:

Kroc Center, 1865 Bill Frey Dr. N.E.
Friday and Saturday, 1-9 p.m., and Sunday, 1-6 p.m.
Located in “The Hub” community room. Air conditioning, movies, cold drinks and activities for all ages will be provided for free. People can reach it by Cherriots Route 23. No pets are allowed.

ARCHES Day Center, 615 Commercial St. N.E.
Thursday 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday-Sunday 9 a.m.- 7 p.m.
The day center serves unsheltered people and is open to anyone, with pets welcome. Water and snacks provided, along with help to meet long-term goals like housing or health care.

The organization is also deploying outreach teams daily from 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. when temperatures are above 90 degrees. Teams will provide water, electrolytes and other supplies. They can also assess people for heat-related illness and offer transportation to cooling centers.

The Drop-In, 1255 Broadway St. N.E., Suite 110
Friday-Sunday, 2-7 p.m.

Cooling for youth age 11-17, and 18-year-olds enrolled in school or a GED program.

Woodburn Cooling Center, 1560 Hardcastle Ave., Woodburn
Thursday-Sunday, 12-7 p.m.
Santiam Outreach Community Center, 280 NE. Santiam Blvd. Mill City

Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (extended to 7 p.m. if temperatures are above 95 degrees)

Salem Public Library
Main branch: 585 Liberty St. S.E., Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

West Salem Branch: 395 Glen Creek Rd. N.W., Saturday 12-5 p.m.
While not an official cooling center, the library has air conditioning and drinking fountains and is open to the public.

Splash pads
Splash pads will also be open this weekend as an option to cool down outside at city parks. See a list of parks and hours here or below.

Englewood Park
1260 19th Street N.E.
12-8 p.m.

Fairmount Park
650 Rural Street S.
12-8 p.m.

Northgate Park
3575 Fairhaven Avenue N.E.
12:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.

Riverfront Park
200 Water Street N.E.
10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

River Road Park
3045 River Road N.
10 a.m. – 8: p.m.

Wes Bennett Park
2200 Baxter Road S.E.
12-8 p.m.

West Salem Park
265 Rosemont Avenue N.W.
12–8 p.m.

The Willamette Vital Health Community Development Team would like to thank every one who attended and helped make our 2024 HeartStrings Garden Party Fundraiser a splendid success.

We would like to thank our Chief Conductor Sponsor Capitol Subaru of Salem

We would like to thank you music therapists Tonya and Jessica

We would like to thank our venue, Gaiety Hollow Lord & Schryver Conservancy, Willabys Catering & Event Design for the food, Betty O Brien along with Willamette Valley Vineyards - Estate Winery &
Elton Vineyards for the donated wine, and our individual sponsors.

We would also like to thank everyone who supported our raffle and silent auction at the event. Plus, would like to thank our Music Patron Circle monthly donors.

Negotiating skills - Many situations in eldercare require family decision making. This is easier said than done. Learn how to arrive at a mutually agreeable solution using insights from skilled negotiators.

Negotiating skills - Willamette Vital Health Many situations in eldercare require family decision making. This is easier said than done. Learn how to arrive at a mutually agreeable solution using insights from skilled negotiators.

Is it hearing loss or dementia? - To honor Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, we're looking at the link between dementia and hearing loss. The early signs of both can be quite similar, and, in fact, people with hearing loss are more likely to develop cognitive problems.

Is it hearing loss or dementia? - Willamette Vital Health To honor Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, we're looking at the link between dementia and hearing loss. The early signs of both can be quite similar, and, in fact, people with hearing loss are more likely to develop cognitive problems.

Celebrate Make Music Salem & the Power of Music with Willamette Vital Health!

Happy first day of summer, Salem! ☀️

Today is also Make Music Day a global celebration where everyone is encouraged to make, share, and enjoy music. Here at Willamette Vital Health, we know the power of music transcends just entertainment.

Music therapy has been shown to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and even alleviate pain. It can be a powerful tool for those facing illness or loss, and we're proud to incorporate it into our patient care.

You can help the music keep playing by donating to our Music Therapy Program at www.wvh.org/music-therapy

Join the Make Music Day Fun!

Get outside and experience the vibrant music scene blooming across Salem today! From pop-up performances in parks to street musicians and cafe bands, there's something for everyone.
The healing power of music is for everyone!

Whether you're belting out your favorite tunes, tapping your toes to a catchy beat, or simply appreciating the melodies that fill the air, music has the power to uplift and connect us all.

Make Music Day Salem is a beautiful reminder of that. We encourage you to get involved and celebrate the joy of music!

We are absolutely honored to win "Best Hospice" in this year's Best of the Willamette Valley contest.

Thank you to all who nominated and voted. Here's to a continued successful 2024.

“Tech support” scam - June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month. Financial abuse continues to be the most prevalent kind. Hackers, in particular, are getting very sophisticated. The latest scam is a multilayer effort to con people into transferring their savings into "protected accounts." Warn the person you care for to be on the lookout for these fraudsters.

"Tech support" scam - Willamette Vital Health June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month. Financial abuse continues to be the most prevalent kind. Hackers, in particular, are getting very sophisticated. The latest scam is a multilayer effort to con people into transferring their savings into "protected accounts." Warn the person you care for to be on....

What is a hospitalist? - Patients in the hospital are rarely treated by their primary care physician. Instead, doctors who focus on the care of hospitalized patients have been found to be more effective and more available to answer questions during a hospital stay.

What is a hospitalist? - Willamette Vital Health Patients in the hospital are rarely treated by their primary care physician. Instead, doctors who focus on the care of hospitalized patients have been found to be more effective and more available to answer questions during a hospital stay.

Willamette Vital Health would like to say, 'Thank you!' to LifeSource Natural Foods!

Willamette Vital Health was the bag donation recipient for the month of May and thanks to LifeSource shoppers, $767.56 was raised last month to support the expansion of our Grief Care department.

Thank you for shopping and supporting local businesses!

14-year-old Harley is feeling a whole lot better today. He had a much-needed dental cleaning, and is back to snuggling with his special person, a hospice patient with Willamette Vital Health. There’s nothing like the love of a dog to help make every day count!

Capitol Subaru donated special funds this year to cover pet dental surgeries through our Pet Peace of Mind program.

Veterinarians recommend regular dental cleaning surgery for dogs and cats but the cost is often prohibitive for our patients due accumulated health and caregiving expenses. We are thrilled that our generous donors make it possible to provide our patients’ faithful companions with the care they deserve.

Thank you so much, Capitol Subaru!

A Huge Thank You to the Willamette Agate & Mineral Society, Inc.!

We are incredibly grateful to the Willamette Agate & Mineral Society for their generous donation of polished gems and minerals!

Each week, after their session, the children receive a polished gem that represents a different aspect of their grief journey. By the end of the 7 weeks, they will have a collection of 7 gems, each one a reminder of their strength and resilience.

Their contribution will ensure that all the children who attend our 7-week Family & Children's Groups throughout 2024 will receive a special gift.

The Willamette Agate & Mineral Society's donation will allow us to continue providing this meaningful program to our young participants.

We are so thankful for their support!

Sadness isn’t all bad - Sadness moves us. It nurtures compassion. It can help us feel connected with others. It can also prompt us to reevaluate our lives and make changes. Sadness is not the same as depression. It's important to know the difference.

Sadness isn't all bad - Willamette Vital Health Sadness moves us. It nurtures compassion. It can help us feel connected with others. It can also prompt us to reevaluate our lives and make changes. Sadness is not the same as depression. It's important to know the difference.

Willamette Vital Health is Hiring!
Compassionate Hospice Grief Counselor Needed

Are you passionate about supporting individuals and families facing loss? Willamette Vital Health (formerly Willamette Valley Hospice) is seeking a dedicated Hospice Grief Counselor to join our team.
In this role, you will:
• Provide emotional support and counseling to patients and families coping with terminal illness and grief.
• Facilitate individual and group grief support sessions.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary care team to ensure holistic patient care.

We offer a rewarding work environment making a difference in the lives of grieving families.

To learn more and apply, visit our careers page! Come join an award-winning team! https://www.wvh.org/jobs/grief-care-hospice

Willamette Vital Health is hiring LPNs, CNAs, and RNs

Make a lasting difference for those navigating life-limiting illness. Help patients and families find comfort during a challenging time and ensure patients have a peaceful and dignified end-of-life experience.

Voted best hospice in the Willamette Valley since 2020, Willamette Vital Health is Salem’s only non-profit hospice organization serving Salem and the surrounding areas. In addition to hospice and supportive care, WVH offers their patients music therapy, pet therapy, and a special service that helps care for and rehome pets while their human is on hospice care. Education and grief support is also an important part of WVH’s commitment to our community, offering free grief support for children and adults.

Check out our open positions join a great team today! https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Willamette-Vital-Health/jobs

When to use “urgent care”? - You might want to consider an urgent care center for non-life-threatening conditions. The wait is shorter and the stress is less than in the Emergency Room. On the other hand, the ER is more appropriate for serious conditions. How to know which to choose?

When to use "urgent care"? - Willamette Vital Health You might want to consider an urgent care center for non-life-threatening conditions. The wait is shorter and the stress is less than in the Emergency Room. On the other hand, the ER is more appropriate for serious conditions. How to know which to choose?

A Heartfelt "Thank You" to the Cyrus Family!

Willamette Vital Health and the Tokarski Home would like to express our deepest gratitude to the Cyrus siblings, Steve and Kathy, for their incredibly generous donation in honor of their mother, Joan Faye Cyrus. Their contribution has allowed us to purchase a brand new Bosch800 dishwasher from Kelly's Home Center

This new dishwasher is a game-changer for the Tokarski Home. Not only is it much quieter than our previous model, allowing our staff to hear more readily if a patient needs assistance, but it also boasts superior sanitizing features, ensuring the highest level of hygiene for our residents.

The Cyrus family's thoughtful gift will have a lasting impact on the lives of the patients we serve. A quieter environment will contribute to a more peaceful and restful atmosphere for everyone, and the enhanced sanitizing features provide an extra layer of protection for our residents.

Thank you once again, Cyrus family, for your incredible generosity. Your gift honors Joan Faye Cyrus' memory in the most beautiful way possible.

Ride hailing for older adults - If the person you care for does not use a smartphone, with innovative new services, they can still enjoy the convenience of Lyft or Uber, no app—or hitchhiking!—required.

Ride hailing for older adults - Willamette Vital Health If the person you care for does not use a smartphone, with innovative new services, they can still enjoy the convenience of Lyft or Uber, no app—or hitchhiking!—required.

Invites for our HeartStrings Garden Party fundraiser benefitting music therapy are being delivered this week!

This year’s soiree will be held at the historic Gaiety Hollow Lord & Schryver Conservancy at the end of June. The guestlist for this intimate event includes sponsors and monthly Music Patron Circle donors. As a member of our Music Patron Circle, your gift helps provide more frequent music therapy for hospice patients and grieving families.

By joining Music Patron Circle, you will receive a monthly update from our board-certified music therapists, sent directly to your email address. Filled with music and heartwarming stories, you will be kept up to date on the effect your monthly gift makes as we expand our music therapy program.

Special thanks to our HeartStrings Garden Party Chief Conductor Sponsor, Capitol Subaru

To learn more about Willamette Vital Health Music Therapy and the Music Patron Circle to be on next year’s guest list, follow this link https://www.wvh.org/music-therapy

15 years of incredible work! Willamette Vital Health is saying farewell to Melissa this week.

As she said herself, working for Willamette Vital Health is one of the longest, continuous things she’s done. In her decade and a half, she’s been a volunteer coordinator, community outreach coordinator, interim business manager and so much more. She plans to become a WVH volunteer next.

Thank you for your countless contributions and for always going the extra mile. You’ll be greatly missed!

Women's Worth is on Monday! We hope you'll join us to learn more about financial and estate planning, and end of life planning.

Women are 80% more likely than men to live in poverty after age 65.

This is due to a number of factors, including:

The gender pay gap: Women throughout their careers often earn less than men. This means they have less money to save for retirement.

Caregiving responsibilities: Women are more likely to take time out of the workforce to care for children or sick family members. This can leave them with fewer retirement savings and a lower Social Security benefit.

Longer lifespans: Women tend to live longer than men. This means their retirement savings need to last longer.

Be prepared for the unexpected. Women's Worth is here to help, Monday, May 20th for a free, virtual event. Sign up today https://womensworth.net/

What is “vascular dementia”? - May is Action on Stroke Month. In that light, we look at "vascular dementia," cognitive problems brought on suddenly by a stroke and/or gradually by "ministrokes" or "TIAs."

What is "vascular dementia"? - Willamette Vital Health May is Action on Stroke Month. In that light, we look at "vascular dementia," cognitive problems brought on suddenly by a stroke and/or gradually by "ministrokes" or "TIAs."