FEATURE STORY
Building a Healthier Douglas County, Together
At Umpqua Health Alliance (UHA), we know that good health starts in strong communities. That’s why we’re supporting local projects that help kids, families, and communities in Douglas County.
As part of our 2025 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), we awarded $507,650 to four local projects. These efforts focus on learning, youth jobs, safe places to play, and helping families stay strong. Our Community Advisory Council, made up of local residents and leaders, helped choose these projects.
YMCA of Douglas County | $72,650
A new after-school program at Tri City Elementary will support children in kindergarten through fifth grade. The program includes homework help, games, science and art projects, and healthy snacks. Scholarships and school bus rides will help more kids take part.
Boys & Girls Club of the Umpqua Valley | $90,000
This summer program, called Workforce Wednesdays, will help students in grades 4 through 8 explore different jobs. Kids will learn about careers in health care, trades, and natural resources. The program will continue during the school year.
Riddle Roots Community Projects | $150,000
A new outdoor playground will be built at the Riddle Activity Center, which is still being built. It will give young children a safe place to play. The project helps meet preschool safety rules and will support child care programs in the area.
Thrive Umpqua | $195,000
This project will help start updates at Stewart Park in Roseburg. It includes nature work, a new drinking fountain, and a study to guide future plans. More changes may come later, like better paths and play areas.
More Support Coming to Douglas County
UHA is also giving funding through a program called the SHARE Initiative. SHARE supports local work that helps people stay healthy. This includes help with housing, education, and safe places to live and play.
We will share more later this year about these new projects in Douglas County. Just like CHIP, they are made to help people and build a healthier future for everyone.
PROGRAMS & BENEFITS
Flexible Services Support Your Health Based on Your Coverage
Flexible Services help Umpqua Health Alliance members get extra support that may not be included in their regular health benefits. These services are available at no cost to eligible members and are meant to improve your health and well-being. What you can request depends on the type of coverage you have.
What you get:
- If you only have dental coverage, you can request services that support your dental health. This may include rides to the dentist or dental items not covered by your plan.
- If you have both medical and dental coverage, you may be able to ask for other services that support your overall health.
What we need from you:
- All requests must include the required forms and documents
- If anything is missing, we will return the request and tell you what is needed
- Every request is reviewed to be sure it supports your health
- A note from your doctor can help show why the service is needed
- If another community resource can meet your need, we ask that you try that option first
- We cannot approve requests that are only for convenience or not tied to your health
- If you request help with rent, you must show why you need it and how you plan to keep paying rent later
Help with rent or utilities may be available through our Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) program. If you’re not sure which program is the right fit, we can help you figure that out.
This process helps us respond faster and make sure support reaches those who need it most.
Flexible Services are here to support your health and help you avoid bigger health problems in the future. If you have questions or need help with a request, please call us at 541-229-4842. We’re here to walk you through the process.
Doula Services Are Available to UHA Members
As part of your benefits, Umpqua Health Alliance (UHA) covers services from birth doulas. A birth doula is a trained support person who helps during pregnancy, childbirth, and after the baby is born.
Doulas are not medical providers, but they offer emotional, physical, and informational support. Their role is to help you feel more comfortable, confident, and supported throughout your birth experience.
Doula Services May Include:
- Talking through your birth preferences
- Creating a birth plan
- Helping with breathing, labor positions, and coping techniques
- Providing emotional support and comfort during labor
- Supporting communication with your care team
- Helping with feeding and recovery after the baby is born
These services are fully covered by UHA when related to pregnancy and childbirth.
A Local Doula Making an Impact
Chriset Palenshus is one of several doulas offering care in Douglas County. She became a doula after going through her own pregnancy without the support she needed.
“It’s such a tender time that needs a lot of attention,” Chriset said. “I love being part of that care.”
She believes everyone who wants a doula should be able to have one. Her clients say they are grateful for her steady presence and support.
How to Find a Doula
To search for a birth doula, visit our online provider directory:
- Click the Providers tab
- Under Provider Type, choose Traditional Health Worker
- In the Specialty field, select Birth Doula
Free Programs to Help Prevent and Manage Diabetes
Diabetes is a serious condition, but with the right support, it can be managed. And for people at risk, it may even be prevented.
Whether you’re living with diabetes or trying to avoid it, making healthy changes can take time. These free programs can help you build new habits, lower your risk and take control of your health.
Preventing Diabetes
If you have prediabetes or are at risk for type 2 diabetes, the National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is here to help.
This program offers:
- Weekly support from a trained lifestyle coach
- Tips for eating healthier and moving more
- Help with losing weight and lowering your risk
- A full year of support to build healthy habits
Managing Diabetes
If you already have diabetes, the Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) program can help you stay on track.
This program includes:
- Group classes about daily diabetes care
- One-on-one visits with a dietitian or diabetes educator
- Support for managing blood sugar, eating well and staying active
More Tools You Can Use
Check out these free resources from Food Hero to support your daily routine:
INCENTIVES AND REMINDERS
A Healthy Start for Your Child
As a parent, you do a lot to help your child grow up strong. From hugs and bedtime stories to healthy meals and doctor visits, your support makes all the difference. One of the best ways to protect your child’s health is by making sure they stay up to date on checkups and vaccines.
Umpqua Health Alliance is here to support you and to say thank you.
When your child completes their recommended checkups and vaccines by December 31, 2025, you can earn up to $75 in gift cards for each eligible child.
Keep Your Child on Track
Two age groups are included in this health incentive program:
Birth through 6 years old
Babies and young children need a series of vaccines to build protection early in life. These are typically given during routine well-child visits. Staying on schedule helps prevent serious diseases like measles, polio, and whooping cough.
Ages 9 through 12
Kids in this age range receive important vaccines that protect them into adolescence and adulthood, including HPV, meningitis, and Tdap. These are usually given during an annual checkup.
Not sure what vaccines are due? Use our vaccine schedule to see what’s recommended at each age and learn which visits qualify for gift cards.
If your child has missed a few visits or vaccines, don’t worry. Their provider can help you make a catch-up plan that works for your family.
Your Health Matters After Baby, Too
Women are often the ones holding everything together, caring for family, showing up for others, and putting their own needs last. But after giving birth, your health deserves just as much care as your baby’s.
That’s where your postpartum check-up comes in. This is your time to focus on how you’re healing, how you’re feeling, and what you need to stay strong and healthy. It is more than just a doctor’s visit. It is a step toward recovery and self-care.
Why This Visit Is Important
Your postpartum check-up usually happens between 1 and 12 weeks after giving birth. It is a chance to:
- Make sure your body is healing well
- Talk about how you’re feeling mentally and emotionally
- Get support with breastfeeding or baby care
- Ask questions about birth control or family planning
- Get help with blood pressure or other health concerns
No one can pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself helps you care for your baby and your whole family. You are worth the time.
COMMUNITY STORIES
Your Local Pharmacy Does More Than Fill Prescriptions
Your pharmacist is more than someone who gives you medicine. They are part of your care team. They know your name, listen to your concerns, and help you stay healthy every day.
At Umpqua Health Alliance, we work with local, independent pharmacies that go beyond filling prescriptions. They offer support, guidance, and services that make it easier for you and your family to manage your health.
How Your Pharmacy Can Help
Independent pharmacies in Southern Oregon offer many helpful services. These may include:
- Home delivery of prescriptions
- Flu shots and other vaccines
- Support for managing diabetes
- Pill packaging to keep medications organized
- Refills scheduled together so you make fewer trips
- One-on-one reviews of your medications
These services can save you time and help you stay on track. Ask your pharmacist which ones are available to you.
Caring for the Community
Local pharmacists live and work in your community. They understand your health needs and want to help. Many pharmacies offer tips on medication safety, healthy living, and how to manage long-term conditions.
To highlight this work, Cascadia Pharmacy Group created a short video called ‘Beyond Prescriptions: How Independent Pharmacies Are Fighting to Survive’. It shows how pharmacists support their patients and why local care matters.
Stop by your local pharmacy to ask about the services they offer. You may be surprised by how much support is close to home.
UCAN Family Connects
Every family with a new baby in Douglas County can receive extra support at no cost through Family Connects Oregon. This program provides up to three in-home visits from a registered nurse during your baby’s first three months of life.
During each visit, the nurse will:
- Check the health of both baby and parent
- Offer guidance on feeding, sleep, and recovery
- Screen for postpartum depression and anxiety
- Connect families to local resources such as child care and family planning
Who can participate?
- All families, including foster and adoptive, are welcome
- No referral is required
- Insurance status does not affect eligibility
Family Connects is designed to give parents peace of mind and connect them to the right resources early, so every child has a healthy start.