In 2023, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) researchers in central Oregon surveyed locals to learn how connected and resilient their communities were after the pandemic. One important finding was that a sense of belonging was significantly associated with both physical and mental well-being.
“Unlike many areas of the country, we found that older adults in central Oregon are really well-connected and generally have a greater sense of belonging and were active in their communities,” said Camilla Dohlman, M.P.H., research project manager for what became known as the Belonging Project.
“It was young adults, as well as people of color and LGBTQA+-identifying individuals, who reported they are finding it challenging to stay in the area for financial and other reasons.”
The Central Oregon Health Council, a nonprofit, tax-exempt public and private community governance entity, contracted with researchers from OHSU and Oregon State University-Cascades to oversee this project, and the findings were compiled into a report that policymakers can use to improve outcomes…
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