Where Community & Care Come Together
Elkton is a close-knit and vibrant rural community, but many community members face significant challenges in accessing health and wellness services. Our region is federally designated as a Medically Underserved Area, and in 2024, it was re-identified as one of the top ten areas with the greatest unmet healthcare needs in Oregon. Rates of disability among adults ages 18–64 are twice as high here compared to the state overall, and our community experiences disproportionately high death rates from cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
In response, ECEC launched the Wellness Initiative—an effort focused on expanding access to preventative health and wellness services that improve quality of life. While our population size doesn’t support a full-scale medical clinic, we are building strong partnerships and offering targeted programs that meet the specific needs of our community. These services are open to all residents of North Douglas County, with special attention to seniors, individuals living with chronic conditions and those with limited incomes.
For more details about programs or services below, view our Events Calendar or contact our onsite Community Health Worker (Tiffany) via our Wellness Line at (541) 584 – 2778 or the secure contact form below.
Healthcare Provider Services
We partner with mobile health and wellness professionals who are able to provide in-person services such as vaccines, dental care, phlebotomy, diabetes wound care and more. Our current partners are listed below and we look forward to adding more in the future:
PRIMARY CARE & PHLEBOTOMY SERVICES
Umpqua Health Newton Creek offers monthly healthcare services right here at ECEC. These Friday morning clinics provide accessible primary care from a Newton Creek provider for both new and existing patients, along with phlebotomy (lab draw) services open to all community members by appointment. This initiative brings quality, local healthcare to rural residents—making it easier to stay healthy, closer to home.
YOGA INSTRUCTION
Jen Champion, a yoga instructor with Vista Wellness Center, leads floor and chair yoga classes at ECEC. These sessions support overall well-being by combining movement and mindfulness to strengthen the connection between body, mind, and emotions. Yoga and other holistic practices can ease symptoms, improve balance and flexibility, and encourage a healthier lifestyle.
HAND & FOOT CARE
Nailology Plus by Julie has partnered with us to provide professional toe care to the community. Julie, a state-licensed and certified Nailologist, offers services including basic nail trims for hands and feet, diabetic foot care, ingrown toenail treatment, and specialized care for individuals with specific medical conditions.
Community Health Worker Services
A Community Health Worker (CHW) is a trusted frontline public health professional who helps connect individuals to the health and social services they need. CHWs often work in clinical settings, public health departments, or community-based organizations, and their roles vary depending on the setting and the specific needs of the communities they serve. Whether through health education, care coordination, advocacy, or resource navigation, CHWs build strong relationships and provide personalized support. ECEC’s own onsite CHW, Tiffany, offers a range of direct services to support community wellness through the following programs:
TELEHEALTH ACCESS POINT (TAP)
ECEC hosts a Telehealth Access Point in our Wellness Building, offering a private space equipped with the technology needed for virtual health appointments and online wellness programs. This service is ideal for routine medical check-ins, follow-up visits, mental health counseling, and other non-emergency consultations. While it’s not designed for urgent care or situations requiring hands-on physical exams, it provides a convenient and supportive alternative for many healthcare needs. Tiffany is available to assist during telehealth appointments by taking vital signs, helping with note taking, and asking clarifying questions on your behalf—ensuring you get the most out of each visit.
APPLICATION ASSISTANCE
Tiffany, an Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Certified Assister, provides one-on-one support for individuals applying for public benefits such as Oregon Health Plan (OHP) insurance, Marketplace coverage, SNAP (food stamps), TANF (cash assistance), and ERDC (childcare support). She can walk you through the application process for any of these programs and, when needed, connect you with additional support for services like Medicare or Social Security through the Telehealth Access Point.
INFORMATION & REFERRALS
As a network partner of Unite Us—part of the statewide Connect Oregon initiative—ECEC offers personalized information and referral services to help community members access local and regional resources. Tiffany is available for confidential discussions to understand your situation and connect you with housing support, transportation services, healthcare providers, and more. Whether you’re managing a temporary need or seeking long-term solutions, she’s here to help guide you to the right supports with compassion and care.
Classes & Workshops
We collaborate with a variety of organizations—both in-person and remotely—to offer educational programs on topics such as home food preservation, food security, nutrition, emergency preparedness, healthy aging, physical activity and more. Our classes and workshops have featured partnerships with:
- Douglas Public Health Network (various)
- FAMILIAR Foods (nutrition and aging)
- OSU Extension Services (various)
- Walk With Ease (exercise)
- FARA TIPS (parenting)
- UC-VEG (nutrition)
Health & Wellness Resource Library
We’ve created a “Library of Things” at the ECEC library to support community members’ health and wellness at home. Items available for checkout include workout DVDs, a light therapy lamp, a blood pressure monitor, even portable air conditioning units and more. View the full list online, then stop by the ECEC library to borrow what is needed!
Thanks to our Funders and Partners!
