Community wellness event brings mental health resources to La Grande

Local partners convened at the Union County Senior Center on January 14 for a Community Wellness Event aimed at responding to recent tragedies and bolstering mental health supports across La Grande and surrounding areas. The free, public gathering ran from 5:00 to 7:00 PM and was open to families, youth, individuals, educators, service providers and community partners.

The event was hosted collaboratively by the Center for Human Development, the Oregon Health Authority and Lines for Life. Organizers set up opportunities for residents to learn about local and statewide wellness resources, network with service providers, and access practical supports while enjoying light food and refreshments. There was no cost to attend and registration was not required.

“After a difficult season in our community, we wanted to create space for healing, connection, and practical support,” said Daisy Duren, Head of Clinical Operations for the Center for Human Development. “Our goal is to strengthen awareness, improve access to support, and remind people they are not alone,” said event partners. “Mental health affects everyone, and this event provides a welcoming space to learn, connect, and take positive steps toward wellness.”

Beyond immediate assistance, the event underscored the role of coordinated state and local responses in addressing mental health needs in Union County. The involvement of OHA alongside local providers highlights how statewide programs and community organizations can pool resources to reach residents who may lack routine access to care. For policymakers and county officials, the turnout and community interest can serve as a barometer for demand in areas such as crisis intervention funding, school-based services, and expanded outpatient supports.

For community members, the event provided a low-barrier entry point to services and information that can be difficult to navigate alone. Local educators and service providers attending the event were positioned to carry resources back into schools and clinics, potentially easing referral pathways for students and patients. Civic engagement around mental health policy often begins with these neighborhood-level interactions, which can shape priorities for county boards and school districts in budget and program decisions.

Residents seeking further information were directed to partner organization websites, including the Center for Human Development, the Oregon Health Authority and Lines for Life. The event represents an immediate response to community need and a potential catalyst for longer-term conversations about how Union County sustains and funds mental health supports for all residents.