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Innovative education & incentives for regional health

Team up with groups like Physicians for Social Responsibility and Oregon Health Policy & Research, Ecotrust, etc. to help create a broad innovative grassroots initiative to promote personal and environmental health including incentives to promote change at multiple levels: individuals, employers, schools, community organizations and health agencies: to provide innovative education inclusive of social advocacy skills and promoting a broader definition of health & well being including 1) how to avoid and change the widespread use of toxic chemicals in food, the home, landscaping, highway maintenance, etc. 2) how to support local sustainable farmers and small businesses; 3) how to avoid promoting animal cruelty (such as factory farms); as well as 4) eating healthy whole grains, fruits & vegetables (avoiding processed foods & foods with chemical additives), maintaining a healthy weight (BMI), exercising regularly and making informed decisions about health care; and 5) learning & practicing effective stress & communication skills.

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    anonymousanonymous shared this idea  ·   ·  Flag idea as inappropriate…  ·  Admin →

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      • m8and8tm8and8t commented  ·   ·  Flag as inappropriate

        This idea starts vague then goes on to promote personal causes. But it suggests that perhaps some kind of economic agglomeration (ecosystem) centered on the health industry might makes sense. Portland has something of a semiconductor industry centered on Intel, an athletic clothing industry due to Nike, Columbia, etc and clearly a desire to establish a green energy related industry with a number of participants. But how about OHSU? I am not in touch with the health industry, but I wonder how much we are leveraging this area juggernaut? If PDX is under-leveraging them, could we do more to encourage related corporate spinoffs and regional partners? Sorry this is not a more developed thought, but hey, this is the level of motivation you get for free. :-)

      • Kathy WolfeKathy Wolfe commented  ·   ·  Flag as inappropriate

        This idea is huge and encompasses so many of the issues that are serious problems in Oregon and around the world. Each of us needs to take responsibility in every way within our power to achieve and maintain health, our own and our planet's health. But there are many things that we cannot control which are damaging to our our health and the health of our mother earth. It really doesn't seem possible to separate the two any longer. A good start would be to concentrate on removing and stopping the use of toxic chemicals in all aspects of our lives.

      Million Dollar Ideas: Health

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      Oregon was once known as a place where new, creative thinking flourished and people weren’t afraid to face hard truths and take bold steps. But lately Oregon conversations are full of pessimism and cynicism. We all know Oregon is in a world of hurt. We’ve grown accustomed to hearing what’s wrong here.

      Meyer Memorial Trust wants to help change the tone of the conversations and jumpstart action that again makes our state a place where ideas begin and grow. But we need your help. Tell us what you think is the most pressing issue facing Oregon that an investment of up to $1 million from MMT could provide meaningful support and leverage over the next two years. Give us your best ideas about the form that support and leverage might take.

      This is not a time for faint hearted suggestions. We're looking for bold and innovative approaches. And while the nonprofit sector is proving itself to be resilient, innovative and inspired in these times, we need to move beyond categorical thinking and invite all sectors to work together to address the issues we face before it's too late. This is not the place for an organization to make a pitch for funds on its own behalf. We’re looking for ideas that rise above individual organizations and constituencies.

      Asking for public input in this kind of forum is new for us. Frankly, we don’t quite know what to expect. But we have faith that Oregonians will take this process seriously and contribute their best thinking. We believe Oregonians are ready to reengage and stay engaged and work together to find solutions. But awarding the million dollars depends on the quality of ideas—if we don’t have sufficient participation or we don’t find a good match with MMT’s mission and values, we reserve the right to find another route to helping create a better future for Oregon.

      We are confident Oregonians won’t let us down. We expect lively—but civil—discussions. We desire innovative, entrepreneurial ideas…the kind Fred Meyer might have had.

      Thank you for jumpstarting a better future for Oregon by submitting your million dollar idea below and/or commenting on ideas already suggested.