Quarterly events include a short presentation on a topic related to data and/or research and time for networking. Events create opportunities to strengthen data-driven decision making and research-based practices in Central Oregon and are held at rotating locations throughout Central Oregon. For more information sign up for our email list here.

The CORC Steering Committee selects community projects to support that advance the CORC mission. The first project was a collaboration with the Homeless Leadership Coalition to expand on their data collection processes and data analyses for the annual Point-In-Time Count. CORC is currently collaborating with the Center for Age-Friendly Excellence on preparing Central Oregon towns to receive World Health Organization recognition as Age-Friendly. The Steering Committee is also creating a community-training program to increase the capacity of local organizations to use data and research-best practices.

If you are interested in joining the CORC Steering Committee contact Laura Campbell for more information.

CORC’s first project was a collaboration with the Homeless Leadership Coalition to expand on their data collection processes and data analyses for the annual Point-In-Time Count.  CORC is currently collaborating with the Center for Age-Friendly Excellence on preparing Central Oregon towns to receive World Health Organization recognition as Age-Friendly.  CORC is also creating a community-training program to increase the capacity of local organizations to use data and research-best practices.

• In collaboration with the Latino Community Association and the OHSU Evaluation Core: Evaluation of an after-school program designed in improve educational outcomes, cultural pride, and Spanish literacy.
• In collaboration with TRACEs Central Oregon: Measurement of Central Oregonian’s knowledge and awareness of trauma and resilience by designing a survey, collecting and analyzing data, and communicating results back to the community. Key stakeholder interviews to assess Central Oregon’s readiness to take action to build resilience in communities.
• In collaboration with the Early Learning Hub of Central Oregon, the Jefferson County of Public Health, and Northwestern University Mothers & Babies Program: Regional training, implementation, and evaluation of an evidence-based intervention to prevent postpartum depression.
• In collaboration with Deschutes County Health Services and the OHSU Evaluation Core: Implementation and evaluation planning for the DCHS Crisis Stabilization Center.

• The Center for Age-Friendly Excellence 
• Central Oregon Research Coalition 
• Laura Campbell, OHSU Community Research Liaison
• Katie Hernandez, Community Research Intern

As CAFE was establishing a presence in Central Oregon, they came to CORC because of our strong community ties and research skills to collaborate on improving the physical and social environments for older adults. The first step in this initiative was assessing the current environment to identify strengths and areas for improvement that will contribute to the community becoming more age-friendly.

We accomplished this by collating recent data sources, such as needs assessments and surveys, which cover the 8 Age-Friendly domains of Outdoor Spaces, Transportation, Housing, Social Participation, Social Isolation, Civic Participation and Employment, Communication and Information, and Community and Health Services.  We identified data and information via online searches and leveraging CORC Steering Committee members’ and invested community partners’ existing knowledge and relationships. Data sources consisted of reports as well as two raw data sets that were analyzed. Data were organized by the 8 Age-Friendly Domains and into one report for each of the three counties (Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson) providing a baseline picture of strengths and gaps in each domain.

Older adults are the fastest growing demographic in the United States.  Ten thousand persons turn age 65 in the United States every day and this trend will continue until about 2030.  According to the Population Research Center at Portland State University, Bend, Oregon is now the fastest growing city in the West and much of that trend is fueled by in-migration of baby boomers with significant economic resources and health needs. According to the U.S. Census, Central Oregon’s population of older adults aged 65-plus increased by 58% between 2010 and 2016, which is twice the growth of all of Oregon. Currently, Deschutes County has a 65-plus population of 34,992, up 49% since the 2010 census, followed by Crook at 5,575 (up 33%), and Jefferson at 4,316 (up 30%). The growth is dramatic. 

Local gerontologists and aging services professionals forecast startling trends that highlight critical needs:

• Older persons will significantly increase in population and diversity;
• mounting numbers of older adults will struggle with chronic physical and neurological disorders;
• physicians who accept Medicare as payment are rare and sometimes nonexistent;
• caregivers will be stressed and in need of assistance themselves;
• barring intervention, government assistance for the aged will diminish;
• affordable housing is urgently needed;
• there is a growing income disparity between older adults;
• isolation and loneliness are demonstrated health risks and lack of transportation is a key;
• it is becoming more difficult to hire qualified professional caregivers for dependent older persons.

It is vital for Central Oregon to prepare for the aging population’s health needs and develop a regional strategy for integrated programs and services that are evidence-based and coordinate with local jurisdictions. By working towards Age-Friendly recognition, health outcomes for older adults will improve and additional resources will be available to the community.