McKenzie River Clinic Hosts Summer Kickoff Event

The McKenzie River community gathered at Orchid Health clinic to kick off the season of outdoor events. Led by clinic manager Missy Albrich, the event was supported by the Upper McKenzie Fire Department, long time community members, and individuals from the McKenzie River School District.

The event hosted outdoor games, raffles, giveaways, and a community BBQ.

"It was important for us to work with and support local businesses," says Albrich, "we were able to raffle off gift cards from local restaurants such as Ike's Pizza and Takoda's."

According to “Social Isolation in America,” published in the American Sociological Review, we are forming fewer friendships than in the past, which can have negative consequences on our health. Hosting a community event is one way of making connections and removing us from the impacts of social isolation.

The BBQ event was one of the first outdoor events since the pandemic. As reported by McKenzie River Reflections, "Keeping the food coming at the Orchid Medical Clinic's Friday afternoon BBQ was Andy Aldrich, husband of clinic manager Missy Aldrich. His grillwork kept a steady flow of burgers and dogs."