McKenzie River Clinic Newsletter
Vision for the Valley: The Casey Eye Institute Outreach Event
We are still glowing from the incredible success of our recent collaboration! From March 21–23, Orchid Health partnered with the OHSU Casey Eye Institute Community Outreach & AMIGOS, the student volunteer program at Pacific University's College of Optometry, to bring vital vision services directly to our community.
The impact was clear:
- 90 individuals received comprehensive eye screenings at no cost.
- 73 neighbors (81% of participants) walked away with a new prescription and glasses at no cost.
- 37 individuals were provided with critical referrals or follow-up recommendations to help preserve their sight for years to come.
A huge thank you to our volunteers and to everyone who attended. It was heartening to see so many people gain access to care they haven't had in years. The gratitude from patients was overwhelming, and we are honored to have played a part in helping our community see a brighter future!
Provider Tip: Faster Results, Better Care
We offers on-site A1C testing. With a quick finger poke, patients can get results in about 7 minutes during their visit—making it easier to review results with a provider, answer questions right away, and make a plan without waiting for a second visit or follow-up call.
Events & Announcements
- McKenzie River Wooden Boat Festival — April 25, 2026, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | Eagle Rock Lodge, 49198 McKenzie Hwy, Vida, OR 97488 | Free. Visit the Orchid Health booth. Info: (541) 822-3630
- Disaster Preparedness Fair — May 31, 2025, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. | UMCC | Community preparedness resources and information.
- School Field Day — June 2025 (date/time TBD) | Location TBD | Orchid Health will be there with water bottles and face painting.
- McKenzie River Food Pantry — 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. | 56334 McKenzie Hwy | Contact: (541) 844-8838
- Lower McKenzie Community Resources / Food Pantry — 3rd Thursdays, 2:00–6:00 p.m. | 45061 McKenzie Hwy, Walterville | Contact: lowermckenziecr@gmail.com
- Fun for Seniors! — Every Tuesday, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. | Vida McKenzie Community Senior Center, 90377 Thomson Ln, Vida, OR 97488 | Lunch provided; donations welcome. Contact: (541) 554-9332
- Jukebox Dance Party — Saturday, June 6, 6:00 p.m. silent auction; 8:00 p.m. dance | Upper McKenzie Community Center, 54745 McKenzie River Dr, Blue River, OR 97413 | $1 song requests, dress as your favorite decade, and prom-style photos by the McKenzie School Photography Class.
Community Resource Spotlight: Senior Services at VMCC
The Vida McKenzie Community Center offers support to senior neighbors in our community.
Every Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the center hosts Senior Services with a healthy lunch and time to connect in a warm, welcoming space. Free lunch is provided, with a suggested $5 donation. Senior & Disability Mobile Outreach Services will also be available Tuesday, May 12, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Patient Testimony / Staff Quote
"I have tons of medical issues and never ever had as good of a provider! I only want her the rest of my life! If she ever moves we will follow her! My family loves her!"
— Patient Feedback for Elizabeth Cramer