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Strides for Social Justice

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Strides for Social Justice

Take a journey through local Black history by downloading this free, family-friendly app.

A person holds a phone with the image of a historic house and description

Racism is pervasive throughout our country. We invite you to be a part of the solution.

Strides for Social Justice – a PeaceHealth initiative developed in partnership with the Eugene Marathon – is designed to be a free, inclusive, family-friendly program that will engage and educate participants on the contributions, achievements and milestones of Black residents of Lane County, and also highlight the injustices many have faced. Together we can stop the cycle of racism, building a more inclusive culture in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. It is only through awareness, understanding and action that we can truly be part of the solution. And, only by looking back can we move forward.

Our Mission

To engage and educate participants on the landmarks demonstrating the history, contributions, achievements and milestones of Black residents while also promoting health and wellness.

Our Vision

To influence and effect change that enhances community health and contributes to a socially just and unified Eugene/Springfield.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” 
-Nelson Mandela

 

About the app

App-based and available on both iOS and Android app stores, Strides for Social Justice guides participants on routes to various landmarks, creating a journey that provides a view into local Black history and the powerful influence of Black residents in our community.

This free app also aims to encourage physical activity for people of all abilities and fitness levels, while generating financial resources in support of the NAACP and other organizations focused on social justice initiatives.

How it works

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Download the app.

Download the app on either the iOS or Android App stores.

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Pick a route.

Choose from several routes to learn about local Black history.

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Explore and learn.

Navigate your selected route by walking, running, biking or rolling from landmark to landmark.

Ready to get started?

Strides for Social Justice is available on both the iOS and Android App stores.

Apple app store logo Google Android app store logo

Get involved

Are you interested in taking additional steps to promote social justice within our community? Here are a few options for you to consider:

Donate

Support Black-owned businesses

Share experiences on social media

  • Explain how your journey along one or more of the Strides for Social Justice routes impacted you
  • Post a photo of your journey
  • Invite others to participate in Strides for Social Justice

Learn more

Thank yous

Strides for Social Justice would not have been possible without the 16-member Steering Committee comprised of community members with varied backgrounds. The members advised PeaceHealth and Eugene Marathon and were influential in developing this program.

Thank yous also go to the following organizations, which also helped shape this program:

In the news

2022 

2021

The Bottom Line (Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce newsletter)

KEZI

KVAL/KMTR

KLCC public radio

City Club of Eugene via KLCC

KKNU 

Lane County Medical Society (Medical Matters Magazine) 

  • April: PeaceHealth and Eugene Marathon make Strides for Social Justice (No link available)

Catholic Health World

Contact us

Media
Contact Sherri Buri McDonald, Communications Specialist,  Marketing & Communications, PeaceHealth Oregon
SBuriMcDonald@peacehealth.org

Organizations or individuals looking to get involved
Contact Sherri Buri McDonald, Communications Specialist,  Marketing & Communications, PeaceHealth Oregon
SBuriMcDonald@peacehealth.org

Technical issues or concerns with the app
Contact Ian Dobson, Race Director, Eugene Marathon
ian@eugenemarathon.com

General questions or concerns
Contact PeaceHealth Public Affairs
publicaffairsPHOR@peacehealth.org

MitraClip Procedure

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MitraClip Procedure

Take your life back from mitral regurgitation with this innovative, minimally invasive procedure.

 
A PeaceHealth provider discusses the TAVR procedure with a patient in a clinical setting

What is MitraClip?

PeaceHealth takes pride in introducing minimally-invasive heart technologies and surgical techniques into our communities, including this advanced procedure that helps patients take their lives back from mitral regurgitation.

The MitraClip procedure repairs leaky heart valves. It may allow patients to avoid medication or open-heart surgery. Patients who undergo the MitraClip procedure typically return home from the hospital within two days of the procedure and fully recover in about a week.

Photo of happy woman and text for Mitraclip Download guide

Take your life back from mitral regurgitation

Learn about the MitraClip procedure.

How does the MitraClip procedure work?

A small incision is made in the upper leg, and the MitraClip is inserted into a vein. A surgeon then guides the MitraClip up to your heart, and clips it to your mitral valve. The procedure typically takes 3-4 hours. The length of your stay in the hospital may vary, but could be as little as one day depending on your recovery and overall health. Full recovery time also varies, but usually happens within one week.

Is MitraClip right for me?

Your first step should be scheduling a visit to your primary care physician or cardiologist. Your care team will develop a personalized care plan to determine if MitraClip is right for you, and if not, explore a range of treatments from medication management to open-heart surgery.

Choose PeaceHealth for your MitraClip procedure

You won’t miss a beat when you choose PeaceHealth for your MitraClip Procedure.

The trusted choice

Your heart is in good hands when you pick PeaceHealth. Our cardiac teams that perform MitraClip have an average of 34 years of surgical experience, and are extensively trained on the procedure.

Quality care

The MitraClip procedure can be performed at locations in Washington and Oregon, so you can get the care you need without traveling far. And you can schedule an appointment with a PeaceHealth cardiologist more quickly than any of the leading heart care providers in the communities that we serve.

Atrial Fibrillation

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Atrial Fibrillation

Find out how PeaceHealth can help you take your life back from atrial fibrillation.

A PeaceHealth cardiology provider examines a patient in a clinical setting.

What is atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a heart rhythm disorder that occurs when the upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly. While it is possible to live a normal life with mild atrial fibrillation, more severe cases can lead to serious issues like stroke or congestive heart failure if left untreated.

Treatments

The treatment plan for atrial fibrillation depends on the severity of your condition and personal health characteristics. Treatments may include one or a combination of the following:

  • Lifestyle modifications to achieve healthier habits
  • Medication management, including blood thinners and heart rate and rhythm medicines
  • Minimally or non-invasive procedures, such as Watchman (an alternative to blood thinner medications) and catheter ablation 
  • Open heart surgery, such the Maze and Convergent 
An older happy couple on the cover of the download watchman guide cover

Take your life back from atrial fibrillation

Learn more about our Watchman procedure.

Choosing PeaceHealth for your atrial fibrillation care

PeaceHealth cardiologists average more than 23 years of experience treating atrial fibrillation and treat an average of 10,000 AFib patients every year. We have the experience to help you manage your condition and lead a full healthy life, so you never have to miss a beat.

Quality care close to home

You don’t have to wait to get the care you need. With more than 50 heart specialists across Alaska, Washington and Oregon, you can conveniently and promptly get an appointment close to home.

Trusted expertise

PeaceHealth is consistently recognized for providing safe, effective, and high-quality cardiac care. Recent recognition has come from the American Heart Association, the American Stroke Association, the Foundation for Health Care Quality, and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.

Innovative treatments

We take pride in introducing minimally invasive heart technologies and surgical techniques into our communities. Today's advanced heart procedures are designed to help you recover quickly and so that you can return to your normal life.

Personalized care plans

We understand every patient has a different story. Our cardiac teams will partner with you and your primary care physician to evaluate your condition and ensure you get connected with a treatment pathway that best fits your needs.

Symptoms and diagnosis of atrial fibrillation

You should make an appointment with your primary care physician or cardiologist if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Rapid and irregular heartbeat
  • A fluttering or thumping feeling in the chest
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Shortness of breath and anxiety
  • Faintness or confusion
  • Sweating
  • Fatigue while exercising
  • Weakness
  • Chest pain or pressure*

*PLEASE NOTE: Chest pain or pressure may be a medical emergency. If you are experiencing this symptom call 911 immediately.

Diagnosis of atrial fibrillation is typically done through one or more tests conducted at your appointment. This may include electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG), Holter monitor, echocardiogram, blood tests, stress tests, and/or chest X-rays.

Find a PeaceHealth cardiologist

Schedule an appointment today if your atrial fibrillation is unmanaged, or you aren’t satisfied with your current treatment plan.
 

Watchman Procedure

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Watchman Procedure

Take your life back from atrial fibrillation with this innovative, minimally invasive procedure.

A PeaceHealth provider discusses the TAVR procedure with a patient in a clinical setting

What is Watchman?

PeaceHealth takes pride in introducing minimally-invasive heart technologies and surgical techniques into our communities, including this advanced procedure that helps patients take their lives back from atrial fibrillation.

Watchman helps prevent blood clots caused by atrial fibrillation. This ground-breaking procedure may allow patients to say “goodbye” to a lifetime of blood thinners and get back to normal life quickly.

An older happy couple on the cover of the download watchman guide cover

Take your life back from atrial fibrillation

Learn more about our Watchman procedure.

How does the Watchman procedure work?

A small incision is made in the upper leg and the Watchman device is inserted via a tube. The device is about the size of a quarter and shaped like a parachute. Your surgeon guides the Watchman device up and into your heart’s left atrial appendage. The device blocks off the appendage to prevent blood clotting.

The procedure typically takes less than an hour. Patients often stay overnight in our hospital for observation and leave the next day. Full recovery time also varies, but patients are usually back to normal life within a week.

Is Watchman right for me?

Your first step should be scheduling a visit to your primary care physician or cardiologist. Your care team will develop a personalized care plan to determine if Watchman is right for you.

Choose PeaceHealth for your Watchman Procedure

You won’t miss a beat when you choose PeaceHealth for your Watchman Procedure.

The trusted choice

Your heart is in good hands when you pick PeaceHealth. Our cardiac teams that perform Watchman have an average of 23 years of surgical experience and are extensively trained on the procedure.

Quality care

The Watchman procedure can be performed at locations in Washington and Oregon, so you can get the care you need without traveling far. And you can schedule an appointment with a PeaceHealth cardiologist more quickly than any of the leading heart care providers in the communities that we serve.

Aortic Stenosis

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Aortic Stenosis

Find out how PeaceHealth can help you take your life back from aortic stenosis.

A PeaceHealth cardiology provider examines a patient in a clinical setting.

What is aortic stenosis?

Aortic stenosis (also called aortic valve stenosis) occurs when the aortic valve doesn’t open fully, which prevents proper blood flow from your heart to the aorta and the rest of your body. When aortic stenosis occurs, the heart must work harder to pump blood, which may weaken your heart muscle. Aortic stenosis can eventually lead to serious heart problems like heart failure, stroke, heart arrhythmias, and death if left untreated.

Treatments

The treatment plan for aortic stenosis depends on the severity of your condition and personal health characteristics. Treatments may include one or a combination of the following:

  • Lifestyle modifications to achieve healthier habits
  • Regular checkups and monitoring
  • Medication management, including ACE inhibitors, Beta-blockers, diuretics and heart rhythm medicines
  • Minimally invasive TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) procedure
  • Open heart aortic valve replacement surgery
Cover of the TAVR Guide with a photo of a young boy and a grandfather smiling

Take your life back from aortic stenosis

Download our TAVR procedure guide

Choosing PeaceHealth for your aortic stenosis care

PeaceHealth cardiologists average 34 years of experience treating aortic stenosis and treat an average of 2900 aortic stenosis patients every year. We have the experience to help you manage your condition and lead a full healthy life, so you never have to miss a beat.

Quality care close to home

You don’t have to wait to get the care you need. With more than 50 heart specialists across Alaska, Washington and Oregon, you can conveniently and promptly get an appointment close to home.

Trusted expertise

PeaceHealth is consistently recognized for providing safe, effective, and high-quality cardiac care. Recent recognition has come from the American Heart Association, the American Stroke Association, the Foundation for Health Care Quality, and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.

Innovative treatments

We take pride in introducing minimally invasive heart technologies and surgical techniques into our communities. Today's advanced heart procedures are designed to help you recover quickly and so that you can return to your normal life.

Personalized care plans

We understand every patient has a different story. Our cardiac specialists will partner with you and your primary care physician to evaluate your condition and ensure you get connected with a treatment pathway that best fits your needs.

Symptoms and diagnosis of aortic stenosis

You should make an appointment with your primary care physician or cardiologist if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Abnormal heart sound (heart murmur) or feeling the heartbeat (palpitation)
  • Chest pain, discomfort or tightness (especially with activity)
  • Breathing problems (especially with activity)
  • Cough (especially if bloody)
  • Fatigue
  • Fainting, weakness, or dizziness (especially with activity)
  • Not eating enough or gaining enough weight (mainly in children with the condition)

Diagnosis of aortic stenosis is typically done through one or more tests conducted at your appointment. This may include cardiac computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), doppler echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, chest x-ray, exercise stress test, or cardiac catheterization

Find a PeaceHealth cardiologist

Schedule an appointment today if your atrial fibrillation is unmanaged, or you aren’t satisfied with your current treatment plan.
 

TAVR Procedure

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TAVR Procedure

Take your life back from aortic stenosis with this innovative, minimally invasive procedure.

A PeaceHealth provider discusses the TAVR procedure with a patient in a clinical setting

What is TAVR?

PeaceHealth takes pride in introducing minimally-invasive heart technologies and surgical techniques into our communities, including this advanced procedure that helps patients take their lives back from aortic stenosis.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a procedure that places a new aortic valve inside the diseased valve. TAVR can reduce aortic stenosis symptoms, improve heart function, and allow patients to avoid open heart surgery and get back to doing what they love quickly and more easily.

Cover of the TAVR Guide with a photo of a young boy and a grandfather smiling

Take your life back from aortic stenosis

Download our TAVR procedure guide

How does the TAVR procedure work?

The TAVR procedure can be performed using multiple different starting points on the body. Two common examples follow:

  • A small incision is made in the upper leg. Then, your surgeon guides the new valve up to your heart, into your artery, and to the diseased valve.
  • A small incision is made in the chest. Then, your surgeon guides the new valve through a large artery or the left ventricle and to the diseased valve.

Both approaches are minimally invasive. The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours, and patients are typically sent home from the hospital within 3-5 days. 

Is TAVR right for me?

Your first step should be scheduling a visit to your primary care physician or cardiologist. Your care team will develop a personalized care plan to determine if TAVR is right for you, and if not, explore a range of treatments from lifestyle changes and medication management to open-heart surgery.

Choose PeaceHealth for your TAVR procedure

You won’t miss a beat when you choose PeaceHealth for your TAVR procedure.

The trusted choice

Your heart is in good hands when you pick PeaceHealth. Our cardiac teams that perform TAVR have an average of 32 years of surgical experience and are extensively trained on the procedure. We are the only NCDR Transcatheter Valve Certified program in the communities that we serve.

Quality care

The TAVR procedure can be performed at locations in Washington and Oregon, so you can get the care you need without traveling far. And you can schedule an appointment with a PeaceHealth cardiologist more quickly than any of the leading heart care providers in the communities that we serve.

Mitral Regurgitation

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Mitral Regurgitation

Find out how PeaceHealth can help you take your life back from mitral regurgitation.

A PeaceHealth cardiology provider examines a patient in a clinical setting.

What is mitral regurgitation?

Mitral regurgitation (also called mitral valve regurgitation) occurs when the mitral valve does not close properly. This causes a “regurgitation,” where blood leaks back into the mitral valve whenever the left ventricle contracts. Proper treatment of the condition is very important, because the condition can lead to problems like heart failure or heart arrhythmias if left untreated.

Treatments

The treatment plan for mitral regurgitation depends on the severity of your condition and personal health characteristics. Treatments may include one or a combination of the following:

  • Lifestyle modifications to achieve healthier habits
  • Regular checkups and monitoring
  • Medication management, including Beta-blockers, diuretics, blood thinners and blood pressure medicines
  • Mininally invasive MitraClip procedure 
  • Open heart mitral valve repair or replacement surgery
Photo of happy woman and text for Mitraclip Download guide

Take your life back from mitral regurgitation

Learn about the MitraClip procedure.

Choosing PeaceHealth for your mitral regurgitation care

PeaceHealth cardiologists average 34 years of experience treating mitral regurgitation and treat an average of 1,400 mitral regurgitation patients every year. We have the experience to help you manage your condition and lead a full healthy life, so you never have to miss a beat.

Quality care close to home

You don’t have to wait to get the care you need. With more than 50 heart specialists across Alaska, Washington and Oregon, you can conveniently and promptly get an appointment close to home.

Trusted expertise

PeaceHealth is consistently recognized for providing safe, effective, and high-quality cardiac care. Recent recognition has come from the American Heart Association, the American Stroke Association, the Foundation for Health Care Quality, and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.

Innovative treatments

We take pride in introducing minimally invasive heart technologies and surgical techniques into our communities. Today's advanced heart procedures are designed to help you recover quickly and so that you can return to your normal life.

Personalized care plans

We understand every patient has a different story. Our cardiac specialists will partner with you and your primary care physician to evaluate your condition and ensure you get connected with a treatment pathway that best fits your needs.

Symptoms and diagnosis of mitral regurgitation

You should make an appointment with your primary care physician or cardiologist if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath with activity or when lying down
  • Fatigue
  • Exhaustion
  • Lightheadedness
  • Rapid breathing
  • Rapid heartbeat or the unpleasant sensation of rapid, fluttering heartbeat (palpitations)
  • Excessive urination at night
  • Swelling in the legs, abdomen, or the veins in your neck

Diagnosis of mitral regurgitation is typically done through one or more tests conducted at your appointment. This may include a computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the heart, echocardiogram, or cardiac catheterization.

Find a PeaceHealth cardiologist

Schedule an appointment today if your atrial fibrillation is unmanaged, or you aren’t satisfied with your current treatment plan.
 

Don't Miss a Beat

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Don't Miss a Beat

15,000 people trust us with their heart care every year. We’ll help you take control of your heart health, so you don’t have to miss a beat.

A PeaceHealth Heart & Vascular care provider speaks with a patient in a clinic setting.

Make an appointment
 

A green map of Washington with location markers set in the upper northwest corner of the state


Northwest Washington

360-230-7382

Meet our team

A green map of Washington with location markers set in the lower southwest corner of the state


Southwest Washington

360-230-7683

Meet our team

 

Existing PeaceHealth Patients

If you are already a PeaceHealth cardiology patient, you can request an appointment in our patient portal. Log in at peacehealth.org/mypeacehealth. Then choose "Visits" and follow the prompts to request a visit. Don't have a My PeaceHealth account? You can sign up at my.peacehealth.org.

A woman looks at her watch after exercising, with the message "Get Your Health Risk Assessment" super imposed over the photo.

Nearly 1 in 2 adults in the United States have some form of heart disease.  Do you know your risk?

Heart disease can be deadly if left untreated. Our assessment will help you understand your risk for heart disease in just a few minutes. You’ll either get the peace of mind of knowing your heart is healthy, or if you do have an elevated risk, we’ll connect you with the resources you need to take control of your heart health.

Why PeaceHealth?

PeaceHealth's cardiovascular care is highly regarded by industry experts. We are grateful to have earned site-specific honors for our care – TAVR, Watchman, cardiac and stroke care, cardiothoracic surgery and others. In addition to our local achievements, we are honored collectively to serve 15,000 patients who trust us with their heart care every year. Let us put together a personalized heart care plan for you so you can enjoy all of life’s incredible moments.

A provider speaks to a patient through a mobile device

Local convenience and expertise

PeaceHealth heart care clinics are located in nine Pacific Northwest cities, including four cities that are home to our hospital-based comprehensive care centers where heart surgerical procedures are performed (Bellingham, Eugene/Springfield, Longview and Vancouver). Our expansive presence is an advantage, offering patients more promptly scheduled care closer to home.



 

A PeaceHealth cardiovascular provider walks through the halls with a patient

Meet our team

More than 50 heart specialists – cardiologists and surgeons – are available at PeaceHealth to help patients with a wide range of heart conditions. Here you will find some of our communities most experienced experts for your care. Each is available to partner with you and your primary care physician to evaluate your condition and ensure you get connected with a treatment pathway that best fits your needs. Find a provider near you



 

A cardiovascular surgeon holds a plastic replica heart to demonstrate the location of  heart anatomy.

Innovative treatments

PeaceHealth offers advanced procedures that help get patients back to doing the things they love. We take pride in introducing minimally invasive heart technologies and surgical techniques into our communities, like MitraClip for patients with mitral regurgitationtranscatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for patients with aortic stenosis, and Watchman for patients with atrial fibrillation.

Conditions & Treatments

Cutting-edge cardiovascular care is right here in your community at PeaceHealth. We use advanced technology for the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term maintenance of heart and vascular needs, including:

Heart disease management, treatment, and care is evolving rapidly. Our cardiac specialists get people back to normal life quickly by using the most innovative and minimally invasive techniques possible to diagnose and treat all kinds of heart issues, including:

Expertise and excellence in cardiovascular care

When troubles mount, love steps in

They were running late that morning due to car trouble. Breathlessly, the mom checked her seven-year-old daughter in for an appointment at PeaceHealth Medical Group’s pediatric clinic in Bellingham, Washington. Then she learned the visit wouldn’t be covered by her insurance, a state managed care plan that did not include PeaceHealth. Unfortunately, that wasn’t clear when the appointment was made.  The mom instantly burst into tears and said “I can’t do this anymore.”

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