Cascade Health Programming at the Y

About

In partnership with Cascade Health, this free introductory class offers a welcoming space to learn the basics of diabetes - what it is, how it is diagnosed, and how to manage it effectively. Whether you have recently received a diagnosis or simply want to better understand the condition, this session is open to everyone, regardless of insurance coverage or diagnosis status.

You'll gain practical tips for living well with diabetes and explore local resources that can support your journey. This class complements diabetes education covered by insurance. This offering serves as an extra opportunity to empower yourself with knowledge.

Register: Tuesday, Nov. 17, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Kalapuya Community Room

Meet the Team

Tracy Beckmann, RDN, LD, CDCES

Tracy began working at Cascade Health in 2015 and became manager of the department in 2022. She holds an undergraduate degree in nutrition and dietetics from Oregon State University and completed her dietetic internship there as well. Her main goal is to show that eating well and moving your body can help you feel better on a foundational level. While Tracy can’t claim to be a native Oregonian, she has lived in Eugene most of her life. In her free time, she enjoys backpacking, hiking, being outside and, of course, eating delicious and nutritious food.

Lauren Chase, RD

Lauren began working at Cascade Health in 2022. She holds a bachelor's degree in nutrition and dietetics from Oregon State University, where she also completed her dietetic internship. Lauren loves to create relationships with others and discuss how each person's unique food culture can impact health and well-being. She takes a positive approach to nutrition and wants to help others enjoy food and improve their lives. Lauren's hobbies include weightlifting, hiking, and spending time with her family and many animals!

Julia O'Neil, RD

Julia began working with Cascade in late 2023. She holds a bachelor’s degree in human physiology from the University of Oregon and a bachelor’s degree in nutrition from Oregon State University where she also completed her dietetic internship (she tells people she’s a platypus). Julia likes to find creative solutions to tackling lifestyle change through nutrition and exercise and strongly believes there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach. Julia is very outdoorsy and enjoys all what Oregon has to offer. She likes to spend her spare time hiking, snowshoeing, paddleboarding, and swimming when the weather is warm.

About

A Six-Part Community Education Series

Life’s later stages can bring new questions about caregiving, healthcare, planning, loss, and the legacy we leave behind. Navigating the Later Stages of Life brings together local professionals and community resources for approachable, practical conversations designed to help individuals and families understand their options, plan ahead, and feel more confident about the road ahead.

REGISTER THROUGH THE Y APP

Topics

Finding the Right Support 

Caregiving, Senior Advisors & Community Resources

Knowing where to turn for help can make all the difference. Learn about in-home caregiving, assistance with everyday activities, and how caregivers work alongside medical providers. We’ll also introduce senior advisors, advocates, social workers, and other community resources that can help families navigate changing needs, explore living options, and find the right support at the right time.

Monday, Jan. 11, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Kalapuya Community Room 
Thursday, Jan. 14, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Kalapuya Community Room 

Understanding Your Care Options

Home Health, Palliative Care & Hospice

Home health, palliative care, and hospice each provide different types of support, but understanding when and how to use them can be confusing. Local healthcare professionals will explain the differences, what each service provides, and how these programs can support quality of life for individuals and their families as health needs change.

*Wednesday, Jan. 20, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Kalapuya Community Room 
Thursday, Jan. 28, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Kalapuya Community Room

Conversations About the End of Life

Death Doulas, Death Café & Planning Resources

Talking about death doesn’t have to be frightening or uncomfortable. This session introduces the role of death doulas, the welcoming and conversational concept of a Death Café, and books, journals, and other resources that can help individuals and families begin meaningful conversations about wishes, values, and the end of life.

Monday, Feb. 8, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Kalapuya Community Room
Thursday, Feb. 11, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Kalapuya Community Room 

Putting Your Wishes Into Action

Advance Care Planning, Medical Aid in Dying & Meaningful End of Life Conversations

How do you make sure the people you love and your healthcare providers understand what matters to you? Explore practical tools for advance care planning, including Five Wishes and Oregon forms, and learn about Medical Aid in Dying and Oregon’s Death with Dignity law, including resources for learning more about this end-of-life option. We’ll use End-of-Life Bingo to make difficult conversations a little easier and share guidance and resources for writing obituaries, eulogies, and other meaningful reflections that capture a life and legacy.

Monday, Feb. 22, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Kalapuya Community Room
Thursday, Feb. 25, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Kalapuya Community Room

Life After Loss & Life Transitions

Grief, Bereavement, Organizing & Downsizing

Loss and major life transitions affect much more than our physical surroundings. Learn about local grief and bereavement support, spiritual care, and community resources available to individuals and families. We’ll also explore the practical and emotional side of organizing, downsizing, moving, and making decisions about possessions and the places we call home.

Monday, March 8, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Kalapuya Community Room 
Thursday, March 11, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Kalapuya Community Room

Planning, Legacy & Peace of Mind

Estate Planning, Fiduciary Services & Pre-Death Planning

Planning ahead can be one of the greatest gifts we give the people we love. This session explores legacy and estate planning, fiduciary services, and pre-death planning, including how professionals can help individuals organize important decisions and wishes. Leave with a better understanding of the steps and resources that can help create clarity, preserve what matters, and reduce stress for your family.

*Monday, March 15, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Kalapuya Community Room
*Thursday, March 18, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Kalapuya Community Room

Registration is open now! Please note:

• Each topic is offered twice to make the program accessible to as many people as possible.
• Please register for only ONE date per topic so others also have the opportunity to participate.
• (For example, if you register for Topic 1: "Finding the Right Support" on Monday, Jan. 11, please do NOT register for the duplicate offering covering the same content on Thursday, Jan. 14.) 
• Duplicate topic registrations will be removed.
• You are welcome to register for any topics/sessions that interest you.
• Attendance at every topic/session is not required to register. Thank you for helping the Y reach as many community members as possible.

Fall 2026 | Navigating the Later Stages of Life: Planning, Support & Legacy

About

This four-part series illuminates the full journey of care—from early support and planning through end-of-life and what follows. Presented by Tara Hubbird, the series is designed for individuals, families, and caregivers seeking clarity, confidence, and compassionate guidance.

Each session offers practical insights, real-world resources, and meaningful conversation to support informed decision-making at every stage. Whether planning ahead or navigating immediate needs, participants will gain tools, connections, and a deeper understanding of the care continuum—helping reduce overwhelm and foster a sense of preparedness and support.

Please note:

• Each topic is offered twice to make the program accessible to as many people as possible.
• Please register for only ONE date per topic so others also have the opportunity to participate.
• (For example, if you register for Topic 1: "Foundations of Care" on Wednesday, Sept. 16, please do NOT register for the duplicate offering covering the same content on Monday, Sept. 21.) 
• Duplicate topic registrations will be removed.
• You are welcome to register for any topics/sessions that interest you.
• Attendance at every topic/session is not required to register. Thank you for helping the Y reach as many community members as possible.

Topics

Foundations of Care

An introduction to the essential services that support daily living and early-stage decision-making. Learn how caregivers, home health providers, and senior advisors help individuals and families establish safe, sustainable care plans. What to expect: 

• An interactive overview of caregiving, home health, and senior advisory services
• Practical resources to help identify and access early-stage support
• Time for questions and real-life scenarios

Wednesday, Sept. 16, 4 to 5:30 p.m., Kalapuya Community Room 
Monday, Sept. 21, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Kalapuya Community Room 

Advanced Care & Advocacy

A deeper look at planning and coordination during more complex health journeys. This session explores palliative care, patient advocacy, advance care planning, and the role of community dialogue in making informed, values-based decisions. What to expect: 

• Insight into palliative care, care coordination, and patient advocacy
• Guidance and tools for advance care planning and values-based decisions
• Open discussion and Q&A, including community-based conversations 

Wednesday, Sept. 23, 4 to 5:30 p.m., Kalapuya Community Room 
Monday, Sept. 28, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Kalapuya Community Room

End-of-Life Support

Focused on comfort, dignity, and presence at life’s end, this session highlights hospice care and death doulas, offering insight into the emotional, physical, and spiritual support available for individuals and their loved ones. What to expect:

• A compassionate overview of hospice care and death doula support
• Information on comfort-focused care, emotional support, and presence
• Space for questions, reflection, and respectful dialogue

Wednesday, Oct. 7, 4 to 5:30 p.m., Kalapuya Community Room
Monday, Oct. 12, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Kalapuya Community Room 

Before & After 

Covering both preparation and what comes next, this session explores fiduciary services, legacy and end-of-life planning, as well as grief and bereavement support—helping families navigate both logistics and healing. What to expect:

• An introduction to fiduciary services, legacy planning, and death planning
• Resources for supporting families before and after a loss
• Q&A focused on navigating logistics, grief, and next steps 

Monday, Oct. 19, 4 to 5:30 p.m., Kalapuya Community Room
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Kalapuya Community Room