Cascade Health Programming at the Y

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.

REGISTER

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: "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

Register: Wednesday, Sept. 16, 4 to 5:30 p.m., Kalapuya Community Room 
Register: 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 

Register: Wednesday, Sept. 23, 4 to 5:30 p.m., Kalapuya Community Room 
Register: 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

Register: Wednesday, Oct. 7, 4 to 5:30 p.m., Kalapuya Community Room
Register: 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 

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

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.