Free Community Meal and Health Services Offered in The Dalles

A free community lunch will be available in The Dalles on November 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Eastern Oregon Center for Independent Living (EOCIL) office located at 415 E. Second St.. This event aims to provide a warm meal alongside crucial health information and services to local residents.

The complimentary meal will feature pork roast and rice, while various health services will be highlighted during the event. Attendees can receive information about low- or no-cost breast cancer screenings, vaccination sites, and harm reduction services for individuals who use drugs.

Lupita Castillo, a harm reduction specialist at EOCIL, emphasized the event’s purpose: “This event is designed to bring community members together to share a warm meal, connect with local organizations, and learn about the valuable services available in our area, with the main purpose of bridging community members with resources.”

Health Services and Community Engagement

EOCIL has been serving residents across 16 counties in Eastern Oregon for several years. The organization recently relocated its office to a more central location in downtown The Dalles. EOCIL operates additional offices in Ontario, La Grande, Pendleton, Redmond, and Burns, offering a wide range of services designed to assist various populations.

These services include advocacy, resource connections, and support tailored to individual needs. Specifically, EOCIL provides food assistance, affordable housing resources, harm reduction education, tobacco cessation support, and information on sexual health navigation. Additionally, the organization focuses on breast cancer awareness and prevention care, as well as guidance for individuals balancing work and disability benefits.

The upcoming event serves as an opportunity for community members to engage with local organizations and access important health-related resources. Those interested in learning more about EOCIL and its offerings can visit the official website at eocil.org, email [email protected], or call 541-889-3119 ext. 109 for further details.

This initiative not only provides nourishment but also fosters connections within the community, highlighting the importance of accessible health services and support systems in Eastern Oregon.