The Upstream Parable:

A crowd stands on a riverbank where water is raging. They try franticly trying to pluck out people being swept downstream. Many are missed and are swept away despite the crowd doing all they can to rescue them from this fate. Finally a scrappy group breaks off and tromps off upstream to see exactly why all the people are falling into the river. They identify the problem, think of a solution,  and put it into action The result:  People stop falling into the river, they are no longer at risk. In a nutshell, that's public health policy at work.

Why We Work on Policy:

Oregon has people “falling into the river and at Upstream we’re working to make sure that the policy solutions are the most effective and efficient way to address such risks to health--through prevention measures made available to all through wise public policy. Policy-related solutions are essential because it guarantees that everyone regardless of age, background, and location benefits, and ensures that future generations will be protected.

Our Current Policy Objectives:

• Help schools implement the junk food ban passed by the Legislature in 2007
• Work to increase access to fluoridate water
• Pass legislation to get Oregon farm products into Oregon school cafeterias, (known as Farm to School).
• Advance menu labeling among major restaurant chains so people can make informed food choices.
• Promote wise planning of our cities, homes and neighborhood to encourage physical activity, healthy food, clean air, etc.
• Gather information and conduct research to inform the public debate on Measure 50 and how it impacts low-income families

For more information, you can see our Strategic Plan (pdf) for 2004 to 2008.

Our Staff:

Mel Rader
Project Director
Upstream Public Health Advocacy Network
315 SW 5th Avenue, Suite 202
mel@upstreampublichealth.org
503-227-5502 x225