IMESD’s Director of Early Learning Initiatives, Marissa Loiland, visited Washington, D.C. in November as an advocate for Oregon’s Upstream Initiative. Through the Blue Mountain Early Learning Hub, Loiland attended the 2025 National Summit, hosted by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Nurture Connection and Reach Out and Read.
Loiland was joined by Courtney Carter, a Pendleton parent leader, for the trip. They met with U.S. Representatives to discuss the importance of the first 1,000 days of life and the reasons for supporting related initiatives. Meetings included Chiefs of Staff for:
Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (Oregon, 1st Congressional District)
Rep. Maxine Dexter (Oregon, 3rd Congressional District)
Rep. Val Hoyle (Oregon, 4th Congressional District)
According to Loiland, key takeaways from the visit were:
Connecting with Reach Out and Read (ROR), national initiative we have begun collaborating on with Eastern Oregon Coordinated Care Organization (EOCCO) and CHI St. Anthony Hospital
Integration of ROR into healthcare systems
Early Relational Health (ERH): Emphasis on strengthening relationships in early childhood
Gap in Pediatric Awareness: Limited focus on ERH among pediatric professionals
Role of Community Health Workers: Their impact on client relationships and navigating social systems
Systemic Challenges: Stories highlighted lack of collaboration between medical professionals and social service agencies.
Parent Leaders as Change Drivers: Recognition of parents as central to systems change
Workforce Limitations: Efforts to expand ERH face barriers due to workforce shortages, limiting capacity and knowledge growth
After the trip, Loiland said, “I’m looking forward to deepening my understanding and expanding my capacity to serve families and students across Oregon, particularly those in Eastern Oregon. I hope to refine our design pilot efforts through shared knowledge and apply those insights in meaningful, community-centered ways. I’m eager to build strong partnerships and contribute to transforming systems that foster well-being and equity for all.”
The Upstream Initiative brings together health, education, and social service partners to focus on primary prevention through upstream collaboration and investment in early childhood. It is designed to support families during the first 1,000 days of life, a critical period for brain development, early relational health and long-term well-being. Learn more at https://www.oregoncollaborative.org/upstream-initiative.
