Purpose: The Community Advisory Council (CAC) advises the Marion-Polk CCO on how to be responsive to Oregon Health Plan member and community health needs.

Core Responsibilities: 

• • Foster meaningful engagement of Oregon Health Plan members to continuously improve the Marion-Polk CCO member experience. 
  • Help develop the Marion-Polk Community Health Assessment and implement the Marion-Polk Community Health Improvement Plan. 
  • Make recommendations to the Willamette Health Council Board of Directors on investments related to the social determinants of health and equity.  

2026 Priorities: 

• • Support community-driven strategies that improve access to culturally and linguistically responsive healthcare services for OHP members in Marion and Polk counties.
  • Promote integrated approaches to help OHP members maintain healthcare coverage and access to healthcare services.
  • Contribute to cross-sector efforts to develop a shared community definition of belonging and identify ways to measure and strengthen belonging across Marion and Polk counties.
  • Create bridging opportunities for Youth and Tribal members with the CAC.
  • Strengthen coordination between the Community Advisory Council and the WHC Board.
  • Improve cross-system coordination related to OHP member appeals and grievances.

The CAC acts as the voice for Oregon Health Plan members in the Marion-Polk region. Through an application process, members are selected on a rolling basis by the Willamette Health Council’s CAC Selection Committee. 

The Willamette Health Council provides stipends for Oregon Health Plan members who are CAC members. The rate is $50 per hour per meeting.  Mileage for travel to and from meetings is reimbursed at $0.725 per mile.

Interested in applying to serve on the CAC? Please email us for more information or download the application below and send it to Lisa Park, CAC Manager.

CAC meetings are typically held on the third Thursday of the month from 1:00-3:00pm and are open to the public. Join the meeting at the link found here. 

If you would like to sign-up for the Public Comment portion of this meeting, please email info@willamettehealthcouncil.org. The public comment portion will not exceed 20 minutes, and each person will be allowed roughly 3 – 5 minutes depending on the number of participants.