LEBANON - Eating healthy, helping your neighbors and building community were among the topics at Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital on Wednesday when the Community Health Improvement Partnership celebrated its fifth anniversary.

CHIP, as it's known, was formed in 2003 to stir discussion of ways to solve unmet health needs in east Linn County, and then build groups that could tackle those needs.

Five years later, many of the volunteers who run the newly built organizations reported back to a packed dining hall that they've seen a rise in participation with their programs.

Phil Warnock of Cascades West Ride Line Brokerage said his service has 23 contracted drivers who provide rides to people who couldn't otherwise make it to their medical appointments.

The group averages 5,200 rides per month, with 61,800 rides provided to several thousand different people in the last fiscal year, he said.

Joan Pappin of the Sweet Home Healthy Active Partnership said more than 70 kids and 50 community members are participating in a pen-pal program. About 30 bikes were assembled last year through the group's Bike Club, she said.

Mollie Kerins and Rod Sell of Build Lebanon Trails reported that the group's first section, the Mark's Slough Trail, has been completed and they're seeking grants to add another 3,700 feet along the South Santiam River. The group also received a Youth Legacy Grant of $37,000 this year to build trails near Cheadle Lake.

Pam Lessley and Rick George spoke on behalf of the Planting Seeds for Change gardening program at Seven Oak Middle School.

Bruce Edwards of Albany Parks and Recreation spoke about efforts to extend youth recreation to Lebanon.

Tom Ayala spoke about Communities That Care, a group that finds ways to reduce substance abuse among youth.

Angie Frederic spoke about Pick of the Month, an effort to get the word out in the media and other places about healthy eating and recipes for people to try.

Kathleen Magnuson said the Lunch Buddy program at Pioneer School has 12 volunteers now, up from the original four.

Sonia Hintze of the Teen Parent Task Force said she's seen a decrease in volunteers with the group that seeks to educate youth about things like nutrition, household budgets and infant care.

"We're looking for volunteers," she said.

To learn more about CHIP, contact Nancy Kirks, CHIP coordinator, at 451-6425.