This year’s Gehlhar Nutrition Forum, “Eat What You Love. Love What You Eat!” will be a free community program from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 29 at the Hudson Hall at Willamette University and will feature Michelle May, MD. The physician, author and speaker has been nationally recognized for developing a healthy, balanced approach to food, physical movement and self-care. Her message offers a compassionate and constructive approach to lifestyle and weight loss. Dr. May will have her books available for purchase and signing at the author’s table.

Following Dr. May’s keynote, the honorable Jackie Winters will present what community health and nutrition programs are making a positive impact in our community. State Senator Winters helped to create Oregon’s Food Share program and currently serves as co-chair of the I Love ME task force which aims to reduce and prevent diabetes in Marion County.

A community wellness exhibit opens at 6 p.m. The Community Health Education Center (CHEC), Marion County Community Health Improvement Partnership (CHIP), and I Love Me Marion County Initiative will be featuring information on programs that are currently active in the community around health and nutrition.

The event is free to the community, advance registration is recommended. Please visit salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-2432 weekdays for more information.

The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.