Human Services
$4+ gas = Observable Behavior Changes
by Marissa Madrigal
I've been completely fascinated lately by the change sweeping our city as gas prices have shot into ridiculously un-affordable territory. I for one, no longer drive to work. It sure seems like traffic in general is lighter, even when seasonally adjusted. I've also noticed our perception of "personal space" is shrinking, as anyone who has crammed onto a crowded bus or max in the last few months can attest.
But because things have morphed so quickly, new problems are popping up. Take this story about the no vacancy sign out for bikes on the Max. Sure, it's never been a sure thing that your bike would fit on the Max, especially during rush hour - but kicking bikes (and their riders) off? It's kind of weird. Everything seems a little bit off. Not in a bad way necessarily, just off. Like we're living in Bizarro Portland in a galaxy far, far away.
What do all of you see happening out there? Are you, your friends and family making personal adjustments to cope? Send us your observations and thoughts about the changes you're seeing in Portland on this fine Friday afternoon.
Discuss: $4+ gas = Observable Behavior Changes
» June 27, 2008 - 1 comments - Children and Families, Front Page News, Human Services, Marissa's Blog, Sustainability
Transition plan announced for Cascadia
From Public Affairs:
Multnomah County, Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare and state officials released a transition plan that will transfer some mental health programs to other service providers. The move was a result of more than two months of in-depth financial analysis and evaluation of the service capacity of Cascadia and community mental health providers.
“The county and state are committed to making this work, ” said Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler. “This is a positive first step. Further changes are likely in the future.”
Read more and discuss: Transition plan announced for Cascadia
» June 17, 2008 - 1 comments - Human Services, Jeff's Blog, Top Stories
Public Meeting Regarding Cascadia and Multnomah County Mental Health System
From Human Services:
This week, Cascadia has offered the state and Multnomah County options for downsizing their organization. We are looking at a variety of alternatives. Cuts may occur in program areas or geographic areas. Services will continue, but service providers and locations may change.
All parties are committed to ensuring continuity of care, with minimal disruption for consumers.
Community feedback on the draft plan is valued. Consumers and members of the public are invited to weigh in at a meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 29, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Benson High School Cafeteria (546 NE 12th Ave.)
Read more and discuss: Public Meeting Regarding Cascadia and Multnomah County Mental Health System
» May 27, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Human Services, Karol's Blog, Top Stories
Event will spotlight unpaid family caregivers
From Multnomah County Aging & Disability Services:
For most caregivers in Oregon, coming home means starting their second shift of work. The majority of Oregon's 420,000 unpaid family caregivers are employed full or part-time. Instead of sitting down to rest their feet and minds, they have to care for the house, sometimes their children, and most often, their parents, spouse or other loved one.
Read more and discuss: Event will spotlight unpaid family caregivers
» May 21, 2008 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Human Services, Karol's Blog, Sidebar Alerts
Chair Wheeler's statement on Cascadia
State and County Partner to Avert Mental Health Crisis
Statement of Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler
May 1, 2008
For the last two weeks, Multnomah County staff has been working closely with the State of Oregon and Cascadia Behavioral Health to avoid a crisis in the provision of mental health services to our community. This morning, in Executive Session, the Board of County Commissioners heard a briefing on the crisis at Cascadia Behavioral Health. Last night, Cascadia’s bank told us that they had collected an outstanding loan by seizing the funds in Cascadia’s bank account which would have covered the paychecks that are due today to Cascadia’s employees.
Read more and discuss: Chair Wheeler's statement on Cascadia
» May 1, 2008 - 0 comments - Budget, Front Page News, Human Services, Karol's Blog, News
Stroke Mortality declines in Multnomah County
From Public Affairs: Cerebrovascular disease, also known as stroke, is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Although stroke death rates have declined 15% in Multnomah County in the last decade, they remain higher than rates for Oregon and the U.S. The rate in Multnomah County in 2005 was 60 deaths per 100,000 population. In Oregon it was 55 deaths per 100,000 population and nationally the rate was 47 deaths per 100,000 population.
Read more and discuss: Stroke Mortality declines in Multnomah County
» April 30, 2008 - 0 comments - Human Services, Karol's Blog, Sidebar Alerts
County dental clinics work to prevent mercury pollution
From Public Affairs:
Multnomah County Health Department is taking steps to prevent mercury pollution by installing mercury amalgam separators at its four dental clinics. An amalgam separator is designed to remove waste amalgam from the rinse water in the vacuum line before discharge to sewer. Amalgam separators can remove up to 99 percent of the mercury from wastewater before it is discharged from the dental office.
Read more and discuss: County dental clinics work to prevent mercury pollution
» April 29, 2008 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Front Page News, Human Services, Karol's Blog
Multnomah County Health Department investigates measles case
From Public Affairs and Human Services:
Measles has been confirmed in a traveler who flew from Amsterdam to Seattle to Portland on March 26, and then back to Amsterdam from Portland on March 29. State and local public health officials are investigating the activities of this traveler, and identifying people who might be at risk of becoming ill.
The traveler spent little time in public settings during her visit to Portland. As a result, the risk of infection to the general public is considered low. Despite the low risk, public health officials are:
• Contacting at-risk people on airline fights with the infected traveler (Horizon flight 2243 to Portland, departing Seattle on March 26 at 5:00 pm; and Northwest Airlines flight 92, leaving Portland for Amsterdam on March 29).
Read more and discuss: Multnomah County Health Department investigates measles case
» April 10, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News, Human Services, Karol's Blog
Bridges to Unity Summit aims to decrease violence and racism in schools - April 10th
From Public Affairs:
Two hundred fifty middle school students will tackle the issues of racism and violence in schools at the third annual Bridges to Unity Summit. The summit will be held April 10, 2008 at George Middle School. The conference is titled “Building Bridges Across Cultures” and aims to help students learn how to successfully interact with other cultures, decrease conflict and gain leadership skills.
Joanne Fuller, Director of Multnomah County Department of Human Services stated, "I am pleased to support the third annual Bridges to Unity Summit. As we have seen in past youth summits, this event helps build stronger cross-cultural communication and leadership skills that help kids achieve success in their school and communities.”
Read more and discuss: Bridges to Unity Summit aims to decrease violence and racism in schools - April 10th
» April 8, 2008 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Events, Front Page News, Human Services, Karol's Blog, North Portland
Multnomah County Health Department announces 2008 Public Health Heroes
From the Health Dept.:
Multnomah County Health Department’s eighth annual Public Health Heroes award celebration recognizes the contributions of community members, through their work or volunteerism, to protect and promote the health of all of us in Multnomah County.
Public Health Hero awards are given in six categories, (listed with winners on page 2) three of which have been named for individuals who have made outstanding contributions to public health. Multnomah County established the Josiah Hill Community Leadership Award to honor his legacy as a powerful and dedicated champion in the fight for social, racial, health, and environmental justice. The Governor John Kitzhaber Public Health Leadership Award honors those in our community who have worked unceasingly to create policy solutions that assure, promote, and protect health for every member of the community. The Katie Jeans-Gail Award for Youth Heroes memorializes a young woman who was a champion for public health. She worked both locally and internationally to assure that the most vulnerable in our world could be healthy.
Read more and discuss: Multnomah County Health Department announces 2008 Public Health Heroes
» April 7, 2008 - 0 comments - Events, Front Page News, Human Services, Karol's Blog
Unnatural Causes: Is Inequality Making Us Sick?
From the Health Equity Initiative:
Join Multnomah County in learning how your health is more than health care or personal choice. Viewings of the remaining five segments of the PBS documentary Unnatural Causes: Is Inequality Making Us Sick? - Free and open to all employees.
Becoming American - Wednesday, 2-Apr-08, 10 - 12 noon
For many people, the United States is the land of opportunity. As a nation of immigrants, why do we see other countries with better health status? Why do recent immigrants have better health outcomes? What can we learn about health by looking beyond our borders? Find out how…
When the Bough Breaks - Wednesday, 9-Apr-08, 3-5 p.m.
Did you know African American women with college degrees are still at higher risk for poor birth outcomes than white women with high school diplomas? Since genetics is not the issue, what could account for the differences we see in different racial groups? Is it possible that racism affects our health? Find out how...
Bad Sugar - Monday, 14-Apr-08, 8-10 a.m.
How many people do you know with diabetes? Is it easy for you to eat fresh fruit and vegetables each day? Political decisions about food can make it easier or harder for you to eat healthy and manage or prevent diabetes. Find out how…
Read more and discuss: Unnatural Causes: Is Inequality Making Us Sick?
» March 31, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Human Services, Karol's Blog
Want your stimulus check? You have to file your 2007 tax return first
President Bush recently signed into law the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008. This law provides tax rebates to more than 130 million households. The payments will start in May 2008. However, to receive a payment an individual must file a tax return. If you have not filled out a return (even you, seniors, veterans and income restricted folks), you will not get a return. Visit CASH Oregon's website to see where you can get free assistance.
Discuss: Want your stimulus check? You have to file your 2007 tax return first
» March 25, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News, Human Services, Karol's Blog, News
Cuentele A Un Amigo
El IRS podria deberle el dinero!
Descubralo teniendo sus delaraciones preparados gratuitamente por voluntarios capacitados.
Cuando venga, asegurese de traer:
Read more and discuss: Cuentele A Un Amigo
» March 20, 2008 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Human Services, Karol's Blog, Top Stories
Medicare offers classes for new enrollees
From Public Affairs: Multnomah County Aging Disability Services is collaborating with Mt. Hood Community College to present free classes for those new to Medicare. “Welcome to Medicare” is designed for people nearing age 65 or those who become eligible due to receiving Social Security Disability benefits.
Read more and discuss: Medicare offers classes for new enrollees
» March 18, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Human Services, Sidebar Alerts
The IRS may owe you money...
That's a people grabbing headline! This, from our Public Affairs office:
Seniors and people with disabilities – the IRS may owe you money
Americans will soon receive a check in the mail from the federal government. It's known as the "stimulus payment", "tax rebate" or "refund." For many individuals, filing an income tax return is an annual occurrence. However, in some cases, low-income workers, recipients of Social Security or certain veterans may have to file a return for the first time in many years. They have to establish that they have at least $3,000 of qualifying income to receive the refund.
Read more and discuss: The IRS may owe you money...
» March 12, 2008 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Human Services, Karol's Blog, Top Stories
Retreat will support grandparents raising grandchildren
From Public Affairs:
Grandparents raising grandchildren face economic hardship and stress, according to AARP and The National Caregiving Alliance. In Oregon, AARP reports more than 37,500, or four percent of all children in the state live in grandparent-headed households. An additional 14,000 children (1.7%) live in households headed by other relatives. Nationally, 4.5 million children live in grandparent-headed households (6.3% of all children under age 18.)
Read more and discuss: Retreat will support grandparents raising grandchildren
» March 5, 2008 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Human Services, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Sidebar Alerts
Madness and Disability Rights: A Community Forum on Mental Health
From The Icarus Project, Process Work Institute, and Mental Health Association of Portland:
Sunday, March 9th, 7 - 9pm
Process Work Institute - 2049 NW Hoyt St., Portland Oregon
Free and Open to the Public, Wheelchair Accessible; please avoid scented body products; call with other access needs
Extreme states of madness usually get labeled psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and bipolar, and treated with medications. What are different ways of understanding these experiences, and what are other options for helping people? What lessons can we learn from care in different countries?
Come discuss a disability rights view on madness and extreme states of consciousness. This perspective respects individual choice to take or not take medication, welcomes a diversity of treatment possibilities, and is open to different interpretations of the mysterious experiences we call “crazy.” We will also look at the economic and political forces influencing mental health.
Read more and discuss: Madness and Disability Rights: A Community Forum on Mental Health
» March 3, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Human Services, Karol's Blog
Oregon Health Forum Event on Veterans
This morning I attended a breakfast forum called, "Health on the Home Front: Focusing on Veterans' Needs," sponosored by the Oregon Health Forum. Commissioner Cogen was recognized at the start of the event for his leadership on taking care of our returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, and for his help in promoting this event as a follow-up to the "Our Veterans, Our Neighbors" event he helped organize last fall.
Read more and discuss: Oregon Health Forum Event on Veterans
» February 26, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Front Page News, Human Services, News, Warren's Blog
In sickness and in wealth - a community discussion on health disparities
From the Multnomah County Health Department:
We invite you to join us in a community dialogue about the root causes of health disparities and long-term solutions. Beginning in March, 2008, a PBS documentary Unnatural Causes: Is Inequality Making Us Sick? will explore how inequalities in housing, health, jobs, and education—combined with a lack of power and control over one's life—can translate into bad health and even death. Multnomah County will be one of many communities across the country to feature this documentary in a series of public screenings. Watch the film, then join the discussion. To join the discussions happening this spring, check out the calendar.
What Are Health Disparities?
Population-specific differences in the presence of disease, health or access to care. For example, did you know that African American men in Multnomah County are 40% more likely than white men to be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and more than 2 times more likely to die from prostate cancer than white men? Health disparities are not “natural;” racism and social class play a role in this disparity.
Read more and discuss: In sickness and in wealth - a community discussion on health disparities
» February 12, 2008 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Front Page News, Human Services, Karol's Blog
Multnomah County Health Department campaign to focus on sexual health in the African American community
From the Public Affairs Office:
Multnomah County Health Department will launch its first social marketing effort to educate African American youth, young adults and community members about sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s) and the importance of testing and treatment. The education campaign features a variety of culturally-specific media including a website (knowsexpdx.com), brochures profiling local sexual health services for youth, as well as posters and postcards.
WHEN & WHERE
Campaign Launch
Thursday, February 7, 2008
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Multnomah County Board Room
501 SE Hawthorne
Portland, OR 97214
Read more and discuss: Multnomah County Health Department campaign to focus on sexual health in the African American community
» February 5, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Human Services
Board of health in NYC requires chain restaurants to display caloric information
At the Multnomah County health department, there is much talk around encouraging chain restaurant establishments to display their caloric information. There is consensus that if people knew how many calories that they were consuming, they might make a different choice. They are weighing the pros and cons right now and hope to hear the results soon. In the meantime, here's a press release from New York explaining how it works:
NEW YORK CITY – January 22, 2008 – The Board of Health today voted to require restaurant chains operating in New York City to prominently display calorie information on their menus and menu boards. The new regulation, which takes effect on March 31, 2008, applies to any New York City chain restaurant that has 15 or more outlets nationwide – about 10% of all New York City restaurants.
Read more and discuss: Board of health in NYC requires chain restaurants to display caloric information
» January 24, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News, Human Services, Karol's Blog
Jeff talks to the PDC today about the County sharing in urban renewal's bounty
Jeff is in the Portland Tribune today talking about the future of three urban renewal districts downtown and how Multnomah County is proposing a way to get back some of the $16 million dollars per year the PDC currently diverts from the County; money that would be otherwise spent for vital human services.
Read the article, then come back and let us know: is Jeff making a fair offer to the PDC?
Discuss: Jeff talks to the PDC today about the County sharing in urban renewal's bounty
» December 18, 2007 - 0 comments - Budget, Front Page News, Human Services, Karol's Blog, Public Safety
Health Dept. says, "Get a flu shot!"
Holiday gatherings can hasten the spread of influenza and Multnomah County Health Department reminds the public that it’s not too late to get vaccinated. Flu vaccine is still widely available.
Read more and discuss: Health Dept. says, "Get a flu shot!"
» December 6, 2007 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Human Services, Karol's Blog, Sidebar Alerts
Recognizing Veterans
Today the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners passed a proclamation recognizing veterans. The proclamation was submitted by Commissioner Cogen in recognition of the 197 Multnomah County employees who are veterans or who are on active duty. The Board also wanted to acknowledge the contributions of all of our veterans, and to highlight the important duty we have, as a county and as a community, to warmly welcome them back and help them and their families reintegrate after their military service is over.
Below are links to two very alarming articles on homeless veterans and the challenges of reintegration. We still have a chance to get out in front of this problem, but there is no doubt that the challenge of avoiding a repeat of the Vietnam era is a huge one.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/08/us/08vets.html?hp
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/H/HOMELESS_VETERANS?SITE=WWL&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
This story from today's Oregonian shares some local perspective on the enormous debt we owe our veterans.
Discuss: Recognizing Veterans
» November 8, 2007 - 0 comments - Homeless, Human Services, Top Stories, Warren's Blog
Karol in New Orleans and Biloxi
Superstar member of Team Cogen, Karol Collymore, is on the US Gulf Coast right now wrapping up two weeks of volunteering to help Hurricane Katrina victims. She is working with a group of Portland volunteers from Hands-On Portland. They have been doing some amazing work in Biloxi and New Orleans. Some of Karol's observations and pearls of wisdom gleaned from her work there are up on Blueoregon.com. Below are links to her four most recent posts:
http://www.blueoregon.com/2007/10/biloxi-ms---kat.html
http://www.blueoregon.com/2007/10/biloxi-ms---day.html
http://www.blueoregon.com/2007/10/biloxi-ms---d-1.html
http://www.blueoregon.com/2007/11/new-orleans---l.html
Discuss: Karol in New Orleans and Biloxi
» November 5, 2007 - 0 comments - Blogs, Community Involvement, Front Page News, Human Services
Older adults encouraged to participate in upcoming events and support Vital Aging Task Force
From our Public Affairs office:
The creation of Multnomah County’s Vital Aging Task Force on February 15 was an early action taken by Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler, designed to engage older adults in the community through new and creative ways. The group recognizes older adults as “a growing valuable resource and asset for employers and for our community.”
According to the U.S. Census, the United States population aged 65 and over is expected to double in size within the next 25 years. By 2030 almost one in every five Americans will be 65 years or older. The age group 85 and older is the now the fastest growing segment of the population. Multnomah County has an elder population approaching 100,000 with 12 percent of this population over 85 years of age.
Read more and discuss: Older adults encouraged to participate in upcoming events and support Vital Aging Task Force
» October 1, 2007 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Human Services, Sidebar Alerts
Rental Housing and No Smoking Policies
The trend of smokefree housing is really picking up around the Portland-Vancouver Metro Area! The most recent development is the news that Guardian Management, the area’s largest property management group, will make 8,000 of its residential units smokefree. Guardian’s no-smoking policy went into effect for new residents on September 1st, 2007, and will be in effect for all residents by Jan. 1st, 2008.
Smokefree housing is a national trend, and locally, things began to heat up about two years ago. That’s when the Portland-Vancouver Metro Area Smokefree Housing Project was created, through a collaboration of the American Lung Association of Oregon, Multnomah County Health Department and Clark County Public Health.
One of the smokefree housing project’s first decisions was to conduct research on what local renters wanted. For years, the three partners had been receiving calls from renters experiencing secondhand smoke drifting into their apartments from neighboring units, and they wanted to find out how widespread the issue really was. In 2006, after completing a random digit-dialed phone survey of 400 renters in the four-county area, the project found that 75% of renters preferred to live in smokefree housing. Just as importantly, the research also showed that only 20% of landlords had a rule prohibiting smoking somewhere on their properties. So, the public demand for smokefree housing greatly outweighed the current supply.
In the spring of 2007, the research findings were compiled into a new tool for landlords—a handbook that essentially walks them through the process of creating a no-smoking policy at their properties. The handbook, A Landlord’s Guide to No-Smoking Policies, is already in its second printing. It provides step-by-step information for landlords on creating, announcing and marketing smokefree properties.
Another important resource for both landlords and renters regarding smokefree policies is a comprehensive web site—SmokefreehousingNW.com. This website was also developed by the Portland-Vancouver Metro Area Smokefree Housing Project. The website offers practical tools for landlords such as a policy checklist, sample lease language and handouts for tenants. The website also offers resources for renters, including tips on how to work with their landlord to reduce secondhand smoke in their buildings. Renters currently suffering from secondhand smoke in their apartments can call the Smokefree Housing Hotline for assistance at: 503-453-0926 or 800-424-0926 outside the Portland metro area.
For more information about smokefree housing policies, please contact the Multnomah County Health Department if you are in Multnomah County at: 503-988-3674 x29356. For other areas of Oregon, call the American Lung Association of Oregon at: 503-718-6145. In Clark County, WA, call Clark County Public Health at 360-397-8000 x7378.
Read more and discuss: Rental Housing and No Smoking Policies
» September 18, 2007 - 2 comments - Children and Families, Front Page News, Human Services, Issues, News, Warren's Blog
Facing homelessness head on
From the Oregonian:
Housing plan for homeless ahead of goal
Audit - In two years, Portland moves 1,039 people and 717 families into housing
Monday, August 27, 2007
ANDY DWORKIN The Oregonian Staff
Portland's made a great start on its 10-year plan to end homelessness, putting more chronically homeless people into houses than projected, according to an audit released today.
How the city will fare in the plan's final seven-plus years is less clear, the audit said, and city officials must set more solid goals if it hopes to sustain progress -- including defining what it means to "end homelessness."
"It's very positive so far. They've set specific goals and met them," said Drummond Kahn, the city's director of audit services. "As we get further along, it's going to get more challenging" because the city's goals are cloudier and because, after first helping those more amenable to housing, the remaining homeless population may be harder to serve.
Read more and discuss: Facing homelessness head on
» August 28, 2007 - 0 comments - Homeless, Human Services, News, Top Stories
Child Neglect
Last Monday I attended a one-day summit on Child Neglect. It was a real eye-opener for me. Child neglect is the single most common form of child abuse and it causes such serious harm to children. Neglect is a chronic condition for children in many homes across Multnomah County, and unfortunately, neglected children are often also enduring other forms of abuse.
Read more and discuss: Child Neglect
» July 31, 2007 - 2 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Front Page News, Front Page News, Human Services, Issues, Public Safety, Warren's Blog
Healthy Homes = Healthy Kids
“The connection between health and the dwelling of the population is one of the most important that exists.” -Florence Nightengale
What do dust-mites, cockroaches, mold and rodents have in common? Besides their respective “ick” factors, these organisms are big-time asthma triggers. The right mattress cover and a good vaccum can help eliminate dust-mites, but those other opportunistic critters can be a little harder to boot out of your home – even more so if you’re a renter without control over the root cause of the infestation.
Multnomah County’s Environmental Health Division recently hosted a Healthy Homes Summit to study the nexus between our health and our homes. Participants helped compile a laundry list of recommendations for Multnomah County and the City of Portland (the full list is after the jump) ranging from updating building codes and enforcement to reflect public health to increasing and improving landlord education.
What you think Multnomah County should do to make our homes healthier?
Read more and discuss: Healthy Homes = Healthy Kids
» July 17, 2007 - 1 comments - Children and Families, Front Page News, Homeless, Human Services, Marissa's Blog, Outer NE
Resolution Supporting our Veterans
Supporting Veteran Reintegration Efforts and Co-Hosting a Summit Meeting in Coordination with the Oregon National Guard Reintegration Program
Read more and discuss: Resolution Supporting our Veterans
» June 28, 2007 - 1 comments - Human Services
