Public Health Advisory Council - Sept. 22, 2025

5:30 – 5:32 p.m.
2 minutes

I.      Call to Order

Welcome to PHAC members and visitors
Co-Chair Smith

5:32 – 5:47 p.m.
15 minutes

II.     Introductions & Ice Breaker Acknowledge group agreements

Activity to get better acquainted 
Co-Chair Knox All participate

5:47 – 5:53 p.m.
3 minutes per individual/
6 minutes total

III.  Public Input

Co-Chair Smith

5:56 – 5:59 p.m.
3 minutes

V.     Minutes of June 16, 2025 meeting

Review minutes from previous PHAC meeting 
Co-Chair Knox

5:59 – 6:14 p.m.
15 minutes

VI.     Director's Report

Update PHAC on CCPHD work & priorities 
Kim La Croix

6:14 – 6:24 p.m.
10 minutes

VII.    Health Officer's Report

Update PHAC on public health conditions in the county 
Dr. Sarah Present

VIII.  Presentation: CCPHD's Draft Health Equity Action Plan

Learn about CCPHD's plan to address health equity in the county 
Jamie Zentner, Armando Jimenez

6:59 – 7:14 p.m.
15 minutes

IX.      Discussion: CCPHD's Draft Health Equity Action Plan

Group discussion on CCPHD's draft plan 
Jamie Zentner, Armando Jimenez All participate

7:14 – 7:24 p.m.
10 minutes

X.       2025 Legislative Session Debrief

Takeaways from the recent legislative session 
Armando Jimenez

7:24 – 7:29 p.m.
5 minutes

XI.      Call for new business & announcements

New topics/issues brought forward by members 
Co-Chair Knox

7:29 – 7:30 p.m.
1 minute

XII.     Wrap-up and Adjournment

What would you like to learn more about? 
Co-Chair Smith

Welcome to PHAC
members and visitors

Co-Chair Smith called the meeting to order

Activity to get better
acquainted

Co-Chair Knox led the activity

Are there any additions to the agenda?

Jamie requested that the Legislative Update be moved to follow the Health Officer's Report. Christine moved to approve the agenda; Mimi seconded. Motion passed.

Motion/ Vote : Second, vote

Review minutes from previous PHAC meeting

Kirsten moved to approve the minutes; Savannah seconded. Motion passed.

Update PHAC on CCPHD work & priorities

Kim shared positive news about the Little Blue Store initiative in Milwaukee, which successfully stopped selling tobacco products and began selling produce, thanks to partnerships with Clackamas County Public Health and Oregon Health Authority.
Kim provided an overview of the budget landscape at federal, state, and local levels, highlighting potential cuts to SNAP, Medicaid, and public health services. She noted that WIC funding is only guaranteed for three should federal budget negotiations fail, which could lead to service disruptions. She also discussed changes in vaccine policies and recommendations, as well as the formation of the West Coast Health Alliance, which should clarify and improve COVID-19 vaccine access in Oregon. The group discussed upcoming events and presentations related to suicide awareness and sudden unexplained infant death, as well as the potential impact of a federal government shutdown on public health funding.

Update PHAC on public health conditions in the county

Dr. Sarah Present, Clackamas County Health Officer, discussed the current rabies situation, noting an increase in animal cases nationwide and a recent bat testing positive in the county. She explained that while rabies is nearly 100% fatal if contracted, prevention efforts focus on avoiding encounters with wildlife, particularly bats, and emphasized that only mammal bites that break the skin pose a risk. She also mentioned a new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, though she assured the group that travel-related cases to the
U.S. were unlikely due to the remote location of the outbreak and quick response by officials.

Learn about CCPHD's plan to address health equity in the county

Jamie presented an orientation on public health modernization, distinguishing it from other public health plans like the Community Health Improvement Plan and the Strategic Plan. She explained that public health modernization started in 2015 with funding for updating foundational programs and capabilities. Jamie outlined the Health Equity Action Plan (HEAP), which aims to address health inequities over five years, and emphasized the importance of community engagement in its development. The presentation included a review of existing reports and assessments that informed the HEAP's strategies and objectives, which will be further discussed in future sessions.

Jamie outlined four key objectives to strengthen community partnerships, provide legislative training, support resiliency hubs, and build the Traditional Health Worker workforce. She highlighted successful funding opportunities for community-based organizations and emphasized the need for community involvement in addressing health inequities through improved transportation, housing, and climate adaptation efforts. Jenny presented data from the Healthy Columbia Willamette Collaborative showing the importance of reliable and affordable transportation for various communities, while also discussing the need for resource hubs to address mental health and social isolation.

Jamie discussed strategies to address health inequities, focusing on making public health programs effective, equitable, and responsive to diverse cultural beliefs and practices. The Division's communications specialist is leading efforts to develop formal procedures for language access and translation of public health materials, including a cultural review process. Jenny presented a map showing areas in Clackamas County with limited English proficiency, highlighting concentrations in urban and suburban areas. Christine suggested comparing this map with a potential language map of businesses and service providers to understand access to services.

Jamie presented strategies for improving health equity, including implementing an H3S equity toolkit and establishing partnerships. The toolkit aims to ensure culturally and linguistically appropriate services, while partnerships will enhance multidisciplinary capacity. Kim suggested partnering with organizations like Livelihood Northwest for technical assistance in grant writing and reporting. Jamie emphasized the importance of closing the feedback loop with community partners to strengthen trust and transparency.

Group discussion on
CCPHD's draft plan

The group discussed data sources for local planning, including the Behavioral Risk Factor Survey and American Community Survey, noting their importance despite scrutiny. Jamie mentioned that reports would be sent out as follow-up, and Gianou clarified that the final
approval of strategies would occur in December.

Takeaways from the recent legislative session

Armando provided a debrief on the legislative session, highlighting that public health was well-prepared but faced challenges due to reduced state revenue forecasts and federal Medicaid cuts. He noted a lack of urgency in prioritizing public health funding despite legislative support. Meeting participants discussed the importance of local public health and its high trust levels compared to federal entities.

New topics/issues brought forward by members

Prior to the meeting, Romanet let CCPHD staff know that she needed to resign from her position on the PHAC this month. She served as the member representing Food/Nutrition.

Co-Chair Knox reviewed PHAC meeting attendance requirements and mentioned Yvonne's upcoming Co-Chair position election in October, with Jamie reminding attendees to review the Co-Chairs' responsibilities outlined in the bylaws. Yvonne intends to run again; other inserted members should contact CCPHD staff.

What would you like to learn more about?

Pam made a motion to adjourn at 7:28pm; Savannah seconded. Motion passed.