The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners marked the first Proclamation Day of the year by adopting four separate declarations to honor various communities and professionals within the county. Commissioner Shannon Singleton initiated the proceedings with the proclamation that designated March 2025 as Women's History Month. "Appreciation for the work of all the female leaders in this community, on this board, and the County at large," Singleton stated, acknowledging the crucial roles and contributions of local women, as noted by Multnomah County's official news.
The day also saw the introduction of Abortion Provider Appreciation Day, slated on March 10, in recognition of those who continue to deliver reproductive healthcare despite increasing national restrictions. While welcoming Dr. Katie Hansen from Oregon Health & Science University, Chair Jessica Vega Pederson praised the essential work performed by medical professionals in the field. "Abortion providers and the clinic staff who support them and their patients are an essential and valued part of the continuum of health care in Multnomah County," Vega Pederson articulated, as per the county's press release.
Furthermore, the board heralded March as Procurement Month, a period intended to celebrate Multnomah County's procurement and contract professionals. According to the County's purchasing manager, Brian Smith, these professionals are instrumental in linking policy with implementation and maximizing public funds. Senior procurement analyst Jun Zhu read the declaration, emphasizing their commitment to deriving taxpayer value and advancing professional expertise through new technologies like AI.
Finally, Commissioner Meghan Moyer sponsored a proclamation that marked March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Having previously directed public policy for Disability Rights Oregon, Moyer is intimately familiar with advocacy efforts in this sector. She praised the self-advocates continuously underestimated and undervalued by society, reaffirming Multnomah County's commitment to inclusion and participation for individuals with developmental disabilities.
