The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners has highlighted its commitment to community health and support of local businesses with the adoption of three proclamations as of August 6. Chair Jessica Vega Pederson expressed the Board's intent, stating, "These proclamations because they serve to honor, celebrate and recognize, or create awareness about, important issues or groups and individuals for services and achievements," as reported by Multnomah County News.
Following suit with the national celebration of Health Center Week from August 3-9, a proclamation has spotlighted the significance of Multnomah County’s Community Health Centers. These institutions are instrumental in providing integrated medical, dental, and behavioral health services to more than 55,000 individuals annually. "Health centers also play a critical role in reducing racial and ethnic, geographic, socioeconomic, and other health inequities," Community Health Center Board Chair Tamia Deary remarked in a statement to Multnomah County News.
Adding to the County's August recognitions, the Board has designated the entire month to applaud the efforts of community health workers, embedding their work deep into the public consciousness. Vega Pederson praised these workers as essential to the public health landscape, stating that they "are the front line, and we would not be able to fulfill our role as the public health authority without them." Ahmed Alzubidi, a program specialist, highlighted the impact of these workers within his community, calling them "hidden soldiers" because of their often unseen yet crucial roles, according to Multnomah County News.
Capping off the August recognitions, Multnomah County is celebrating Black Business Month to honor the contributions of Black entrepreneurs to the local and national economy. Commissioner Shannon Singleton, who co-sponsored the proclamation, plans to use her social media and newsletter to spotlight various Black-owned businesses throughout the month. "Black businesses and people built this nation and many of our communities," Singleton said, as noted by Multnomah County News. Acknowledging the formidable presence of Black entrepreneurship, Commissioner Jones-Dixon shared personal anecdotes of business owners and vowed to foster an inclusive environment for business growth.
These proclamations are echoed by the Portland community's deep-rooted support structures, including organizations like the Black Business Association of Oregon, which recently identified 530 Black-owned businesses in the state. Such data was noted in the proclamation, revealing 38% of these businesses are located within three miles of Martin Luther King Boulevard in Multnomah County, casting a light on the area as a hub for Black economic activity and innovation.
