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• 1. [Article] Clackamas County Alternate Work Week Pilot Project

  In November 2008, Clackamas County, Oregon began a one-year pilot program: switching employees to an alternate four-day work week, with 10-hour workdays (typically 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Clackamas County Alternate Work Week Pilot Project Author: Nishishiba, Masami, Bitton, Jana, Kurtz, Dennis, Zil, Charlene Year: 2010 In November 2008, Clackamas County, Oregon began a one-year pilot program: switching employees to an alternate four-day work week, with 10-hour workdays (typically 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday). About 828 of Clackamas County's 1,800 employees were affected by the program, which does not extend to emergency service providers. This report summarizes the evaluation of Clackamas County’s alternate work week pilot project based on the data collected between November 2008 and July 2009. Title: Clackamas County Alternate Work Week Pilot Project Author: Nishishiba, Masami, Bitton, Jana, Kurtz, Dennis, Zil, Charlene Year: 2010 In November 2008, Clackamas County, Oregon began a one-year pilot program: switching employees to an alternate four-day work week, with 10-hour workdays (typically 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday). About 828 of Clackamas County's 1,800 employees were affected by the program, which does not extend to emergency service providers. This report summarizes the evaluation of Clackamas County’s alternate work week pilot project based on the data collected between November 2008 and July 2009. Close

• 2. [Article] The African Immigrant and Refugee Community in Multnomah County: An Unsettling Profile

  Since 1975, African immigrants, refugees and secondary migrants have been relocating to Multnomah County and now represent the fourth largest immigrant community after Latino, Asian, and Slavic immigrants. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The African Immigrant and Refugee Community in Multnomah County: An Unsettling Profile Author: Curry-Stevens, Ann, Coalition of Communities of Color Year: 2013 Since 1975, African immigrants, refugees and secondary migrants have been relocating to Multnomah County and now represent the fourth largest immigrant community after Latino, Asian, and Slavic immigrants. The African community here is incredibly diverse in its make-up, with over 28 different African countries and numerous ethnic groups represented. Estimates from 2003 suggest that African immigrants make up 2% of the foreign-born population in the Portland Metro (tri-county) area. Nearly half (45%) of the tri-county area’s African foreign-born population is from eastern Africa, including Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Other countries of origin include Sudan, Sierra Leone, Angola, Mali, Liberia, Togo, Chad, Nigeria, Rwanda, Mozambique, and Democratic Republic of Congo. In 2011 alone, the USA admitted around 15,000 African refugees. Very little research has been conducted on the experiences and challenges facing the African immigrant and refugee community in Multnomah County. This report serves to make visible our diverse African communities in Multnomah County Title: The African Immigrant and Refugee Community in Multnomah County: An Unsettling Profile Author: Curry-Stevens, Ann, Coalition of Communities of Color Year: 2013 Since 1975, African immigrants, refugees and secondary migrants have been relocating to Multnomah County and now represent the fourth largest immigrant community after Latino, Asian, and Slavic immigrants. The African community here is incredibly diverse in its make-up, with over 28 different African countries and numerous ethnic groups represented. Estimates from 2003 suggest that African immigrants make up 2% of the foreign-born population in the Portland Metro (tri-county) area. Nearly half (45%) of the tri-county area’s African foreign-born population is from eastern Africa, including Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Other countries of origin include Sudan, Sierra Leone, Angola, Mali, Liberia, Togo, Chad, Nigeria, Rwanda, Mozambique, and Democratic Republic of Congo. In 2011 alone, the USA admitted around 15,000 African refugees. Very little research has been conducted on the experiences and challenges facing the African immigrant and refugee community in Multnomah County. This report serves to make visible our diverse African communities in Multnomah County Close

• 3. [Article] The Latino Community in Multnomah County: An Unsettling Profile

  Our report, "The Latino Community in Multnomah County: An Unsettling Profile" uncovers an array of racial inequities across the systems of income, employment, education, juvenile justice, corrections, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Latino Community in Multnomah County: An Unsettling Profile Author: Curry-Stevens, Ann, Cross-Hemmer, Amanda, Coalition of Communities of Color Year: 2012 Our report, "The Latino Community in Multnomah County: An Unsettling Profile" uncovers an array of racial inequities across the systems of income, employment, education, juvenile justice, corrections, child welfare, philanthropic giving, housing, immigration, research practices (particularly population measurement), wealth, health, health insurance coverage, racial harassment, public service and voter registration. These systems maintain our second-class status and serve to limit our current well being and the prospects for a bright future for our children. Title: The Latino Community in Multnomah County: An Unsettling Profile Author: Curry-Stevens, Ann, Cross-Hemmer, Amanda, Coalition of Communities of Color Year: 2012 Our report, "The Latino Community in Multnomah County: An Unsettling Profile" uncovers an array of racial inequities across the systems of income, employment, education, juvenile justice, corrections, child welfare, philanthropic giving, housing, immigration, research practices (particularly population measurement), wealth, health, health insurance coverage, racial harassment, public service and voter registration. These systems maintain our second-class status and serve to limit our current well being and the prospects for a bright future for our children. Close

• 4. [Article] A qualitative assessment of Clark County's mental health delivery system

  During the past several years, service delivery for mental health in Clark County has changed dramatically. The increase in funding from the federal government in the 1960's, the trend toward de-institutionalization, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A qualitative assessment of Clark County's mental health delivery system Author: Hutchison, John L. Year: 1976 During the past several years, service delivery for mental health in Clark County has changed dramatically. The increase in funding from the federal government in the 1960's, the trend toward de-institutionalization, the emphasis on local control and administration, the proliferation of service agencies and types of programs, and the increase in demand for mental health services, has created the complex, multi-dimensional, multi-funded "system" called the mental health system. This increased complexity in the service delivery system has resulted in confusion among decision makers, consumers, providers of service, and the community at large. This confusion has manifested itself in a call for accountability. For local agencies receiving federal funds, accountability has been primarily an audit function. With respect to private agencies receiving private donations, accountability has been limited to budget presentations and rudimentary data collection, i.e., numbers served, client/staff ratios, program utilization by clients and the like. In general, no systematic, continous effort has been made to develop a full range of program evaluation accessible to decision makers, consumers, providers of service, and the community at large. In addition to the influence on the mental health system due to the increasing demands for accountability, elected officials are often becoming administrators of mental health funds. This increase in the span of control of elected officials has created greater visibility for their positions, thus bringing pressure from consumers as well as the community at large, to the mental health system. Recognizing the above trends in mental health care, the Clark County Commissioners contracted with the Health and Welfare Planning Council (HWPC) to investigate and provide information describing the nature of the mental health service delivery system in Clark County, and to report this information to the Commissioners and the community at large. In addition, the study attempts to evaluate the effectiveness of that system in the delivery of service. Title: A qualitative assessment of Clark County's mental health delivery system Author: Hutchison, John L. Year: 1976 During the past several years, service delivery for mental health in Clark County has changed dramatically. The increase in funding from the federal government in the 1960's, the trend toward de-institutionalization, the emphasis on local control and administration, the proliferation of service agencies and types of programs, and the increase in demand for mental health services, has created the complex, multi-dimensional, multi-funded "system" called the mental health system. This increased complexity in the service delivery system has resulted in confusion among decision makers, consumers, providers of service, and the community at large. This confusion has manifested itself in a call for accountability. For local agencies receiving federal funds, accountability has been primarily an audit function. With respect to private agencies receiving private donations, accountability has been limited to budget presentations and rudimentary data collection, i.e., numbers served, client/staff ratios, program utilization by clients and the like. In general, no systematic, continous effort has been made to develop a full range of program evaluation accessible to decision makers, consumers, providers of service, and the community at large. In addition to the influence on the mental health system due to the increasing demands for accountability, elected officials are often becoming administrators of mental health funds. This increase in the span of control of elected officials has created greater visibility for their positions, thus bringing pressure from consumers as well as the community at large, to the mental health system. Recognizing the above trends in mental health care, the Clark County Commissioners contracted with the Health and Welfare Planning Council (HWPC) to investigate and provide information describing the nature of the mental health service delivery system in Clark County, and to report this information to the Commissioners and the community at large. In addition, the study attempts to evaluate the effectiveness of that system in the delivery of service. Close

• 5. [Article] Communities of Color in Multnomah County: An Unsettling Profile

  Existing data that informs decision making in Multnomah County inadequately captures the lived experiences of communities of color. Rarely do existing reports include dimensions of race and ethnicity. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Communities of Color in Multnomah County: An Unsettling Profile Author: Curry-Stevens, Ann, Cross-Hemmer, Amanda, Coalition of Communities of Color Year: 2010 Existing data that informs decision making in Multnomah County inadequately captures the lived experiences of communities of color. Rarely do existing reports include dimensions of race and ethnicity. Much research has been undertaken without the involvement of those most affected by the decisions guided by the research. The impact is that communities of color are rarely visible at the level of policy. Data has been used to obscure and oppress rather than to empower communities and eliminate disparities. This is not acceptable, and leads to inequitable policy and devastating outcomes for people of color. "Communities of Color in Multnomah County: An Unsettling Profile" is the first of a series of reports developed in partnership with Portland State University. The report documents the experiences of communities of color in Multnomah County. The subsequent six reports will be community-specific reports on the African American, African immigrant and refugee, Asian/Pacific Islander, Latino, Native American and Slavic communities. The results of the report are unsettling. But there is opportunity for creating a new policy environment that supports rather than harms communities of color. The report can arm communities of color with accurate data and advocacy methods needed to communicate effectively to change policies, and provide public agencies with the data necessary to reinvent systems in a fair and equitable manner. We aim to ensure that datasets are culturally sensitive and comprehensive, and to influence research development processes to empower communities and reduce disparities. Title: Communities of Color in Multnomah County: An Unsettling Profile Author: Curry-Stevens, Ann, Cross-Hemmer, Amanda, Coalition of Communities of Color Year: 2010 Existing data that informs decision making in Multnomah County inadequately captures the lived experiences of communities of color. Rarely do existing reports include dimensions of race and ethnicity. Much research has been undertaken without the involvement of those most affected by the decisions guided by the research. The impact is that communities of color are rarely visible at the level of policy. Data has been used to obscure and oppress rather than to empower communities and eliminate disparities. This is not acceptable, and leads to inequitable policy and devastating outcomes for people of color. "Communities of Color in Multnomah County: An Unsettling Profile" is the first of a series of reports developed in partnership with Portland State University. The report documents the experiences of communities of color in Multnomah County. The subsequent six reports will be community-specific reports on the African American, African immigrant and refugee, Asian/Pacific Islander, Latino, Native American and Slavic communities. The results of the report are unsettling. But there is opportunity for creating a new policy environment that supports rather than harms communities of color. The report can arm communities of color with accurate data and advocacy methods needed to communicate effectively to change policies, and provide public agencies with the data necessary to reinvent systems in a fair and equitable manner. We aim to ensure that datasets are culturally sensitive and comprehensive, and to influence research development processes to empower communities and reduce disparities. Close

• 6. [Article] Curanderismo and Health Delivery Services

  This study explores and describes curanderismo (folk curing) and the cultural disease concepts of mollera caida, empacho, mal de ojo, and susto as researched in a rural Oregon community. Chicano cultural ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Curanderismo and Health Delivery Services Author: Blaesser, Jean Margaret Year: 1974 This study explores and describes curanderismo (folk curing) and the cultural disease concepts of mollera caida, empacho, mal de ojo, and susto as researched in a rural Oregon community. Chicano cultural disease concepts and beliefs are then related to modern health delivery services, and a case is made for the need for cultural awareness, respect, and sensitivity on the part of medical personnel who deliver services. The approach of a curandera (curer) and a doctor are compared. It is strongly stated that Chicanos’ health beliefs and practices do not exist in isolation from the rest of their culture, and that the concept of familias is a particularly important focal point in the harmony of this culture. It is suggested that health delivery services as well as all helping services cannot afford to neglect the totality of a Chicano cultural viewpoint if their services are to have relevance. Practical suggestions for health personnel are included. Data were collected primarily through the participant-observer method. Title: Curanderismo and Health Delivery Services Author: Blaesser, Jean Margaret Year: 1974 This study explores and describes curanderismo (folk curing) and the cultural disease concepts of mollera caida, empacho, mal de ojo, and susto as researched in a rural Oregon community. Chicano cultural disease concepts and beliefs are then related to modern health delivery services, and a case is made for the need for cultural awareness, respect, and sensitivity on the part of medical personnel who deliver services. The approach of a curandera (curer) and a doctor are compared. It is strongly stated that Chicanos’ health beliefs and practices do not exist in isolation from the rest of their culture, and that the concept of familias is a particularly important focal point in the harmony of this culture. It is suggested that health delivery services as well as all helping services cannot afford to neglect the totality of a Chicano cultural viewpoint if their services are to have relevance. Practical suggestions for health personnel are included. Data were collected primarily through the participant-observer method. Close

• 7. [Article] Putting Regulatory Data to Work at the Service of Public Health: Utilizing Data Collected Under the Clean Water Act

  Under the Clean Water Act, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) collects information from states on intended use and impairment of each water body. We explore the feasibility of using these data, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Putting Regulatory Data to Work at the Service of Public Health: Utilizing Data Collected Under the Clean Water Act Author: Jagai, Jyotsna S., Rosenbaum, Barbara J., Pierson, Suzanne M., Messer, Lynne C., Rappazzo, Kristen M., Naumova, Elena N., Lobdell, Danelle T. Year: 2013 Under the Clean Water Act, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) collects information from states on intended use and impairment of each water body. We explore the feasibility of using these data, collected for regulatory purposes, for public health analyses. Combining EPA impairment data and stream hydrology information we estimated the percent of stream length impaired for any use, recreational use, or drinking water use per county in the US as exposure variables. For health outcomes we abstracted county-level hospitalization rates of gastrointestinal infections, GI (ICD-9CM 001-009 excluding 008.45) and gastrointestinal symptoms, GS (ICD-9CM 558.9, 787) among US adults aged 65 years and older from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (1991–2004). Linear mixed-effects models were used to assess county-level associations between percent impaired waters and hospitalization rates adjusted for population density, a proxy for person-to-person transmission. Contrary to expectation, both GI and GS were negatively associated with any water impairment in adjusted models (GI: −0.052, 95 % CI: −0.077, −0.028; GS: −0.438, 95 % CI: −0.702, −0.174). GI was also negatively associated with recreational water impairment (−0.079, 95 % CI: −0.123, −0.036 after adjustment). Neither outcome was associated with drinking water impairment. Limited state data were reported to the EPA for specific recreational (27 states) and drinking (13 states) water impairment, thus limiting the power of the study. Though limited, this analysis demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing regulatory data for public health analyses. Title: Putting Regulatory Data to Work at the Service of Public Health: Utilizing Data Collected Under the Clean Water Act Author: Jagai, Jyotsna S., Rosenbaum, Barbara J., Pierson, Suzanne M., Messer, Lynne C., Rappazzo, Kristen M., Naumova, Elena N., Lobdell, Danelle T. Year: 2013 Under the Clean Water Act, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) collects information from states on intended use and impairment of each water body. We explore the feasibility of using these data, collected for regulatory purposes, for public health analyses. Combining EPA impairment data and stream hydrology information we estimated the percent of stream length impaired for any use, recreational use, or drinking water use per county in the US as exposure variables. For health outcomes we abstracted county-level hospitalization rates of gastrointestinal infections, GI (ICD-9CM 001-009 excluding 008.45) and gastrointestinal symptoms, GS (ICD-9CM 558.9, 787) among US adults aged 65 years and older from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (1991–2004). Linear mixed-effects models were used to assess county-level associations between percent impaired waters and hospitalization rates adjusted for population density, a proxy for person-to-person transmission. Contrary to expectation, both GI and GS were negatively associated with any water impairment in adjusted models (GI: −0.052, 95 % CI: −0.077, −0.028; GS: −0.438, 95 % CI: −0.702, −0.174). GI was also negatively associated with recreational water impairment (−0.079, 95 % CI: −0.123, −0.036 after adjustment). Neither outcome was associated with drinking water impairment. Limited state data were reported to the EPA for specific recreational (27 states) and drinking (13 states) water impairment, thus limiting the power of the study. Though limited, this analysis demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing regulatory data for public health analyses. Close

• 8. [Article] The Asian and Pacific Islander Community in Multnomah County: An Unsettling Profile

  This report builds on the Communities of Color in Multnomah County: An Unsettling Profile publication in 2010, that provided a comprehensive and comparative study of the inequities facing communities of ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Asian and Pacific Islander Community in Multnomah County: An Unsettling Profile Author: Curry-Stevens, Ann, Coalition of Communities of Color Year: 2012 This report builds on the Communities of Color in Multnomah County: An Unsettling Profile publication in 2010, that provided a comprehensive and comparative study of the inequities facing communities of color, immigrants and refugees. The findings, backed up by accurate and extensive data, are indeed unsettling, highlighting the persistent and in some cases growing disparities facing our communities. We see this as a wake-up call for public officials and policy-makers, and an opportunity for increased partnership and collective action for the advancement of racial equity. One key recommendation in this report is to improve standards that ensure the disaggregation of data collection by race, ethnicity and language. This report documents the experiences of over 20 Asian and Pacific Islander ethnic groups, who are both largely diverse in language and culture, while at the same time profoundly linked by the impact of racism. The current standards that collect information about our community in one or two large categories masks the experiences of specific ethnicities preventing policy-makers from understanding the real issues that affect our communities. The false picture resulting from aggregated data too often leads us to accept the myth of the "model minority." This report recognizes the disparities within distinct Asian Pacific American communities, and the role that advocates and public officials have in addressing these issues. Title: The Asian and Pacific Islander Community in Multnomah County: An Unsettling Profile Author: Curry-Stevens, Ann, Coalition of Communities of Color Year: 2012 This report builds on the Communities of Color in Multnomah County: An Unsettling Profile publication in 2010, that provided a comprehensive and comparative study of the inequities facing communities of color, immigrants and refugees. The findings, backed up by accurate and extensive data, are indeed unsettling, highlighting the persistent and in some cases growing disparities facing our communities. We see this as a wake-up call for public officials and policy-makers, and an opportunity for increased partnership and collective action for the advancement of racial equity. One key recommendation in this report is to improve standards that ensure the disaggregation of data collection by race, ethnicity and language. This report documents the experiences of over 20 Asian and Pacific Islander ethnic groups, who are both largely diverse in language and culture, while at the same time profoundly linked by the impact of racism. The current standards that collect information about our community in one or two large categories masks the experiences of specific ethnicities preventing policy-makers from understanding the real issues that affect our communities. The false picture resulting from aggregated data too often leads us to accept the myth of the "model minority." This report recognizes the disparities within distinct Asian Pacific American communities, and the role that advocates and public officials have in addressing these issues. Close

• 9. [Article] The Native American Community in Multnomah County: An Unsettling Profile

  This report is the result of three years of work of true partnership between the Native American community, the Coalition of Communities of Color and Portland State University. The Portland Indian Leaders’ ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Native American Community in Multnomah County: An Unsettling Profile Author: Curry-Stevens, Ann, Cross-Hemmer, Amanda, Coalition of Communities of Color Year: 2011 This report is the result of three years of work of true partnership between the Native American community, the Coalition of Communities of Color and Portland State University. The Portland Indian Leaders’ Roundtable, an alliance of 28 local Native American organizations, tribal organizations and Native focused programs within larger institutions, took a lead role in the implementation of the Native American research. Elders of the community reviewed the work and provided invaluable knowledge and historical context. Our main priority is to advocate for policy decisions that improve outcomes for the Native American community. We hold institutional reform and the formation of a powerful racial equity advocacy coalition as central to improving outcomes. This report builds an important knowledge base from which to advocate and to educate. Educating our community and the community at large about the Native American community is crucial to achieving racial equity. Title: The Native American Community in Multnomah County: An Unsettling Profile Author: Curry-Stevens, Ann, Cross-Hemmer, Amanda, Coalition of Communities of Color Year: 2011 This report is the result of three years of work of true partnership between the Native American community, the Coalition of Communities of Color and Portland State University. The Portland Indian Leaders’ Roundtable, an alliance of 28 local Native American organizations, tribal organizations and Native focused programs within larger institutions, took a lead role in the implementation of the Native American research. Elders of the community reviewed the work and provided invaluable knowledge and historical context. Our main priority is to advocate for policy decisions that improve outcomes for the Native American community. We hold institutional reform and the formation of a powerful racial equity advocacy coalition as central to improving outcomes. This report builds an important knowledge base from which to advocate and to educate. Educating our community and the community at large about the Native American community is crucial to achieving racial equity. Close

• 10. [Article] 2017 Point-In-Time: Count of Homelessness in Portland/Gresham/Multnomah County, Oregon

  The 2017 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count of Homelessness provides a snapshot of people who were experiencing homelessness on the night of Wednesday, February 22, 2017, in Portland, Gresham, and Multnomah County, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: 2017 Point-In-Time: Count of Homelessness in Portland/Gresham/Multnomah County, Oregon Author: Krishnan, Uma, Elliott, Deborah Year: 2017 The 2017 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count of Homelessness provides a snapshot of people who were experiencing homelessness on the night of Wednesday, February 22, 2017, in Portland, Gresham, and Multnomah County, Oregon. The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires communities to count people living in emergency shelters, transitional housing or places not meant for human habitation (these people are collectively known as “HUD homeless”) on a single night (a “point in time”) at least once every two years. This enumeration is one way of understanding the levels and trends in unmet need for shelter and permanent housing within the community. The last PIT count was conducted on January 28, 2015. The objective of this report is to share the results of the 2017 PIT count. The data analysis and findings provide the following: a snapshot of people experiencing homelessness (unsheltered and sheltered) on the night of February 22, 2017 demographic characteristics of people in unsheltered and sheltered locations additional findings on the population that is unsheltered Title: 2017 Point-In-Time: Count of Homelessness in Portland/Gresham/Multnomah County, Oregon Author: Krishnan, Uma, Elliott, Deborah Year: 2017 The 2017 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count of Homelessness provides a snapshot of people who were experiencing homelessness on the night of Wednesday, February 22, 2017, in Portland, Gresham, and Multnomah County, Oregon. The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires communities to count people living in emergency shelters, transitional housing or places not meant for human habitation (these people are collectively known as “HUD homeless”) on a single night (a “point in time”) at least once every two years. This enumeration is one way of understanding the levels and trends in unmet need for shelter and permanent housing within the community. The last PIT count was conducted on January 28, 2015. The objective of this report is to share the results of the 2017 PIT count. The data analysis and findings provide the following: a snapshot of people experiencing homelessness (unsheltered and sheltered) on the night of February 22, 2017 demographic characteristics of people in unsheltered and sheltered locations additional findings on the population that is unsheltered Close