Community Health & Safety
Our approach to improving community health and safety must prioritize people and community.. Effective governance means supporting both the families who need services and the professionals who provide them, because sustainable solutions require taking care of everyone in the community.
Communities thrive when health services meet families where they are: geographically, financially, and culturally. True public safety means your family can access a pediatrician when your child is sick, crisis teams respond to mental health emergencies, and treatment is available when addiction threatens a loved one. Healthcare access prevents emergencies, saves lives, and builds healthier communities for everyone.
My approach targets three main areas of our community: 1. Address Homelessness Holistically Through Coordinated Action Many of our neighbors experiencing homelessness were one emergency away from stability, facing job loss, medical bankruptcy, addiction, or mental health challenges. To address each cause of homelessness, a coordinated and transparent approach should be honed through careful research, engagement, and action with internal and external stakeholders, including neighbors, service providers, and those being served. 2. Expand Healthcare Access & Strengthen Mental Health Services The opioid crisis, rising suicide rates, and gaps in behavioral health care demand coordinated, compassionate responses that recognize these challenges which touch every corner of our community. 3. Support Public Health & First Responders Sustainable services require supporting the people delivering them. Our first responders, public health professionals, and emergency services personnel are on the front lines of every crisis, from mental health emergencies to addiction response to disease prevention. When we invest in their resources, training, and support, we strengthen our entire community's safety net.
As Your Commissioner, I will:
1
Address Homelessness Holistically
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Coordinate regionally with those being served, communities, and service providers on county-wide prevention, outreach, and data-sharing between outreach teams and service providers
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Demand evidence-based solutions with proven outcomes, transparent accountability measures, and annual reporting, ensuring rapid access to treatment, supportive housing, and services addressing root causes with real plans and real support
2
Expand Accessible, Affordable Healthcare
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Increase healthcare access for working families and the elderly
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Expand crisis intervention teams that respond appropriately to mental health emergencies and strengthen prevention programs
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Prioritize mental health services for youth and families, including school-based support programs
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Ensure unhoused neighbors can access services with dignity and the support they need to stabilize their lives
3
Support Public Health & First Responders
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Support first responders so police, firefighters, and EMS professionals have what they need to serve our community
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Build a culture of care for our first responders, highlighting their positive impact on Adams County
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Support our workforce serving vulnerable populations with adequate resources
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Ensure the Adams County Public Health Department has resources to address diabetes, asthma, reproductive health, and air quality