In a recent government meeting, officials approved a resolution to raise the solid waste department's change fund by $800, bringing the total to $5,000. The motion received unanimous support from the commissioners present.

The meeting also featured a significant discussion regarding an intergovernmental agreement with Ben Lepine Schools aimed at continuing the Healthy Schools program. Jessica Jacks, program manager for Deschutes County Health Services, and Sean Reinhardt, executive director of student services for Ben Lepine Schools, presented the agreement, which includes a matching contribution of $474,026 sourced from state grants and the county's general fund, as approved in the fiscal year 2025 budget.

The Healthy Schools program integrates public health expertise into the school environment, and preliminary outcomes indicate positive impacts on student mental health. Jacks reported decreases in feelings of depression, stress, and anxiety among students, alongside an increase in behavioral health care referrals leading to appointments with specialists. Notably, there has been a reduction in emergency department visits for suicide-related behaviors among students aged 11 to 17 in schools participating in the program compared to those that do not.

The current agreement is structured for one year, a shift from the previous three-year contract, due to anticipated changes in grant funding that may affect future allocations. Jacks indicated that further details and an annual report would be shared in the fall.

While the agreement received support, some commissioners expressed concerns about the focus on a single school district, questioning the implications for other districts and educational settings in the region. One commissioner highlighted the need for broader resource allocation across various educational entities, including private and homeschooling options.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to revisit the topic in the coming weeks as new funding opportunities arise.