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GRESHAM, Ore. – Gresham City Council invites the community to share their thoughts around police, fire and emergency services in the first Listening Session of 2019. Everyone is welcome on Monday, March 18, from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Gresham City Hall Council Chambers, 1331 NW Eastman Parkway.
The event is hosted by Councilors Karylinn Echols, Eddy Morales and David Widmark. While most of the meeting will be devoted to an open forum where community members may share their opinions, questions and ideas, the Councilors will briefly share progress and plans for public safety projects in the 2019 Council Work Plan.
In 2019, Gresham City Council will focus on issues such as:
- Understanding mental health and our community: Through a partnership with Portland State University, the City is identifying gaps in the medical and behavioral health system that impact public safety.
- Tackling current needs: The Police Department is collaborating with Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare’s Project Respond to create a mental health team to assist individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
- Responding to 911 calls: The CARES program, a collaboration between Gresham Fire and Emergency Services and the OHSU School of Nursing, connects 911 callers who are frequently accessing the system to support and resources. In addition, the Quick Response Vehicle responds to emergency calls quickly and efficiently, reducing the need to deploy a fire engine for medical emergencies.
- Body worn cameras: As part of a larger public safety strategy that continually assesses changing community needs, Police will move towards implementation of body worn cameras.
At the Listening Session, free light refreshments will be available. Children are welcome, and free childcare will be offered. Translation services are available: request in advance by March 15 to Alex Logue at Alex.Logue@GreshamOregon.gov or 503-618-3214.
Council Listening Sessions will be held quarterly in 2019; future sessions will address housing, homelessness and emergency preparedness. More information at www.GreshamOregon.gov/Council-Listening-Sessions.