HomeMy WebLinkAboutFY24 Annual ReportANNUAL
REPORT
2024
2 Table of Contents
Behavioral Health Continuum ................................
Behavioral Health Key Metrics................................
Behavioral Health Administration..........................
Access and Integration............................................
Comprehensive Care for Youth and Families.......
Crisis Program..........................................................
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.........
Intensive Adult..........................................................
Outpatient Complex Care.......................................
Public Health Key Metrics.......................................
Public Health Administration..................................
Clinical and Family Services....................................
Communicable Diseases, STD/HIV &
Immunization Program............................................
Prevention and Health Promotion.........................
Environmental Health..............................................
Emergency Preparedness & COVID-19 Recovery
Administrative Services.............................................
Director's Office........................................................
A letter from the Director..............................................
Strategic Plan...................................................................
Organizational Chart.......................................................
Health Services locations...............................................
Behavioral Health............................................................
Public Health...................................................................
Administrative Services.................................................
Personnel Highlights........................................................
Financial Highlights..........................................................
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Brightest of all were our colleagues. What we learned together about our own resilience as we
navigated a once-in-a-generation global crisis. What we developed in terms of our capacity to
adapt rapidly and work across silos. The new staff and programs we brought on during a time
of rapid change and enormous pressure. All are evidence of the willingness, skill and strength
of our workforce.
With this, we head into the coming year. Population growth as well as Public and Behavioral
Health investments expanded services, placing additional pressures on space and
administrative infrastructure. Already, we are looking to innovative technologies and strategic
planning to address these needs.
Behavioral Health access to care and achievement of certain metrics suffered during the
pandemic period and workforce crisis. As we recover, we return to focused efforts to improve
outcomes for those we serve, and continue to adapt services to maximize co-location with
primary care and interventions for those in most acute need. We hope that investments in
mobile crisis, housing and workforce, as well as legislative advocacy to reduce administrative
burden and free staff to do the work that matters, will make a meaningful difference this year.
Public Health, which bore much of the load of the pandemic emergency while experiencing its
own workforce crisis, is coming out of the COVID-19 crisis into a landscape of Public Health
emergencies related to climate, disease outbreaks, increasing requirements to address social
determinants of health and the long-term community health impacts due to lack of
preventative health screening and decrease in childhood vaccination coverage. A current risk
is the historic phenomenon of funds for Public health evaporating as emergencies end
without plans to sustain necessary ongoing preparedness and protections. Innovations such
as Public Health Modernization and enhanced reimbursement for Public Health clinical
services offer opportunities to address this phenomenon. And, we will need to continue to
advocate for key investment in Public Health foundational programs and capacities.
We see tough and rewarding challenges ahead. We feel hope as we observe the focus on the
needs of those we serve as well as the welfare of our staff. And we are bolstered by what we
learned in the last years and the prospect of recovery on the horizon.
Letter From the Director
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This year saw the emergence of Health Services from a global
pandemic emergency into a new reality marked by challenges of
recovery, growth and acuity of need as well as unique opportunities
for innovation and investment. In the forefront were unprecedented
workforce shortages, health inequities more fully revealed by
emergencies, and growing need among our most acute service
populations —individuals experiencing mental illness, addiction,
chronic disease and houselessness. Bright spots were historic
investments in Behavioral Health, successful efforts to recruit and
retain staff, Public Health Modernization; and the profound
partnerships within our Department, with other County
Departments, and with community health and service providers
forged in the effort to protect our community from the worst
impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Improve Outcomes Increase Sustainability
Demonstrate meaningful impact for individuals
& community
Enhance Public Trust and Resilience
Increase access to culturally appropriate
programs and services.
Empower people to thrive in healthy,
supportive environments.
Advance health equity
Ensure a culture of community & clients first
Establish a culture of care, purpose & shared
accountability
Develop & support a diverse, excellent workforce
Assure sustainable funding and efficient practices
Health Services
FY22 Strategic Plan
Values:
Mission:
Vision:
To promote and protect the health and safety of our community.
Deschutes County Health Services provides leadership, programs, services, education, and protections to
improve the health of individuals, families and communities so people enjoy longer and healthier lives.
Advocacy
Collaboration
Equity & Inclusion
Excellence
Healthy Workplace
Leadership
Professionalism
Stewardship
Using public resources effectively and efficiently.
Supporting individual and community health by ensuring access to health care for all.
Building relationships that reflect growth, authenticity, and mutual respect.
Demonstrating awareness and respect for the diversity in our workplace and community.
Committing to use the best data, science, and information available to make decisions that result in high
quality services.
Promoting respectful interactions, healthy lifestyles, emotional and physical safety in work environments
(trauma-informed practices).
Advancing a shared vision with inspiration that guides our work at all levels of the organization and in the
community.
Conducting oneself with the highest level of personal integrity, conduct and accountability.
Goals:
Objectives:
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Deschutes County Health Services
Organizational Chart
5
Deschutes County Health Services
Locations
Main Clinic
2577 NE Courtney Drive
Bend OR 97701
Wall Street Services
13400 NW Wall St.
Bend OR 97703
Downtown Clinic
1128 NW Harriman St.
Bend OR 97703
North County
HealthServices
406 West Antler Avenue
Redmond OR 97756
South County
Health Services
51340 Highway 97 South
La Pine OR 97739
Stabilization Center
63311 NE Jamison St.
Bend OR
Mike Maier Building
1130 NW Harriman St.
Bend OR 97703
Williamson Building
1550 NE Williamson Blvd.
Bend OR 97701
Kids Center
1375 NW Kingston Ave.
Bend OR 97703
Becky Johnson
Community Center
412 SW 8th St.
Redmond OR 97756
7 School Based Health Centers in our Community: Bend High School, Sisters, Ensworth
Elementary, Redmond High School, Lynch Elementary, La Pine and Gilchrist
Coming June/July 2023
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North County Health
Services
236 NW Kingwood
Redmond, OR 97756
North County Health
Services
244 NW Kingwood
Redmond, OR 97756
Behavioral Health
Behavioral Health Administration
Access and Integration
Comprehensive Care for Youth and
Families
Crisis
Intellectual and Developmental
Disabilities
Intensive Adult Services
Outpatient Complex Care
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9
Behavioral Health
Key Metrics
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Behavioral Health
Administration and CCBHC
Expand array of addictions and mental health services
Integrate primary care screening and coordination
Receive enhanced Medicaid payment rate based on costs
Intended Benefits for Community Mental Health
24,591
49 %
Total # of telehealth
visits in 2021
This program represents the administrative and managerial functions for
Behavioral Health, as well as contracts and the budgetary logistics of pass-
through arrangements.
Primary Contact: Holly Harris, Deputy Director for Behavioral Health
Website: https://www.deschutes.org/health/page/b ehavioral-health
Reduced mortality and suicide rates
Reduced substance abuse
Reduced hospitalization
Reduced incarceration
Reduced homelessness
Broad Health Goals: Saving Lives
Focus on reducing costly, negative health outcomes upstream
Increase coordination with primary care
Conduct routine BMI screenings- hypertension, diabetes, etc.
Enhance systems to stabilize individuals outside of emergency
department and hospital through Peers, Stabilization Services, and
Psychiatry
Healthcare Integration Focus
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FY23 Highlights & Accomplishments
DCHS was one of six counties to pilot a rapid engagement model to
increase behavioral health access and reduce barriers for our service
population.
Expansion of Redmond clinic into a new location with enhanced
primary care and Drop services is underway.
Navigated a historic workforce crisis by creating hiring and retention
bonuses with a stay agreement for 232 staff through HB4004 funding.
FY24 Challenges & Opportunities
Continued workforce retention and hiring challenges.
Cost of living and housing challenges for new and existing employees.
Rising houselessness for our service population.
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Budget Information
Project Code: HSBHGEN
FY23 Funding Changes
No Changes.
FY24 Program Changes
No Changes
FTE Changes and Detail
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Behavioral Health
Access and Integration
This program area, consisting of the Access Team and the Clinical
Administrative Support Team, provide intake, referral, care coordination,
and numerous administrative duties that support clinical work, such as
CCBHC Coordination, Rapid Engagement project management, and
interface with key staff training and technology support activities.
Primary Contact: Amber Clegg, Program Manager
Website: https://www.deschutes.org/health/page/how-access-services
Access Team
Main entry point for most of Deschutes County's Behavioral Health
programs. This team provides screening, assessment, case management,
and referrals for mental health and substance use disorder services.
Clinical Administrative Support Team
Provides essential role in supporting clinical work by managing and running
reports, assisting with workgroups, organizing projects, overseeing fiscal
processes, and tracking schedules.
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Rapid Engagement Pilot Program
FY23 Highlights & Accomplishments
The Access team helped launch the pilot of the Rapid Engagement
model, which strives to engage clients in a more meaningful way while
reducing administrative burden for staff.
The addition of a Bilingual Access team case manager has improved
care coordination for individuals and families in our county, in
particular to black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC)
communities and other underserved populations.
Formalizing the Clinical Administrative Support Supervisor position has
improved consistency and accountability between administrative
support staff and clinical teams.
FY24 Challenges & Opportunities
Severe staffing shortages affected the Access team's ability to meet the
Access to Care timelines of 7 days consistently in 2022. Although the
team is fully staffed now, there will be an ongoing focus on staff
retention in FY24.
Ongoing adjustments will need to be made to the Rapid Engagement
process to ensure it is an effective engagement method for clients and
staff.
Anticipated changes to federal and state rules in 2023 related to
outpatient substance use disorder services will likely change the
assessment and intake process again.
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Budget Information
Project Code: HSACCESS & HSINTEGRAT
FY23 Funding Changes
No changes.
FY24 Program Changes
No changes.
FTE Changes and Detail
16
Child, Family, & Young Adult Outpatient (CFYA)
An outpatient treatment program that specializes in the care and treatment
for children through young adults.
School Based Services
H ealthcare clinics that offer a range of medical and mental health services
located in a school. DCHS operates seven School-Based Health Centers in
partnership with La Pine Community Health, St. Charles Health System and
Mosaic Medical.
Early Assessment and Support Alliance (EASA)
The EASA team offers support services to individuals ages 12-27, who suffer
from the kind of psychosis that would lead to schizophrenia if left untreated.
Wraparound (WRAP)
Community-based support for children and youth whose mental health
needs have not been met through usual services, and their families.
Young Adults in Transition (YAT)
The YAT team offers support and services for ages 14-24 who suffer from
mental health and/or behavioral challenges. Transitional treatment and
intervention helps young adults to graduate school, live a healthy, positive
life and be a confident and beneficial member of our community.
The Drop
The Drop serves young adults ages 14 to 27. Offering Peer Support, guest
speakers, games, discussion and socialization, and life skills introductions.
Behavioral Health
Comprehensive Care for Youth and
Families
Comprehensive Care for Youth and Families provides specialty mental health
care for individuals ages 0-25 and their families through an array of
integrated, intensive outpatient care teams; EASA, YAT, Wraparound, School
Based Health Centers, and Child, Family & Young Adult Outpatient.
Primary Contact: Shannon Brister-Raugust, Program Manager
Website: https://www.deschutes.org/health/page/comprehensive-care-youth-
and-families
415
51 % from 2021
Unique Client Visits
at the DROP Center
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FY23 Highlights & Accomplishments
Awarded EASA Stimulus Grant, establishing shelter care contracts
with local resources to safely divert hospitalization through housing
stability and intensive care coordination for young people
experiencing their first episode of psychosis.
Established a per member per month Wraparound payment
structure, that has increased family access to care, reduced
administrative barriers and generated financial stability .
In partnership with Central Oregon Community College, developed
the first ever Peer Support Training in Central Oregon. First team
within the county to have a certified Peer Support Specialist
Supervisor.
Formally extended Intensive Youth Services in Sisters, Redmond and
LaPine by adding care coordination and case management services.
FY24 Challenges & Opportunities
Partnership with local shelters to continue to explore contracting for
shelter care beds, through a collaborative contract that support
stable housing and intensive treatment/coordination.
Expansion of IYS services in Redmond by adding a Drop in Center as
part of the North County Campus.
Offer increased substance use outreach, engagement and treatment
through the Behavioral Health Resource Network; when appropriate
decriminalizing substance related offenses.
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Budget Information
Project Code: HSINTYOUTH
FY23 Funding Changes
Wraparound is now a per member per month program that is bringing
in additional revenue. Revenue will be used to fund and sustain staff
hired and services developed as part of the System of Care Expansion
Grant once it sunsets in 2024.
FY24 Program Changes
In addition to an increase in FTE , the team will continue its efforts to
expand children's services in Sisters, Redmond and LaPine. The first
aspect of this is relocating a portion of the team to Redmond in the
summer of 2023. This will involve reassigning a supervisor and two staff,
permanently allowing us to fully staff a Drop in Center in Redmond and
to have onsite IYS services in North County for the first time.
FTE Changes and Detail
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Behavioral Health
Crisis Program
This program provides 24/7 crisis services including face-to-face
evaluations in the community and clinic, as well as diverts individuals with a
serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI) from the hospital and criminal
justice system when appropriate.
Primary Contact: Adam Goggins, Interim Program Manager
Website: https://www.deschutes.org/health/page/crisis-services
24-Hour Crisis Phone Line
Available 24/7 to anyone who is experiencing a crisis/needs crisis support.
Walk-in Crisis Services and Stabilization Services
Provides immediate access to individuals experiencing a crisis. Brief
stabilization open to people of all ages.
24/7 Mobile Crisis Assessment Team (MCAT)
A t eam that provides crisis intervention services out in the community.
Co-responder Program
A c linician and officer respond together to mental health related calls.
Civil Commitment Investigations
A Certified Civil Commitment Investigator monitors individuals placed on a
two physician involuntary hold and all civil commitments within Deschutes
County.
Case Management
Liaises with the hospital and Brooks Respite for discharge planning to help
clients with basic needs and community resources.
Peer Support
Peer Support Specialists are individuals with life experience of mental
health and/or substance use disorders who are in recovery. They offer
support and encouragement to individuals struggling with a mental health
condition.
Forensic Diversion Program
A team of Peer Support Specialists and Case Managers dedicated to
supporting individuals with a serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI)
who are frequently having contact with law enforcement and the criminal
justice system.
503
14 % from 2021
Number of people
dropped off by
Law Enforcement
453
18 % from 2021
Number of Emergency
Department (ED) diversions
1901
5% from 2021
Number of
people served
through crisis walk-in
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FY23 Highlights & Accomplishments
Received additional funding from OHA and the City of Bend to hire
several additional staff to create a non-law enforcement (LE) response
component to the MCAT Team.
Received additional funding as part of the Behavioral Health Resource
Network (BHRN) grant and added 4 Peer Support Specialists to
operations at the Deschutes County Stabilization Clinic (DCSC) to
support the afterhours work of the BHRN.
DCSC was re-awarded over 2 million dollars for the IMPACTS grant,
which will allow DCSC to operate 24/7, 365 for another two years and
secured a matching grant from COHC of $250k.
FY24 Challenges & Opportunities
Workforce hiring and retention continues to be a challenge.
Continued search for sustainable funding for the DCSC.
Lack of available placements and antiquated Civil Commitment rules
continue to place high acuity individuals in the community without
adequate supports, which creates challenges for the Crisis Program.
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Budget Information
Project Code: HSCRISIS
FY23 Funding Changes
Bureau of Justice grant will end July 2023. The grant primarily covers
telepsychiatry, which will be absorbed in FY24 through Medicaid.
SAMHSA Co-responder grant is slated to end September 30, 2023. The
department will request a change in scope to support non-LE response
as well as a no cost extension. If approved, the Qualified Mental Health
Professional (QMHP) position and Peer Support position will continue
past September 2023.
The department requested an additional $488,974 from IMPACTS to
expand crisis into Redmond by adding 2 FTE. Award of this funding is
unknown at this time.
FY24 Program Changes
The Co-responder Program will be ending and as the team moves to
enhance a non-LE response model.
FTE Changes and Detail
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Behavioral Health
Intellectual & Developmental
Disabilities
Intake, eligibility determination, referral
Case management and service coordination for adults and children
Individualized planning and support
Pr otective service investigations and support (for adults)
Vocational services
Residential services
Family support
Comprehensive in-home supports
Foster care
Employment First
Inte llectual/Developmental Disability Services Available in
Deschutes County:
This program provides support to people with intellectual and/or
developmental disabilities (I/DD), to enable them to live as independently
as possible in the least restrictive environment. Services are aimed at
greater access to social interaction, community engagement, and
employment opportunities.
Primary Contact: Paul Partridge, Program Manager
Website:
https://www.deschutes.org/health/page/intellectualdevelopmental-
disabilities-program
100%
Individual Service
Plans renewed
on time
23
FY23 Highlights & Accomplishments
FY24 Challenges & Opportunities
Completed a diversity, equity and inclusion self-assessment of
the I/DD program, which is now being used to improve access to
services.
The Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Advisory
Committee (IDDAC) increased engagement of community
partners, helping to advance project-based work related to
service needs identified by members.
Provided high quality services compliant with contract
requirements, as exhibited by a State quality assurance audit in
2022. The audit found that over 99% of documented services
met the requirements for a billable encounter, which is up from
95% during the last biennial review.
Continue to refine community partnerships that will lead to
improved access to mental health treatment for individuals
with I/DD who experience a co-occurring mental health
diagnosis.
Establish or refine written workflows for programmatic tasks
for which multiple team members share portions of the
responsibility. This includes implementing project management
software to keep sight of multiple integrated projects.
Make program and budget adjustments according to a new
biennial funding allocation from DHS-ODDS based on a new
legislatively approved budget for I/DD.
As I/DD relocates program offices, adaptation and mindfulness
will be key in improving access to clients as well as maintaining
a high degree of staff satisfaction.
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Budget Information
Project Code: HSIDD
FY23 Funding Changes
FY24 Program Changes
FTE Changes and Details
Entering a new biennium, DHS-ODDS will introduce a new Workload
Model budget to the Legislative Finance Office for review by the Ways
and Means Committee. That budget should reflect increases in I/DD
enrollment across the system, as well as additions in scope of work.
Increases in funding are expected during the legislative budget process,
which will be announced in July.
During FY24, all personnel will move to new locations in Bend and
Redmond.
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Behavioral Health
Intensive Adult
CSS Outpatient Treatment Team provides a blend of community and
office based services, focused on intensive treatment and supports for
individuals living with a SPMI.
Harriman Health Care - Peer Support Specialists on the CSS team work
in coordination with the co-located and integrated Mosaic Medical
primary care clinic, to improve medical and behavioral health outcomes
for people with SPMI.
Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)
ACT is a community-based program that provides intensive community
based behavioral health treatment to adults with Severe and Persistent
Mental Illness (SPMI). ACT’s high intensity supports serves individuals who
are most at-risk for psychiatric hospitalization and for whom traditional
outpatient services have not been successful.
Community Outreach and Stabilization Team (COAST)
COAST is a group of specialty programs that provide services to individuals
with SPMI diagnosis.
Community Support Services (CSS)
Intensive Forensic Services
This program serves individuals under the jurisdiction of the State
Psychiatric Security Review Board. Individuals receive monitoring specific to
the conditions of their community release as well as treatment, case
management and other services as indicated.
Homeless Outreach Services Team and Harm Reduction Program
HOST team provides street outreach and case management support to
houseless individuals with Serious Mental Illness and/or Substance Use
Disorders. HRP provides syringe exchange, Narcan and other supplies and
supports to people who use drugs, with the goal of reducing health and
safety risks associated with substance use.
This program provides outreach, engagement and community based
treatment and supports to individuals with severe and persistent mental
illness and substance use disorders.
Primary Contact: Kara Cronin, Program Manager
https://www.deschutes.org/health/page/intensive-adult-services
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FY23 Highlights & Accomplishments
FY24 Challenges & Opportunities
Expansion of the homeless outreach and harm reduction
programming through M110/BHRN funding, adding 6 new FTE.
Aid and Assist programming continues to receive statewide
recognition as a model of care for this population.
Ongoing pressure and difficulty keeping up with the increasing Aid and
Assist referrals.
Increased client acuity due to limited placement options puts stress
on community partners, teams and clinicians attempting to support
gravely ill individuals in the community.
Ongoing struggles with recruiting and retaining a skilled workforce.
Clinic space is limited for a population growing in need that requires
in-person services.
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Budget Information
Project Code: HSADLTINT
FY23 Funding Changes
FY24 Program Changes
FTE Changes and Details
Addition of new M110/BHRN funding is expected to be ongoing, which
funds 6 FTE.
Addition of 6 FTE to support expansion of Homeless Outreach
and Harm Reduction services.
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Adult Outpatient Integrated Care (AOPIC) Located at our Courtney
Clinic in Bend, our AOPIC team provides outpatient mental health care
with a focus on providing treatment in partnership with Mosaic medical
to serve people who are experiencing co-occurring mental health,
chronic medical, and substance use challenges.
Adult Outpatient Complex Care (AOPCC) Located at our Courtney
Clinic in Bend, our AOPCC team provides outpatient mental health care
with a focus on providing substance use treatment for people who are
experiencing challenges with substance use. We provide a wide array of
options including peer support, case management, groups, psychiatric
care, and individual counseling.
South County Hub (SoCo) Located in La Pine, provides outpatient
mental health and substance use treatment to all ages in South
Deschutes County and North Klamath County. Services include
counseling, psychiatric care, case management, peer support, supported
employment, and care coordination. Our SoCo Hub partners with La Pine
Community Health Center to support clients in meeting their health and
wellness goals.
North County Hub (NoCo) Located in Redmond, provides outpatient
mental health and substance use treatment services to people of all ages
with a focus on improving health and wellbeing. Community and office
based services are offered to residents of Northern Deschutes County. A
multidisciplinary team approach is utilized to support people in meeting
their treatment goals. Mosaic Medical provides onsite medical care,
working in partnership with our NoCo staff.
Behavioral Health
Outpatient Complex Care
These programs provide evidence based, individual and group treatment,
including counseling, case management and peer support services to adults,
children and families with mental health and/or alcohol/drug concerns, with
a focus on integrated care.
Primary Contact: Kristin Mozzochi, Program Manager
Website: https://www.deschutes.org/health/page/adult-outpatient-services
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FY23 Highlights & Accomplishments
FY24 Challenges & Opportunities
Implementation of Rapid Engagement Pilot with Adult Outpatient
Complex Care team.
Continued integration with Mosaic Medical with our Adult Outpatient
Integrated Care team, with a focus on reducing Emergency
Department (ED) utilization, improving the referral process and care
coordination.
Utilization of a multidisciplinary team approach to address the
increasing acuity of our client population, including more field based
care.
Increase in Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CADC) certified staff,
provided incentives, consults, and training to support staff in meeting
credentialing requirements and further integrating Substance Use
Disorder (SUD) care.
Recruitment and retention of qualified supervisory and direct service
staff.
Access barriers due to staffing shortages, especially in South County.
Increasing acuity and more complex needs of our client population, lack
of access to higher levels of care both internally and externally.
30
Budget Information
Project Code: HSADULT, HSNOCO, HSSOCO
FY23 Funding Changes
FY24 Program Changes
FTE Changes and Detail
Promoting Integration of Primary and Behavioral Health Care (PIPBHC)
grant will be ending December 2023.
No Changes.
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Public Health Administration
Clinical and Family Services
Communicable Diseases, STD/HIV and Immunization
Program
Prevention and Health Promotion
Environmental Health
Emergency Preparedness and COVID-19 Recovery
Public Health
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Public Health
Key Metrics
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Public Health
Administration
This program provides leadership, management and oversight for local
public health (PH) services and assures the county meets statutory, fiscal
and programmatic requirements. PH Administration works to diversify,
leverage and assure effective and efficient use of resources to build and
support foundational programs capabilities and meet community
priorities.
Primary Contact: Heather Kaisner, Deputy Director for Public Health
Website: https://www.deschutes.org/health/page/public-health
Preventing the spread of disease;
H elping new parents and babies get off to healthy starts;
P roviding safety-net reproductive health services;
W orking at all levels to turn the tide on chronic diseases;
E nsuring drinking water is clean and restaurants are following food safety
protocols, and, as we know from the last few years;
P reparing for and responding to public health emergencies like
communicable disease outbreaks and rolling effects of environmental
hazards.
Public Health Modernization - Deschutes County Public Health has
received Modernization funding since FY 2018. This Public Health system
transformation focuses on ensuring all communities are provided the same
health protections and the public health system is able to respond to future
health challenges. This includes:
Epidemiology and Assessment – Epidemiologists currently study the
distribution and determinants of diseases and events impacting residents’
health in Central Oregon (Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson). This work
addresses many health-related problems, including opioid and drug
overdose, suicide, violence, mental health, COVID-19, influenza, and other
communicable diseases, as well as program evaluation of the Healthy Schools
Program, which is done in partnership with Bend-La Pine schools.
National Public Health Accreditation - The goal of Public Health
Accreditation is to promote a culture of continuous quality and performance
improvement. Streamlining processes allow for regular assessments of
strengths and opportunities within the department, which create pathways
for innovation and leadership. Additionally, Accreditation promotes the use of
a health equity lens to better identify community needs, while strengthening
ongoing partnerships within the community.
35
FY23 Highlights & Accomplishments
FY24 Challenges & Opportunities
The Public Health workforce is finally stabilized and is at pre-COVID
vacancy levels.
A dedicated position works on addressing Climate and Health locally. This
work focuses on collecting data and creating response plans to wildfires
and smoke, excessive heat, and drought.
Public Health continued response efforts related to COVID-19 pandemic,
including providing vaccine testing access throughout the county and
responding to 179 outbreaks in high risk congregate settings.
Both a challenge and opportunity, it is unknown what the level of funding
for Public Health Modernization will be in the next biennium. It is
anticipated funding will increase.
The newly formed Emergency Preparedness and COVID-19 Recovery
team will provide increased capacity to quickly and effectively prepare for
and respond to public health emergencies.
With staff levels increasing to meet population growth and client needs,
building space for client-facing programs and clinical services continues
to be a challenge.
36
Budget Information
Project Code: HSPHGEN
FY23 Funding Changes
FY24 Program Changes
FTE Changes and Detail
For the FY 22-23 biennium, the Legislature allocated $33.4 million for
Local Public Health Modernization funding, statewide. Additional
funding is anticipated though the legislature has yet to determine the
FY23-24 biennium amount.
One time CDC Infrastructure funding of approximately $600k will
support lease expenses for increased staffing.
Public Health continues to receive COHC funding to support COVID-19
response and recovery service gaps. The Emergency Preparedness
Program and Climate and Health Programs is now part of the newly
formed Emergency Preparedness and COVID-19 Recovery program.
This change will bring together all program staff that engage in
emergency response efforts.
Public Health reorganized from six sections to five, which aligns similar
programs in order to maximize collaboration and effectiveness of
services while ensuring appropriately-sized programs and structure.
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Public Health
Clinical and Family Services
These programs are focused on providing safety-net public health services
to individuals and families seeking reproductive health care, perinatal
education and care coordination, nurse home visiting, nutrition education,
breastfeeding support, and referrals to needed resources.
Primary Contact: Anne Kilty NP, Program Manager
Website: https://www.deschutes.org/health/page/clinics-and-services
Clinical Services
Provides free or low-cost birth control (for all ages & genders), annual
exams for women and STD prevention, testing & treatment for all.
Family Support Services
Provides direct nursing support and referrals to pregnant and post-partum
women, caregivers and their families to improve birth outcomes, increase
access to health services, and improve family relationships.
Women, Infants & Children (WIC)
Provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, access to healthy
foods, and referrals to other needed resources for pregnant and post-
partum women and their families.
38
FY23 Highlights & Accomplishments
FY24 Challenges & Opportunities
39
Clinical Services Bend and Redmond clinics saw a 5% increase in total
visits and a 10% increase in new patients along with increased
revenue despite a nurse practitioner vacancy January to May.
Family Support Services continued to provide personal nurse home
visits and perinatal care coordination throughout this year while
implementing the new Family Connects Central Oregon universal in-
home nurse visiting program for post-partum women.
WIC continued to serve clients in the clinic and by telehealth and will
implement a new electronic health record platform.
A COHC grant was awarded to purchase a mobile van clinic to increase
access to services to more community members throughout
Deschutes County.
Clinical Services continues to struggle with lack of public knowledge of
available safety-net services for target populations and will renew
efforts with other DCHS programs and community partners to
increase awareness and access for at-risk populations.
Family Support Services is implementing a universally offered post-
partum nurse home visiting program, while navigating the challenges
of new billing systems and engaging new partners.
WIC will continue to find ways to increase its program’s reach across
the community utilizing mobile services as one approach.
Budget Information
Project Code: HSPHDIRECT & HSCLINICAL
FY23 Funding Changes
FY24 Program Changes
FTE Changes and Details
40
Family Support Services began implementing Family Connects – Central
Oregon in November 2022, which has the potential to markedly increase
program revenues due to substantial increases in reimbursement rates.
COHC Perinatal Care Continuum grant ends September 2023.
Expansion of the nurse home visiting and perinatal care teams may be
needed as the current staffing structure will not be able to keep up with
the anticipated demand of the post-partum population.
Both of the reproductive health clinics will be moving to new locations
during FY24; the Courtney clinic for Bend and the new Redmond campus
on Kingwood. Re-locating these established clinics will require re-
branding, an information campaign for current patients and the
community at-large and internal DCHS changes to optimize these new
spaces.
Public Health
Communicable Diseases, STD/HIV and
Immunization Program
These programs prevent and control the spread of communicable
diseases and mitigate health threats through surveillance, education,
investigation, outbreak control and immunizations. Moreover, we assure
access to public health services and conduct community outreach
providing immunizations, infection prevention consultation and
communicable disease testing and treatment.
Primary Contact: Rita Bacho, Program Manager
Website: https://www.deschutes.org/health/page/communicable-disease-
programs
HIV Prevention Program
Immunizations Program
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Tuberculosis Control Program
Communicable diseases (CD) are those conditions that can be spread to
others through air, touch, or contact with contaminated body fluids. At
Deschutes County Health Services, we work to prevent the spread of
these diseases in many ways. The CD team is made up of the following
programs:
75
Outreach test events
744
Individuals tested for HIV,
Hep. C, Syphilis and GC/CT
1,294
Flu Vaccines Provided
through outreach and
safety net clinics
267
Other vaccines provided
through safety net clinics
41
FY23 Highlights & Accomplishments
Successful Triennial Review for Communicable Disease and TB
Programs. STD, HIV and Immunization Programs met all
programmatic reporting requirements and were able to forego
triennial reviews.
Successful, timely school exclusion process throughout the year.
Effective Mpox vaccine outreach to vulnerable populations, resulting
in zero cases in Deschutes county.
Investigated 926 reportable Communicable diseases/STIs in CY22 (311
CD cases, 615 STI/HIV cases), which included providing
contact/partner follow-up and testing and treatment.
Monitored ~50 Long Term Care Facilities (LTCF)/congregate settings
in CY22 providing guidance, investigation, PPE and testing for 180+
outbreaks until 14 days past last positive test.
Conducted 75 outreach testing events to vulnerable populations in
CY22 providing rapid testing, education and referrals (236 HIV, 227
Hepatitis C and 234 Syphilis).
1,294 f lu vaccines provided to the community through outreach and
safety net clinic.
73 Jynneos (mpox vaccine) provided to the most at-risk populations.
267 other vaccines provided through safety net clinic.
382 people subscribed to the flu report in 2022, compared to 305 in
2020 and 361 in 2021.
Immunizations
Subscriptions to Flu Report
FY24 Challenges & Opportunities
With involvement in COVID-19 response and understaffing during
FY23, some programmatic processes and goals were not completed.
We are now fully staffed and are setting new goals and metrics for
our programs.
Increased vaccine hesitancy leading to decreased vaccine uptake.
Unable to provide infection prevention education to congregate
settings due to the volume of COVID-19 case investigations and
outbreaks at the facilities. An additional tri-county LTCF position
through Modernization funding, gives opportunity to provide
greater outreach and support for congregate settings.
Opportunity to prepare for emerging communicable diseases
(viruses, measles, E.coli, Ebola, tick-borne diseases, etc.) some of
which may be associated with global climate change.
Opportunity to provide greater outreach and support for congregate
settings through an additional tri-county LTCF position through
Modernization funding.
Opportunity to learn from the pandemic response and strategically
plan for future communicable disease public health crises.
42
Budget Information
Project Code: HSCOMMDIS
FY23 Funding Changes
FY24 Program Changes
FTE Changes and Details
Ryan White Program is moving under the Advancement and Protections
section.
43
End of Jefferson County funding (appx. $60K) to support individual case
investigation within Jefferson County. We will continue to collaborate on
projects and outreach testing as part of the Early Intervention and
Outreach program.
Public Health
Prevention and Health Promotion
Healthy Schools
A local partnership between Deschutes County and Bend-La Pine Schools
providing public health services directly within schools to improve adolescent
health and student success.
Substance Misuse and Problem Gambling Prevention
Reduces and prevents problem gambling, tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and
prescription drug misuse among young people ages 10-25 years.
Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention
Ensures proactive policies, systems, and environments are in place in order to
prevent suicide attempts and deaths as well as the promotion of community
resilience amongst all age groups.
Youth Engagement Program
Fosters youth-adult partnerships and youth-led projects to ensure student
voice and leadership in mental health promotion and advocacy for School
Based Health Centers.
Programs in this section lead work with community partners to promote and
ensure practices that improve health and well-being and prevent negative
conditions that are harmful to our community both socially and financially.
Primary Contact: Jessica Jacks, Program Manager
Website: https://www.deschutes.org/health/page/staying-healthy-prevention
44
FY23 Highlights & Accomplishments
FY24 Challenges & Opportunities
Development and implementation of a data tracking system
will improve the programs ability to monitor and evaluate
progress.
36 suicide prevention trainings provided to 1,286 people
providing lifesaving skills and knowledge across the county.
Collaboration with Veterans Services to create a Veterans-
focused mental health ad reaching 74,000 people.
Increased FTE and sustainable resources for Problem
Gambling Prevention and Outreach and Referral. Allows for
service expansion to Suicide Prevention, Veterans, and Older
Adults.
95% of surveyed Bend-La Pine Schools’ Health Teachers
reported that the Healthy Schools partnership improved their
knowledge, skills, and confidence to be able to deliver
effective health education.
More than $10,000 leveraged by other sources to support
health education improvements at Bend-La Pine Schools
through the Healthy Schools partnership.
Quick pivoting by Substance Misuse Prevention staff to
maximize one-time funding opportunities and develop four
Public Service Announcements encouraging parents to talk
with their kids about marijuana and other drugs.
https://www.sharedfuturecoalition.org/start-the-
conversation/
Prevention requires long-term investment to realize cost
savings and improved community health (e.g. reductions in
costs for healthcare, criminal justice, education, social
welfare, etc.).
Current funding is stratified across few stable resources and
multiple short-term grants. This results in frequent staff
turnover, instability of program delivery, and requires staff
to spend time on resource development instead of program
implementation.
Oregon Suicide Postvention Legislation has significant gaps;
it is an unfunded mandated, does not include Community
Colleges, does not include youth who have parents who have
died by suicide, nor youth who have attempted suicide.
45
FY24 Program Changes
Living Well Central Oregon and Prevent Diabetes Central Oregon
programming has paused due to funding uncertainties.
Repurposed existing FTE to create a new supervisor for substance
misuse prevention adding capacity to that area and more reasonably
balances supervisor to staff ratios.
Budget Information
Project Code: HSPREVENT
FY23 Funding Changes
FTE Changes and Details
Increased funding from Oregon Health Authority Health Systems
Division for Problem Gambling Prevention and Outreach and Referral,
from $82K to $258K annually.
Increased revenue ($395,172) came through mid-year to support
tobacco cessation improvements, expanded access to Nicotine
Replacement Therapy and vaping cessation resources for adolescents
and parents.
46
Restaurant and Health Inspections
Inspections of 1,267 licensed foodservice operations in Deschutes County.
Food Service Licensing & Training
Food handler training and certified food manager training.
Drinking Water
Administration and enforcement of drinking water quality standards for
the 185 Deschutes County public water systems. Tested 71 private wells in
2022.
Public Pools
Inspection of over 270 public pools and spas in the county with an
emphasis on safety and disease prevention.
Tourist Facilities
Inspection of hotels, motels, resorts, Recreational Vehicle (RV) parks, and
campgrounds.
C hildcare Facilities
Inspection of 95 Childcare facilities, including pre-school, Headstart and
Pre-K.
School Lunch inspections
Inspection of 63 school foodservice kitchens.
Public Health
Environmental Health
This program provides public health protections through conducting
prevention education and regulatory inspections at licensed facilities.
Primary Contact: Tom Kuhn, Program Manager
Website: https://www.deschutes.org/health/page/environmental-health
47
FY23 Highlights & Accomplishments
FY24 Challenges & Opportunities
Awarded three new grants from the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) to meet Retail Food Regulatory program standards, which
evaluates quality and efficacy of the food inspection regulatory
program.
As part of Public Health Modernization, enhanced outbreak
investigation and disease prevention capacity in vulnerable
populations, such as congregate settings (e.g. homeless shelters),
childcares, and Adult Foster Homes.
Implemented indoor air quality evaluations on HVAC and clean air
conditions in vulnerable population and businesses, upon request.
Implemented a safe drinking water program for private domestic well
owners to evaluate presence of organic and inorganic chemicals, and
identify potential hazards associated with well location.
Fees and revenues not keeping pace with increased expenses; relying
increasingly on Transient Room Tax and Modernization funding.
12% increase in the number of food, pool, childcares, lodging
businesses and public events, post-COVID, creating increased
inspections.
PH Modernization funding creates opportunity to increase capacity and
collaborate with Public Health teams to better serve and protect
vulnerable populations.
48
Budget Information
Project Code: HSENVIRON
FY23 Funding Changes
FY24 Program Changes
FTE Changes and Details
Likely increase in fees to correspond with Consumer Price Index.
PH Modernization is funding one new Environmental Health position.
Increase in temporary restaurants at many events.
Three FDA grants totaling $44,000.
Increased presence in non-regulated facilities to evaluate the health and
safety of vulnerable populations, collaborating with Behavioral Health
and Communicable Disease teams.
Monthly quotas now put in place to ensure field inspectors are
inspecting required volume of licensed facilities.
49
Public Health
Emergency Preparedness and COVID-19
Recovery
This program focuses on recovery efforts from the COVID-19 pandemic in
our community and all hazards emergency preparedness. The team
continues to provide recovery supports for COVID-19 disease mitigation
including: vaccinations, testing, wraparound services for cases and infection
prevention education. The team incorporates lessons learned from the
Covid-19 pandemic and leverages new Covid-19 public health infrastructure
into Emergency Preparedness programing.
Primary Contact: Emily Horton, Program Manager
Website(s): https://www.deschutes.org/health/page/emergency-
preparedness
https://www.deschutes.org/health/page/covid-19-novel-coronavirus
Vaccine Operations
Safety-net to primary care providers and the community. Offering large
volume community based vaccine clinics and targeted vaccine distribution to
communities and individuals at with barriers to access or increased risk of
severe disease.
Emergency Preparedness
M onitors and strengthens the abilities of Deschutes County and our
healthcare systems to protect the public’s health in disaster situations, such
as disease pandemics and epidemics, chemical and radiological releases,
severe weather, and natural disasters.
Community Outreach
Targeted education and outreach to BILIPOC, rural and houseless
communities with education on Health Services programs and Covid-19
vaccine, testing and information.
Wraparound Services
H elps those that tested positive for COVID-19 stay home and quarantine
without the worry of financial pressures, some of the services provided were
food, rent and utilities. Referrals came from the CI team within 24-48 hours
of tracing.
Outbreak and Case Investigation
Track and decrease COVID-19 cases throughout Deschutes County, provide
wraparound referrals, timely data entry and education for community
members who report a positive COVID-19 case.19,000
Vaccines Admini stered
by the COVID Vaccine Team
161
Community clinic
vaccine volunteers
4,853
Outreach contacts
50
FY23 Highlights & Accomplishments
FY24 Challenges & Opportunities
Provided over 19,000 Covid-19 vaccinations and distributed over
34,000 at Home Covid-19 Test kits at locations county wide.
34,094 Covid-19 cases processed with follow-up for vulnerable
individuals and populations, including 179 outbreaks in high
consequence settings.
Provided wraparound services to support isolating 460 individuals at
home and 99 individuals in temporary housing for the duration of the
contagious period.
Outreach to the community about Covid-19 vaccine and health
services programs to 4853 individuals, prioritizing houseless and
BIPOC community members. This included 164 Asians, 49 Black, 828
Latinx individuals.
Hired new Climate and Health Coordinator focusing on tri-county
needs, especially smoke and fire health effects through regional and
Public Health Modernization funds.
Reprioritizing community needs and expectations will help transition
the team as it decreases to half its current size.
Continue to build on lessons learned from COVID-19 response through
emergency preparedness lens for community-wide communication,
collaboration and coordination of health services related incidents and
emerging health issues.
Official creation of a Deschutes County Medical Reserve Corps in FY23
from robust Volunteer Vaccine Corps group established in 2021.
Shifting utilization of this team from primarily vaccine related to
supporting health services emerging health issues.
51
Budget Information
Project Code: HSCOMMDIS, HSCOVID20,
HSEMERPREP
FY23 Funding Changes
Reduction of FEMA and ARPA funding supporting operations.
FY24 Program Changes
This team is significantly restructuring and changing scope. The team will
continue to support required COVID-19 community assurances. Some
COVID-19 work for outbreak management will transition to
Communicable Disease Team. We are also incorporating Emergency
Preparedness team members into this program, and will shift some
focus to this work as well.
52
FTE Changes and Details
Administrative Services
Director's Office
Administrative Services
53
Administrative Services
Provides operational and fiscal support, as well as oversight of assets and
compliance. This includes billing, credentialing, contracting, fiscal services,
health information technology, medical record services, infrastructure,
workforce development, language access, safety, compliance, quality
assurance, data analytics and project management.
Primary Contact: Cheryl Smallman, Business Officer, Chris Weiler, Operations
Officer & Jillian Weiser, Compliance and Quality Assurance Officer
Business Intelligence
Conducts fiscal and analytical activities, as well as initiatives and quality
improvement efforts to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and financial
stability of the department.
Fiscal Services
Billing and Credentialing
Contract Services
Data and Analytics
Accounting and Grant
Management
Operations
Manages a complex and diverse set of business support services and
ensures the department has the tools, equipment and facilities necessary
to serve the community safely.
Project Management
Medical Records
Health Information Technology
Departmentwide Safety and
Continuity of Operation Planning
Behavioral Health Front Office
Procurement
Infrastructure
Asset Management
Fleet Vehicle Management
54
Compliance and Quality Assurance (CQA)
Compliance and Quality Assurance: Provides auditing and oversight of
department work to assure ethical conduct and compliance with local, state,
federal, and professional standards and regulations; including incident
reports, policies & procedures, privacy, language access, documentation
training, chart audits, and department HR support.
Compliance and Quality
Incident Reporting
Language Access
Auditing
Policies and Procedures
HR Resource Processes
DEI, TIC and Workforce
Development
1,668
Opened Help Desk
Tickets
FY23 Highlights & Accomplishments
FY24 Challenges & Opportunities
Built and launched an open source grant management software, which
won a 2022 National Association of Counties Achievement Award.
Consolidated and enhanced annual required trainings for +450
employees.
Moved from paper to electronic submission for all purchase card
receipts, mileage, personal reimbursement, and travel expenses.
Aligning Administrative Services staffing ratios to correspond to
growing Behavioral Health and Public Health programs, clients, and
requirements.
Growing need to track and report on a variety of items without an
application or increased staffing to do so. Examples include HR/Payroll
stipends (e.g., CADC, licensure supervision), theft-sensitive assets, and
staff locations.
Effectively managing remote work, including optimization of space use
within current buildings to allow for hybrid work environments that
promote cross-team collaboration.
Difficulty in filling limited duration positions, such as DEI Strategist and
Public Information Officer.
The current day time Operations staffing model is a challenge to
provide night-time, weekend and Holiday technical support for three
daily staff shifts at a 24/7 Stabilization Center that relies on an
electronic health record system to possess accurate client data to
assist with client care coordination and behavioral health services.
55
Budget Information
Project Code: HSADMIN
FY23 Funding Changes
Public Health Modernization funding decreased to Administrative
Services in order to support Public Health direct service positions.
FY24 Program Changes
Restructured Compliance and Quality Assurance Team, reclassifying the
CQA Manager to an Officer, reclassifying an analyst to senior analyst
position and moving the HR Analyst and DEI Strategist under its purview.
Restructured Operations, adding support for Facilities and Fleet and a
Supervisor over the Health Information Technology Team.
Moved all Accounting Technicians across department to Fiscal Services
team.
FTE Changes and Details
56
Health Services leadership implemented workforce recruitment and
retention strategies, which resulted in reducing vacancies overall by 4%
since January 2022. Specifically, BH and Admin decreased from 14% in
January 2022 to 9% in January 2023, and PH remained at 10%.
Health Services leadership directed and supported the transition from the
COVID-19 emergency response to COVID-19 recovery and transition
activities, including:
workforce return to in-person services;
step down from COVID emergency response activities and staffing to
recovery activities and staffing;
re-organization of Health Services leadership team;
re-positioning of Public Health leadership team to prepare for recovery
and PH Modernization investments.
Administrative Services
Director's Office
This program provides agency-wide leadership and oversees programs and
activities with broad public, community partner, inter-agency and cross-
jurisdictional impact and involvement, including; strategic planning and
communications, fiscal viability and accountability and workforce
development.
Primary Contact: Janice Garceau, Health Services Director
90%
Of exiting Health Services
employees would recommend
DCHS as an employer
57
FY23 Highlights & Accomplishments
FY24 Challenges & Opportunities
Address continued workforce shortages in key roles such as behavioral
health clinicians, nursing and psychiatry and in rural areas of the county.
Maximize on Public and Behavioral Health integration by increasing
collaboration and efficiencies across service areas.
58
Budget Information
Project Code: HSDIRECTR
FY23 Funding Changes
House Bill 4004 provided one-time Behavioral Health workforce
incentives.
FY24 Program Changes
FTE Changes and Details
Restructured key positions within the Director's office.
End of Public Information Officer position.
Restructured Administrative Services to be led by three Officers.
Health Services
Personnel Highlights
59
422.80
Total FTE
Director's Office 5.00
Admin Services 46.30
Behavioral Health 270.80
Public Health 100.70
+14.95
Number of new positions
created in FY23
12.1%
FY23 Average Vacancy Rate
(through January 2023)
Health Services
Financial Highlights
60
Resources
Requirements