In 2014, Lane County received a community request to re-establish the Human Rights Advisory Committee. We met with community members and held a larger community conversation. In April and June of 2015, community members and County staff examined current efforts, needs, and plans regarding human rights, equity and access. Those who participated in the meetings identified needs in equity work across the county.
On October 27, 2015, the Lane County Board of County Commissioners approved a recommended framework that included creating a human rights advisory body; institutionalize equity efforts; improve recruitment, selections, retention and advancement; require annual equity and access trainings for all Lane County employees; and engage community partners as an equity and service resource.
Recently, the Lane County Board of Health approved a Health Equity framework that directs staff to create a plan/build on the existing strategic plan and:
* engage the affected communities
* address forms of systemic oppression
* build organizational capacity
* develop tools/practices to center equity in decision making
We are at the beginning stages of this particular effort but are very excited at what it means for Lane County and how we address the social determinants of health moving forward.