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3 <br /> that same day and heard a panel discussion and rotated stations to discuss ways to improve <br /> methods of addressing the opioid crisis, and the biggest gap seemed to be in the prevention <br /> category. She said she attended the SWAG meeting on April 29th and received an update on the <br /> path to zero waste. She said a Fair Oaks community member presented their pilot community <br /> composting project and discussion followed on how to scale that up to the county level. She said <br /> she also attended the Board of Health Behavioral Health Subcommittee meeting last night where <br /> they discussed substance use, suicide prevention, and general mental health prevention and <br /> ways to work on that over the next four years as well as making sure the work is equitable. <br /> Commissioner Portie-Ascott said she attended the Orange High School Spring Student <br /> Art Showcase and Reception and met some of the students there. She said she was excited to <br /> see their work. She said she attended the NCACC District 9 meeting. She said it was obvious <br /> hearing challenges and successes from the other participating counties that they are all struggling <br /> with the same things. In alignment with the Strategic Plan goal of Housing for All, Commissioner <br /> Portie-Ascott presented a petition to direct staff to investigate and report back on Orange County's <br /> ability to partner and leverage down payment assistance and closing cost programs, like that the <br /> US Department of Commerce, in order to afford Orange County employees the opportunity to live <br /> where they work. <br /> Chair Bedford said on Friday, there is a Be Well community wellness event at DSS in <br /> Hillsborough from 10:00 am-2:00 pm. She said there is a Shed-a-Thon behind the Home Depot <br /> in Hillsborough on May 11 th and another one at the park and ride lot on Eubanks Rd. on May 181h <br /> She said both events provide the opportunity to have confidential documents shredded. She said <br /> the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness needs volunteers to review and score <br /> applications for funding on the Project Review Committee. She said this is a time limited <br /> commitment and applications are needed by May 22nd. She said there is a Summer Music Series <br /> at the Seymour Center this summer and encouraged people to attend. She said there is a dinner <br /> and documentary screening at the Seymour Center on May 30th <br /> Commissioner McKee said he previously petitioned staff to work on options to close donut <br /> holes for broadband service across the county. He asked staff to also bring an update on issues <br /> being faced with broadband in the southern part of the county related to hitting rock and DOT and <br /> traffic control requirements, and possible solutions. <br /> Commissioner Hamilton said on May 1st she attended the Central Pines Executive Board <br /> meeting. She said Central Pines is moving forward with a budget and focusing on recruiting and <br /> retaining good people and wants to increase their capacity to help counties get grants. She said <br /> on May 2nd she attended the Alliance Health board meeting and highlighted that Tailored Plan is <br /> going live on July 111, which is a program designed for people who need help to address serious <br /> mental illness, substance use disorder, intellectual and developmental disability, or traumatic <br /> brain injury and may be eligible for Medicaid or are uninsured. She said the Tailored Plans will <br /> cover both mental health services and physical health services and prescriptions. She <br /> encouraged anyone who is eligible to contact Alliance Health. Commissioner Hamilton said on <br /> May 4th she attended the House Us Now March, which was an important reminder about the <br /> housing needs in this community, especially for people with low income. <br /> 4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/Special Presentations <br /> a. Older Americans Month Proclamation <br /> The Board approved a proclamation joining Federal and State governments in designating the <br /> month of May 2024 as Older Americans Month and a time to honor older adults for their <br /> contributions to the community. <br /> BACKGROUND: May is Older Americans Month, a tradition dating back to 1963. For many years <br /> the Orange County Board of Commissioners has issued a proclamation for Older Americans <br /> Month. This year's national theme is Powered by Connection. It focuses on the profound impact <br />