Summit County Council of Governments is ramping up efforts to enhance community health resources, particularly for teens and seniors, as discussed in a recent meeting on June 20, 2023. A key focus is the "Live Like Sam" initiative, which aims to bolster mental health support for teenagers, especially on the East Side of the county. The program is looking to adapt its offerings to better serve local youth, with plans to improve outreach and accessibility.

Natalie, a representative from the Summit County Health Department, highlighted the importance of connecting community members with available resources. She mentioned the potential for distributing flyers at local resource centers and enhancing the department's website to streamline access to information. "We want to ensure that the community knows we are here to assist with any needs," she stated.

The meeting also addressed food insecurity, particularly among seniors. Participants discussed the need for better communication about food pantry locations in Colville and Camas, with suggestions for increased awareness and collaboration. One attendee expressed a desire to donate produce from their garden to local food pantries, which was welcomed by the health department.

While there are no specific initiatives for seniors currently in place, Natalie noted that community partners are being engaged to address these issues. Ideas for community gardens were proposed, particularly to support seniors who may not have access to gardening space due to living conditions.

As the Summit County Council of Governments continues to explore these initiatives, the focus remains on fostering resilience and improving mental health resources across the community. The next steps include further discussions on how to effectively implement these ideas and enhance support for vulnerable populations.