Coos County tables OHA 'RealD' and SOGI data‑collection training IGA after questions

Coos County commissioners deferred action on a proposed intergovernmental agreement with the Oregon Health Authority to fund staff training on demographic data collection.

Staff presented an IGA that would fund training to "train the trainer" — two community-health workers who would then train other staff to collect what OHA labels "RealD" (race, ethnicity, language and disability) and SOGI (sexual orientation and gender identity) information. The grant was described in meeting materials as funds awarded not to exceed $25,000.

Commissioners and some members of the public raised questions about whether the county would be identifying clients, how the data would be used, the scope of the pilot, and whether the questionnaire included a "do not wish to answer" option. Mike Rowley, identified in the meeting as the presenting staff member, said the grant covers training on data collection and that nearly all questionnaire items include a "do not wish to answer" choice. Rowley said the work would focus on collecting self‑reported data from clients who utilize services paid for by OHA and that the kickoff meeting with OHA would clarify operational details.

Commissioner Farmer said he had "no trust at all for OHA" in matters related to gender identity and asked for more time. Another commissioner noted the county could not act on services without baseline data. Given outstanding questions and an upcoming OHA kickoff meeting, the board voted to drop the item from the current agenda and asked staff to return with additional information at the next board meeting. The transcript records the board chair saying, "Please come back at the next board meeting. I'm not saying no. I'm saying I am not comfortable saying yes yet."