Washington Outreach Ministry details food and health programs as commissioners proclaim National Public Health Week

The Cleveland County Board of Commissioners unanimously proclaimed April 7–13, 2025, as National Public Health Week and heard a presentation from Washington Outreach Ministry about its food, health and summer-youth programs.

Tiffany Hanson introduced the National Public Health Week proclamation and county staff read the resolution recognizing public-health work and the week’s theme, “It Starts Here.” The proclamation notes the county health department’s mission and references the county’s 2023 community health assessment.

Frances Weber, executive director of Washington Outreach Ministry, described the nonprofit as the largest emergency food pantry in Cleveland County and said the organization feeds about 15,000 people a month. “We feed about 15,000 people a month,” Weber told commissioners, and described drive-through distributions serving “200 to 300 cars” and partnerships with Second Harvest and area health organizations.

Weber described health programs the nonprofit runs with partners, including a diabetes education and maintenance program and outreach to marginalized communities. She said the organization is preparing a summer program to feed children and provide supervised activities, noting that she helps coordinate food, health and homeless-support initiatives countywide.

Commissioners thanked the organization and volunteers; no formal action beyond the proclamation was taken. Staff and the nonprofit said they will continue partnerships with the health department and other providers to address food insecurity and related health needs across Cleveland County.