Clatsop County approves proclamations for child care, children’s mental health and Vietnamese American Remembrances

The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners on April 23 unanimously approved three ceremonial proclamations recognizing local and national observances: Child Care Provider Appreciation Day (May 9, 2025), Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week (May 2025) and Vietnamese American Remembrance Day (April 30, 2025). All three measures passed by voice vote.

The child care proclamation highlighted local investments to expand and retain child care providers. Eva Manderson, director of Northwest Regional Child Care Resource and Referral, told the board the Clatsop County Child Care Expansion and Retention Grant program supports training, coaching and recruiting for area programs and that the county has about 40 licensed or recorded programs in addition to exempt informal providers. Dan Gaffney, a volunteer with the county child care program, said, “Since 2022, the Clatsop child care program has awarded roughly $700,000 to local child care providers. We expect to be able to award up to a million by the end of this year.” Commissioner Banks noted about $300,000 in ARPA funding was an early investment that helped attract additional funds.

The board next approved a proclamation recognizing Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. Jane Foreman, a school counselor at Seaside Middle and High School, told commissioners that many local youth face “anxiety, depression, and trauma,” and urged coordination among local organizations, mental-health professionals and families so children “know they’re not alone.”

Commissioners also approved a proclamation recognizing the 50th Vietnamese American Remembrance Day. Thao Thu, president of the Vietnamese Community of Oregon, participated by phone and thanked the board for the proclamation.

All three proclamations were introduced by presenters, moved and seconded by commissioners and adopted by voice vote. The board read and authorized the chair to sign each proclamation.