Commissioners back concept of wellness screening for sheriff's staff, ask for competitive quotes

Klamath County commissioners on March 26 voiced conceptual support for a Sigma Technical Wellness screening program for sheriff's office employees and directed staff to seek competitive quotes before committing opioid settlement funds.

A staff presenter described the program as a one-stop clinical screening package intended to make preventive medical testing and evaluation easier for law enforcement officers working irregular shifts. "This streamlines it, puts it all in a package for them, and gives them access to doing this easier," the presenter said, citing cardiovascular and other health risks among law enforcement personnel.

The nut graf: Commissioners supported investing opioid settlement dollars in a health-screening program for deputies but sought to ensure the county procures services competitively. Staff said roughly $300,000 in opioid settlement funds are currently available for county use and noted other programs have used opioid settlement money as match for projects.

Sergeant Duvall (sheriff's office) was credited for researching the program. Commissioners asked staff (Haley and Shasta) to obtain at least two additional quotes to ensure competitive selection. No final award or contract was authorized at the March 26 meeting.

Ending: Staff will solicit additional quotes and return with procurement recommendations; a final funding decision will be contingent on review of competitive proposals and commissioner approval.