Estacada DEI committee pushes outreach, sets timeline for Narcan program and Oktoberfest tabling

The Estacada Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee spent much of its Sept. 4 meeting on outreach and communications, focusing on a community Narcan program and plans to staff a table at Oktoberfest.

Committee members said Shannon is working to source Narcan for community distribution and to finalize a prevention presentation. Kimberly (DEIC member) told the group the committee needs to have that program ready to present to city council in October. "It's very possible it's going to happen in October, and so we need to come to them with, yes, we have this program, and yes, we have these things set up," Kimberly said.

The group agreed to use the committee’s tabling and event slots to distribute surveys and materials once program details are finalized. Volunteers have signed up to staff a booth. The committee discussed an upcoming Oktoberfest event that was referenced with two dates in the meeting record: one member read a listing saying Sept. 28 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., while later in the meeting another participant referenced staffing the booth on Sept. 20. Committee members acknowledged the conflict and took steps to confirm the correct date and booth assignment.

Shannon told the committee she has begun outreach to find partners and supplies: "I've sent out feelers, so, absolutely, I can have that done." Members agreed to coordinate contacts and supply logistics: one member will text Hannah's phone number to enable outreach to a local organizer; Elena (city staff) and Alex (city staff) were named as contacts who have previously handled event materials. Kimberly asked to have a progress report at the October meeting.

The committee also discussed tailoring outreach for different groups: a separate senior-focused presentation was proposed that would address safe medication practices and advocacy for older adults, and members suggested targeting homeowners associations, senior centers, churches and veterans groups for presentations once the Narcan program and senior materials are finalized. Members asked that volunteers coordinating tabling confirm who will bring surveys and printed materials and that someone verify the final Oktoberfest booth date with the downtown organizers.

Next steps: Shannon and Denise were asked to advance the Narcan procurement and the prevention presentation; Kimberly will report back in October with a status update and confirmed event dates and volunteer assignments.