Sheriff seeks regional LEAD funds; marine program, volunteer and fundraising updates discussed

Sheriff English asked the Hood River County Board of Commissioners on April 15 for permission to submit a short-form application to the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission for the Behavioral Health Deflection Program (LEAD). The board authorized the application after review by Budget & Finance and the County Administrator, voting unanimously to proceed.

English said LEAD-style programs have shown evidence of reducing emergency-room use and improving housing and employment outcomes in other jurisdictions; he and the district attorney submitted letters of intent and are coordinating with regional partners, including Mid-Columbia Center for Living and local judicial staff. He said the first round of available funds can be used for planning and that additional behavioral-health funds could cover coordinator positions.

Deputy Joel Carmody updated the board on the marine program. He said the Oregon State Marine Board provides most program funding and that the Port of Hood River provides the boathouse and some fuel during the contract season (May 15–Sept. 15). Carmody described wide, varied water use in the county — primarily sail and wind-powered craft — and noted the sheriff’s office responds to non-motor craft rescues. The office is restarting water-safety classes, has a volunteer program being modeled on search-and-rescue and deputy reserve programs, and is pursuing fundraising (through the Hood River County Sheriff’s Foundation) to acquire a second rescue craft to reduce response time to Cascade Locks.

Commissioners asked about program evidence, staffing and liability for volunteers; English referenced national LEAD resources and said position location and operational details remain under discussion as regional partners define roles.

The board’s authorization allows staff to complete a quick application for LEAD program funds and continue regional planning conversations.