Honoring Veterans Through Operation Green Light (Photo) - 11/05/25

Salem, OR — Today, the Marion County Board of Commissioners signed a proclamation recognizing November 11, 2025, as Veterans Day in Marion County, honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans through Operation Green Light.

The proclamation reaffirms Marion County’s commitment to supporting veterans and their families, promoting awareness of veteran issues, and fostering partnerships with local organizations that serve those who have worn the uniform.

“Veterans of the United States Armed Forces have defended our nation’s freedom in times of war and peace, and their continued service strengthens our communities,” the proclamation states.

This year’s proclamation also acknowledged the 250th anniversaries of the United States Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, recognizing their enduring role in safeguarding liberty and democracy.

As part of Operation Green Light, Marion County buildings will be illuminated in green from November 5 through November 12 as a visible tribute of gratitude and unity with veterans and their families. We encourage residents, businesses, and community organizations to join in displaying green lights as a symbol of honor and appreciation.

“Marion County is proud to stand with our veterans and their families,” said Commissioner Danielle Bethell, Chair. “We encourage all residents to honor, thank, and support the veterans in our community and across the nation—not only on Veterans Day, but every day of the year.”

Pilot Program To Strengthen Crisis Response Planned By Marion County And Salem Fire Department - 11/04/25

SALEM, OR — Today, the Marion County Board of Commissioners approved a six-month pilot program with the Salem Fire Department to launch a new emergency co-response model in downtown Salem through Fire Station 1 to improve outcomes for individuals experiencing behavioral health and substance use crises.

The program will group an Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and paramedic with a Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA) to respond directly to 911 calls where behavioral health needs are the primary concern. The goal is for the response model to cover the gap where previously police, or a fire engine, would respond when the need is strictly for a mental health crisis that could be served by a smaller team made of professionals best prepared to serve the needs of the person in crisis.

“I think this program will fill a large gap in our current response options and will be incredibly useful for individuals facing mental health crises,” said Commissioner Danielle Bethell, Chair. “Combining medical response with behavioral health expertise can connect people to the right care at the right time and keep our other emergency resources operating as efficiently as possible.”

The three-person team will operate 40 hours per week during peak demand hours. The program will be jointly administered by the Salem Fire Department and Marion County Health and Human Services (MCHHS).

Key listed goals of the pilot include:

• Diverting non-acute behavioral health calls from traditional EMS and fire responses
• Reducing repeat 911 calls by engaging high utilizers with proactive outreach
• Expanding access to treatment, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for substance use disorders
• Exploring safe transport alternatives to crisis stabilization units, sobering centers, and other appropriate destinations

“This partnership is about building stronger pathways to recovery and stability,” said Commissioner Kevin Cameron. “I’m happy to see all of us come together to meet people in crisis where they are, stabilize them, and connect them to the resources they need.”

The pilot program is planned to launch early next year and will be evaluated at its midpoint and conclusion, with outcomes measured by reductions in repeat 911 usage, successful service connections, and feedback from participants and first responders.

Marion County Holds Urgent Meeting To Ensure Families Have Food During Federal Shutdown (Photo) - 10/31/25

SALEM, OR — With SNAP benefits set to expire November 1, 2025 due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, the Marion County Board of Commissioners held an urgent meeting this evening to discuss how the County can support food insecure individuals in the community.

“The federal government is not functioning, and I am not okay with allowing that to trickle down into our community leaving so many individuals and families without resources for the vital nutrition they need to survive,” said Commissioner Danielle Bethell, Chair.

While Marion County’s WIC supplemental nutrition program for mothers, infants, and children remains open and funded through November, the commissioners discussed strategies to provide a stopgap from the shortage of federal funding to SNAP benefits.

The commissioners discussed allocating $100,000 a week over the next two weeks of economic development dollars to fund additional food baskets in partnership with local food shares. Purchasing in bulk and at food share rates, these dollars could supplement up to 4,500 food boxes per week if the government shutdown continues. The food would go to county residents who qualify for SNAP benefits.

Final decisions on how much funding and where to pull from would be finalized early next week once it is known whether SNAP benefits have officially expired or the federal government has reopened.

“This is a sad situation all around,” said Commissioner Kevin Cameron. “I just want to say to our neighbors who may be affected by this, we’re here for you and working with our partners toward meeting our community’s needs in this difficult time.”

If you or someone you know is facing food insecurity, find more information on current resources from the Marion Polk Food Share. Additional resources for mothers and children are available through the County’s WIC program.