Gov. Kotek visited communities in Columbia County on the third stop of her One Oregon Listening Tour

Medford, OR – According to the state officials, Gov. Kotek participated in three community conversations on the topics of education, mental health and recovery, and housing and homelessness.

The day started at Vernonia Elementary School where Governor Kotek met with first graders, read the picture book “Be Kind,” and discussed the importance of reading and kindness with the students.

She also met with and took questions from a fourth-grade class about the work the governor does, ways she can help, and more.

Governor Kotek then led a roundtable discussion with school administrators and teachers.

The discussion centered on efforts she is making to fund summer education and enrichment programs, with a focus on improving childhood literacy, and the increased mental health challenges facing students.

The Governor then visited St. Helens and toured Columbia Community Mental Health, including a crisis stabilization center being developed on the organization’s campus.

Following the visit to Columbia Community Mental Health, the Governor had lunch in St. Helens with Mayor Rick Scholl and discussed local economic development opportunities and the ongoing efforts the city is leading to update its historic downtown.