Author | Lightnews

firstaimee.bsky.social @firstaimee.bsky.social · 2d

Today is Election Day! Local elections might not get the same attention as state-wide and national races, but they shape our communities in profound ways. Get your ballot in by 8pm—your community is counting on you!

firstaimee.bsky.social @firstaimee.bsky.social · 6d

Happy Girl Scouts Founders Day! Growing up as a Girl Scout taught me about leadership, teamwork, and community service—lessons that stay with you for life. From cookie sales to community service projects, Girl Scouts are learning to lead and change the world.

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firstaimee.bsky.social @firstaimee.bsky.social · 9d

LGBTQ History Month honors the trailblazers who fought for equality, visibility, and the right to live authentically. Their courage paved the way for future generations to see themselves reflected and know they belong.

firstaimee.bsky.social @firstaimee.bsky.social · 9d

Want less bats flying into your house? Give them their own pad! Installing a bat box is a simple and effective way to help bats. It gives these amazing animals a safe place to roost and care for their young. Check out ODFW’s guide on creating a bat-friendly home: myodfw.com/articles/hel...

firstaimee.bsky.social @firstaimee.bsky.social · 20d

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month! Teddy was adopted, and he's brought so much joy to our lives. If you're considering adding a pup to your home, visit a local shelter and see who’s waiting for you.

firstaimee.bsky.social @firstaimee.bsky.social · 20d

Oregon is our home, not a military target. To every Oregonian who is showing up peacefully, advocating for our right to govern ourselves: Thank you.

firstaimee.bsky.social @firstaimee.bsky.social · 20d

As a social worker, I learned that trauma doesn't define a person. And that access to compassionate, informed care can transform their trajectory. On World Trauma Day, let's commit to building systems that recognize the impact of trauma and support healing for those who need it.

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firstaimee.bsky.social @firstaimee.bsky.social · Sep 30

I loved visiting the Lower Columbia Q Center in Astoria—an LGBTQ+ support organization. In collaboration with Clatsop Behavioral Health, they host behavioral health support groups, including Queer Recovery, ensuring our community gets culturally affirming care.

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firstaimee.bsky.social @firstaimee.bsky.social · Sep 30

Sunday reminded me why I'm proud to be an Oregonian. Our communities come together quickly, peacefully, and powerfully to protect our values and our right to govern ourselves. We face real challenges—let's focus on solving them together, not a manufactured crisis.

firstaimee.bsky.social @firstaimee.bsky.social · Sep 26

“You are loved”—a beautiful message to find in @forahealth's art therapy room that reminds us that everyone is worthy of love. Art has such an incredible power to heal and help us cope when times are tough.

firstaimee.bsky.social @firstaimee.bsky.social · Sep 26

Proof that when you invest in your workforce, everyone wins. While many face staffing shortages, Clatsop Behavioral Health's competitive pay and a shortened 36-hour, four-day work week allow providers to provide the best care to their clients and their own lives.

firstaimee.bsky.social @firstaimee.bsky.social · Sep 16

The Pendleton Round-Up is a celebration of western heritage brings together rodeo competition, authentic Tribal participation, and incredible community spirit. We celebrated 115 years of this tradition, reminding us of what makes Oregon so special.

firstaimee.bsky.social @firstaimee.bsky.social · Sep 16

Serving as an honorary judge at the Junior American Indian Beauty Pageant was a privilege! Guided by Native American elders, I learned about the deep significance behind each beautiful dress and story shared by these girls.

firstaimee.bsky.social @firstaimee.bsky.social · Sep 15

Thanks to state support, Oregon's Imagination Library will continue to be there for kids across the state. Reading 'The Rabbit Listened' at the Eugene Public Library was a perfect reminder of why early literacy funding matters.

firstaimee.bsky.social @firstaimee.bsky.social · Sep 10

On World Suicide Prevention Day, we remember that connection saves lives. Whether it's checking in on a friend, listening without judgment, or seeking help for yourself—every action matters. Crisis support is just three numbers away: 988. #SuicidePreventionDay #988Lifeline

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firstaimee.bsky.social @firstaimee.bsky.social · Aug 26

Today we celebrate Women's Equality Day, commemorating the adoption of the 19th Amendment and the courageous women who fought for the right to vote. Their legacy reminds us that progress requires action—and there's still work to be done to ensure equality for all women. #WomensEqualityDay

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firstaimee.bsky.social @firstaimee.bsky.social · Aug 26

Happy National Dog Day from Teddy, Oregon's First Dog! Who's the special dog you're celebrating today?

firstaimee.bsky.social @firstaimee.bsky.social · Jul 23

YouthLine at Lines for Life is an incredible
example of the kind of innovative solutions it will take
to solve the Behavioral Health Workforce Shortage and
build the prepared and empathetic behavioral health
workforce of tomorrow. @linesforlife.bsky.social

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firstaimee.bsky.social @firstaimee.bsky.social · Jul 22

Portland, we love your pride!

firstaimee.bsky.social @firstaimee.bsky.social · Jul 16

The Oregon 250 Commission is working hard to make sure Oregon’s celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary next year
tells a complete story. Our mission is clear: inspire civic engagement, strengthen history education, and celebrate the remarkable landscapes and cultures that define Oregon.

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firstaimee.bsky.social @firstaimee.bsky.social · Jul 10

We can often see when a person struggling
with mental illness is about to take a fall.
The job of practitioners is to do
what we can to catch people before they fall, rather than waiting. The legislature
passed HB 2005 during the legislative session,
making better care possible and saving lives.

Reposted

Clatsop Behavioral Healthcare @clatsopbh.bsky.social · Jul 9

The Behavioral Health Talent Council is working to create sustainable careers that support providers’ well-being and the communities they serve. The council will develop recommendations to address worker shortages, reduce turnover, build career pathways, and improve access to care across Oregon.

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firstaimee.bsky.social @firstaimee.bsky.social · Jul 8

Tina and I were happy to host a Pride reception at Mahonia Hall to close out Pride Month! In Oregon, we celebrate the contributions, courage and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community. Together, we’re committed to building a future where everyone belongs.

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Reposted

Clatsop Behavioral Healthcare @clatsopbh.bsky.social · Jul 2

The Behavioral Health Talent Council, led by @firstaimee.bsky.social, is getting to work. Members are on the ground listening to rural and culturally specific providers to ensure their voices and experiences inform solutions for our state’s behavioral health workforce crisis.

Oregon First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson attends a Behavioral Health Talent Council meeting.

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