Health & Human Services

The Health & Human Services Department is excited to propose the co-location of key programs from the Social Services and Public Health divisions to a single, centralized location in the city.  Combing these services to one centralized location will reduce barriers to those who access vital services as well as enhance organizational efficiency.  In addition, the much larger physical space at the Forest Avenue location provides opportunities for program expansion as well as increased opportunity for physical distancing to maintain health and safety for staff and service recipients.  Please see the attached memo and presentation from the April 13th, 2021 Health & Human Services and Public Safety Committee for more detailed explanation. 

READ about the plan

39 Forest Ave Memo

39 Forest Avenue April 13 Presentation

GOT a question(S) about the 39 forest ave plan?


Weekly service data for the Health & Human Services Department
Program Week Ending April 10, 2021
Family Health

27 individuals served Maternal & Child Health

10 individuals served at Portland Community Free Clinic 

30 individuals served STD clinic

8 individuals served Minority Health Mental Health First Aid
Chronic Disease Prevention Program 124 Needle exchanges (onsite & outreach)
Needles collected: 6,565
Needles distributed: 7,061
Narcan kits (2 doses/kit) distributed:  36
One (1) tobacco policy passed 
Family Shelter 4 new GA families (12 people) presented for shelter
High census of 65 families (198 people) in hotels
High census of 22 families (68 people) sheltered

*We are extending families in the hotels while we have positive cases in the Family Shelter.
   
Oxford Street Shelter 175 people served overall
124 guests served nightly, on average

FY21 Housing Placements 76 single adults
86 families of 297 individuals

  1. City Hires Deputy Director for HHS Department

    The City of Portland is pleased to announce it has hired Tina Pettingill to serve as the City’s first Deputy Director of the Health and Human Services Department. Read on...

  2. Council’s HHS & Public Safety Committee to Take Public Comment

    The Council’s Health and Human Services & Public Safety Committee, which has its regular monthly virtual meeting tonight, Tuesday, April 13 at 5:30 PM, has added a public comment session to the agenda. Read on...

  3. City of Portland Committed to Providing Essential Public Health Services

    The City of Portland’s commitment to providing essential public health services through its Needle Exchange Program remains strong as evidenced by the number of clients it serves and the services it offers seven days a week, in two locations. Read on...
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About Us


The Health and Human Services Department consists of four unique divisions: Public Health Division, Social Services Division, the Barron Center, (A city-owned long-term care facility) Office of Elder Affairs.

We strive to enhance the health and well-being of the residents of Portland in collaboration with our community, state, and federal partners.