Our Vision for Safe, Healthy People in the year 2030, the residents of Bend are engaged in and committed to the health and safety of one another. We have access to opportunities, resources, and support in order to lead safe and healthy lives. By addressing the special needs of our population, we have increased the health, safety and wellness of our community as a whole. Bend’s Essential Health Access is a center for strong community programs that serve the physical and mental health needs of our residents. The City supports residents through leadership in access and ‘universal design,’ and reinforces safe, affordable housing for low-income, elderly and disabled populations. Emergency response for catastrophic fire, natural disasters, health emergencies, and other threats greatly enhances community security in Bend through citywide and regional coordination.
PUBLIC SAFETY
1 – Citywide Emergency Response. Bend has implemented an enhanced citywide emergency response plan for the area, addressing catastrophic fire (including wildland fires in and around the city), natural disasters, pandemics, health crises and other threats to public health and safety. Education of the public is an integral part of the plan.
2 – Law Enforcement. Bend has invested significantly in law enforcement programs and agencies. Bend’s law enforcement program is an industry model.
3 – Neighborhood Watch and Community Policing. Law enforcement and neighborhoods work closely in Bend. An increased number of neighborhood watch groups function alongside community policing units citywide to ensure neighborhoods are safe and secure.
4 – Child Health, Safety, and Welfare. Bend is a leader in protecting the health, safety and welfare of children. Through a variety of public, private and community-based programs, Bend has become a safe place for all its children – whether they are at home, in school or at play. Bend continues to advocate detection of physical, mental and medical issues that can inhibit social and physical development in early childhood.
BASIC SERVICES
5 – Family-Friendly Workplaces. Bend employers have succeeded in creating workplace environments that are conducive to families and parents. Many employers include flextime employment, on-site daycare, and other programs to support and nurture Bend’s working families.
6 – Community 'Essential Health' Access. Bend has established a one-stop ‘Essential Health’ access center to serve the physical, mental and preventive health needs of all populations, including drug abuse and addiction. The City has partnered with other government agencies and community groups to reduce drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the city and the region. Essential Health Access is supported by satellite locations.
7 – Continuing Care Retirement Communities. Bend has developed more continuing care retirement communities for its growing elderly population, including independent living, assisted living and nursing care.
ACCESS AND EQUITY
8 – Special Needs Housing. Special needs populations in Bend are able to secure safe, affordable, accessible housing that meets their basic needs and income levels.
9 – Leader in ‘Universal Design’. Bend has long been fully compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provisions in public and private places. Equal access for all is the standard.
10 – Elimination of Cultural and Linguistic Barriers. Bend has virtually eliminated cultural and linguistic barriers in order to ensure equal access to vital public information and community services.
PREVENTIVE HEALTH
11 – A Non-Smoking Community. Bend has virtually eliminated smoking in public places. Smoking is not allowed in public buildings/facilities, at public events, on public transit or in public gathering places, nor in restaurants or bars.
12 – Health Impact Awareness. Bend has increased its awareness of the health impacts of the built environment, such as indoor air quality and pedestrian safety. City development codes require health impact assessments for major new developments, including pedestrian friendliness.
13 – Addressing Poverty, Hunger, Homelessness. Bend has taken a leadership role in establishing strong systems to address the root causes of poverty, hunger and homelessness in Central Oregon.
14 – Healthy Lifestyles for All Citizens. Bend residents are among the healthiest citizens in the nation. Adequate indoor/outdoor facilities and recreational/competitive programs provide opportunities for achieving individual health and fitness goals.
KEY VISION ELEMENTS
PUBLIC SAFETY
1 – Citywide Emergency Response. Bend has implemented an enhanced citywide emergency response plan for the area, addressing catastrophic fire (including wildland fires in and around the city), natural disasters, pandemics, health crises and other threats to public health and safety. Education of the public is an integral part of the plan.
2 – Law Enforcement. Bend has invested significantly in law enforcement programs and agencies. Bend’s law enforcement program is an industry model.
3 – Neighborhood Watch and Community Policing. Law enforcement and neighborhoods work closely in Bend. An increased number of neighborhood watch groups function alongside community policing units citywide to ensure neighborhoods are safe and secure.
4 – Child Health, Safety, and Welfare. Bend is a leader in protecting the health, safety and welfare of children. Through a variety of public, private and community-based programs, Bend has become a safe place for all its children – whether they are at home, in school or at play. Bend continues to advocate detection of physical, mental and medical issues that can inhibit social and physical development in early childhood.
BASIC SERVICES
5 – Family-Friendly Workplaces. Bend employers have succeeded in creating workplace environments that are conducive to families and parents. Many employers include flextime employment, on-site daycare, and other programs to support and nurture Bend’s working families.
6 – Community 'Essential Health' Access. Bend has established a one-stop ‘Essential Health’ access center to serve the physical, mental and preventive health needs of all populations, including drug abuse and addiction. The City has partnered with other government agencies and community groups to reduce drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the city and the region. Essential Health Access is supported by satellite locations.
7 – Continuing Care Retirement Communities. Bend has developed more continuing care retirement communities for its growing elderly population, including independent living, assisted living and nursing care.
ACCESS AND EQUITY
8 – Special Needs Housing. Special needs populations in Bend are able to secure safe, affordable, accessible housing that meets their basic needs and income levels.
9 – Leader in ‘Universal Design’. Bend has long been fully compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provisions in public and private places. Equal access for all is the standard.
10 – Elimination of Cultural and Linguistic Barriers. Bend has virtually eliminated cultural and linguistic barriers in order to ensure equal access to vital public information and community services.
PREVENTIVE HEALTH
11 – A Non-Smoking Community. Bend has virtually eliminated smoking in public places. Smoking is not allowed in public buildings/facilities, at public events, on public transit or in public gathering places, nor in restaurants or bars.
12 – Health Impact Awareness. Bend has increased its awareness of the health impacts of the built environment, such as indoor air quality and pedestrian safety. City development codes require health impact assessments for major new developments, including pedestrian friendliness.
13 – Addressing Poverty, Hunger, Homelessness. Bend has taken a leadership role in establishing strong systems to address the root causes of poverty, hunger and homelessness in Central Oregon.
14 – Healthy Lifestyles for All Citizens. Bend residents are among the healthiest citizens in the nation. Adequate indoor/outdoor facilities and recreational/competitive programs provide opportunities for achieving individual health and fitness goals.
