Show notes
Season 2, Episode 23: Sept. 23, 2026
Length: 28:47
This week, The Big Picture returns to Washington County, where we sit down with Sean Sturr, District 16 business expert, and Nancy Byce, District 16 supervisor, to talk about the operational work that shapes the experience of staff and the people ODHS serves.
The conversation looks at facilities, volunteers, donations, personnel support, contracts, motor pool, buildings and all the systems that may not be visible when someone walks through the door, but still affect whether that person feels welcomed, supported and able to get help.
Sean and Nancy talk about trauma-informed lobbies, lobby greeters, system navigation, cross-program meetings and the work of making sure staff know who to call when something needs to happen. They also explain how District 16 has built more intentional collaboration across programs, offices and community engagement efforts.
You’ll hear how that work is now expanding through stronger relationships with District 2, shared contracts, volunteer and donation planning, and regional conversations that make it easier to solve problems across county lines. The goal is simple, even when the systems are complicated: people should be able to walk into an ODHS office and get help without knowing everything that had to happen behind the scenes.
In the end, this episode is about the work behind the work — the forms, facilities, relationships and structures that help direct service happen smoothly. From trauma-informed spaces to cross-county collaboration, Washington County shows how good operations can make care feel simpler, warmer and more connected in… The Big Picture.
CreditsHost: Dr. Bethany Grace Howe, Communications
Produced by: Dr. Bethany Grace Howe
Contact: bethany.g.howe@odhs.oregon.gov
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