Meeting of the Conference of Local Health Officials (CLHO) canceled, July 17

A Zoom meeting of the Conference of Local Health Officials (CLHO) was abruptly canceled Thursday, after bad actors usurped the live stream using offensive, racist and sexually explicit language and images, including a Ku Klux Klan image. “The targeting of public health leaders by people who identify with racist hate groups will never be tolerated,” said Lillian Shirley, director of the Oregon Public Health Division. “The state is aggressively investigating this incident in an effort to determine who’s responsible and take appropriate action,” she said. “This is especially appalling given that communities of color and other marginalized communities have been disproportionately impacted by COVID 19,” she said. “OHA is committed to supporting local public health officials in their efforts to provide a safe, healthy, equitable Oregon for everyone.” CLHO comprises representatives of 33 local public health authorities throughout Oregon. One purpose of today’s meeting was to promote a shared understanding of ongoing COVID-19 response efforts. The meeting will be rescheduled.