Impact Story | CLHO Board Member Tim Lynch Appointed to Oregon’s Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission

We’re thrilled to announce that Dr. Tim Lynch, CLHO Board Member and Director of Public Health at Coos Health & Wellness, has been appointed to Oregon’s Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission (ADPC). This appointment marks a significant milestone for local public health representation in statewide substance use and primary prevention policy.

The ADPC advises the Governor and Oregon Health Authority on alcohol and drug policy, treatment systems, and prevention strategies. Having a CLHO representative at this table ensures that the unique perspectives and needs of Oregon’s local public health authorities are heard in critical decisions.

Why Tim is the Right Voice at the Right Time: Dr. Lynch brings a unique combination of expertise to the ADPC:

• Local public health leadership as Director of Public Health for Coos County
• Clinical expertise as a Certified Opioid Treatment Specialist
• Research background with a Doctorate of Public Health focused on behavioral health stigma and its impact on providers and patients
• Community engagement as chairman of the Nancy Devereux Center, which supports people experiencing homelessness, mental illness, substance use disorder, and veterans

Why This Matters: Local health departments are on the frontlines of Oregon’s substance use challenges. From rural communities to urban centers, our 33 local public health authorities see firsthand how state-level policies translate into real-world impacts. Tim’s appointment means:

• Direct connection between state policy development and local implementation realities
• Rural and frontier perspectives from Coos County’s experience informing statewide strategies
• Cross-sector collaboration is strengthening the bridge between local and state public health systems
• Evidence-informed advocacy grounded in both clinical expertise and the day-to-day work of local health departments

A Win for Oregon: This appointment reflects growing recognition of local public health authorities’ essential role in addressing Oregon’s most pressing health challenges. Dr. Lynch’s appointment ensures that as Oregon develops primary prevention policies, the voices of local communities and the public health professionals serving them are part of the conversation. Congratulations, Tim! Oregon’s communities are better served with your voice at the table.