Jefferson County Health Department serves all of Jefferson County, a rural county in the heart of Central Oregon with a population of approximately 22,030 people.  The region is ethnically and culturally diverse and includes a significant portion of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation, and a substantial Latino population.  Almost 16 percent of the population is American Indian or Alaskan Native, almost 18 percent are Latino/Hispanic, and 69 percent are Caucasian.  The younger population is also diverse with about one-third of students enrolled in the Jefferson County 509J Schools being Native American, one-third Hispanic, and one-third Anglo.  Over 10 percent of families have incomes below the poverty level.  Over 76 percent of 509J students qualify for free or reduced price school meals.  The unemployment rate was 9.4 percent in April 2008 and has continued to rise with the recent economic downturn.  The diversity and socioeconomic status of the community are reflected in the populations served through family planning, home visiting, immunizations, STD, HIV, WIC, and other public health programs offered through the health department.