Oregon Launches $65 Million Overhaul of Mental Health and Addiction Treatment

Drug addiction care and mental health will be improved and expanded throughout Oregon following Governor Tina Kotek’s signature on four new bills this week.

The Governor worked with lawmakers during the last legislative session to address the top priority of increasing access to mental health and addiction care.

$65 Million to Create a Robust Care System

House Bill 2059 was passed by both parties, allocating $65 million for the construction of new residential treatment facilities.

The investment will benefit communities throughout the state with the addition of 200 beds for adult mental health services, residential treatment of substance use disorder, and withdrawal management.

In a press statement earlier this year, the Governor said the bill also includes investments in supporting community mental health providers ‘to create the robust care system that Oregonians need.’

Substance abuse and related mental health issues have escalated in recent years, and House Bill 2005 clears the way for individuals experiencing severe mental health issues to receive treatment via the civil system, and not the criminal justice system.

The bill makes it easier to ensure that people deemed a danger to themselves or to others receive substance abuse and mental health treatment.

House Bill 2024 ensures there are qualified workers available to assist those in need. A $6 million allocation has been set aside to establish a responsive behavioral health workforce.

House Bill 3321 requires the state Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission to develop a strategy to prevent drug use and addiction in collaboration with drug addiction and prevention experts, advocates, and families.