What we found
Twenty-three years of gaps in Oregon’s health systems data make it difficult to plan for behavioral health crises and evaluate the current response system.
Existing systems are fragmented, and the implementation of a new data system keeps getting delayed. OHA urgently needs to fully implement its strategic plan and work to address fragmentation and coordination of new data systems.
Funding for the state’s behavioral health crisis response system is inadequate.
Crucial elements are underfunded or unfunded. Following the passage of the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020, Oregon adopted the Crisis Now model, which consists of three main pillars: the hotline, mobile response, and crisis centers. While funding was established for the hotline, less funding was provided for mobile response, and no funding was dedicated for crisis centers. The state needs to adequately fund all three tiers of the system to deliver Oregonians the support they need.
The lack of long-term strategic planning undermines progress on behavioral health in Oregon.
OHA made progress on this with the August 2024 Strategic Plan; however, work remains to align the operations of the Behavioral Health Division with this overarching strategy.
Legal and jurisdictional challenges limit Tribal Nations’ ability to provide timely, effective behavioral health interventions for their communities.
To ensure equitable access to care for American Indian and Alaska Native populations, OHA will need to strengthen collaboration with Tribal partners and address structural barriers within the behavioral health crisis framework.