Expand Mental and Behavioral Health Services and Resources

 

Too many of our friends, family members and neighbors are struggling and in danger because we do not have adequate treatment providers and treatment beds for those with mental illness or substance use disorders in Deschutes County.

Some of the good things that have happened during my first term include opening of Deschutes County’s Crisis Stabilization Center; launching the Healthy Schools Partnership with the Bend La Pine School District; and expansion of addiction treatment and recovery services through Measure 110 treatment funding. I’m proud that I have played a role in expanding these behavioral health services and supports.

But we need to advocate for more investment in mental health and addiction treatment capacity and we need to grow the community partnerships that allow us to deliver more care and supports. I’ll push for the funding we need to bring more treatment providers and treatment beds on line, and push for specific projects like a potential child psychiatric emergency facility to serve Central Oregon.