Oregon Health Authority Behavioral Health Director Ebony Clark told hundreds of her colleagues at the Seaside conference that they play a critical role in the state's response to the ongoing addiction and mental health crisis. Ta.
clark spoke Monday's Peerpocalypse brings together people in peer support roles. Peer workers use their own life experiences to help people, including those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction and other issues. The four-day event, organized by the Portland nonprofit Oregon Mental Health & Addictions Association, has grown from less than 100 people in 2013 to nearly 900 participants Monday over the past decade.
“We are in a crisis,” Clark said. “First and foremost, for me, it's safety, trust, and a sense of belonging. For me, it's connection, and we need a workforce that truly understands that need.”
The rally comes as Oregon faces the daunting task of curbing the state's tide of fentanyl overdoses and addiction, as well as a broader behavioral health crisis and workforce shortages that make access to services difficult. It will be held in the midst of The state Legislature has allocated millions of dollars to the issue in recent years, including approving more than $1.3 billion for behavioral health needs in 2021. This Congress, lawmakers appropriated $211 million as part of the bill. House Bill 4002The plan is intended to encourage people to seek treatment for fentanyl and other addictions and allow counties to set up diversion programs if they wish.
Mr. Clark speaks about the event Second time As the state's behavioral health director, he asked the audience what it would take to meet the needs of struggling Oregonians.
In a conference room at the Seaside Civic & Convention Center, people chanted “money,” “achievement,” and “housing.”
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Mr. Clark said in response to a question from the audience.
Mr Clarke said the state has fallen short in its response to the behavioral and addiction crisis and pledged to do everything in his power to give a voice to his peers and their experiences.
“Frankly, we recognize that as a government and as a system provider, we have continued to cause harm,” Clark said. “And every day I stand up, every day I get to stand in front of you, I take responsibility for myself and live the values of what it means to truly integrate lived experience and your voices.” I’m dedicated to doing that.”
Clark also outlined the history of peer workers and consumer rights movements in Oregon, which can be traced back to 1970, and how health officials formally incorporated peer workers into the agency workforce in 2014. He cited groundbreaking events such as: He created the Office of Recovery and Resilience, leading the efforts of his colleagues within the agency to find ways to give people with experience a voice in the state's work.
“I would like to see accountability held,” Clark said. “We look forward to hearing your questions. We look forward to your support.”
Peers have specific roles
Oregon's behavioral health and addictions system is in transition. Twenty-three of Oregon's 36 counties have agreed to launch a new program that will allow people to begin recovery instead of going to jail on criminal drug possession charges. House Bill 4002 would give counties the flexibility to set up programs based on input from local mental health providers, prosecutors, law enforcement, and public defenders.
At this point, counties are still planning their programs ahead of the new law taking effect in September. It includes new misdemeanor penalties for defendants who do not participate in the program.
Janie Gullickson, executive director of the Oregon Mental Health and Addictions Association, said in an interview that associates certified by the state or association can play a role in these programs and their plans.
But she stressed that she doesn't want to see her colleagues put in a position where they are expected to be compliance officers reporting whether someone is participating in a bias program.
“The caveat I would add, and I would die to insist, is that peer services will remain peer services,” Gullikson said.
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