Recently, Governor Tina Kotek signed four bills aimed at improving behavioral health care in Oregon. These new laws address workforce shortages and increase support for individuals seeking careers in mental health.
One notable voice at the signing was Kate Gekeler, a proud graduate of Eastern Oregon University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Thanks to state scholarships, she graduated debt-free and is now ready to help others. “Without state tuition assistance, I wouldn’t be here today,” she shared with the audience.
Governor Kotek’s House Bill 2024 will invest $6 million in scholarships and incentives for Oregonians to enter the behavioral health field. This move is part of a wider initiative to tackle workforce shortages. In May, Kotek launched the Behavioral Health Talent Council, which is tasked with devising new strategies to grow the workforce in this crucial area.
In addition, House Bill 2059 allocates $65 million to expand residential treatment options. This is set to complement an existing goal of adding 465 new treatment beds by 2026 by funding an additional 200 beds over the next two years. Together with House Bill 2005, which broadens the criteria for detaining individuals with serious mental illnesses, these initiatives aim to streamline access to necessary treatment.
As part of the conversation, Kotek also emphasized the alarming youth substance abuse rates. According to the Oregon Health Authority, 5.77% of youth aged 12 to 17 in Oregon have a documented substance use disorder, exceeding the national average of 4.08%. House Bill 3321 allocates $1 million for developing a substance abuse prevention plan for the state’s youth. “We need to focus on prevention,” she stressed, highlighting the importance of addressing this issue early.
Shelly Turner, a certified peer support specialist, shared her perspective on these changes. Having faced her struggles with mental health, including bipolar disorder and anxiety, she believes that the new laws will provide crucial support for many. “Lowering the barriers for treatment means more people will get the help they need instead of landing in jail,” she noted.
Despite challenges like federal funding cuts, Kotek remains committed to improving health care access. She’s concerned that Medicaid changes could lead to more people not receiving the care they require. “If fewer people have insurance, then fewer can access providers, putting those services at risk,” she said.
Kotek labeled the recent legislation as significant for behavioral health in the state, garnering bipartisan support. “We all want better access to care,” she remarked. She believes no single law will solve the issues, stating that a collective effort is necessary. “These laws complement each other, and the work is far from over.”
As these changes roll out, it will be crucial to monitor their impact on Oregon’s mental health landscape. Building a robust support system starts with collaboration and understanding the needs of the community. With initiatives like these, there’s hope for a brighter future in mental health care.
