Discover How State Behavioral Health Programs Reduce Justice-System Involvement and Boost Substance Use Disorder Treatment

A new state-funded initiative in Oregon aimed at improving behavioral health services is already showing positive outcomes. The program, called IMPACTS, is designed to help those facing challenges with mental health and substance use. An independent study by the Center for Health Systems Effectiveness at Oregon Health & Sciences University reveals some promising results.

Launched in 2019, IMPACTS focuses on providing community-based support, particularly for people who often cycle through the justice system or emergency healthcare. Researchers found that the program has contributed to fewer criminal convictions and less repeated offending among participants. It has also increased people’s access to and engagement in substance use treatment.

“Oregon struggles with high rates of mental illness and substance use, and current services aren’t keeping pace,” says Dr. John McConnell, director at the center. “Programs like IMPACTS tackle this by meeting people where they are.”

The IMPACTS initiative allows local communities to tailor programs to their specific needs. A total of five tribal communities and eleven counties have received funding. For instance, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs are using these funds to assist individuals transitioning from custody back into their communities. In Douglas County, a dedicated team operates inside jails and emergency departments, ensuring individuals get treatment during critical moments.

Early data from the study highlights some significant positive changes tied to the IMPACTS program:

• Overall, there were 47.3 fewer felony and misdemeanor convictions per 1,000 people per year in regions served by IMPACTS compared to those without.
• One-year recidivism rates dropped by 1.7 percentage points, from a baseline of 25.1%.
• Engagement in substance treatment increased by 4.4 percentage points while initiation of treatment grew by 2.2 percentage points.

Stephanie Renfro, the program’s lead evaluator, emphasizes that targeted investments can yield meaningful change. “Our findings indicate that smart, local approaches can really impact those with complicated needs,” she explains. Future evaluations will continue to explore the program’s effects as it expands over the coming years.

It’s important to note that while the data showcases progress, challenges remain in delivering consistent results across all areas. The program aims to adapt and refine its strategies to best serve the diverse needs of Oregon’s communities.

For ongoing statistics and insights shared by the Center for Health Systems Effectiveness, you can check their comprehensive evaluation report.

The IMPACTS program signals a shift towards more responsive, community-focused mental health strategies, potentially setting a model for similar initiatives nationwide.

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behavioral health,substance-use disorder,OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY (OHSU),research