Oregon Health Authority details behavioral health investments, cites workforce and residential capacity as priorities

SALEM, Ore. — On April 23, the Joint Subcommittee on Human Services heard a two-day informational presentation from Oregon Health Authority officials about behavioral health spending and program priorities contained in HB 5025, the OHA primary budget bill.

The agency’s behavioral health leaders told legislators the division is focused on expanding workforce capacity and residential treatment beds, strengthening crisis services and sustaining prevention programs such as youth suicide prevention. "one of the things that we're incredibly proud of is the, County Financial Assistant Agreements, redesign process that we are undergoing right now with the community mental health programs," said Dr. Krista Jones, deputy director for behavioral health at OHA, describing ongoing changes to county funding and reporting that take effect July 1.

Why it matters: Lawmakers pressed OHA for specific data about program capacity, wait lists and outcomes as the agency moves to implement investments approved since 2021. Committee members sought comparative and historical figures for residential capacity and use of restrictive practices such as restraint and seclusion; OHA agreed to follow up in writing with more detailed metrics and historical comparisons.

OHA provided a program overview that covered prevention, community-based services, substance-use disorder (SUD) treatment, crisis response, residential care and forensic programs. Officials described funding…