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Commission extends limited‑duration peer‑support position in forensic and acute services
Summary
The Board approved a 12‑month extension of a limited‑duration peer support specialist position in Behavioral Health’s Forensic and Acute Services division, funded by state pilot program dollars.
The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners approved May 20 extending one limited‑duration full‑time equivalent peer‑support specialist position within Behavioral Health’s Forensic and Acute Services division for 12 months, through the end of fiscal year 2026.
Evan Namkung, program manager for forensic and acute services, said the position began under a community navigator pilot funded by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). The board had previously approved two limited‑duration positions for that pilot, one of which was converted to a regular position; the extension keeps the second position funded entirely through OHA pilot funding while state‑level decisions about longer‑term funding remain uncertain.
The board voted unanimously to extend the position and to include the extension in budget process steps to appear on the consent agenda in the near term. Commissioners said they supported continued investment in behavioral‑health response capacity for justice‑involved populations and asked staff to continue tracking possible state funding pathways for longer‑term sustainability.
