Board approves OHA funding for Prime Plus peer recovery program; staff described outreach and outcomes

The Marion County Board of Commissioners approved an incoming funds intergovernmental agreement with the Oregon Health Authority to continue funding the Prime Plus program, a peer‑recovery initiative operating in medical settings. The motion on the record approved funding in the amount of $849,135 (the department's presentation referenced $840,135) for the three‑year period from Sept. 30, 2024 through Sept. 29, 2027.

Carol Hurd, of Marion County Health and Human Services, said Prime Plus (Peer Recovery Initiated in Medical Establishments) supports people who have experienced overdoses or otherwise seek recovery assistance in medical settings. Hurd said Marion County was an early adopter of Prime Plus (first funded locally in 2019) and that the program now operates in 24 of Oregon's 36 counties. Services include peer recovery support in hospitals and urgent care, 24/7 overdose response in partnership with Salem Health and local clinics, infectious disease testing and linkage to care (including pathways to telemedicine with OHSU for hepatitis C treatment), and Narcan training and distribution.

Jason Wilburn and Shawn Boesen, Prime Plus staff, told the board the county employs certified recovery mentors (some bilingual) and partners with hospitals, EMS, coordinated care organizations and treatment programs to build referral pathways. Wilburn described client eligibility (history of substance use disorder and verbal consent to services) and the program's trauma‑informed approach during hospital contacts.

Staff gave 2024 outcome data for the county's overdose response calls between Salem Health and Santiam Hospital/clinics (as presented): 18 total calls; roughly 5% were already connected to SUD treatment when staff arrived; 15% were connected to SUD treatment only; 14% accepted Prime Plus services only; 14% accepted both; and about 50.84% declined all services (staff said follow‑up contact is attempted within 24–48 hours for those who initially decline). In 2024 the program trained 362 community members in Narcan administration, trained 13 external agencies (32 individuals), trained 230 internal Marion County staff, and issued 580 Narcan units; outreach distributed 492 units and reached 1,307 individuals.

Commissioners praised staff and recounted individual success stories presented by mentors, including a client who entered treatment while pregnant and later had continued engagement in services. The board approved the incoming funds IGA; the motion as read approved $849,135 for Sept. 30, 2024–Sept. 29, 2027.

Action and follow-up: Health and Human Services will continue to deploy Prime Plus peers in hospital response and community outreach, proceed with program administration under OHA contract terms, and continue data collection on client engagement and outcomes.