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State dollars are just one piece of county's focus on recovery
March 11, 2024 -- The Clackamas County Board of Commissioners has approved funding of over $16 million for mental health and addiction recovery and prevention. These funds come through the Oregon Health Authority.
“Historically Oregon ranks low in mental health investments and high in addiction rates, but we’re changing that in Clackamas County. Our board is focused on recovery, so that everyone in this county can thrive,” said Clackamas County Board of Commissioners Chair Tootie Smith.
“These dollars provide the basic foundation of the county’s mental health and addiction recovery and prevention services,” said Health, Housing and Human Services Director Rod Cook. “This especially helps people who may not have insurance, for situations such as walk-in services and acute crises. It doesn’t matter which door you enter, you will receive help in Clackamas County,’ Cook said.
The $16 million from the Oregon Health Authority will continue to fund the county’s mental health and addiction recovery services and is just one part of the board’s efforts to build a coordinated system of services that provides many pathways to recovery based on each person’s needs.
Putting recovery first, the board is investing in infrastructure and programs:
- This summer, the county’s outpatient health center will open on Lake Road in Milwaukie, to focus on specialty mental health and substance use disorder services.
- In 2025, a crisis center will open to reduce the strain on local law enforcement and hospitals. This center will provide direct access to assessment and treatment programs.
- The county is investing in a large number of homes where homeless individuals can go after a medical release to recover or continue their treatment.
- The county is planning for a recovery center where people experiencing substance use disorders, many of whom are homeless, can receive help to successfully reenter the community.