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November 20, 2024
Media contact: Timothy Heider, 971-599-0459, timothy.heider@oha.oregon.gov
New data shows Behavioral Health Resource Networks are reaching more clients as Measure 110 changes begin to take effect
SALEM, Ore.— Behavioral Health Resource Networks (BHRNs) across the state continue to connect more substance users with services and treatment, according to the most recent quarterly report that ended June 30, 2024.
The newly reported data were collected after legislative reforms to Measure 110 were passed but have yet to be fully implemented.
“BHRNs are helping Oregonians engage and stay in treatment,” said Measure 110 Executive Director Abbey Stamp. “Following legislative changes to Measure 110, it’s encouraging to see that providers, law enforcement and the communities are continuing to connect more substance users to care.”
Stamp started her role as the state’s Measure 110 program director October 15.
Measure 110 established and funds BHRNs. The networks provide substance use disorder services in seven specified areas regardless of a client's ability to pay. There are BHRNs in all 36 Oregon counties, and more than one in some counties.
The Oversight and Accountability Council, which governs Measure 110 funding, is presently considering a new round of grant applications for services that will begin on July 1, 2025.
Each BHRN is responsive to its community’s needs by providing screening, assessments, treatment, peer support services, harm reduction, housing, and supported employment.
The latest quarterly data shows several notable and evolving trends:
- Since the establishment of BHRNs, client contact has increased steadily. Overall client encounters over the most recent quarter grew from 248,651 to 299,662 – a 20 percent increase.
- Supported employment, peer services and housing supports have more than tripled in the 21 months of operation.
- In the most recent quarter, capital expenditures have dropped to 10 percent compared to almost 50 percent during the first quarterly review period, from July through September 2022. The steady evolution from capital costs to service expenditures shows BHRN infrastructure is firmly established, and substance use disorder services continue to increase.
BHRN provider feedback showed the needs of communities across the state and endorsed the value of Measure 110 investments:
- “We have seen many successes with our BHRN funding. Client outcomes are improving through the removal of barriers. Housing stability and employment services are the two main areas where we really see barrier removal making an impact. With fewer setbacks, individuals are able to focus on their treatment and make progress.”
- “The recruitment for hiring more community-based peer specialists has been challenging due to the high level of need in the community and staffing shortages. With the new employees, we once again work towards onboarding and stabilizing.”
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) maintains a comprehensive online dashboard that includes quarterly data, expenditures, key demographic information, and aggregated narrative summaries for the 42 service networks statewide.
The dashboard contains a new feature summarizing community engagement work, a key component of Measure 110’s strategic data plan.
The work included collecting feedback from culturally specific providers to better understand their programs and how to improve evaluation measures.
To learn more, visit OHA’s Measure 110 webpage.
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