Tackling stigma: Here’s the ADPC’s approach
Every day in Oregon, thousands of individuals experience challenges related to substance use, yet many refrain from seeking help often due to the stigma. Stigma appears as negative attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors directed toward individuals who use substances or have a Substance Use Disorder (SUD). It can lead to discrimination and social exclusion, and it often diminishes a person’s willingness to seek help. As a result, the pathway to care can feel unsafe or inaccessible.
To truly improve SUD services across Oregon will require reducing stigma – among policymakers, healthcare providers, and the public at large.
The ADPC has incorporated strategies to address stigma into every category of its 2026-2030 Comprehensive Plan, which will launch in January 2026. Stigma reducing strategies and activities are called out in prevention, risk mitigation, treatment, recovery, and youth-focused services, with an eye toward creating and supporting opportunities at the state and local level to reduce stigma as a barrier to access and care.
To explain the significance of this issue and how the ADPC plans to contribute to stigma reduction across the SUD continuum of care, the ADPC has drafted a memo. Check it out, and learn more about the ADPC's strategies, on the ADPC Blog.
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Commission, Committee Updates
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At its December meeting this past Monday, the ADPC officially met its new members, and all of the ADPC commissioners and staff introduced themselves. It was an energizing, inspiring meeting, leaving the team feeling good about the year ahead. The ADPC has a lot to accomplish, but we’ve built a solid plan and have an amazing team of passionate, motivated experts who are ready to get to work!
Meanwhile, the ADPC Committees will resume meeting in January! Also, the committees are accepting applications for new members! If you would like to join an ADPC committee or nominate someone to serve on a committee, please fill out this form. Para completar esta solicitud en español, haga clic aqui.
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ADPC Job Alert!
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The ADPC is looking for an Executive Support Specialist!
The purpose of this position is to provide executive and administrative support to ADPC, the ADPC Director, and ADPC staff. The Administrative Assistant is tasked with coordinating and providing support for public meetings, committees, internal meetings and work groups as requested – this includes scheduling and the preparation, writing, and distribution of minutes.
Application deadline: Dec. 21, 2025
To learn more about this opportunity, please click here.
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Employer Forum: Recovery Friendly Workplace in Action |
Hosted by the Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences
The term "Recovery Friendly Workplace" describes employers that take proactive steps to prevent and respond to substance misuse, foster workplace-supported recovery, and strengthen opportunities for individuals in recovery while supporting all those affected by substance use disorders. At this in-person forum, participants will:
- Define what it means to be a Recovery Friendly Workplace
- Learn about practical tools and resources to guide workplace implementation
- Explore case studies showcasing successful programs, policies, and practices that employers can adapt to take immediate steps toward becoming recovery-friendly.
Where: University of Oregon Portland Campus
When: January 15, 9 am - 3 pm
Click here to register.
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Register for Oregon Recovers Advocacy Day 2026!
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Calling All Recovery Advocates! It’s time to for Oregon Recovers Advocacy Day 2026 at the Oregon State Capitol!
Oregon’s prevention, treatment, and recovery services are at risk due to proposed budget cuts. Now is the time to stand together and make our voices heard! Let’s show lawmakers that recovery saves lives and strengthens communities.
Thursday, February 12, 2026, 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Click here to register.
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Register for new school-focused ECHO program |
ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) is an interactive, educational and community-building experience that allows healthcare professionals in Oregon to create a case-based learning environment through the convenience of video connection.
Thanks to HB 3321, the ADPC is sponsoring OHSU to host two adolescent-focused ECHOs over the next year.
The second program begins January 22. This ECHO is focused on substance use prevention and early intervention systems in school contexts. Prevention work is complex, interprofessional, and requires strong partnerships. Sessions will exemplify successful models, empower teams to vision together, and assist champions to advance their own prevention efforts.
Audience: School counselors, teachers, coaches, athletic directors, school-based health professionals, school administrators, youth services officers, youth behavioral health professionals, youth peer support, public health professionals, juvenile justice professionals
Click here to register.
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Upcoming ADPC Meetings
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- January 12, 1 pm: ADPC Commission Meeting
- January 14, 3 pm: ADPC Treatment Committee Meeting
- January 14, 4 pm: Oregon Youth Addiction Alliance Meeting
- January 15, 1 pm: ADPC Recovery Committee Meting
- January 27, 9:30 am: ADPC Harm Reduction Committee Meeting
- January 28, 10:30 am: ADPC Prevention Committee Meeting
More ADPC meeting information is available here.
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Recent SUD-related headlines
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‘Transcends party identification’: Bipartisan lawmakers on addressing opioid epidemic among veterans – NBC, Nov. 28
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Living near marijuana shops may increase chance of health issues, study finds – KNKX, Dec. 1
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Construction under way for new county mental health crisis center – The New Era Newspaper, Dec. 2
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A Fentanyl Vaccine Is About to Get Its First Major Test – Wired, Dec. 3
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‘It’s not a moral failing’: Central Oregon expert offers holiday mental health and recovery tips – KTVZ, Dec. 4
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Oregon’s Plan for Fixing Its Mental Health System: Build More Beds, Get More Workers – Willamette Week, Dec. 4
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Oregon recalls select hemp pre-rolls due to excessive THC levels – KOIN, Dec. 5
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Opioid treatment clinic opening in The Dalles – Columbia Gorge News, Dec. 9
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Poll of Public Perspectives on the U.S. Mental Health Care System (2025) – National Alliance on Mental Illness, December 2025
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