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Friends and Neighbors,
Upcoming Events
Two Upcoming Opportunities to Connect!
- Join Senator Sollman for a virtual Community Conversation Thursday, February 1 from 6:00PM - 7:00PM. This is an opportunity for community members to bring your questions and share your thoughts before the upcoming legislative session. We look forward to seeing you there. Register Here.
- Join Senator Sollman and Team at AVA Roasteria in Hillsboro for an in-person Community Conversation on Friday, February 2 from 10:00 - 11:00AM. The address is 936 NE Orenco Station Loop, Hillsboro, OR 97124. Grab a cup of coffee and pull up a chair. We hope to see you there!
Legislative Updates
Bills I am Co-Chief Sponsoring this Session
For the upcoming Legislative Session, I have signed on to be a Co-Chief Sponsor of the following bills:
- Chips ChildCare Bill - Rep Walters
- OLCC Commission to Have a Member with Public Health Background - Rep Walters
- Semiconductor Talent Workforce - Rep Hai Pham
- School Based Health Centers Expansion - Rep Dexter
- Military Pension Tax Exemption - Sen Thatcher
- BOLI Apprenticeship Study - Rep Sosa
- Biosolids Study Bill - Rep Helm
- Child Advocacy Centers and Domestic Violence Supports Funding - Rep Kropf
- Individual Development Accounts Funding - Rep Ruiz
- Marine Reserves - Rep Gomberg
- Clean Technology - Rep Bynum
Each week we will post a bit more in-depth on these bills. This week, I am highlighting the bill I am working on with Rep Dexter, the School Based Health Center bill. This is a bill that I introduced last session that didn't quite make it over the finish line. After continued work during the Interim, this policy is strong and will provide an important tool for our youth and their mental and physical health needs.
School Based Health Centers
Problem: We are currently experiencing a youth mental health crisis across the country and Oregon is ranked dead last for youth mental health support. We have the highest rates of depression and limited access to support systems. In the past two years, as students swing from online learning to hybrid schooling, and back to in-person learning, mental health challenges and behavioral issues have ramped up in schools. In 2023, Oregon had the fourth highest rate of absenteeism of any state, with 36.1% of students missing 10% or more of the school year. Kids can’t learn if they are not healthy and it’s showing up in our schools. A study conducted in Oregon found that youth at SBHCs that increased mental health capacity were 12% less likely to report a depressive episode; 15% less likely to report suicidal ideation; and 18% more likely to report a suicide attempt.
Solution: Provide resources immediately to support the mental health of young people. Our schools are the heart of our communities, and placing school-based health centers, school nurses, and mental health providers onsite provides low-barrier access to the care our youth desperately need.
2024 Proposals:
- $1.1 million for 10 two-year planning grants for districts to convene their community to establish SBHCs, school nursing, and mental health supports
- $5.85 million for mental health funding for schools with and without a SBHC
- $522,000 for SBHC inflation adjustment to preserve the workforce (this will be the first adjustment since 2011)
- $10 million in Capital Bonding for ready-made SBHC modular units.
Legislation to Expand Addiction Treatment, Deter Public Drug Use, Improve Community Safety Outlined
The state of the drug crisis in Oregon is unacceptable. We can’t go back to the failed War on Drugs, and people can’t keep dying of drug overdoses on the street. To aid in urgently expanding drug treatment and addiction prevention while stopping crime, confiscating hard drugs, and cleaning up trash and graffiti on our streets, the Joint Committee on Addiction and Community Safety met this week to unveil a policy proposal for the upcoming 2024 Legislative Session. You can watch the committee hearing and discussion at this link here. Read proposed policy solutions from Tuesday's press release below.
The legislation will be introduced as an amendment to House Bill 4002 once the 2024 legislative session begins February 5th. The committee will hold public hearings on the proposed legislation during the upcoming legislative session. We will share information about opportunities to submit public testimony as it becomes available. The initial amendment to the bill will include provisions that will put Oregon on a path toward:
Increasing Access to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) by:
- Banning health insurers, health benefit plans and Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs) from imposing prior authorization or other utilization review for drugs used to treat substance use disorders.
- Allowing pharmacists to prescribe and dispense emergency refills of medications used to treat opioid use disorder and requiring health benefit plans to reimburse the cost of emergency refills.
- Requiring the Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission (ADPC) to study removing barriers to MAT interventions in emergency departments and report recommendations to the Legislature.
Ensuring Consistent, High-Quality Care Statewide by:
- Applying CCO network adequacy standards for providers to addiction treatment providers.
Making the Addiction Treatment System Responsive to Fentanyl by:
- Extending welfare holds to allow a treatment facility or sobering center to hold an incapacitated person for 72 hours (up from 48 hours) due to fentanyl staying in an individual's body for longer than other opioids.
Building More Proven Community Clinics to Treat Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Needs by:
- Expanding Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic operations in Oregon and establishing the program within the Oregon Health Authority. Minimum services for these health centers will be identified in the bill. The bill will require OHA to submit a plan to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for adding new certified community behavioral health clinics to a demonstration program by January 15, 2025 and seek approval for federal financial participation in the program by September 2025.
Preventing Homelessness for People in Recovery by:
- Extending fair housing standards to cover individuals prescribed MAT. Long-term care facilities and residential facilities will be prohibited from refusing to admit an individual based on that individual's involvement with medication-assisted treatment for a substance use disorder.
Building Up the Drug Treatment and Mental Health Workforce by:
- Requiring the ADPC to study and deliver recommendations to the Legislature by 2025 on ways to reduce barriers to substance use disorder treatment provider credentialing.
Protecting Our Kids from Drugs by:
- Requiring the ADPC to study and deliver recommendations on specific strategies to improve access to substance use disorder treatment for youth.
Stopping Drug Dealers by:
- Prosecuting more drug dealers through restoring Oregon law to what it was for 34 years before the 2021 Hubbell decision, ensuring that someone with a large stash of drugs and paraphernalia can be charged for delivery of a controlled substance.
- Creating steeper penalties for drug dealing in a public park and within 500 ft. of substance use disorder treatment centers and homeless shelters.
- Asking the courts to keep dangerous drug dealers in jail pre-trial. The bill would direct the Chief Justice’s Criminal Justice Advisory Committee to evaluate the pretrial release criteria for persons arrested for Delivery and Manufacture of Controlled Substances.
Deterring Public Use and Confiscating Drugs by:
- Building a path from public use and possession to recovery through creating a Class C misdemeanor for possession with requirements for a deflection program to create more offramps to treatment.
- Deflection consists of a behavioral health intervention focused on helping individuals into drug treatment, supporting their addiction recovery and connecting them with peer support.
- A pre-booking deflection program must be offered to a person and declined before they can be prosecuted for possession of a controlled substance.
- Class C misdemeanor for possession of drugs carries up to 30 days in jail and a $1,250 fine – the same class of crime as a petty theft.
- Giving police officers a way to legally confiscate drugs as current law is unclear on their authority to do so. Creating a Class C misdemeanor will give officers this legal footing to get dangerous drugs off our streets. The Class C misdemeanor will also allow officers to stop public drug use – an unintended consequence of Measure 110.
Monitoring Law Enforcement Interactions by:
- Requiring any enforcement of delivery of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance – including officer-initiated stops and prosecutions – to be reported to the Criminal Justice Commission. Data will be monitored for racial and other demographic disparities. The CJC will report annually to the Legislature on its findings starting August 2025.
Increasing Funding for Emergency Mental Health and Addiction Services by:
- Expanding the IMPACTS Grant Program, giving communities more resources to treat people with mental health or substance use disorders before they end up in jail or the hospital. The grants could be spent on supporting deflection programs, mobile crisis units, mobile MAT programs, MAT in jail and case management or peer support for homeless people living with a substance use disorder.
The committee will continue to receive input from the public on this proposal and develop a complimentary budget package through the Legislature's Ways and Means process. Additions to this proposal the committee is considering include:
- Supporting the construction of shovel-ready mental health and addiction treatment projects.
- Allocating money to ODOT to support removal of trash and graffiti.
- Launching statewide and local fentanyl awareness campaigns.
- Creating a Task Force on Regional Behavioral Health Accountability.
The Legislature will consider additional bills in the upcoming session that will address other aspects of the drug crisis, including:
- Funding for recovery housing to keep people housed while in treatment.
- Funding for the expansion of post-plea diversion via drug courts.
- Improving access to medication-assisted treatment in jails.
- Strengthening protections for behavioral health care workers.
- Funding behavioral health care apprenticeships.
Oregon Agricultural Heritage Program Funding Request
The Oregon Agricultural Heritage Program (OAHP) is working with the House Ag, Natural Resources and Water Committee to run a bill that would provide additional funding for OAHP in the 2024 short session. This is a funding request I support for several reasons.
Fully funding the OAHP would:
- Leverage federal dollars for agricultural and ranchland protection and conservation,
- Keep farms and ranch lands in productions,
- Support rural businesses by allowing farmers to get cash from their real estate while keeping it in agriculture. This is vital for creating financial buffers in tough times and making farmland more affordable for the next generation.
- Reduces carbon emissions. Protecting farmlands while growing cities in a compact manner reduces 33 tons of GHG emissions per acre per year when compared to sprawl development,
- Benefits rural communities with dollars that recirculate in rural economies, and
- Benefits the state by supporting our 2nd largest economic sector and the rural economies, open spaces, and fish and wildlife habitat that depend upon it.
You can follow along with the progress of this bill on OLIS once the 2024 Session link is live. We will also post updates in future newsletters.
Listen. Learn. Act.
Cornelius Fire Department Ride Along
Last weekend, I enjoyed a great ride-along with the Cornelius Fire Department. Many thanks to Lieutenant Trevor Storms, Lieutenant Lucas Anderson, Interns Theo Kasten and Aidyn Bowyer, and Volunteer Sean Morae-Alvarado for their time, their passion for service and patience with all my questions.
Out and About in Senate District 15
Northwest Regional Education Service District Legislative Summit
Wednesday evening I attended the Washington County Legislative Summit hosted by the Northwest Regional Education Service District (NWESD). It was a great opportunity to chat with school board members, student reps, Superintendents and the NWESD team all in one room.
Westside Economic Alliance Annual Legislative Reception
This week I attended the Westside Economic Alliance (WEA) Annual Legislative Reception. This was a great opportunity for Washington County legislators to share their agendas for the upcoming session and hear from WEA members with their thoughts and questions.
Senate District 15 - Small Business Spotlight
Miracle Sign Co.
Miracle Sign Co. began in Forest Grove in 1977, according to their website, to fulfill people's custom sign needs in Forest Grove. Today they are a 'creative graphics and fabrication' company that offers decals, wall graphics, laser etching, large format graphics, custom fabrication, accessories, awards and banners. Now serving two locations, one in Forest Grove and one in Beaverton, check out their website here and contact them for more information.
Miracle Sign Co. is located at 1934 Elm Street, in Forest Grove, and at 12395 SW Broadway Street, in Beaverton.
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In the News
Oregon Democrats unveil bill to recriminalize drug possession, step up access to treatment, OPB
Oregon Democrats would make drug possession a crime, widen treatment, Oregon Capital Chronicle
Record Numbers of People Face Criminal Charges in Multnomah County With No Defense Attorney, Willamette Week
5 Key Policy Considerations for Regulating AI in Classrooms, TechLearning.com
Community Outreach
Bloodworks Northwest is issuing a Code Red emergency for our community blood supply.
 Blood donors are urgently needed to combat a severe shortage. Only 28% of donors needed in January and February have signed up to donate. What can our community do to help? We’re urging everyone who is eligible and feeling healthy to help fill immediate appointments to donate at a donor center or blood drive near you.
Bloodworks Northwest President & CEO Curt Bailey says, "Code Red simply means we’re running out of blood. The pressure on our local blood supply has been building for weeks. The recent cold snap kept donors away, which came right after the holidays when blood supplies typically falter. And, Bloodworks is providing local hospitals with more Type O than is being donated locally, which depletes the supply. Our community needs to act quickly to stabilize the blood supply and to ensure patients experiencing cancer can receive transfusions, surgeries aren’t delayed, and our trauma centers can respond to emergencies.” Bailey adds, “If you’ve been putting off donating blood, now is the time to make an appointment.”
There are immediate opportunities to donate, and appointments in the weeks ahead are just as vital. Right now, universal Type O and Platelet donors are extremely important, especially for cancer, trauma, and emergency situations. Giving blood is easy to do and saves lives in our local hospitals. January is National Blood Donor Month, and with this blood donor shortage, the importance of blood donation is keenly felt. Appointments can be made at www.bloodworksnw.org/giveblood or 800-398-7888.
If your organization or business is interested in hosting a blood drive to help provide more convenient opportunities for blood donation, please contact Chris Harrison at charrison@bloodworksnw.org | 971-450-7272.
Fentanyl Awareness Lessons & Substance Use Family Night
Shared from Hillsboro School District
1/10/24
Dear Hillsboro School District Families,
Safety is HSD’s top priority and we believe it is critically important to share information about the dangers of fentanyl with our students and families. Young people are purchasing what they think are OxyContin, Percocet, or Xanax pills via social media, but what they are getting are fake pills containing the cheaper, stronger, and more deadly synthetic drug called fentanyl. Fentanyl is up to 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Fentanyl is odorless, tasteless, and colorless. Teens never know what they’re getting, and one pill can kill them. Students and families can report confidential concerns about substances circulating in the community by going to safeoregon.com.
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During the month of January, middle and high school students will receive a lesson during one of their advisory classes about fentanyl awareness. The lessons at both levels will provide students an opportunity to learn more about why it is important to be aware of the risks of drugs being manufactured with fentanyl. They will provide students with an opportunity to ask questions and collaborate with their peers and their advisory teacher about the risks associated with fentanyl. The lessons are designed to provide students with information to support them in making informed and healthy decisions. Students will have access to their school counselor and will be provided with information about local community resources.
Parents and guardians play a critical role in supporting their student’s mental health and healthy decision making. We encourage parents and guardians to check in with their student(s) throughout the time these lessons are happening. To provide families with support and additional information, HSD is hosting a Substance Use Family Night with a focus on Fentanyl Awareness on Thursday, February 8 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Zoom. During the event, families will be able to hear more about the district lessons, and systems of support in both HSD and Washington County.
We care deeply about the health and safety of each and every student in our HSD community. We know these conversations with your student can be hard. Please reach out to your child's school counselor or administrator if you need support.
Additional Resource: Parent OD Prevention One Pager
Hillsboro School District
Plan de concientización sobre el fentanilo 2023-24
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10 de enero de 2024
Estimadas familias del Distrito Escolar de Hillsboro:
La seguridad es la máxima prioridad de HSD y creemos que es de vital importancia compartir información sobre los peligros del fentanilo con nuestros estudiantes y sus familias. Los jóvenes compran lo que creen que son píldoras OxyContin (oxicodona), Percocet o Xanax a través de las redes sociales, pero lo que obtienen son píldoras falsas que contienen una droga sintética más barata, más fuerte y más letal llamada fentanilo. El fentanilo es hasta 50 veces más potente que la heroína y 100 veces más potente que la morfina. El fentanilo es inodoro, insípido e incoloro. Los adolescentes nunca saben lo que están recibiendo y una sola píldora puede ser mortal. Los estudiantes y las familias pueden manifestar sus inquietudes sobre las sustancias que circulan en la comunidad de manera confidencial visitando: safeoregon.com.
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Durante el mes de enero, a los estudiantes de las escuelas secundarias y preparatorias se les impartirá una lección durante una de sus clases de comunidad de orientación sobre la concientización acerca del fentanilo. Las lecciones en ambos niveles brindarán a los estudiantes la oportunidad de aprender más sobre por qué es importante conocer los riesgos de las drogas que se fabrican con fentanilo, así como también, brindarán a los estudiantes la oportunidad de hacer preguntas y colaborar con sus compañeros y maestros sobre los riesgos asociados con el fentanilo. Las lecciones están diseñadas para proporcionar a los estudiantes información que los ayude a tomar decisiones informadas y saludables. Los estudiantes tendrán acceso a su consejero escolar y se les proporcionará información sobre los recursos de la comunidad local.
Los padres y tutores legales desempeñan un papel fundamental en el apoyo a la salud mental y la toma de decisiones saludables de sus estudiantes. Exhortamos a los padres y tutores legales a dialogar con su estudiante durante el tiempo que se llevan a cabo estas lecciones. Con el fin de apoyar a las familias y brindar información adicional, HSD llevará a cabo una noche familiar sobre el uso de sustancias con un enfoque en la concientización sobre el fentanilo. El evento tendrá lugar el jueves, 8 de febrero de 2024 de 5:30 p.m. a 7:30 p.m. a través de Zoom. Durante el evento, las familias podrán aprender sobre las lecciones que ofrece el distrito y los sistemas de apoyo de HSD y el Condado de Washington.
Nos preocupamos profundamente por la salud y la seguridad de todos y cada uno de los estudiantes de nuestra comunidad de HSD. Sabemos que estas conversaciones con su estudiante pueden ser difíciles, así que, por favor comuníquense con un consejero o administrador de la escuela de su estudiante si necesitan apoyo.
Recursos adicionales: Hoja informativa para padres sobre la prevención de la sobredosis entre los jóvenes (en inglés)
Distrito Escolar de Hillsboro
Valentines for Seniors from Forest Grove Police Department
Shared from Forest Grove Police Department
What time is it? It's Valentimes! Well, almost.
We are once again on a mission to bring a little love to seniors in our community by collecting valentines and cards!
Just print out the card/cards from our website, color and decorate, then drop it off or send it to us at the station by Friday, February 9. They will be delivered to these special community members in time for February 14. You can also pickup a packet of coloring sheets at the station during business hours.
Kids of all ages are welcome to participate!
The cards and instructions can be found here: https://bit.ly/FGPDValentines
For more information, contact Community Outreach at 503-992-3104 or email LQuinsland@forestgrove-or.gov
Additional Resources
Senate District 15 – Event Calendars
Federal Delegation Links
Education Links
Food and Housing Assistance
 January 22 – 26, 2024 marks the sixth annual National Gun Violence Survivors Week — a time when we come together to share and amplify the stories and voices of gun violence survivors who are impacted by gun violence each and every day. Last night I joined local Moms Demand volunteers and advocates to recognize this week and look for ways to seek positive change and support each other on the journey.
Be good to yourself and each other. ❤
Onward & Upward,
 Senate District 15 lies on Kalapuya land. The Atfalati were the northernmost band of the Kalapuya that lived along the Tualatin River in present day Washington County. Many of the Atfalati descendants are members of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon today. The Indigenous Peoples of this land experienced a painful history of colonial violence, sickness and removal from their land. The Atfalati are the foundation of Oregon's past and we must honor them well into our future.
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1715
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, S-207, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Sen.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/sollman
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