Mental health care services across Oregon are getting a boost under a new agreement between the state and all 36 counties aimed at improving accountability and outcomes.
On Wednesday, June 3, the governor’s office announced an updated behavioral health agreement designed to help counties focus on their individual needs while allowing the state to better track results. The agreement establishes clearer expectations and is intended to monitor how effective county-provided behavioral health services are.
Previously, Oregon sent money to counties without tracking where the funding went or what outcomes it produced. Under the new agreement, the state will track the effectiveness of programs and work with counties to identify ways to better address local needs, with the goal of helping counties make the most of the funds they receive.
“Yeah, because ultimately, if you take money away from a county, you’re hurting the county residents, and you’re not fixing the problem. And our goal is to work with counties to help them be successful,” Amy Baker said.
Baker said accountability will come through a report submitted every two years detailing what programs are in place and how effective they are. The reporting is also intended to help county and state governments work together to identify gaps and improve care.
The agreement does not give the state the power to dictate how counties ultimately use the funds.