Statewide community forums
Over the next several months, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA) are teaming up to solicit input from communities across Oregon regarding veterans behavioral health needs and services.
OHA and ODVA will seek feedback from local veterans, service providers and policymakers across Oregon communities—Rural, urban and frontier—to:
Share the flyer (PDF)
About the study
OHA and ODVA commissioned a needs assessment study to identify challenges and opportunities for reforms. Produced by the Rede Group, this extensive study:
- Describes the availability of behavioral health services for Oregon veterans;
- Provides findings regarding barriers veterans face in accessing behavioral health services; and
- Recommends policy and other changes that may improve the accessibility and quality of behavioral health services for Oregon veterans.
The recommendations include proposed steps to strengthen services and outreach for veterans, including:
- Reduce stigma about behavioral health issues to help more veterans feel comfortable seeking care.
- Strengthen suicide prevention programs.
- Improve care coordination for veterans and tailor services to better address the experiences those who have served in the military have faced.
- Expand the number of peer specialists who have their own first-hand knowledge of veterans issues and can provide effective support.
- Recruit more treatment providers to serve veterans.
View the study report (193 pages, PDF) View the report highlights (PDF)
Links
Federal Veterans Affairs website - Mental health support services
ODVA website - Veteran services in Oregon