New Season Opioid Treatment Program Grand Opening Remarks

October 27, 2026 

Thank you for the opportunity to be here today to celebrate the opening of this outpatient treatment center for individuals on the path to recovering from a dependence on painkillers, heroin, or other opioids. This program will change lives.  

We know we lose too many people in recovery when there are gaps in the treatment continuum. The relationship between a person and their care network is often what keeps someone moving forward — and continuity between programs strengthens that connection. This is how you give people a stronger opportunity to succeed. 

This new treatment center demonstrates what’s possible when local, state, and regional partners work together. This program was made possible with a $1.8 million investment of state opioid settlement funds. We can make things happen when we work together for a common purpose. 

This grand opening is part of a larger picture of progress across Oregon.  Since taking office, I have overseen an unprecedented increase in behavioral health treatment capacity – adding over 1,700 new in-patient beds, including 769 substance use disorder treatment beds. That’s a more than 61% increase in capacity.   

As we expand treatment capacity, we’re also addressing the behavioral health workforce shortage - because the two must go hand in hand. Led by First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson, my Behavioral Health Talent Council met with frontline providers, people with lived experience, and leaders across the state to produce a comprehensive report that is now guiding our next steps. We’re already pushing forward to implement strategies that will make a difference. 

Of course, there is more work to do. Too many families watch their loved ones suffer without adequate support. We have made real progress, and we should celebrate that today. But let’s keep pushing hard – together - to make sure every Oregonian has what they need to be healthy and safe. 

To the Gresham community and the team at New Season, thank you for your commitment to making a real difference in providing evidence-based, life-changing addiction healthcare.