Oct. 2, 2025
Dallas, Ore. – The doors will open soon at the Polk CARES Center, a behavioral health crisis stabilization facility, thanks in part to strategic funding and support from Oregon Health Authority (OHA). The center held its grand opening on Sept. 30 and will offer walk-in care for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis. The center leverages state investment to expand behavioral health crisis services across Oregon.
“This center is a result of our state's ongoing work for more spaces and places for Oregonians to get the help they deserve," Governor Kotek said. “This is the type of capacity that we need across the state so someone in crisis can stabilize and get the help they need."
The Polk CARES Center, which stands for Connect, Assist, Respond, Empower, Support, provides walk-in crisis care at 182 SW Academy Street in Dallas.
The center provides a range of critical services, including suicide prevention, safety planning and referrals to longer term behavioral health care. Individuals can also get support on their recovery journey from substance use disorder including referrals to treatment and overdose prevention education.
The center is funded through an investment of nearly $2.5 million from House Bill 5202, directed to Polk County by OHA. Additional funding came from a Measure 110 grant supporting the statewide Behavioral Health Resource Network and from Senate Bill 5506.
"I'm very proud to finally open the doors of the CARES Center," said Jennifer Lief, Polk County Health Services division manager. “The CARES Center means so much to our team, our agency and to me personally because we all know how critical it is for people to have somewhere to turn in a moment of crisis. We've built this center for our community members — family, friends, and neighbors — so they can walk in and find immediate support, whether through our crisis services or our welcome center for substance use and peer support. No appointment needed, no judgment given — just compassionate care and a pathway to recovery and healing."
The opening of the Polk CARES Center embodies the broader vision from OHA and its partners to ensure behavioral health services are responsive, accessible and equitable across Oregon.
“The Polk CARES Center reflects a powerful commitment to ensuring every person in Oregon has access to timely, compassionate and lifesaving behavioral health care," said Ebony Clarke, behavioral health director at OHA. “By investing in community crisis response, we are supporting recovery, preserving dignity, and building stronger, healthier communities."
All services are available to individuals of all ages, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.