State committee would manage grants for substance use and deflection programs

The proposed Behavioral Health and Deflection Committee would award grants for Behavioral Health Resource Networks. Grants would go to Oregon counties and federally recognized tribes for networks that provide some or all listed prevention, treatment, recovery support, and harm reduction services. Grant money would come from the Drug Treatment and Recovery Services Fund or another available source. County applications need approval from the county's local planning committee. If a county or tribe does not apply, the committee could fund a network in that region directly.

The proposed committee would award grants for local programs that connect people with behavioral health needs to community services. Counties, federally recognized tribes, and groups of counties or tribes could apply to run deflection programs for people who may need behavioral health or other services. County applicants must coordinate with a district attorney, law enforcement agency, community mental health program, and resource network provider. Tribal applicants must coordinate with law enforcement and a behavioral health or community social service organization. Grant funds may pay for program costs, workforce training, treatment facilities, victim restitution when it blocks participation, or referral technology.

The proposed committee would study substance use services and report its findings. The committee would study substance use services across Oregon and report to legislative health and judiciary committees and each county. The study would assess service availability and funding, identify gaps, and identify effective ways to fund and support treatment. The report would be due by September 15, 2027. The study requirement would end January 2, 2028.