We know that Oregon ranks among the worse when it comes to addressing mental/behavioral health needs. And we are consistently ranked last in the nation for access to addiction treatment services. Those with a dual diagnosis for both a mental health illness and substance use disorder have even more barriers to treatment. It is imperative to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges that our providers are experiencing as well as understanding the gaps in our systems. Fortunately, some of that research has been documented in the Oregon Substance Use Disorder Services Inventory and Gap Analysis. You can read their key findings here.
During my recent site visits to Cascadia Health, Multnomah County’s Crisis Assessment and Treatment Center, and Fora Health Treatment & Recovery the number one issue I heard from providers was lack of workforce. Most all said they had the physical space and number of beds to treat more individuals. But what they lack is the professional staff to administer treatment and care. They cited many reasons - low morale and burnout, high turnover, low wages (more competitive wages in private/public sector), the pandemic, fewer people entering a field that can be traumatic and sometimes dangerous coupled with student debt.
As a small business owner for over 30 years I am keenly aware of how proper staffing is foundational to the success of any organization. And as an executive board member and Portland Metro Workforce Development board member for Worksystems, Inc I am exploring ways to incentivize and attract people into these fields in partnership with the private and public sector.
Recently I had the opportunity to speak at a Driving Diversity graduation. It was one of the most uplifting and wonderful events I have attended. I witnessed 18 diverse graduates, two of which were women, who had concluded 12-weeks of integrated hands-on and classroom training to prepare them to test for their Oregon's Commercial Driver License (CDL).
Funded by the City of Portland’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), this industry-designed training was initiated by the Portland Haulers Association and Worksystems in partnership with Interstate Trucking Academy and SE Works. The program is no cost to participants and provides a pathway to entry level driver positions in Portland’s garbage and recycling industry. Programs like these offer living wage jobs, career stability and opportunities for advancement into leadership positions.
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