HJRA Hosts Legislative Roundtable at Quest Center
On July 15th, the Health Justice Recovery Alliance (HJRA) invited local policy-makers to a Roundtable at Quest Center to hear from members of our Indigeninity BHRN. Providers had the opportunity to share personal stories and statistics of the great impacts that Measure 110 dollars have had in furthering our work and outreach efforts. In attendance was
Indigeninity is a Behavioral Health Resource Network (BHRN) comprised of 17 multi-cultural organizations across Multnomah County, Oregon. We have come together to form a comprehensive substance use disorder network of care that is coordinated, accessible, and supports our community. Our vision is to provide spaces for community, safety, and belonging, while eliminating service barriers for those most impacted by the war on drugs, with an emphasis on BIPOC and LGBTQIA2S+ community.
In attendance was Senator Elizabeth Steiner and Kate Lieber’s staff, Senator Jama Kayse’s staff, County Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards staff, County Commissioner Jesse Beason’s staff, County Commissioner Sharon Meieran, Representative Khanh Pham, Representative Andrea Valderrama’s Chief of Staff, and Representative Lisa Reynolds. Providers from Quest Center, Miracles Club, WomenFirst, MHAAO, Going Home II, and Project Patchwork were present as well.
A major takeaway from the event was how Measure 110 funding has lowered barriers to service for participants and fostered greater collaboration among providers.
In the past, non-profits and organizations working to address barriers to Substance-Use services worked in a competing model, often going after the same small grants and funding sources. With Oregon’s Cannabis tax revenue now being allocated towards Measure 110 services, providers such as Quest Center are able to serve clients beyond traditional insurance models. For example, someone who is uninsured or underinsured, can still receive Substance-Use treatment at Quest Center.
M110 has also provided funds for a Behavioral Health Resource Network (BHRN) Navigator who can connect individuals with housing support, peer-support, job-search support, bus passes, and more. All aspects that can make it more sustainable for clients to engage in Substance-Use treatment services. The BHRN navigator is in close relationship with all members of the BHRN to be able to provide a warm hand-off between providers.
The Roundtable was a space for policymakers to understand the depth of services that the BHRN provides, as well as ask questions to understand the needs of providers to ensure these much needed Substance-Use services can continue.
Stay tuned for an upcoming Indigneninity BHRN Resource Fair!
