Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is celebrating the opening of New Season’s new Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) in Gresham. The clinic expands access to evidence-based opioid use disorder treatment for people in East Multnomah County and nearby rural areas.
Expanding access to care
“Expanding access to addiction care saves lives,” said Ebony Clarke, OHA behavioral health director. “Bringing services closer to where people live, work, and care for their families improves access, equity, and outcomes, and it supports our goal of eliminating health inequities.”
The clinic was funded with a $1.8 million investment from the Oregon Opioid Settlement Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Board. It provides outpatient treatment with methadone and buprenorphine, along with counseling.
Reducing barriers for people seeking treatment
For people experiencing opioid use disorder, getting timely, effective care can be life changing. Until now, many people in East Multnomah County have traveled long distances or faced other barriers to get specialized care. The new clinic will help reduce those barriers and will work with local health care, emergency services, and social service providers to support ongoing recovery.
“Treatment where people need it, when they need it, is absolutely critical to fighting the addiction crisis in Oregon,” said Governor Tina Kotek. “This program will save lives that have for too long lacked care close to home. It shows what’s possible when local, state, and regional partners work together.”
Continuing commitment to recovery and support
The opening is part of Oregon’s statewide investment in behavioral health services. The state anticipates adding 1,722 licensed residential treatment beds, including 769 substance use disorder treatment beds. So far, 1,052 beds are already open, with another 670 scheduled to open over the next two and a half years.
Through strategic investments and partnerships, OHA and its partners are expanding access to treatment, strengthening recovery supports, and helping more people in Oregon get the care they need, closer to home.