US EditionOregon fails many residents with mental health, addiction challenges. New state audit proposes fixes
- Oregon faces a behavioral health crisis revealed by a May 2025 audit highlighting gaps in crisis services and high suicide rates across the state.
- The crisis stems from insufficient funding, poor data collection, and a complex, decentralized system that struggles to meet rising mental health demands.
- Oregon’s behavioral health crisis response is structured around three key components: the 988 suicide prevention line, mobile outreach teams, and facilities for crisis stabilization; however, only the 988 hotline currently benefits from stable financial support.
- In 2022, Oregon experienced a youth suicide rate of 14.2 individuals per 100,000 population, which was higher than the national figure of 10 per 100,000. Additionally, recent surveys indicate that 15% of Oregon’s youth have seriously considered suicide.
- The audit’s 12 recommendations were accepted to improve data, funding, and planning, suggesting better coordination may reduce suffering and help meet equity goals by 2030.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Report: Oregon's mental health needs outweigh ability to provide services - Malheur Enterprise
This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know may be experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting “988” or chatting online at http://988lifeline.org/. Oregon’s high behavioral health needs outpace the state’s availability to provide services, according to an audit report from the Secretary of State’s Office. The state’s suicide rate has consistently outpaced the nation since 200…
Oregon’s mental health needs outweigh its ability to provide services, report shows
This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know may be experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting “988” or chatting online at http://988lifeline.org/. Oregon’s high behavioral health needs outpace…
Oregon’s mental health needs outweigh its ability to provide services, report shows • Oregon Capital Chronicle
The Oregon Health Authority oversees the Oregon State Hospital in Salem. (Oregon Health Authority)This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know may be experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting “988” or chatting online at http://988lifeline.org/. Oregon’s high behavioral health needs outpace the state’s availability to provide services, according to an audit report from the Se…
Oregon has underbuilt its suicide and mental health crisis response system, audit says
Oregon’s system for helping people with imminent thoughts of suicide or other mental health crises is underfunded and poorly tracked, according to a new audit from the Oregon Secretary of State.
Oregon needs 'urgent action' against behavioral health crisis, audit finds
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The Oregon Secretary of State’s Office released an audit on Thursday, warning the state needs to urgently address the behavioral health crisis as Oregon is among states with the poorest mental health trends and low access to support. The audit focused on Oregon’s behavioral health system and how the Oregon Health Authority responds to behavioral health crises. Among their key findings, auditors say Oregon's behavioral hea…
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