September 24, 2024 2:50 a.m.

On Monday, Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced that the Health Resources and Services Administration has awarded seven Oregon health centers a total of $4.1 million to launch and expand their behavioral health services.

A release said the federal funding is critical to providing Oregon communities with more resources to help address mental health and substance use disorder challenges

The award includes $600,000 for Aviva Health in Roseburg.

Merkley said, “These federal investments will help our health centers provide more mental health and substance use disorder resources, giving more Oregonians the help they need to live safe, healthy lives”.

Wyden said, “…These challenges are statewide, and I’m both glad these federal funds are heading to Oregon and resolute to keep battling for similar investments that improve treatment for mental health disorder and substance abuse in every nook and cranny of our state”.

The release said health centers are critical community providers, which serve as a primary source of care for individuals who are uninsured, underinsured, or enrolled in Medicaid. This makes them well-positioned to respond to the urgent need for accessible, high-quality behavioral health services.

Other health centers receiving awards from this federal funding are in Prineville, Hood River, Fossil and Portland.