United We Heal
HB2024 For Oregon
Oregon Needs HB2024!
With behavioral health vacancy rates hovering between 17-29%, it's clear we need to stabilize and strengthen Oregon’s behavioral health workforce.
Following crucial legislative investments in 2022 and 2023, vacancies dropped by an average of 40%!
HB 2024 helps by incentivizing work in the public system
In alignment with the Governor's Recommended Budget, these grants will allow organizational providers to offer meaningful workforce supports-including housing stipends, tuition assistance, child care subsidies, and other incentives-to attract and retain qualified professionals.
Apprenticeships with the United We Heal Labor Management Trust are vital to increasing outcomes and recruitment and retention.
Increasing wages for those serving individuals with the most acute need
Increasing reimbursement for workers who provide outpatient services like street outreach and medication-assisted treatment as well as residential services is key to retaining these workers in the public behavioral health system. HB 2024 provides $20 million to OHA for a targeted reimbursement increase via incentive payment for these providers so workers are able to stay where communities need them most, serving the Oregonians who need it most.
Providing opportunities for training and apprenticeship
The United We Heal Labor Management Trust offers participating providers access to enhanced apprenticeship and training programs while leveraging federal matching funds. These programs help attract new individuals into the behavioral health system while also providing opportunities for career advancement for those seeking a higher level certification.
Investing in workforce stability
The critical investments that the Legislature recently made will not be successful or increase access unless they are accompanied by significant efforts to recruit and retain behavioral health workers in the public system.