DHS will have drawing for new OHP expansion

You are subscribed to News Releases for Oregon Department of Human Services. The following news release has been issued:

Date: Jan. 28, 2010

Contact: Nelsa Brodie 503-945-5690

Low-income Oregonians have a chance for health care coverage

The Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) are spreading the word to low-income Oregonians that they have an opportunity for health care. The 2009 Legislature provided funding for coverage for an additional 35,000 low-income Oregon adults through the Oregon Health Plan (OHP). However, DHS estimates there are approximately 140,000 Oregonians whose incomes would qualify them for this coverage.

To ensure everyone qualified has an equal opportunity for the coverage, state health workers are trying to reach as many people as possible to let them know it is available. Anyone who contacts the state will be added to the Oregon Health Plan reservation list, which will be the source of monthly drawings for health care coverage. People who qualify, based on income status and other factors, will be able to join the Oregon Health Plan Standard insurance coverage.

“Everyone without health insurance is at greater risk for serious disease because of delayed treatment or lack of preventive care, which is a tragedy for them and a greater cost to society. Today we have the opportunity to lessen that burden, but we have to make sure everyone who qualifies has an equal chance,” says Bruce Goldberg, M.D., director of DHS and the OHA.

DHS has set up a Web site and toll-free number for people to add their names to the reservation list. The agency is working with health care providers in local communities to help spread the word about the available health care coverage.

To add your name to the list, go to www.oregon.gov/DHS/open or call 1-800-699-9075. You can also go to a local Department of Human Services office to request a reservation packet. Local county health departments, most hospitals and health care clinics also have reservation packets.

“Every day at Central City Concern we see people who lack health insurance,” says Carole Romm, MPA, RN, director, community partnerships and strategic development, Central City Concern in Portland. “Although OHP cannot help everyone who needs it, we’re happy that the list is open and more people will be able to get the health care they need.”

The next drawing from the current list of names will be Feb. 1, and drawings will be held on a regular basis until all funded health care coverage is filled. Once a person’s name is drawn, he or she will be sent an application packet to apply for the health plan. Eligibility is based on strict income limits of less than the federal poverty level, which is based on the number of people in a household. For example, the limit is $903 for an individual or $1,526 for a family of three.

The Oregon Health Plan is part of the new Oregon Health Authority. The OHA is the central location for publicly purchased health care in Oregon, including the Oregon Health Plan and coverage for teachers or public employees. The Health Authority’s mission is to lower costs for everyone in the health care system while increasing access to care and improving the quality of care. As part of the reform efforts, the 2009 Legislature also passed health care funding for all Oregon children.

OHP-Standard covers physician services, prescription drugs, mental health and chemical dependency treatment, emergency medical services and limited dental, hospital and vision services.

#                 #                    #

New Visions of Mind and Crisis with Ed Knight and Will Hall

New Visions of Mind and Crisis with Ed Knight and Will Hall

Two spiritual practitioners diagnosed with schizophrenia ask, Is “mental illness” spiritual? How does trauma relate to enlightenment? What do Eastern religious traditions tell us about madness? Are there holistic treatment alternatives? Can we acknowledge spirit without romanticizing crisis?

Join us for a presentation and discussion to discover new perspectives in mental health.

With:

Ed Knight is dually diagnosed with schizophrenia and alcoholism, the Steward of The Healing Circle, a Zen Peacemaker Circle, and a Senior in the Buddhist Zen Peacemaker Sangha. A widely recognized researcher and teacher in mental illness recovery and mutual support, Ed is Vice President of Recovery, Rehabilitation and Mutual Support at Valueoptions, as well as a mentor in the Prison Dharma Network.

Will Hall is diagnosed with schizophrenia and his advocacy work includes Portland Hearing Voices, Mental Disability Rights International, The Icarus Project, and hosts Madness Radio heard on KBOO FM. A longtime western Taoist meditator and yoga practitioner, Will is currently studying Process Oriented Psychology. Will was recently featured in the Newsweek magazine article “Listening to Madness.”

Tendremos una mini-presentacion en espanol para participantes hispanohablantes.

Wednesday, November 18th, 6 PM - 8:30 PM
Bamboo Grove Salon, 134 SE Taylor (on 2nd Avenue between SE Taylor and SE Salmon), Portland, Oregon

$8 - $15 donation (no one will be turned away) benefits Portland Hearing Voices. Physical mobility accessible; call with other access needs.

Info: Portland Hearing Voices 413 210 2803, portlandhearingvoices@gmail.com, www.portlandhearingvoices.net

Image

This events is supported by Portland Hearing Voices, ValueOptions, the Mental Health Association of Portland, the Mental Health Association of Oregon, Portland Evolver, Portland Padmasambhava Buddhist Center, Process Work Center of Portland

Next Wave of Change: Mental Health, Addictions and Primary Care Integration

MHAO is sponsoring a Round Table Dialogue on Thursday, September 24th from 7-9 p.m. at the Multnomah County Commissioners Board Room located at 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd.

Speakers
Richard L. Harris, MSW
Interim Assistant Director for Addictions and Mental Health – DHS

Vikki L. Vandiver, Dr.P.H., MSW
Professor, School of Social Work, Portland State University
Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, OHSU
Author, Integrating Health Promotion and Mental Health: An Introduction to Policies, Principles, and Practices, Oxford University Press (2009)

Moderator
Ellen Pinney, Executive Director, Oregon Health Action Campaign

The Addictions and Mental Health Division (AMH) is currently engaged in an effort to implement demonstration pilot projects, which focus on services, management, and financial integration. The Report of the President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health identified the need for better coordination between primary care and mental health care and called for dissemination of evidence-based models to improve care at the interface of general medicine and mental health.

Possible changes in Oregon’s Psychiatric Advance Directive Laws

I just found out about this hearing this evening. SB 16-A Engrossed is having a hearing tomorrow. The link to the bill is here.

SB 16-A Engrossed was originally designed to provide for advance care directives for people with dementia. The senior advocates are happy with this bill and the way that it passed out of the Senate.

Represenative Mitch Greenlick, want to amend SB 16-A to allow a person with a psychiatric advance directive who has an appointed representative (sometimes referred to as a power of attorney). I have been told that several people have tried to reason with Representative Greenlick that this doesn’t make sense for people who use psychiatric advance directives due to the abuse of forced treatment. However, Rep. Greenlick doesn’t appear to be listening to advocates. So we need to let him hear from us now.

The Dash A3 amendments are located here.

The hearing will be in Hearing Room D at the State Capitol.

Please email/call these legislators. It would be great if you could testify at this hearing.

Mitch Greenlick, Chair, rep.mitchgreenlick@state.or.us 503-986-1433
Chris Harker, Vice-Chair rep.chrisharker@state.or.us 503-586-1434
Ron Maurer, Vice-Chair, rep.ronmaurer@state.or.us 503-986-1403
Scott Bruun, rep.scottbruun@state.or.us 503-986-1437
Ben Cannon, rep.bencannon@state.or.us 503-986-1446
Michael Dembrow, rep.michaeldembrow@state.or.us 503-986-1445
Chris Garrett, rep.chrisgarrett@state.or.us 503-986-1438
Bill Kennemer, rep.billkennemer@state.or.us 503-986-1439
Tina Kotek, rep.tinakotek@state.or.us 503-986-1444
Jim Thompson, rep.jimthompson@state.or.us 503-986-1423

Dual Diagnosis of Oregon (DDA of Oregon)

Many individuals who experience mental health challenges also have used alcohol and other drugs.  DDA is a self-help program modeled off of Alcoholics Anonymous.  You can find DDA’s website here. Many individuals have found DDA to be helpful in their recovery process. Corbett Monica, one of MHAO’s board members is the founder of DDA. We are proud to have Corbett on our board and are appreciative of his efforts in establishing DDA groups throughout Oregon. Peace and blessings.

Frontier Leadership Network Conference 2009

MHAO is proud to support the Frontier Leadership Network Conference in late summer 2009.  Planning is underway.  Check back here for regular updates about the planning process.

Below are pictures from the 2008 Frontier Leadership Conference.  We will be adding pictures gradually so check back for updates.

David Romprey Memorial Warmline

Need to Talk?

Call the David Romprey Oregon Warmline

Staffed by people with various life experiences, challenges and big feelings (including but not limited to) Mental Health, addictions, hospitalizations, feelings of suicide, learning differences, homelessness, loneliness, challenges of having low income and more

Call to have a confidential conversation with someone who will listen without judgment or criticism.

Together we can learn and grow.

People just want to be heard

Community Counseling Solutions

is pleased to announce an increase in Warmline hours.

Effective May 7, 2009, hours will be as follows:

Monday 10am-8pm

Tuesday Noon-10pm

Wednesday 9am-2pm

**Thursday 8am-6pm

Friday Noon-5pm

Saturday 5pm-10pm

Sunday 5pm-10pm

** Increased Hours indicated

HOURS INCREASING RAPIDLY FEEL FREE TO CALL ANYTIME JUST INCASE THIS FLYER IS OUTDATED

1-800-698-2392

!!This is a FREE Support line to ALL Oregonians!!

This Warmline is NOT a resource line

Sponsored by:  Community Counseling Solutions (including Morrow, Wheeler Gilliam and Grant County), Greater Oregon Behavior Health Inc. (GOBHI), Clatsop County, Deschutes County, Columbia County, Douglas County, Benton County, Clackamas County Community Health and Clackamas County NAMI, Malheur County Lifeways

Department of Justice Report on OSH

Download the complete investigation of the Oregon State Hospital by the Department of Justice.

COMPLETE REPORT - (2.6 MB PDF)

Testimony to the OSH Committee

Testimony to the Joint Legislative Committee On Oregon State Hospital Patient Care given by MHAO board member Meghan Caughey on February 20, 2008 to the Co-Chair Senator Courtney and Co-Chair Representative Rosenbaum, Members of the Committee: » Continue reading “Testimony to the OSH Committee”

Advocates Join Hands on Oregon State Hospital Reform

To: The Honorable Theodore Kulongoski, Governor of the State of Oregon
The Honorable Peter Courtney, President of the Senate
The Honorable Jeff Merkley, Speaker of the House
Dr. Bruce Goldberg, Director, Oregon Department of Human Services
» Continue reading “Advocates Join Hands on Oregon State Hospital Reform”