Behavioral Health

Article I - Name and Offices

The name of this advisory council, authorized by Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS), chapter 430, shall be known as the Clackamas County Mental Health and Addictions Council (Council), office address: 2051 Kaen Road, Oregon City, Oregon 97045.

Article 2 - Purpose

The Council Shall:

Section 1
Serve as an advisory body to the Clackamas County Board of County Commissioners and Director of Clackamas County Behavioral Health on community needs, gaps in services, barriers, and priorities related to providing mental health and addictions services in the County.

Section 2
Review grant proposals or other funding requests for state funds as required by ORS 430.350, and other grant requests as feasible.

Section 3
Review and comment on preliminary budget requests to the Board of County Commissioners by the Behavioral Health Division for mental health and addictions services.

Section 4
Participate in assessing the effectiveness of mental health and addictions services in Clackamas County and seek input from consumers, general public and service providers on services needed and how to improve existing services.

Section 5
Provide a link to the community at large through advocacy, public information, and education.

Section 6
Review and comment on applications of new service providers.

Section 7
Promote the provision of services to individuals without regard to age, race, sex, color, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, political or religious beliefs, national origin, marital status or ability to pay.

Article 3 - Membership

Section 1
The Council shall have no fewer than nine (9) and no more than twenty-one (21) members appointed by the Clackamas County Board of County Commissioners. At least 20 percent of the membership of the Council shall be consumers with representation balanced by age in accordance with ORS 430.075.

Section 2
The Council shall consist of individuals who:

• 2.1 - Reside within the boundaries of Clackamas County.
• 2.2 - Are consumers, family members of consumers or individuals who have a demonstrated interest in mental health and addictions services, or representatives of community organizations who will help to enhance the leadership role of the Council in developing community-based systems of services.
• 2.3 - Represent geographic and ethnic diversity of the County.

Section 3
MEMBERSHIP TERMS: A membership term is three (3) years and a member is limited to two (2) terms. Subsequent terms may be recommended by a majority vote of Council members present at a regular Council meeting. A term begins on the first day of the month that the member is approved, and ends on the last day before the anniversary date. Terms may be staggered to avoid excessive term expiration in any year.

Section 4
VACANCIES: A vacancy occurs when a Council member’s term expires, or when a Council member moves out of the service area, dies, resigns or is removed.

Section 5
REMOVAL: A member may be removed whenever the best interests of the County will be served. Best interests include but are not limited to instances where a member has failed to declare an actual or potential conflict of interest, or when a member has acted contrary to Council directives or applicable laws including these Bylaws. The member whose removal is placed at issue shall be given prior notice of removal, and a reasonable opportunity to appear and be heard at a meeting of the Council. A member may be removed pursuant to this section by a vote of a majority of the total number of members then serving on the Council.

Section 6
TRAINING: To carry out its duties and responsibilities the Council is responsible for identifying and assuring it meets its educational and training needs including orientation and training new Council members.

Article 4 - Officers

Section 1
OFFICES & RESPONSIBILITIES: The Council officers shall consist of a President, Vice-President and Secretary. The President shall preside over meetings of the Council, prepare and ensure that an agenda is distributed prior to each regular meeting, and shall serve as Chair of the Executive Committee and ex-officio member of all other committees. The Vice-President shall perform the duties of the President in that person’s absence. The Secretary will act as Chair of the Nominating and Screening Committee and will be responsible for monitoring meeting attendance and notifying the Executive Committee of excessive absences. All officers shall have such powers and shall perform such duties as prescribed by these Bylaws, resolutions or other directives of the Council.

Section 2
NOMINATION & ELECTION: The Secretary as the Nominating and Screening Committee chairperson shall be responsible for conducting the nominations and elections of the Executive Committee, comprised of Council officers and two additional members. Nominations will be presented at the May Council meeting. Additional nominations may be made from the floor. An election will be held at the June Council meeting. All officers shall be elected annually by majority vote of Council members present. Notwithstanding these provisions, at the time of the initial formation of the Council, nominations of officers shall be made at the first regular meeting, with elections to occur at the next regular meeting. Nominations may be made without regard to the general requirement that members have served on the Council for a minimum of six months before eligibility for nomination as provided in, Article 6, section 1.

Section 3
TERM OF OFFICE: The term of office shall be one (1) year, or any portion of an unexpired term. A term shall start July 1 and terminate on June 30 of the following year, or shall continue until a successor has been elected. Officers may serve two consecutive full terms.

Section 4
VACANCIES: Vacancies created during the term of an office shall be filled for the remaining portion of the term by special election at a regular meeting in accordance with this Article.

Article 5 - Meetings

Section 1
OPEN MEETINGS: All regular and special Council meetings shall conform to Oregon Public Meetings Law (ORS 192.610 to 192.690).

Section 2
REGULAR MEETINGS: The Council shall hold at least eight (8) monthly meetings per year beginning at the time and place designated in the notice for such a meeting. The time, place and location of the meetings shall be made known to the public by advertising or posting such notice and such notice shall be given to each Council member at least seven days in advance of the meeting date. When mailed and properly addressed, notice shall be deemed to have been given twenty-four (24) hours after it has been deposited in the United States Mail, postage paid.

Section 3
SPECIAL MEETINGS: Special meetings may be called at any time by email, phone or in person by the Council President or a majority vote of the members then serving, or in response to a request by the County. Special meetings shall be held upon notice delivered by mail, email, telephone or personally to all Council members at their residence or usual place of business not less than seven days before the day of the meeting and specifying the place, day, hour and general purpose of such a meeting.

Section 4
VOTING: A majority of current Council members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Council. If a quorum is present, the vote of the majority of the Council members present and entitled to vote shall be the act of the Council. Each member shall be entitled to one (1) vote. No proxy votes shall be accepted.

Section 5
MINUTES: Minutes must be taken at each regular and special Council meeting. The minutes shall be reviewed and approved at each regular Council meeting. Minutes shall be stored and retained in accordance with Oregon Public Records Law.

Section 6
RULES OF ORDER: Meetings shall be conducted using the latest edition of the general guidelines of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised.

Section 7
ATTENDANCE: Council members shall attend all Council regular and special meetings and committee meetings to which members are assigned. Any absence must be reported to the President or the staff liaison prior to the scheduled meeting. If a member is absent for three consecutive meetings without prior notification the member’s term will be deemed expired and a vacancy will occur. The Council may establish criteria for a policy that allows members to appear by telephone or other means of electronic communication in lieu of a personal appearance.

Article 6 - Committees

Section 1
NOMINATING AND SCREENING COMMITTEE: The Council shall designate a Nominating and Screening Committee as a standing committee comprised of three members, in addition to the committee Chair. Members of the Nominating and Screening Committee shall be elected annually from a list of Council volunteers by a majority of Council members present. To be eligible, members shall have served on the Council for a minimum of six months to insure their understanding of Council duties and responsibilities. All members of the committee shall hold office for one (1) year with a maximum of three (3) years or until a successor is elected. The Committee shall select and nominate officers for the Council, with the concurrence of the Executive Committee. In addition, it will interview candidates for appointment or reappointment to the Council and ensure training and orientation with concurrence of the Executive Committee. Final recommendations will be made to the Council for action.

Section 2
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: The Council shall have a standing Executive Committee composed of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, and two (2) other members. The Executive Committee shall coordinate the activities of all committees, set the agenda for the Council meetings and perform such other duties as authorized and directed by the Council. It shall meet monthly, or as needed, and maintain written minutes of all regular and special meetings which shall be reported at the next regular meeting of the Council.

Section 3
AD-HOC COMMITTEES: The Council will identify goals annually to provide direction and focus for the formation of Ad-Hoc Committees to address particular issues and tasks. Ad-Hoc Committees may be established by the Council as needed. Once an Ad-Hoc Committee has completed assigned tasks, it shall cease to exist. A majority of the members of each Ad-Hoc Committee shall be Council members. Membership may also include individuals from the community chosen for their expertise and knowledge and concern about a specific issue or a field of endeavor.

Article 7 - Conflict of Interest

Section 1
Oregon’s Government Standards and Practices (Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS), Chapter 244) govern Council members’ conduct as public officials. Council members are required to follow the code of ethics set forth in ORS 244.040 and are prohibited from engaging in Actual Conflicts of Interest and must declare Potential Conflicts of Interest as those terms are defined in ORS 244.020. Members are to refrain from:

• 1.1 - Using her/his Council appointment in any way to obtain financial gain for the Council member, a person in the member’s household or relative, or for any business with which the Council member or a person in the member’s household or relative is associated.
• 1.2 - Taking any action on behalf of the Council, the effect of which would be a financial gain or loss to the member or a person in the member’s household or relative.

Section 2
ACTUAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST: No member of the Council shall participate in any discussion or vote in a situation where an actual conflict of interest exists for that member, a person in the member’s household or relative. An Actual Conflict of Interest exists if any action or any decision or recommendation by a Council Member wouldresult in financial benefit to that member, a person in the member’s household or relative. When an Actual Conflict of Interest exists the member must immediately declare the conflict orally to the Council President and explain the nature of the conflict in writing. Both the declaration and the nature of the conflict must be noted in the minutes of the next scheduled Council meeting.

Section 3
POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST: When a potential conflict of interest exists a Council member must immediately declare the conflict of interest orally to the President and explain the nature of the conflict in writing prior to participating in any discussion, debate or vote on the issue at committee or Council level. Both the declaration and the nature of the conflict must be noted in the minutes of the next scheduled Council meeting. A Potential Conflict of Interest exists if any action or any decision or recommendation by a Council Member couldresult in financial benefit to that member, a person in the member’s household or relative.

Section 4
MEMBER CHALLENGE: In addition to a Council member declaring a conflict of interest, any Council member may challenge any other member (s) as having a conflict of interest. It shall be the responsibility of the Council President to identify any conflict of interest, either by declaration or challenge.

Section 5
DETERMINATION OF POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST: The determination of whether a potential conflict of interest exists shall be made at a Council meeting by recorded roll call vote prior to the Council’s further consideration at committee or Council level of the issue from which the conflict arises. The Council member(s) at issue shall not participate in the roll call vote.

Article 8 - Compensation

No payment shall be paid to a member for services as a member of the Council whether actual or in-kind and a member is not entitled to reimbursement of expenses for services.

ARTICLE 9 – GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1
PUBLIC REPRESENTATION: Any form of public representation regarding the operation of Clackamas County Mental Health and Addiction Treatment programs may originate only from the Director of Clackamas County Behavioral Health, or designee, in consultation with the Board of Clackamas County Commissioners and the Council President. In accordance with Council direction, the Council President may act or speak on behalf of the Council. Otherwise individual members are not authorized to act or speak on behalf of the Council or County.

Section 2
RECORDS RETENTION: Records of the Council and its committees shall be retained in accordance with the administrative rules of the Oregon State Archivist.

Article 10 - Bylaw Adoption and Amendments

The bylaws may be repealed or amended, or new bylaws may be adopted at any meeting of the Council at which a quorum is present, by two-thirds (2/3) of those present and voting. At least twenty (20) days written notice must given to each member of the intention to alter, amend, repeal, or to adopt new bylaws, as well as the written alteration, amendment or substitution proposed. Bylaw amendments approved by the Council must comply with the authority granted in these Bylaws, Clackamas County policies, state and federal laws.

[Enacted; June 22, 2010]

What is Peer Support?

Peers are people who self-identify as having lived experience of mental health and/or substance use.  By sharing their lived experiences, peers bring hope to people experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges.  Peers promote a sense of belonging within the community.  Peer support services help prevent relapse and promote sustained recovery from mental health and/or substance use.

Peers provide services in a variety of settings, including hospitals, jail, treatment centers, courts, schools, and crisis centers, just to name a few.  Research shows us that peer supports reduce symptoms and hospitalizations; improve wellbeing, self-esteem, and increase participation in community; decrease lengths of hospital stays and cost of services; and encourage thorough and lasting recovery.

There are no medical or psychiatric criteria required to qualify for peer delivered services.  For most peer support programs, individuals are NOT required to be enrolled or admitted into any mental health or addiction treatment program.  All peer delivered services available in Clackamas County are peer run and free to anybody seeking support and recovery.

Starting a conversation about mental health does not need to be uncomfortable, and it can make all the difference. Check out these resources to learn how to support a friend — or get help for yourself. You have the power to help people going through a mental health crisis.

You don't need to be an expert to be a part of this work — just a good listener. If you notice someone who might be struggling — start a conversation. And if all is well, that person will know you're someone who cares enough to ask. Asking, "Are you okay?" can change lives.

Create a Safer Home

As a gun owner, you can choose from multiple options for securely storing and protecting from unauthorized use of your firearms when they are not in use. Clackamas County is offering gun storage options at no cost and as inventory allows to our community members.

Complete the form to indicate the type and quantity of item(s) you are requesting and arrange for pickup at our Oregon City office. If you are unable to pick up, please let us know and we may be able to arrange for delivery.

Learn how to install a firearm cable lock here.

Learn about other ways to create a safer home for your family here. 

Request storage items

Ask the Question Project

The Ask the Question Project shines a light on the lived experience of suicide attempt survivors, through a lens of hope and connection.

Watch their stories at Ask the Question.

Your mental health benefits

Oregon Health Plan pays for mental health services for children, youth, families and adults. Get more information about your benefits and the services available to you in the Member Handbook.  

You can also access the Health Share of Oregon Member Handbook — see below for more information.

If you have questions about your benefits or need help getting services, please call us at 503-742-5335. Our TTY number is 7-1-1 or 1-800-735-2900.

Our office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Our office is closed on Fridays.

• Notice of Nondiscrimination
• Language Interpretation Services Available

Looking for mental health and substance use services?

Find a provider for yourself or a family member. Visit Health Share of Oregon to see a list of providers that is covered by your plan.

Health transformation in Oregon: what does it mean for you?

With this combined effort you will be able to keep you same doctors, pharmacies, clinics and specialists — but they will be working more closely together for you in the future. If you have questions or would like more information, you can go to Health Share of Oregon.

As Health Share of Oregon begins serving Oregon Health Plan members, you will begin receiving more information. You can also access the Health Share of Oregon Handbook.

Contact Health Share of Oregon Customer Service:

• 503-416-8090
• 1-888-519-3845
• TTY/TDD: 711

As a community member there are ways to become involved and have an active role in improving your health and the health of your family. Health Share of Oregon has a Community Advisory Council (CAC). The council provides recommendations to Health Share of Oregon Board of Directors on the strategic direction of the organization.

Oregon law allows a person to be treated for a mental illness against their will if they are experiencing an emotional disturbance and are imminently dangerous to themselves or others or are unable to care for their basic needs. To be committed, a person must meet the above standards in a court hearing where critical information is presented in the form of testimony in front of a judge and the person considered for commitment. If an individual is committed, he or she may receive involuntary treatment for up to 180 days. Our Commitment Monitoring staff assess whether persons who are committed continue to meet commitment criteria and work with hospitals and community agencies to determine a plan for a safe transition to the community and to voluntary treatment as appropriate.

Hours

Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. We are closed on federal holidays and court furlough days.

Contact

Call 503-655-8585 and ask to speak with a mental health investigator.

We are proud to be part of Oregon's effort to invest in senior behavioral health. By investing in our older adults, we ensure that they will thrive in our community.

Today 15.4% of Oregonians are 65 years or older. By 2030, that number will increase to 20%, with the over 75 age group growing even faster.

Nationally, this trend impacts behavioral health in the following ways:

• 15-20% of older adults have depression, which if untreated leads to other health problems including negative change in memory, loss of interest in activities, isolated behavior, trouble sleeping, and more
• Men aged 75 and older have the highest suicide rate
• Up to 15% of older adults are at-risk drinkers
• Up to 23% of older adults deal with prescription drug misuse
• Effective collaboration, care coordination, and well-trained workers will ensure the health, safety, and independence of older adults

Senior Loneliness Line

The Senior Loneliness Line is a 24/7 crisis line that offers help to older adults and their loved ones throughout Oregon.

This free, confidential service serves adults 55 and older who may be isolated or lonely. Volunteers and staff are specially trained in working with older adults, and can provide ongoing support, connect you with resources, or just listen.

Sometimes knowing there is someone who cares and wants to listen can be of great help. Call 503-200-1633 or visit their website.

Clackamas County Writes

Community Connections Through Physical Distancing

While we are all feeling the impact of the pandemic, older adults are experiencing isolation and loneliness now more than ever as a result of COVID-19. You can help! Clackamas County has partnered with the Senior Loneliness Line and adult community centers on the Clackamas County Writes project. We’re inviting the community, especially young people, to write letters and create artwork as a way of creating connection with older adults in this time of physical distancing. The Senior Loneliness Line or adult community centers will ensure your letter of artwork are distributed to a lonely or isolated older adult in our community.

Getting Started Instructions

1. Begin writing! Please write big and legibly. You can write about your favorite hobbies and interests, tell a story, draw a picture or ask beautiful questions. To make sure your letter is easy to read, feel free to print out our template. (Usar el modelo para la carta.)
2. Sign your letter with your first name and age only. Avoid personal information like your address or financial information.
3. Use a sponge to seal your envelope closed to avoid the spread of germs.
4. Send finished letters by mail or email. Below are the addresses of locations currently accepting letters.

How do I register my organization to receive letters?

Contact the Clackamas County OABHI Team at oabhi@clackamas.us to list your organization as a participating partner. You’ll need to be prepared to screen the letters, removing them from the envelopes to keep the writers-personal information safe, and screening for personal or inappropriate information.

Download the Media & Mental Health Toolkit

With generous support from Providence Health & Services Oregon, we have created the "Mind the Story Mental Health Matters for All: Media & Mental Health Toolkit." Our hope is that it will be used as a tool for people to communicate fairly and safely about mental illness and suicide. We have written it from a behavioral health perspective to emphasize hope, treatment and recovery.

We see the media as an important partner to support individuals, their families and friends find resources for help and for the public to learn about mental health, mental illness and suicide prevention. We offer this toolkit as a resource for the media and others communicating about these key public health issues.

Clackamas Mental Health Center is a walk-in center for people in urgent need of mental health care. Our services include brief counseling, safety screenings and referral to other resources. We also provide peer-delivered services, so people in need can get support from someone who has traveled similar roads of distress and has progressed in their own recovery. Our skilled staff includes trained mental health specialists, intensive case managers, peer support specialists, and a medical professional who work together to care for individuals and families in need.

There are two convenient ways to access our services

Clackamas Crisis and Support Line 24/7

The Clackamas Crisis and Support Line is a free and confidential telephone resource staffed by trained, caring individuals who can help callers work through a crisis — however big or small. We offer suicide screening and can help create a safety plan.

Even if there is no crisis, we will offer support, connection, information and education. Interpretation services are available for non-English speakers. This service is available anytime, day or night.

But if you're not in Clackamas County or don't have the number at hand, there's an easy-to-remember nationwide resource available, too. Dial 9-8-8 to reach the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Mobile Crisis Response

Our Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) provides face-to-face therapeutic responses in settings where a mental health crisis is occurring. This can be in an individual's home, at a school, in a business and even on a street corner. The goal of mobile crisis services is to help you or your loved one resolve the mental health crisis where you are. Our mobile crisis teams include Masters level clinicians, Care Coordinators, and Peer Support Specialists.