The Oregon Health Authority has announced the appointment of 21 members to serve on a new Oversight and Accountability Council (OAC) to oversee the implementation of Measure 110, the Drug Treatment and Recovery Act.

“Out of nearly 200 applicants, we found 21 experienced individuals who truly represent the diverse populations who will benefit the most from the passing of this Act,” said OHA Director Pat Allen.

Oregon voters passed Measure 110 in November 2020. The measure changes multiple criminal sentencing laws regulating the possession of controlled substances.

The measure creates a Treatment and Recovery Services fund, financed with marijuana revenues, that will supposedly cover the cost of 15 new Addiction Recovery Centers (ARCs) and wraparound services. The measure also required OHA to form the Oversight and Accountability council to implement a plan to establish the ARCs and administer the fund. Finally, OHA was required to create a temporary ARC in the form of a 24/7 hotline.

The measure required OHA to stand up both the Oversight and Accountability Council and the temporary ARC hotline by Feb. 1, 2021.

The 24/7 temporary, statewide ARC hotline went live Monday, Feb. 1, 2021 and will be in operation until regional centers are in place. Beginning Feb. 1, 2021, law enforcement officers may give the hotline number to people in possession of controlled substances, Some individuals may also receive a $100 citation. Individuals may call the hotline and complete the health assessment process, as outlined in the measure, and they will receive a letter of verification to present to the court to have the $100 fee waived.

“We are proud of the fact that we met these requirements on time...” said OHA Behavioral Health Director Steve Allen. /

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

The Oversight and Accountability Council will have its first meeting in late February to begin planning for services required in the measure.

Oversight and Accountability Council members

• Melinda Bell, Lead Case Manager, Union Gospel Mission
• O'Nesha Christine Cochran, Lead, Brown Hope
• Caroline Martinez Cruz, Health & Human Services General Manager, Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
• LaKeesha Dumas, Office of Consumer Engagement Coordinator, Multnomah County Addictions and Mental Health Department
• Sabrina Flint Garcia, Certified Recovery Mentor, Traditional Health Worker, Peer Recovery Initiated in Medical Establishments
• Morgan Godvin, Commissioner, Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission, Research Associate, Health in Justice Action Center
• Makeda M. Jensen, Member at large
• Chair Cheryle A. Kennedy, Tribal Council Chairwoman, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde
• Hubert Benny Mathews, Jr., Member at large
• Dharma Leria Mirza, Equity and Justice Fellow, Association for Recovery in Higher Education
• Amy Madrigal, Crisis Center Manager, COPES Clinic
• Zebuli Payne, Clinical Director, Phoenix Wellness Center
• Eowyn Rieke, MD MPH, Services Director, Blackburn Center, Central City Concern
• Henri M. Shields-Lucero, LCSW, CADCIII, Clinical Supervisor, Garlington Center
• Nicole Elizabeth Silva, Social Worker
• Blue Valentine, Harm Reduction Service Provider
• Carlos Vazquez, Adolescent Residential Counselor, The Yes House Milestones
• Leticia Parra Welch, Certified Recovery Mentor, Addiction Recovery Center
• Karen Wheeler, Chief Executive Officer, Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc.
• Ronald Eugene Williams, Community Organizer
• Lelia Winnie, Director, Adult Residential Programs, De Paul Treatment Centers

--Bruce Armstrong



Post Date: 2021-02-01 15:23:18

Last Update: 2021-02-01 17:46:51