About the Behavioral Health Initiative.In 2015, advocates for older adults and people with disabilities succeeded in lobbying the Oregon Legislature to fund the Behavioral Health Initiative for Older Adults and People with Physical Disabilities. This investment created 25 new positions throughout the state to place professionals who specialize in behavioral health for older adults and people with disabilities in local and regional community mental health programs. Since that time, these Behavioral Health Specialists have been building capacity in their communities to better meet the needs of this historically underserved population.Why focus on this population?Today 15.4 percent of Oregonians are 65 years or older. By 2030, that figure will increase to 20 percent. The 75-and-older age group will grow even faster. This trend has significant implications for the health care system, including behavioral health. At least one in five Americans over 65 have one or more mental health or substance use conditions.Visit oregonbhi.org for more information about OABHI and to find OABHI specialist that cover other counties in Oregon.
