Update From The CEO
Greetings, providers.
Happy winter season! I’m wishing you warm, peaceful times in this weeks ahead.
It’s that time of year – the holiday season. Last week was Thanksgiving and Native American Heritage Day. It is a time for reflecting on what we are grateful for, as well as educating ourselves on U.S. history, including the injustices inflicted on Indigenous people throughout the continent. There are also many causes for celebration. During National Native American Heritage Month, we celebrate the countless contributions of Native peoples past and present, honor their rich history, and recommit ourselves to upholding tribal sovereignty and tribal self-determination. I encourage you to take time reflecting and learning about this history of the tribes during this holiday season.
This month’s newsletter edition includes: resources around Native American Heritage month, giving opportunities for foster youth in need, an update on GOBHI Housing Sustainability Funds, workforce opportunities through the state, and SUD Waiver information.
Thank you for your steadfast work serving Eastern Oregon’s vulnerable and priority populations. I look forward to addressing the needs of our community members alongside you, now and in the months ahead.
Sincerely,
Karen Wheeler, MA CEO, GOBHI / Tribal Liaison, EOCCO
GOBHI seeks applications for housing funds
GOBHI has announced that we are seeking applications from organizations that are engaged in new affordable housing development projects in Eastern Oregon. This is a key opportunity to address the housing crisis our region is experiencing.
The housing stability project is a component of the EOCCO Comprehensive Behavioral Health Plan. For this effort, GOBHI has $100,000 available. Funds may be used for pre-development costs associated with new affordable housing units and must contemplate how units will be accessible to people with behavioral health needs.
We seek to fund four projects in total, and we will consider them in a quarterly schedule.
Application due dates:
● For 1st quarter: Received by Noon, Thursday, December 15, 2022
● For 2nd quarter: Received by Noon, Wednesday, March 15, 2023
● For 3rd quarter: Received by Noon, Thursday, June 15, 2023
● For 4th quarter: Received by Noon, Friday, September 15, 2023
Priority will be given to new projects in the pre-development phase. If you have questions, please contact Marci McMurphy at GOBHI: mmcmurphy@gobhi.org, 541-298-2101.
Please share this information with your staff and partners who may be interested in applying or spreading the word. The application is available on our website:
Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month! We take this time to celebrate the resilience and contributions from tribal nations in our service area, including the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and Burns Paiute Tribe. GOBHI honors tribal sovereignty and recognizes the inherent right of tribal nations to self-determination and self-governance.
It is important to remember that Indigenous people have lived in what is now Oregon since time immemorial.
Wondering where to start in looking for education and resources? Check out this overview of partners and resources compiled by the Oregon Environmental Council.
Heritage Day: We honor Native American Heritage day, and also acknowledge that every day affords opportunities to celebrate the heritage and contributions of this community. Have you visited the tribes? If not, or even if you have, consider a trip to check out these visitor resources for destinations and cuisine.
Holiday Giving for Foster Youth
Giving Tuesday: November 29 is Giving Tuesday! Giving Tuesday is a day that encourages people to give back in whatever ways they can. It presents nonprofit organizations with the chance to raise more money than they would on an average day of giving, which is why many organizations create special campaigns to participate in this day of giving.
This year, GOBHI will be gathering donations for the TFC program to support the needs of foster youth and families. Our website has a “Donate” button which we will share widely to help encourage donations. Please visit our link: gobhi.org/donate
SUD Waiver
Background: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Oregon’s Substance Use Disorder 1115 Demonstration waiver, effective April 8, 2021, through March 31, 2026. This SUD specific waiver helps build a full continuum of care for Medicaid members with substance use disorders. The following is part of a series of updates from GOBHI helping to keep you informed about the waiver and its related requirements.
As Of Jan. 1, 2022 OHA has opened up several new SUD reimbursement codes. OHA has updated the Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS) with these changes. Providers can now bill for these new rates and services for dates on or after Jan. 1, 2022.
November update: Please refer to this link to the CMS approval letter.
For more information, visit our SUD 1115 Waiver Website, which is updated on an ongoing basis. For questions, contact Michelle Brandsma at GOBHI, mbrandsma@gobhi.org.
State updates
Workforce Housing: Oregon Health Authority is seeking applications from behavioral health care organizations who may qualify under the Oregon Behavioral Health Workforce Bonus and Housing Stipend Incentive program. Read the article here.
Loan Repayment: OHA is seeking applications from behavioral health care workers who qualify under the Oregon Behavioral Health Loan Repayment program. The program provides tax-free grants to supplement the behavioral health workforce in underrepresented and underserved areas of Oregon who provide behavioral health services to their communities. Please read the article for more information. Read the article here.
Program reminder - Foster Care
Foster homes for youth are greatly needed in Eastern Oregon!
The GOBHI Therapeutic Foster Care program provides full-time/part-time services and care to youth in foster homes with foster parents certified and trained by GOBHI. Youth are involved with the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS), Child Welfare Division.
Please visit our website to learn more about the program and how you can help by sharing information, promoting the importance of foster care, and referring individuals who are able to support this critical effort.
Help us build a network of caring homes to support youth across our state. For more information about referral incentives and how you can support foster home recruitment efforts, see this flier or contact a member of our Foster Care Team.
Invitation: County Highlights
This newsletter is published on the last week of each month.
One of our ongoing sections is a “spotlight” of each county. Each month, we invite updates from the 12 counties in our service area. We invite content from you for this section: 3-4 sentences (or ~150-300 words) about news in your county, such as staff, building, and success story content. Please contact Pat Mulvihill, pmulvihill@gobhi.org, to sign up for one of the 12 months. Aside from sign-ups, we will reach out to you to help gather the content. Thank you for your support.
Submission due dates for comments and submitted write-ups: the second Friday of each month, at 4 p.m. Next due date is Dec. 9.
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