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Oregon Health Authority meets with veterans, forms plan to address behavioral health needs


Photo courtesy U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs{ }
Photo courtesy U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
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PORTLAND, Ore. – Local veterans will have the chance this week to help change how Oregon addresses the behavioral health needs of veterans.

Oregon veterans between the ages of 18 and 34 years old are at the highest risk for suicide.

Veterans struggle with behavioral health, including mental illness.

A new study confirmed that Oregon veterans aren’t getting the help they need.

To help change that, the Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs launched a statewide tour to solicit feedback from local veterans. The tour will take place Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday in Portland.

“Oregon veterans have given their time and talents to serve our nation in times of war and peace. I am deeply concerned about the challenges that veterans reported in accessing behavioral health services,” said Steve Allen, Oregon Health Authority’s behavioral health director.

The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs launched the statewide tour in August. It'll visit 13 cities and wrap up in mid-October.

The information gathered from the tour will help the health authority develop a five-year strategic plan to better meet behavioral health needs of Oregon veterans.

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