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News Release

Missing Child Alert – Chayton James Owings Is Missing And Is Believed To Be In Danger (Photo) - 04/08/26

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Chayton Owings, age 14, who went missing from Tigard, on March 19. They are believed to be in danger.

 

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Chayton Owings and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see Chayton.

 

Chayton Owings is suspected to be in Portland Metro area, East River Promenade in Portland. Homeless camps in and around Hawthorne Bridge Area.

 

Sometimes when a child is missing, they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

 

Report suspected child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.

 

Child Legal Name: Chayton Owings

Child Preferred Name: Chayton (Street Name: Jabber)

Pronouns: He/Him

Age: 14

Height: 5’2

Weight: 102 pounds

Hair color: Brown

Eye color: Blue/Grey

Specific Identifying Characteristics: Chayton has short, unevenly cut hair.

Tigard Police Department Report #260005328             

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) Report #: 2081530

Date Missing: March 19

Suspected and/or frequented location(s): Tigard, and surrounding Metro area

 

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Attached Media Files: ChaytonOwings2025.png.jpg, ChaytonOwings20252.png,

Missing Child Alert – Chayton James Owings Is Missing And Is Believed To Be In Danger (Photo) - 04/08/26

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Chayton Owings, age 14, who went missing from Tigard, on March 19. They are believed to be in danger.

 

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Chayton Owings and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see Chayton.

 

Chayton Owings is suspected to be in Portland Metro area, East River Promenade in Portland. Homeless camps in and around Hawthorne Bridge Area.

 

Sometimes when a child is missing, they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

 

Report suspected child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.

 

Child Legal Name: Chayton Owings

Child Preferred Name: Chayton (Street Name: Jabber)

Pronouns: He/Him

Age: 14

Height: 5’2

Weight: 102 pounds

Hair color: Brown

Eye color: Blue/Grey

Specific Identifying Characteristics: Chayton has short, unevenly cut hair.

Tigard Police Department Report #260005328             

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) Report #: 2081530

Date Missing: March 19

Suspected and/or frequented location(s): Tigard, and surrounding Metro area

 

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Attached Media Files: ChaytonOwings2025.png.jpg, ChaytonOwings20252.png,

UPDATE: Oregon Department Of Human Services Announces That Marcus Taylor Carmicle Was Located On April 7 - 04/07/26

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, is thankful for the community support to find Marcus Taylor Carmicle.

 

Sometimes when a child is missing, they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

 

Report suspected child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.

 

###

UPDATE: Oregon Department Of Human Services Announces That Marcus Taylor Carmicle Was Located On April 7 - 04/07/26

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, is thankful for the community support to find Marcus Taylor Carmicle.

 

Sometimes when a child is missing, they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

 

Report suspected child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.

 

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Missing Child Alert – Marcus Taylor Carmicle Is Missing And Is Believed To Be In Danger (Photo) - 04/07/26

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Marcus Taylor Carmicle age 12, who went missing from Milwaukie on April 6. They are believed to be in danger.

 

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Marcus Taylor Carmicle and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see Marcus.

 

Marcus is suspected to be in the Milwaukie area.

 

Sometimes when a child is missing, they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

 

Report suspected child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.

 

Child Legal Name: Marcus Taylor Carmicle

Child Preferred Name: Marcus

Pronouns*: he/him

Age: 12

Height: 5’8

Weight: Average build, 130 pounds

Hair color: Dark/black hair

Eye color: brown eyes

Specific Identifying Characteristics: He was wearing a black t-shirt, black pants, and a black head wrap

Milwaukie Police Department Case# 26-1787

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) Report #: 2083327

Date Missing: April 6, 2026

Suspected and/or frequented location(s): Trimet stops, Milwaukie area

 

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Attached Media Files: MarcusTaylorCarmicle.jpg,

Missing Child Alert – Marcus Taylor Carmicle Is Missing And Is Believed To Be In Danger (Photo) - 04/07/26

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Marcus Taylor Carmicle age 12, who went missing from Milwaukie on April 6. They are believed to be in danger.

 

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Marcus Taylor Carmicle and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see Marcus.

 

Marcus is suspected to be in the Milwaukie area.

 

Sometimes when a child is missing, they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

 

Report suspected child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.

 

Child Legal Name: Marcus Taylor Carmicle

Child Preferred Name: Marcus

Pronouns*: he/him

Age: 12

Height: 5’8

Weight: Average build, 130 pounds

Hair color: Dark/black hair

Eye color: brown eyes

Specific Identifying Characteristics: He was wearing a black t-shirt, black pants, and a black head wrap

Milwaukie Police Department Case# 26-1787

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) Report #: 2083327

Date Missing: April 6, 2026

Suspected and/or frequented location(s): Trimet stops, Milwaukie area

 

###

Attached Media Files: MarcusTaylorCarmicle.jpg,

April Is Child Abuse Prevention Month, Learn How To Prevent, Recognize And Report Child Abuse In Oregon - 04/06/26

(Salem) – Governor Tina Kotek has proclaimed April to be Child Abuse Prevention Month in Oregon, and the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) asks everyone in Oregon to learn how they can help prevent, recognize and report child abuse in their communities.

 

As Governor Kotek’s proclamation states, “In order to solve the public health issue of abuse and neglect we must work together to change hearts and mindsets through storytelling and sharing, elevating lived experience, centering the needs of families, breaking down bias and barriers, and inspiring action.”

 

“When families are struggling to meet their basic needs and are in crisis, this can increase the risk of child abuse,” said Rolanda Garcia, interim director of the ODHS Child Welfare Division. “When we work together to help families access the supports and resources they need to thrive, we prevent child abuse.”

 

One way to help is to learn about the supports and programs available to help families who are in crisis. Sharing information about local food banks, how to enroll in food and cash benefits, and sharing information about supports and services that a family might need helps to strengthen families and protect children.

 

Recognizing and reporting child abuse

 

People are also encouraged to learn the warning signs of child abuse and to confidentially report any child safety concerns they have to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). The Oregon Child Abuse Hotline receives calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

 

There are three warning signs of child abuse:

  • Physical signs present on the child.
  • Behavioral signs or statements made by the child.
  • Behavioral signs or statements made by the parent or caregiver.

To help everyone in Oregon know how to recognize these warning signs and know what to do if they see them, there is an interactive training online that is free for the public to take. The training also helps people identify types of child abuse, learn how to report, and recognize when a family needs material or economic assistance.

 

Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise

 

All information reported to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline is confidential. ODHS is committed to upholding Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise law, we do not assist with immigration enforcement, and we do not share information for that purpose.

 

Resources and supports for families in Oregon

 

###

April Is Child Abuse Prevention Month, Learn How To Prevent, Recognize And Report Child Abuse In Oregon - 04/06/26

(Salem) – Governor Tina Kotek has proclaimed April to be Child Abuse Prevention Month in Oregon, and the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) asks everyone in Oregon to learn how they can help prevent, recognize and report child abuse in their communities.

 

As Governor Kotek’s proclamation states, “In order to solve the public health issue of abuse and neglect we must work together to change hearts and mindsets through storytelling and sharing, elevating lived experience, centering the needs of families, breaking down bias and barriers, and inspiring action.”

 

“When families are struggling to meet their basic needs and are in crisis, this can increase the risk of child abuse,” said Rolanda Garcia, interim director of the ODHS Child Welfare Division. “When we work together to help families access the supports and resources they need to thrive, we prevent child abuse.”

 

One way to help is to learn about the supports and programs available to help families who are in crisis. Sharing information about local food banks, how to enroll in food and cash benefits, and sharing information about supports and services that a family might need helps to strengthen families and protect children.

 

Recognizing and reporting child abuse

 

People are also encouraged to learn the warning signs of child abuse and to confidentially report any child safety concerns they have to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). The Oregon Child Abuse Hotline receives calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

 

There are three warning signs of child abuse:

  • Physical signs present on the child.
  • Behavioral signs or statements made by the child.
  • Behavioral signs or statements made by the parent or caregiver.

To help everyone in Oregon know how to recognize these warning signs and know what to do if they see them, there is an interactive training online that is free for the public to take. The training also helps people identify types of child abuse, learn how to report, and recognize when a family needs material or economic assistance.

 

Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise

 

All information reported to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline is confidential. ODHS is committed to upholding Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise law, we do not assist with immigration enforcement, and we do not share information for that purpose.

 

Resources and supports for families in Oregon

 

###

Free Help Can Ensure Teenagers Don’t Miss Tax Refunds Oregon Department Of Human Services’ Partners Offer Tax Help In-person Or Online (Photo) - 03/31/26

Free tax help is available to meet the needs of young people, some of whom may be earning income for the first time. This help is available through a network of community partners funded by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Tax Infrastructure Grant Program. 

 

What young people need to know  

  • Young people in their first jobs or working part-time may be owed a refund of some  ̵  or even all  ̵  of the taxes withheld from their paychecks. 
  • Even if a young person is claimed as a dependent on their parents’ or guardian’s return, they still file their own tax return to report their income. 
  • A correctly filed tax return by a child who is a dependent would not interfere with exemptions claimed by their parents or guardians on their returns.  

 

The ODHS Tax Infrastructure Grant Program funds IRS-certified community organizations and Tribal governments that provide free tax filing help for youth and all people with low incomes.  

 

The ODHS Tax Infrastructure Grant Program also funds projects through educators.  

 

Young people helping young people  

As part of an ODHS grant, teachers at Salem’s McKay High School trained about a dozen students this school year using free, IRS-approved tax-filing software, so they can help their peers. They hold tax filing clinics where students prepare their own returns using the software program and the grant provided incentives, such as coffee gift cards, to get students involved. Teacher Marcia Latta said that in the first clinic a student got $269 back, a recent graduate came back to file and got almost $1,200.  

 

“Most get money back. They’re so pleased,” Latta said. “I love that we provide this extra opportunity to our students to develop these skills and it’s great to see them get this money back,” Latta said.  

 

Oregon State University’s Shelly Krehbiel said their student-led team has trained about 90 university students this year to provide free tax filing assistance. The Corvallis students also lead site operations, marketing efforts, and training development, including support for outreach teams at OSU Cascades in Bend and OSU Extension Service in Eugene. Krehbiel, who is the Program Manager for Extension and Partner Operations for OSU’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA), said the program also partners with South Eugene High School’s Finance Club, training about 10 students as tax-filing facilitators and helping them reach out to others at their high school to help them file their taxes.

 

“From the people they’ve helped there is such surprise. They say, ’Oh, that was so easy.’ When people walk into our locations, they look scared and anxious. They walk out smiling and relieved. It’s great to see,” Krehbiel said.  

 

Students who participated in a 2023 ODHS pilot project in nine high schools across the state received state and federal tax refunds ranging between $95 and $1,246.  

 

Where and how to get free help 

The ODHS Tax Infrastructure Grant Program partners with Get Your Refund, a free online tax filing service through which individuals can have their return prepared or file it themselves using free tax software. Help is available in English and Spanish. To get started, go to  GetYourRefund/OR. 

In-person help is available through community organizations at ODHS-sponsored sites that  

offer free tax return preparation through October 15. All give assistance in English and Spanish at a minimum. Those sites by location are: 

 

  • Beaverton, Gresham, Portland: CASH Oregon, 503-243-7765, info@cashoregon.org. CASH Oregon offers virtual help for people who live outside these areas.  
  • Monmouth, Independence: Western Oregon University, 503-751-4132, wouvita@wou.edu 
  • Ontario, Portland: Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization, 971-331-9811, elizabethz@irco.org  

 

For more information about the Oregon Department of Human Services Tax Infrastructure Grant Program: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/pages/tax-help.aspx.

Attached Media Files: FINALFINALFINALYouthTaxNewsRelease.pdf, YouthTAXNewsreleaseSPMarch2026.pdf,

Free Help Can Ensure Teenagers Don’t Miss Tax Refunds Oregon Department Of Human Services’ Partners Offer Tax Help In-person Or Online (Photo) - 03/31/26

Free tax help is available to meet the needs of young people, some of whom may be earning income for the first time. This help is available through a network of community partners funded by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Tax Infrastructure Grant Program. 

 

What young people need to know  

  • Young people in their first jobs or working part-time may be owed a refund of some  ̵  or even all  ̵  of the taxes withheld from their paychecks. 
  • Even if a young person is claimed as a dependent on their parents’ or guardian’s return, they still file their own tax return to report their income. 
  • A correctly filed tax return by a child who is a dependent would not interfere with exemptions claimed by their parents or guardians on their returns.  

 

The ODHS Tax Infrastructure Grant Program funds IRS-certified community organizations and Tribal governments that provide free tax filing help for youth and all people with low incomes.  

 

The ODHS Tax Infrastructure Grant Program also funds projects through educators.  

 

Young people helping young people  

As part of an ODHS grant, teachers at Salem’s McKay High School trained about a dozen students this school year using free, IRS-approved tax-filing software, so they can help their peers. They hold tax filing clinics where students prepare their own returns using the software program and the grant provided incentives, such as coffee gift cards, to get students involved. Teacher Marcia Latta said that in the first clinic a student got $269 back, a recent graduate came back to file and got almost $1,200.  

 

“Most get money back. They’re so pleased,” Latta said. “I love that we provide this extra opportunity to our students to develop these skills and it’s great to see them get this money back,” Latta said.  

 

Oregon State University’s Shelly Krehbiel said their student-led team has trained about 90 university students this year to provide free tax filing assistance. The Corvallis students also lead site operations, marketing efforts, and training development, including support for outreach teams at OSU Cascades in Bend and OSU Extension Service in Eugene. Krehbiel, who is the Program Manager for Extension and Partner Operations for OSU’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA), said the program also partners with South Eugene High School’s Finance Club, training about 10 students as tax-filing facilitators and helping them reach out to others at their high school to help them file their taxes.

 

“From the people they’ve helped there is such surprise. They say, ’Oh, that was so easy.’ When people walk into our locations, they look scared and anxious. They walk out smiling and relieved. It’s great to see,” Krehbiel said.  

 

Students who participated in a 2023 ODHS pilot project in nine high schools across the state received state and federal tax refunds ranging between $95 and $1,246.  

 

Where and how to get free help 

The ODHS Tax Infrastructure Grant Program partners with Get Your Refund, a free online tax filing service through which individuals can have their return prepared or file it themselves using free tax software. Help is available in English and Spanish. To get started, go to  GetYourRefund/OR. 

In-person help is available through community organizations at ODHS-sponsored sites that  

offer free tax return preparation through October 15. All give assistance in English and Spanish at a minimum. Those sites by location are: 

 

  • Beaverton, Gresham, Portland: CASH Oregon, 503-243-7765, info@cashoregon.org. CASH Oregon offers virtual help for people who live outside these areas.  
  • Monmouth, Independence: Western Oregon University, 503-751-4132, wouvita@wou.edu 
  • Ontario, Portland: Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization, 971-331-9811, elizabethz@irco.org  

 

For more information about the Oregon Department of Human Services Tax Infrastructure Grant Program: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/pages/tax-help.aspx.

Attached Media Files: FINALFINALFINALYouthTaxNewsRelease.pdf, YouthTAXNewsreleaseSPMarch2026.pdf,

Missing Child Alert – Brandy Allison Bird Is Missing And Is Believed To Be In Danger (Photo) - 03/24/26

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Brandy Bird, age 15, who went missing from Beaverton on March 13. They are believed to be in danger.

 

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Brandy Bird and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see Brandy.

 

Brandy Bird is suspected to be in Portland Metro Area.

 

Sometimes when a child is missing, they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

 

Report suspected child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.

 

Child Legal Name: Brandy Allison Bird

Child Preferred Name: Brandy Bird, aka Sky Flores (Florez)

Age: 15

Height: 5’3

Weight: 140

Hair color: Naturally blond, may be dyed multicolored currently.

Eye color: unknown

Specific Identifying Characteristics: Piercings on nose, eyebrow, and lip. Rose tattoo on left arm.

Washington County Sherriff’s Office report # WCSO 50-26-3482

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) Report #:2081609

Date Missing: 3/13/2026

Suspected and/or frequented location(s): Beaverton, Hillsboro, Portland

Attached Media Files: Brandy Allison Bird,

Missing Child Alert – Brandy Allison Bird Is Missing And Is Believed To Be In Danger (Photo) - 03/24/26

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Brandy Bird, age 15, who went missing from Beaverton on March 13. They are believed to be in danger.

 

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Brandy Bird and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see Brandy.

 

Brandy Bird is suspected to be in Portland Metro Area.

 

Sometimes when a child is missing, they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

 

Report suspected child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.

 

Child Legal Name: Brandy Allison Bird

Child Preferred Name: Brandy Bird, aka Sky Flores (Florez)

Age: 15

Height: 5’3

Weight: 140

Hair color: Naturally blond, may be dyed multicolored currently.

Eye color: unknown

Specific Identifying Characteristics: Piercings on nose, eyebrow, and lip. Rose tattoo on left arm.

Washington County Sherriff’s Office report # WCSO 50-26-3482

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) Report #:2081609

Date Missing: 3/13/2026

Suspected and/or frequented location(s): Beaverton, Hillsboro, Portland

Attached Media Files: Brandy Allison Bird,

Brain Injury Awareness Month Is A Call To Share Hotline - 03/19/26

In recognition of Brain Injury Awareness Month, Oregon Department of Human Services wants everyone to know about the brain injury hotline that helps people navigate resources.
 

This month shines a spotlight on the growing impact of brain injuries in Oregon and the increased demand for the hotline. Since launching in January 2025, the Brain Injury Program’s tollfree phone line has supported more than 1,900 callers seeking help navigating the complex network of brain injury services and resources.
 

Incoming call volume has climbed steadily over time—from about 15 calls in the earliest months to approximately 250 calls each month today—demonstrating the significant and increasing demand for guidance, information and support.
 

“The steady increase in calls shows how vital this support is for Oregonians,” said Nakeshia Knight-Coyle, PhD, who is director of the Office of Aging and People with Disabilities within the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS). “By improving access to services and reducing the burden on families, this program is helping build a stronger, more connected system of care across our state.”
 

The phone line is available to anyone in Oregon affected by a brain injury as well as family members, caregivers and others needing information.

ODHS resource navigators are available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and provide:

  • One-on-one, free and confidential support. 
  • Personalized referrals to resources specific to brain injury recovery and management. 
  • Comprehensive resource information to help navigate available services and options.
  • Advocating on behalf of people with brain injuries and supporting them in self-advocacy.

To date, program navigators spent a total of 3,900 hours on calls, and one to two hours per caller. Many people call back more than once.
 

“The hours we spend with callers reflects the complexity and uniqueness of navigating brain injury resources,” Knight-Coyle said. “We spend as much time as each person needs to get connected to critical resources.”

Brain injuries are occurring at more frequent rates in Oregon, according to data published on the Oregon Traumatic Brain Injury Safety Dashboard. In 2023 alone, there were 38,718 brain injuries that required hospital or emergency department intervention and 1,177 fatal brain injuries in Oregon. 
 

Oregon’s Brain Injury Program is one of many along a continuum to meet the needs of people with disabilities and older adults. It was developed as a result of Senate Bill 420 (2023). Oregon's Center on Brain Injury Research and Training (CBIRT) at the University of Oregon was among many organizations and advocates behind the development and adoption of Senate Bill 420.
 

“Consistent with our expectations, the ODHS Brain Injury Program is now an indispensable program for Oregon's brain injury survivors," said David Kracke, Oregon's Brain Injury Advocate Coordinator at CBIRT.  "The first 14 months of operation has demonstrated not only the incredible planning and implementation of the program by the ODHS team, but more importantly, the future promise that it holds for Oregon's brain injury survivors, their loved ones, and caregivers struggling to access necessary supports and services.  We are excited for the program's continued development as it serves many more Oregonians in the coming years.”

More information: 

  • Brain Injury Program phone number: 1-833-685-0848 (toll-free). Interpreting services are available at no cost for people who need help in a language other than English. The Brain Injury Program accepts TTY calls by dialing 711. 
  • Hours of operation: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.  

Brain Injury Awareness Month Is A Call To Share Hotline - 03/19/26

In recognition of Brain Injury Awareness Month, Oregon Department of Human Services wants everyone to know about the brain injury hotline that helps people navigate resources.
 

This month shines a spotlight on the growing impact of brain injuries in Oregon and the increased demand for the hotline. Since launching in January 2025, the Brain Injury Program’s tollfree phone line has supported more than 1,900 callers seeking help navigating the complex network of brain injury services and resources.
 

Incoming call volume has climbed steadily over time—from about 15 calls in the earliest months to approximately 250 calls each month today—demonstrating the significant and increasing demand for guidance, information and support.
 

“The steady increase in calls shows how vital this support is for Oregonians,” said Nakeshia Knight-Coyle, PhD, who is director of the Office of Aging and People with Disabilities within the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS). “By improving access to services and reducing the burden on families, this program is helping build a stronger, more connected system of care across our state.”
 

The phone line is available to anyone in Oregon affected by a brain injury as well as family members, caregivers and others needing information.

ODHS resource navigators are available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and provide:

  • One-on-one, free and confidential support. 
  • Personalized referrals to resources specific to brain injury recovery and management. 
  • Comprehensive resource information to help navigate available services and options.
  • Advocating on behalf of people with brain injuries and supporting them in self-advocacy.

To date, program navigators spent a total of 3,900 hours on calls, and one to two hours per caller. Many people call back more than once.
 

“The hours we spend with callers reflects the complexity and uniqueness of navigating brain injury resources,” Knight-Coyle said. “We spend as much time as each person needs to get connected to critical resources.”

Brain injuries are occurring at more frequent rates in Oregon, according to data published on the Oregon Traumatic Brain Injury Safety Dashboard. In 2023 alone, there were 38,718 brain injuries that required hospital or emergency department intervention and 1,177 fatal brain injuries in Oregon. 
 

Oregon’s Brain Injury Program is one of many along a continuum to meet the needs of people with disabilities and older adults. It was developed as a result of Senate Bill 420 (2023). Oregon's Center on Brain Injury Research and Training (CBIRT) at the University of Oregon was among many organizations and advocates behind the development and adoption of Senate Bill 420.
 

“Consistent with our expectations, the ODHS Brain Injury Program is now an indispensable program for Oregon's brain injury survivors," said David Kracke, Oregon's Brain Injury Advocate Coordinator at CBIRT.  "The first 14 months of operation has demonstrated not only the incredible planning and implementation of the program by the ODHS team, but more importantly, the future promise that it holds for Oregon's brain injury survivors, their loved ones, and caregivers struggling to access necessary supports and services.  We are excited for the program's continued development as it serves many more Oregonians in the coming years.”

More information: 

  • Brain Injury Program phone number: 1-833-685-0848 (toll-free). Interpreting services are available at no cost for people who need help in a language other than English. The Brain Injury Program accepts TTY calls by dialing 711. 
  • Hours of operation: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.