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News Release

The Opioid Settlement Board Allocates $13 Million For Oregon's Behavioral Health Resource Networks (BRHNs) - 01/20/26

January 20, 2025   

Media Contact: Kim Lippert, 971-323-3831, Kimberly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov   

The Opioid Settlement Board allocates $13 million for Oregon's Behavioral Health Resource Networks (BRHNs)

PORTLAND, Ore.—The Opioid Settlement Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Board (OSPTR) on Wednesday allocated $13 million for the state’s Behavioral Health Resource Networks (BRHNs). This investment will help to close a funding gap for continued BRHN services and demonstrates the Board’s commitment to leverage the settlement funds to strengthen Oregon’s substance use disorder services infrastructure.

“The Opioid Settlement Board continues to step up to address the opioid epidemic, but we must continue to balance the tension between maintaining newly built infrastructure and funding innovations that will lead to long-term system improvement,” said Board Co-Chair Annaliese Dolph.

The BHRNs were established as a direct result of Oregon voters passing Measure 110, the Drug Addiction Treatment and Recovery Act, in November 2020. BHRN providers deliver services and support for people with substance use disorders, regardless of their ability to pay, statewide.

The BRHNs are funded through cannabis tax revenue. However, an excess supply of marijuana has driven down market prices, resulting in a $100 million funding shortfall over the past 18 months. Experts also predict future declines in revenue.

To minimize future uncertainty and to keep within fiscal constraints, OHA will make annual adjustments to BHRN grant awards each July to align with the most current revenue projections.

The new funding, from the OSPTR Board, is a welcome boost for the 36 networks throughout Oregon and reduced a projected 27% reduction over the next year.   

Each BHRN responds to local needs by offering screenings, assessments, treatment, peer support, harm reduction services and housing support. From 2022 through 2025, BHRN grantees reported about 3 million client encounters, serving hundreds of thousands of people across Oregon.  

“This funding is critical to keeping lifesaving behavioral health services available in communities across Oregon,” said OHA Behavioral Health Director Ebony Clarke. “This critical investment helps stabilize essential services so people can continue to access care, regardless of their ability to pay.”  

This Opioid Settlement Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Fund, which is the state portion of Oregon’s opioid settlement funds, is overseen by the 18-member OSPTR Board.  

Since July 2021, the State of Oregon has reached agreement on national lawsuits against several companies for their role in the opioid crisis. Through these agreements, over $700 million will be awarded to Oregon through 2039. Settlement funds are divided between the State of Oregon (45%) and local jurisdictions (55%).  

To learn more about Oregon’s opioid settlement funds, visit oregon.gov/opioidsettlement   

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The Opioid Settlement Board Allocates $13 Million For Oregon's Behavioral Health Resource Networks (BRHNs) - 01/20/26

January 20, 2025   

Media Contact: Kim Lippert, 971-323-3831, Kimberly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov   

The Opioid Settlement Board allocates $13 million for Oregon's Behavioral Health Resource Networks (BRHNs)

PORTLAND, Ore.—The Opioid Settlement Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Board (OSPTR) on Wednesday allocated $13 million for the state’s Behavioral Health Resource Networks (BRHNs). This investment will help to close a funding gap for continued BRHN services and demonstrates the Board’s commitment to leverage the settlement funds to strengthen Oregon’s substance use disorder services infrastructure.

“The Opioid Settlement Board continues to step up to address the opioid epidemic, but we must continue to balance the tension between maintaining newly built infrastructure and funding innovations that will lead to long-term system improvement,” said Board Co-Chair Annaliese Dolph.

The BHRNs were established as a direct result of Oregon voters passing Measure 110, the Drug Addiction Treatment and Recovery Act, in November 2020. BHRN providers deliver services and support for people with substance use disorders, regardless of their ability to pay, statewide.

The BRHNs are funded through cannabis tax revenue. However, an excess supply of marijuana has driven down market prices, resulting in a $100 million funding shortfall over the past 18 months. Experts also predict future declines in revenue.

To minimize future uncertainty and to keep within fiscal constraints, OHA will make annual adjustments to BHRN grant awards each July to align with the most current revenue projections.

The new funding, from the OSPTR Board, is a welcome boost for the 36 networks throughout Oregon and reduced a projected 27% reduction over the next year.   

Each BHRN responds to local needs by offering screenings, assessments, treatment, peer support, harm reduction services and housing support. From 2022 through 2025, BHRN grantees reported about 3 million client encounters, serving hundreds of thousands of people across Oregon.  

“This funding is critical to keeping lifesaving behavioral health services available in communities across Oregon,” said OHA Behavioral Health Director Ebony Clarke. “This critical investment helps stabilize essential services so people can continue to access care, regardless of their ability to pay.”  

This Opioid Settlement Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Fund, which is the state portion of Oregon’s opioid settlement funds, is overseen by the 18-member OSPTR Board.  

Since July 2021, the State of Oregon has reached agreement on national lawsuits against several companies for their role in the opioid crisis. Through these agreements, over $700 million will be awarded to Oregon through 2039. Settlement funds are divided between the State of Oregon (45%) and local jurisdictions (55%).  

To learn more about Oregon’s opioid settlement funds, visit oregon.gov/opioidsettlement   

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