Oregon Behavioral Health Support Program

Provider Newsletter

September 2025

September is National Suicide Prevention Month

September is dedicated to raising awareness, spreading hope, and encouraging people to seek help without shame. Suicide impacts millions each year, yet far too many suffer in silence. No matter if you’re navigating your own struggles, standing by a friend or loved one, or wanting to make a difference, your voice is powerful. This month focuses on recognizing suicide warning signs, fostering honest conversations about mental health, and connecting individuals with effective care and resources. By coming together with compassion, strength, and purpose, we can create change—and even save lives.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has developed several resources to honor this effort, including their Suicide Prevention Resource Center, a digital toolkit, suicide prevention resources, and much more.

Recap from OHA HCBS 1915(i) Comagine Health Overview and Technical Assistance Webinar

Please find the recording of the Aug. 20, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) 1915(i) Comagine Health Overview and Technical Assistance Webinar Session here.

The session covered the following topics:

1915(i) Home and Community Services State Plan Option
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) roles and responsibilities
OHA training
Independent Qualified Agent (IQA) roles and responsibilities
Qualifications of IQA Case Managers
Services offered by the IQA
Document guidelines/Golden Thread
IQA 1915(i) processes and forms
CH-006 Form (referral and scheduling)
Purpose and goals of the 1915(i) assessment
Change in Condition
1915(i) Assessment Reconsiderations
Person Centered Planning Process
Nursing Delegations (CH-011 Form)
Medical Necessity recommendations

For more information and for access to the Webinar Recordings and Slide Decks of past presentations about OHA’s HCBS 1915(i) services, please visit our webpage: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/hsd/ohp/pages/hcbs.aspx.

Here is a link to the You Tube Channel for all previous recordings and sessions: HCBS 1915(i) Webinar Series You Tube Channel.

Member Success Story: KJ

KJ’s primary goal was weight loss in an effort to return to better health. She has several medical conditions that further impact her health, so she wanted to improve her eating habits and general fitness to reach this goal. She identified this goal in 2024 and just reported during her most recent check-in that she has lost 60 pounds and seven inches! She goes to pilates at the local gym (as well as exercises found on the house’s Roku app) and continues to eat healthfully. Furthermore, she applies this success to the support she receives from the Community Counseling Solutions (CCS) Westgate staff. She shares that staff is flexible and overall very supportive which contributes to her happiness and sense of feeling at home at Westgate.

KJ's behavioral health case manager describes KJ as a highly intelligent, motivated person who achieved this goal through her own personal drive. KJ self-reports that her environment has allowed her to reach her goals because of how supportive it is. KJ's case manager has continued to stay connected with her as she works toward her goal, and has observed her staying motivated despite medical setbacks.

If you or your agency need additional information on 1915(i) Home and Community Based Services, please reach out to the OHA 1915(i) Policy Team and/or Comagine Health:

For more information about OBHSP and Comagine Health, please visit our website .

Comagine Health is the Independent and Qualified Agent (IQA) for the behavioral health support program contract with the Oregon Health Authority. This contract ensures that Oregonians with severe and persistent mental illness are actively involved in directing their treatment through person-centered care planning. The program also connects individuals with necessary resources and develops a coordinated care approach to improving their overall health.