Local Partnership Expands Substance Use Treatment Services For Youth in Central Oregon

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Mosaic Community Health, Sisters School District and Deschutes County Health Services are expanding access to critical substance use disorder (SUD) treatment for adolescents across Central Oregon, thanks to new funding from the state’s Rural Health Transformation Program.

For the past two years, the three partners have collaborated on the UpShift program, a school-based initiative providing SUD screening, early intervention and diversion services for students experiencing low- to moderate-risk substance use (Levels 0–2). Based at the Sisters School-Based Health Center, the program connects students with timely behavioral health support—often as an alternative to suspension—helping them stay engaged in school and on a path to recovery.

With this new funding, the partnership will expand services to include youth with higher-risk (Level 3) substance use needs and extend care to additional rural communities in Central Oregon.  

Currently, many adolescents requiring more intensive treatment must travel outside their communities for weekly services—creating barriers to access, consistency and recovery. This expansion will bring comprehensive care closer to home, incorporating both in-person and telehealth options, along with enhanced staff training to meet the needs of more complex cases.

“This work reflects what’s possible when schools, healthcare providers and public health come together around a shared goal,” said Lindsey Overstreet, LCSW, Pediatric Behavioral Health Manager at Mosaic. “By expanding services in rural communities, we’re ensuring more young people can access the care they need—when and where they need it.”

“We have a shared mission to serve our community’s youth,” said Jessica Jacks, Prevention and Health Promotion Manager at Deschutes County Health Services. “I am grateful for the ease with which we can partner with Mosaic and Sisters School District to find innovative ways to address service gaps and bring resources to youth that can positively change the direction of their lives.”