In early July, staff at Northwest Oregon Works learned that our board has secured an exciting two-year state grant through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program administered by the Oregon Health Authority. This investment will strengthen the behavioral health network in our region by recruiting and training Peer Support Specialists and Certified Recovery Mentors in dual certifications. In addition to credentialing support, the program will provide structured resume development, connections to entry‑level roles with partner organizations, on‑the‑job training, and comprehensive supportive services to help rural residents with lived experience gain the skills and professional foundation needed to move into better‑paid, in‑demand positions in behavioral health and social services.
We’re so proud, happy and thankful to be included in this round of impactful health care funding, more than $97 million awarded to 136 projects across rural Oregon.
Building on this momentum, NOW will continue to expand pathways into behavioral health careers through the Oregon Behavioral Health JATC apprenticeship programs and our IHN scholarship program. OBH provides robust earn‑while‑you‑learn opportunities that allow apprentices to gain industry‑recognized credentials, on‑the‑job experience, and structured related training while supporting a stronger regional behavioral health workforce. Complementing this, our IHN scholarship program assists bachelor’s and master’s students, behavioral health interns, and practicing clinicians who wish to pursue specialty modality credentials — such as EMDR, dyadic therapy, art therapy, and youth‑focused modalities — to deepen their expertise and better serve individuals, families, and communities across Northwest Oregon.
If you are interested in learning more about our apprenticeship, scholarship, or Rural Health Transformation Program work, please contact our Behavioral Health Program Manager, Kortnie Williams, at kortnie@ nworegonworks.org, for additional information and partnership opportunities.
