As demand for behavioral health care and withdrawal management services increases, Unity Center rises to meet the need each day.
Jan. 29, 2024
In 2017, Unity Center for Behavioral Health opened its doors to those in need of immediate lifesaving care. Seven years later, it remains the only service of its kind in Oregon.
Unity Center was created with the bold and innovative vision of providing compassionate and trauma-informed care to the most vulnerable populations. With the collaboration of four health systems – Adventist Health, Kaiser Permanente, Legacy Health and Oregon Health and Science University, Unity Center has cared for more than 29,000 individuals since opening its doors.
“There is no doubt the challenges we face as a society are daunting. We see the need all around us, whether it be here inside our walls or when we step outside of our hospital,” said Unity Center President, Melissa Eckstein. “But there’s a lot to be optimistic about. Changes are rippling through our state, counties, cities and towns, as the demand for increased mental health care, housing and substance use services grows louder by the day. Officials are listening and Unity Center is at the forefront of those efforts.”
Unity Center is focused on providing 24/7 care for those experiencing a mental health crisis. The hospital provides counseling and therapy, crisis intervention, medication management, peer support, social work, spiritual care, and much more.
Later this year, Unity Center will open a much-needed withdrawal support service, where those experiencing acute intoxication will receive immediate, life-saving care.
The new service will provide 24/7:
- Emergency responder and police drop-off access
- Walk-in services
- Emergency mental health stabilization
- Withdrawal management
- American Society of Addiction Medicine level of care assessments
- Recovery-focused care coordination and referrals
- Harm reduction education
- Peer support
- Referrals for follow-up care within the community for treatment services
As the community’s needs evolve and expand, Unity Center will continue to care for people, meeting them where they are and working hand-in-hand with partners to address some of Portland’s most critical issues, including access to behavioral health care.
- Elizabeth Baker, elbaker@lhs.org