The data and recommendations presented in this report are from a community-led statewide research process, guided by a 10-member steering committee of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) leaders. The aim of this research is to provide the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs) with recommendations for culturally and linguistically responsive services for communities of color.

The goal is to improve the access, utilization, and outcomes for behavioral health care. Moreover, this report is a collection of stories, experiences, beliefs, and desires of BIPOC communities (not including federally recognized Tribal sovereign nations, even if some Tribal members may have participated as individuals in this research).

What is captured here are years of requests and needs that multicultural and multilingual communities and their leaders have been sharing across various mediums, but continue to see little change. We acknowledge the fatigue and frustration experienced by many BIPOC leaders and community members when their calls for change are met with inaction. The authors hope this report will provide pathways for short – and long-term meaningful action.

Published December 2021.