Oregon Health Authority Emergency Behavioral Health Response & Recovery (EMBHRR)

The Emergency Behavioral Health Response & Recovery (EMBHRR) program supports individuals, families, and communities impacted by emergencies and disasters across Oregon. We work alongside local, Tribal, state, and community partners to strengthen behavioral health preparedness, coordinate response efforts, and promote resilience and recovery. Through training, technical assistance, and volunteer engagement, EMBHRR helps ensure that compassionate, trauma-informed behavioral health support is available when it is needed most.

The Oregon Health Authority’s Behavioral Health Division (BHD) supports behavioral health preparedness, response, and recovery across Oregon. During emergencies and disasters, BHD works with local, Tribal, state, and community partners to identify behavioral health needs, strengthen coordination, and help connect communities with appropriate supports.

During emergencies, BHD:

• Assesses emerging behavioral health impacts and unmet needs.
• Provides behavioral health coordination, consultation, and technical assistance.
• Supports Psychological First Aid and other disaster behavioral health resources.
• Coordinates situational awareness and information sharing with response partners.
• Supports behavioral health workforce and resource coordination when additional assistance is needed.
• Promotes trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and accessible behavioral health support.
• Supports long-term behavioral health recovery for affected communities and responders.