“My CEO asked me to attend. I wasn’t expecting to learn and get as much out this as I did. I intend to talk to my team about the benefits of this HIE,” commented one participant of “Transforming Behavioral Health Care in Oregon through Information Technology,” an interactive forum hosted by Reliance. The focus of the Forum was to have dynamic, statewide discussions about the barriers and opportunities for exchanging behavioral health information among a patient’s care team.

Interactive panel discussions and roundtable discussions allowed for participants to receive information and provide input and feedback on HIE strategies for improving holistic patient care, care coordination across physical, behavioral and dental care and opportunities to engage social services to support social determinants of health.

The July 25, 2017, event brought over 90 organizations and 132 participants to the Salem Convention Center to hear how Reliance eHealth Collaborative and the Oregon Health Authority used Federal funding to establish Oregon as national leader in advancing Behavioral Health Information Exchange. The work provides a model for others working to integrate behavioral health information as well as lessons learned and best practices for future efforts. “Thanks, let’s do more of it!,” commented another participant.

Missed the Forum? Visit the Forum web page to view presenter materials, handouts and information about the legal foundation for Reliance’s approach to sharing specially protected substance use treatment information under Federal law 42 CFR Part2.