Contact Information
Becky Adelmann
(503) 494-7657
adelmann@ohsu.edu
Family Voices of Oregon (FV OR) provides assistance to families and professionals as they work together to improve outcomes for CYSHCN in Oregon. FV OR engages in such activities as individual support, information and resource sharing, educational presentations and training, and partnership with agency and family organizations. Activities are supported through partnerships and funding from CMS for development of the Oregon Family-to-Family Health Information and Education Center.
HIGHLIGHT: Building Capacity
Family Voices of Oregon is developing its Family-to-Family Health Information and
Education Center, and has recently reapplied for additional funding. This initiative is
an important opportunity to assist parents and caregivers with the information and
support they need for their children and families. Parents have reported difficulty in
accessing complex health care systems and getting information in meaningful ways.
This effort honors the skill and expertise of veteran parents who can assist other family
members to successfully navigate systems of care.
BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS: Families and Policymakers
FV OR has been working with other
advocacy organizations on health
care reform issues in the state
legislature. Efforts include
participating in meetings with
legislators and policy makers, as well
as giving testimony on bills related to
Medicaid buy-in for families,
expanded health care for children,
and a waiver for medically needy
children. This legislative session is
important for many Oregon families
who lack insurance, have insurance
that doesn't pay for what they need,
and cannot get the supports they need
to keep children in their own homes.
FV OR works closely with many organizations to both include and support families in their activities. Some of these activities are:
- With the Oregon Center for Children and Youth with Special Needs and its Family Involvement Network to include families on its community based teams and in its program planning and evaluation.
- With Disability Compass, to provide information for a web based resource database for people with disabilities and families. This is a great statewide resource that will provide a variety of resources and connections for families that will help them find services and information they need.
- Partnership with Oregon Family Support Network on issues related to children’s mental health
- Collaboration with the Western State Genetics Collaborative to incorporate family perspectives in planning and evaluating genetic services. Quality health care is family-centered, community-based, coordinated, and culturally competent.
