LifeWorks NW

04/03/2026

"Opioid deaths across Oregon are in decline for the second year in a row, according to federal health projections, dropping nearly 20% in the 12 months ending in August 2025 compared to the same time a year ago, and more than 30% down from the state’s peak in May 2024... Still, Oregon’s rate of deaths caused by opioids is nearly three times what it was in May 2020, near the start of the pandemic, when 351 people died from overdoses."

Health experts say multiple factors contributed to the decline, from the increased availability of Narcan to crackdowns on overseas manufacturers

04/03/2026

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month,a reminder that strong families create strong communities. LifeWorks NW offers programs that provide parenting support, home visiting, early childhood services, and culturally responsive care to help families stay safe, connected, and resilient.

Prevention starts with support.
➡Learn more: https://www.lifeworksnw.org/prevention-services/

04/03/2026

Registration is now open for our next Talking Points on May 6!

Where mental health and primary care meet: Integrated Services
with Cortney Taylor, MD, Adult and Child Psychiatrist, Medical Director, LifeWorks NW

Dr. Taylor will review how new models of care and bi-directional integration (bringing primary care onsite to mental health clinics) are helping reduce health disparities experienced by individuals living with mental illness.

You will leave the event with a clear understanding of how these approaches deliver patient‑centered care that strengthens both physical and mental health outcomes.

MAY 6, 2026
6:30 to 7:30 pm
LifeWorks NW - Sylvan
5415 SW Westgate Drive
Portland, OR 97221

➡Registration required: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/lifeworksnw/event/talkingpoints-may6/

04/01/2026

It’s , a reminder that understanding alcohol misuse and supporting recovery strengthens every community. Reducing stigma and choosing supportive language opens the door for more people to seek help. This April, let’s commit to compassion and understanding.

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➡Visit our resources: https://www.lifeworksnw.org/addiction-services/

03/30/2026

Today, we recognize World Bipolar Day. Observed every March 30, the day raises global awareness of bipolar disorder and works to eliminate stigma and discrimination. It brings people together worldwide to share education, improve understanding and highlight access to effective treatment and research. The date honors the birthday of Vincent van Gogh, who is believed to have lived with bipolar disorder.

At LifeWorks NW, we support individuals and families navigating bipolar conditions through therapy, medication management and ongoing care. We honor the strength and resilience of everyone in our community.

➡ Learn more: https://www.lifeworksnw.org/2025/03/27/world-bipolar-day/

03/24/2026

Over the past couple of months, we’ve seen a wave of positive Google reviews at LifeWorks NW — and we couldn’t be more grateful. Thank you to everyone who takes the time to share their experiences with us; your feedback helps us learn, grow, and continue strengthening the care we provide. And of course, a huge thank‑you to our incredible staff whose dedication makes this impact possible.🩷

03/23/2026

"Those looking for help deserve a system that makes mental health care accessible, affordable and available. They also deserve policy change that reframes AI algorithms to discontinue a conversation after providing real resources to those alluding to dangerous thinking.

As comfortable and convenient as venting to AI may be, its algorithm can carry life-threatening risks. Real people can’t respond with the quickness and 'you’re never wrong' attitude that AI chatbots can. But real people provide the safest, most individualized form of care. Your problems cannot be properly addressed by an amalgamation of internet searches — you are more than that."

Young adults, who have known nothing more than the digital age, are using them to seek mental health counseling.

03/19/2026

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month. The conversation now extends beyond casinos and sports betting and now into the world of video games. With loot boxes, randomized rewards, and in‑game spending becoming common features, young players are being exposed to gambling‑like systems long before they ever place a real bet.

LifeWorks NW problem gambling specialist Trent Stene says, “The biggest concern is that, in youth, the brain is developing. This can create issues in the healthy development of these same areas with over‑exposure to unexpected rewards.”

Loot box games are widespread, heavily marketed, and incredibly popular among kids and teens. Research shows they share psychological similarities with gambling, and many young people report loot boxes as their first introduction to gambling behaviors.

⭐Oregon runs a free 24-hour helpline, as well as text and chat lines, to support people with a gambling addiction. You can call 1-877-MY-LIMIT or visit their website if you need to speak with someone at once.

LifeWorks NW offers problem gambling evaluations and treatment. Learn more about our problem gambling services or call 503-546-9010 for more information.⭐

Read more at: https://www.lifeworksnw.org/2025/02/27/loot-box-games-and-problem-gambling/

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03/17/2026

Meet Brenda Kinosh*ta, Individual Giving Officer at LifeWorks NW, who joined the organization in late 2025.

“During my interviews, there was so much laughter. I knew I’d found the right role, the right team, and the right place to work,” Brenda says.

Brenda builds relationships with donors who care about our mission, helping ensure LifeWorks NW can continue offering lifesaving programs, strengthen services, and meet emerging needs across our clinics and sites.

➡Learn more about Brenda at https://www.lifeworksnw.org/2026/01/28/meet-brenda-kinosh*ta/
➡Discover career opportunities at LifeWorks NW at https://www.lifeworksnw.org/careers

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03/10/2026

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and the rise of sports betting is making this issue more urgent than ever. With online betting available 24/7 and heavily promoted to younger audiences, more people are finding themselves caught in patterns they didn’t expect.

As LifeWorks NW problem gambling specialist Trent Stene explains:

“Sports betting, unlike other forms of gambling, is something that can be done anytime or anywhere… It has created a 24‑hour‑a‑day activity that is celebrated through continuous advertisement and promotion of ‘free’ money or credit to sign up or place a bet.”

Gambling disorder is a recognized addiction, and treatment works.

⭐Oregon runs a free 24-hour helpline, as well as text and chat lines, to support people with a gambling addiction. You can call 1-877-MY-LIMIT or visit their website if you need to speak with someone at once.
LifeWorks NW offers problem gambling evaluations and treatment. Learn more about our problem gambling services or call 503-546-9010 for more information⭐

➡Read more here: https://www.lifeworksnw.org/2025/03/27/sports-betting/

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03/05/2026

This March, we’re celebrating and this year’s theme: "Social Workers: Uplift. Defend. Transform."

Social Work Month has been recognized every March since 1963 to build public support for the profession. Today, hundreds of thousands of social workers across the country continue that legacy by advocating for wellbeing, expanding access to care, and standing with individuals and families through life’s most challenging moments.

Thank you to our LifeWorks NW social workers for the compassion, skill and commitment you bring to our community. You uplift. You defend. You transform.

➡ Interested in a career in social work at LifeWorks NW? Look at our job listings here: https://lifeworksnw.e3applicants.com/careers/

03/02/2026

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, a campaign that aims to increase public awareness of problem gambling and promote prevention, treatment, and recovery services.

At LifeWorks NW, we’re here to help individuals and families navigate these challenges with compassion, evidence‑based care, and ongoing support.

⭐LifeWorks NW offers problem gambling evaluations and treatment. Learn more about our services or by calling 503-546-9010 or visiting https://www.lifeworksnw.org/addiction-services/problem-gambling/⭐

⭐Oregon runs a free 24-hour helpline, as well as text and chat lines, to support people with a gambling addiction. You can call 1-877-MY-LIMIT or visit their website if you need to speak with someone at once.⭐