LifeWorks NW

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.⭐

02/26/2026

Every February, LifeWorks NW staff gather to discuss what’s ahead for the organization and to honor staff for their years of service. This year, an incredible 45 members of the LifeWorks NW team were awarded across five, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 year levels! Congrats to all!

⭐ Learn more about what makes LifeWorks NW a special place to work by visiting our career opportunities at: https://lifeworksnw.org/careers

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02/24/2026

Oregon is experiencing a shortage of mental health workers. For organizations like ours, this work is essential. A stronger, more sustainable behavioral health workforce means more access to care, more stability for providers, and better support for the individuals and families who rely on community mental health services every day.

Many parts of Oregon lack mental health care providers, especially in rural counties.

02/21/2026

Our Connect to Care team is out and about across the Portland Metro community this month! ❤️

Our team can help members access care, understand their benefits, check Oregon Health Plan (OHP) status and connect to local resources.

📍 Find the Connect to Care team at these upcoming events:
Feb 19. Virginia Garcia Clinic – Beaverton
Feb 21. East County Community Resilience Fair
Feb 23. PCC Basic Needs Resource Fair
Feb 25. Clackamas Service Center
Feb 26. Montavilla Day Center

To learn more and find upcoming events visit, https://careoregon.org/members/connect-to-care-events

02/16/2026

"The proposed legislation would require programmers who make their tools available to Oregonians to develop protocols for their AI platform to detect signs of suicidal ideation, self-harm or thoughts of intending to do either.

In response, these platforms would be required to refer users to a su***de hotline and other crisis related resources and immediately interrupt conversation between the chatbot and user. The protocol would also be required to be publicly available on the AI program site."

After ‘missing the boat’ on social media regulation, an Oregon senator cites mental health concerns, youth access as key issues with unregulated AI use Lawmakers who ”missed the boat” on …

02/08/2026

The Oregon Health Authority estimates that 85,000+ Oregon adults and adolescents have a gambling disorder and another 180,000 are at risk of developing a gambling problem. If you are worried about your or a loved one's gambling, LifeWorks NW has a specialized program that can help. Call 503-645-9010 or complete the form on our website for more information: https://www.lifeworksnw.org/contact-us/.

Betting on the Super Bowl? Keep it fun by setting a dollar limit and deciding how much you’re willing to lose — and stick to it. Gamble for entertainment only, not as a way to make money. Avoid chasing losses, and hope to win but expect to lose. If you are worried about your own gambling or that of a loved one, visit www.OPGR.org or call 1-877-MY-LIMIT for free, confidential help.

02/01/2026

"Dry January" may be coming to close, but you can any time. "Rethink the Drink" is an Oregon Health Authority initiative that aims to help people in Oregon learn more about the health impacts of excessive drinking and explore healthy changes that can make a difference.

➡Learn more: https://www.rethinkthedrink.com/
➡ If you or a loved one has concerns about alcohol, LifeWorks NW can help. Visit www.lifeworksnw.org or call 503-645-9010 to learn more.

We need new ways to think about alcohol that reflect the varied ways Oregonians use and experience it. From the Oregon Health Authority.

01/26/2026

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recognizes January as Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month, and we celebrate this year’s theme: “Treatment Works! Find the path that works for you.” Everyone has a unique path on the road to wellbeing; we're here to help you find it.

Join LifeWorks NW in recognizing Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month and share resources that connect people to treatment.

01/21/2026

⭐Many thanks to all who attended Talking Points session last week! Cheryl Molten, Chemical Dependency Counselor at Project Network, shared her expertise for the second edition in our series. Drawing from over 20 years in addiction treatment and recovery, Cheryl explored how her own story reflects multigenerational trauma and ways clinicians can help break the cycle.

⭐"I tell my clients all the time: [the trauma] will always be there," said Cheryl. "The difference is… in the beginning, where you couldn’t catch your breath? After a while, you’ll be able to breathe through it."

➡Read the recap: https://www.lifeworksnw.org/2026/01/19/talking-points-recap-session-two/

➡Read register for our next Talking Points session on May 13: https://www.lifeworksnw.org/talkingpoints
Our Talking Points series is free and open to the public, and all are welcome!

01/17/2026

LifeWorks NW outpatient sites will be closed on Monday, January 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Please call your site if you have any questions. For crisis support, call 988 or your county’s crisis line.

Nuestros sitios para pacientes ambulatorios cerraran el lunes 19 de enero en conmemoración del Dia de Martin Luther King Jr. Favor de llamar al sitio si tiene preguntas. Para apoyo en caso de crisis llamar al 988 o su línea de crisis del condado.