Dr. Alice Gates Appointed to Governor’s Behavioral Health Talent Council

We’re proud to share that Dr. Alice Gates, Associate Professor of Public Health at the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, has been appointed to the newly launched Behavioral Health Talent Council by Oregon Governor Tina Kotek. This 22-member council, chaired by First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson, is charged with developing a comprehensive plan to address Oregon’s behavioral health workforce crisis.

The Council, convened in late May 2025, aims to develop a comprehensive workforce action plan by January 31, 2026, addressing Oregon’s behavioral health staffing crisis. As one of the diverse experts, Dr. Gates will contribute her expertise to strengthen recruitment, retention, diversity, and support strategies in behavioral health fields—to help shape solutions that meet the needs of Oregon’s diverse and underserved populations.

Over the next several months, the Council will work toward a detailed workforce action plan to shape actionable solutions to bridge the workforce gaps and enhance access to mental health and addiction care statewide. Dr. Gates’ appointment reflects the growing recognition of the role academic and community partnerships play in strengthening Oregon’s behavioral health systems and supporting the next generation of professionals.