The Center for Addictions Triage and Treatment (CATT) is a comprehensive substance use treatment center being developed by Washington County.

The CATT Connection

OCTOBER 2022

A Message from CODA, Inc.

CODA, Inc. is thrilled to participate in the new Washington County Center for Addictions Triage and Treatment (CATT). As treatment provider for CATT’s new residential-based, intensive services building, CODA will be able to expand our mission to treat people whose health and quality of life are compromised by alcohol and drugs.

The need for more substance use treatment programs is enormous. Oregon ranks 48^th in the nation for access to care, and some services are not available at all in Washington County, especially for those who rely on publicly funded treatment. With the increased treatment access in the county, CODA and CATT will bring greater opportunity for healing to countless individuals and families. “We are humbled to think of those who will now have a chance to begin recovery, where it may not have seemed possible before,” said CODA Executive Director Alison Noice.

Founded in 1969, CODA is one of Oregon’s largest not-for-profit substance use treatment programs. We operate 14 programs at 10 different sites. These include residential and outpatient services that also provide medications to help treat a range of substance use disorders. We aim to provide a single source for people who want to reduce or eliminate substance use and develop healthier lives.

Today, CODA is working with Holst Architecture to help make sure that the new CATT intensive services building is a welcoming space for healing and recovery. And the new building will add to our already existing residential and outpatient treatment centers in the county.

“CODA is honored to have been selected for the CATT, and we are so impressed with the efforts to ensure it is inclusive, collaborative, and grounded in best practices,” said Noice. “Bringing these critical services to Washington County means we will be one step closer to our vision of having ‘no wrong door’ for those who are considering recovery.”

Excitement Builds as our Second Building

is Purchased for the CATT

This month we reached an exciting milestone as we purchased and took possession of the building that will house the community services.

Located at 5250 NE Elam Young Parkway in Hillsboro, the 42,000 square foot building is well suited for the services that will be provided. It is close to a MAX station, near other social services and has plenty of space to hold several key CATT programs including an outpatient clinic and a peer drop-in center. Additionally, the Hawthorn Walk-In Center will relocate to the building once renovations are complete.

“We couldn’t be happier with the location and the building,” said Project Manager Kristin Burke. “It really has everything we were looking for. Plus, Hawthorn won’t have to move far — just across the parking lot!”

Architects with Holst are already working with County staff and providers to design the space for its future use. It will be at least a year before construction begins and another year before programs start to move in. To learn more about the services planned for each of our two locations, visit our FAQ webpage.

Campaign Launches to Reduce Stigma Around Substance Use Treatment

“There is hope. Recovery is possible. You are not alone, and help is available.” These are the key messages we want our community members who are struggling with substance use to hear.

These messages are at the center of Washington County Behavioral Health’s newly launched campaign to reduce the stigma attached to treatment for problematic substance use. Despite recent progress, there is still a lot of stigma and shame associated with substance use, which can lead to people hiding their struggles and not seeking help. We want everyone to know that treatment is available, it works, and things can get better.

Please watch and share these four, 30-second YouTube videos:

Johanna's story * Yuri's story * Heidi's story * Dixie's story

With help from nine of our CATT Champions we also created a three-minute video titled, "Recovery is Possible: Messages of Hope." To share the whole playlist with the four individual stories and compilation video, please use this link: There is hope, recovery is possible. - YouTube.

Keep an eye out for our social media posts and public service announcements that highlight the voices of people in recovery, and their loved ones. We hope these messages will encourage people to reach out for support and begin their own journey of recovery. Thank you to our nine CATT Champions who shared their messages of hope and recovery for this campaign. We would also like to thank Trillium Community Health Plans for providing funding.

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To get help now with problem substance use in Washington County, visit our addictions page to learn how to connect to services. If you are in crisis, call the Washington County Crisis Line at 503-291-9111. If you or a loved one are facing a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1.

Washington County Unveils New Website

In late September, Washington County unveiled its newly designed website. The design is a contemporary, mobile-friendly site that makes it easier to locate information and services. Both the translation and search features are improved for a better visitor experience. The new address for Washington County’s website is www.WashingtonCountyOr.gov.

The new design means that the CATT webpages have a fresh new look. Navigating to related pages like addictions and crisis services for mental health should be easier with these choices in large print to the right side of the page. We expect several exciting updates to the CATT project by the end of the year so check us out often!

CATT Champion Spotlight

Our work on the CATT is grounded in the knowledge that substance use touches all of us in different ways. As we’ve worked on the CATT project, many people have stepped forward and shared very personal stories with us about how they or their loved ones have been impacted by substance use. These stories have inspired us and emphasized the need to improve access to substance use care and treatment. We will be sharing stories from community members we call “CATT Champions.” Every CATT Champion has volunteered to have their story published in their own words. We hope these stories help to highlight the reason we are working hard to bring a substance use triage and treatment center to our community.

CATT Champion Yuri

I was brought to the United States from Mexico when I was four years old. I am the proud mother of seven children, and I am in recovery.

I started using substances when I was 11½ years old and in foster care. Even though I was getting some counseling, I just did not feel like I fit in. The homes I was in were not the same culture as me, and I did not feel safe; I felt out of place. I discovered drinking and it helped me manage those feelings. When I became a mom at 15, I struggled to cope with being dependent on my partner. I used more substances and I eventually lost custody of my children. I became clean nearly six years ago when I learned I was pregnant with my son. I was not going to lose custody of another child.

As a Latina, I have seen how substances can be devastating to our community. Drug use and alcohol use are often seen differently in our culture, but they can have the same effect. We need to help our neighbors understand that alcohol can be just as bad as other drugs. If we had the right services and supports available, we could help our community thrive. I’m excited to see how the CATT can help by offering culturally specific treatment.

Today, I’m giving back and supporting others as a peer mentor, helping others in their recovery. I am grateful for the strong foundation I have with meetings, sponsors and my recovery community. It has helped me get through many challenges over the past year. I’ve learned that I have the strength to get through tough times and support my family without using substances. I no longer let drugs define who I am.

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