Bracing for Impact: What I Learned at the OCBH Leadership Conference
By Briana Manfrass, President, Pinnacle Architecture
Last week, the OCBH Leadership Conference OCBH reminded me why these gatherings matter: they are not just about policy updates, they are about connection, collaboration, and preparing for the future of behavioral health. This year’s theme, “Bracing for Impact,” could not have been more timely. The challenges ahead are real, but I was inspired by the many speakers’ recommendations to lead with clarity and purpose.
Here are three big takeaways that stuck with me:
1. The Workforce Shortage Is a Ticking Clock
By 2037, nearly 60% of behavioral health positions could go unfilled. Burnout, funding gaps, and a shrinking talent pool are driving this crisis. The message was clear: We need to retain experienced professionals, support younger workers, and think creatively about workforce development. If we do not act now, access to care will suffer.
2. Policy Changes Will Reshape Care and Access
Federal updates are coming fast:
- Medicare Telehealth will remain for mental health and SUD services, but other telehealth options are disappearing.
- New Medicaid Work Requirements start in 2026, impacting coverage for thousands.
- Oregon could lose coverage for up to 200,000 people, leading to patients presenting with more acute needs because they have not been receiving regular care.
- These changes will hit rural communities hardest. The Rural Health Transformation Fund offers hope, but sustainability will depend on advocacy and collaboration.
3. Data and Collaboration Equal Resilience
The future of behavioral health in Oregon will not be defined by simply weathering the storm. It will be shaped by how well we adapt and innovate. Thriving means moving beyond reactive measures and building systems that are sustainable, equitable, and responsive to community needs. Measurable outcomes help secure funding, influence policy, and prove program value. But numbers alone are not enough; pairing data with real stories creates a compelling case for impact. At the same time, behavioral health cannot operate in isolation. Partnerships with housing, justice, and social services allow us to address root causes and build holistic solutions. When we share what works through data and lived experiences we strengthen trust, inspire innovation, and create models that others can replicate.
What Can You Do?
- This is where you come in. Whether you are a provider, advocate, or community leader:
- Share your stories—real experiences matter.
- Collect and report data to show what is working.
- Join the conversation about workforce solutions and policy advocacy.
As a behavioral health design specialist, I know that understanding your challenges and opportunities is essential to building strong partnerships. We’re not just architects waiting for the next project, we’re your collaborators in creating solutions, connecting people, and thinking beyond the expected. The challenges are real, but together, we can build a stronger, more resilient behavioral health system. If you have ideas you’d like to explore, I’d love to hear from you.
See some of our behavioral health projects here: Our Work – Behavioral Health – Pinnacle Architecture
If you’re interested in learning more about our work or have a project in mind, we invite you to contact us. Together, we can create spaces that help our community.
Briana Manfrass, President, Pinnacle Architecture
Briana is Pinnacle’s President and a specialist in healthcare, housing, and civic design. She is an Evidence-Based Design (EBD) certified professional. She bases decisions about the built environment on credible research to achieve the best possible outcomes. With more than 18 years of experience designing healthcare environments, she thrives on working with her clients to explore unique design ideas and integrate proven design solutions. Briana is actively involved in the Central Oregon community, currently serving on the Bend Development Advisory Board.
Briana@parch.biz or 541.388.9897×22
