Oregon employers are facing a growing challenge: providing meaningful health benefits — including behavioral health coverage — amid rising costs and limited budgets. 

In 2023, for example, the average annual premium for an employer family plan reached nearly $24,000 while Oregon struggles with an estimated shortage of 3,700 behavioral health treatment beds.

At the Friday meeting of the City Club of Eugene, three speakers will address the challenge.

The meeting begins at noon at WOW Hall, 291 W. Eighth Ave. It is free to attend.

Scheduled speakers are:

  • Stephanie Evans-Wondra, a licensed professional counselor with Cascade Health, who holds a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling.
  • Pete Kerns, the president and CEO of Serenity Lane, a private nonprofit treatment center for alcohol and substance abuse.
  • Robert Scheele, with the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Northwest, who has more than 25 years of experience in the health insurance industry.

Friday’s program will be livestreamed on the City Club of Eugene’s YouTube channel. Club meetings are rebroadcast Mondays at 7 p.m. on KLCC, 89.7 FM, and are available later as an episode on the club’s podcast.

The City Club of Eugene explores local, state and national issues and helps develop new approaches and solutions. Membership is open to all.