Behavioral Health Providers Gather for Supportive Networking

Samaritan Treatment and Recovery Services hosts meet-and-greet to connect local organizations and share resources.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:33pm

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A translucent, ghostly X-ray image revealing the intricate structure of the human brain, with glowing neural pathways and synaptic connections, conceptually representing the complex nature of mental health and the need for coordinated support services.An X-ray view of the brain's neural networks highlights the importance of comprehensive mental health services.Albany Today

In an effort to foster collaboration and awareness among local behavioral health providers, staff from Samaritan Treatment and Recovery Services (STARS) in Lebanon, Oregon hosted a 'Mid-Willamette Behavioral Health Meet & Greet' on April 3. The event gave nonprofits, emergency services, and community partners a chance to network, share information about their services, and explore ways they could work together to better serve the community.

Why it matters

Connecting behavioral health providers and increasing knowledge of available resources is crucial for streamlining care and ensuring those in need can access the right support. The meet-and-greet aimed to break down silos between organizations and facilitate partnerships that could lead to more comprehensive, effective treatment.

The details

The event featured presentations from eight different organizations, including Samaritan Medical Group, CHANCE Recovery, the Community Outreach Assistance Team (COAT), Emergence Addiction & Behavioral Therapies, the Family Assistance & Resource Center (FAC), Family Tree Relief Nursery, Crossroads Communities, and the Albany Comprehensive Treatment Center. Each group shared details about the services they offer, allowing attendees to learn about potential referral sources and collaboration opportunities.

  • The 'Mid-Willamette Behavioral Health Meet & Greet' was held on Friday, April 3, 2026.
  • STARS opened its addiction recovery services in 2020 and expanded to a second location in Newport last year.

The players

Samaritan Treatment and Recovery Services (STARS)

A provider of addiction recovery services in Lebanon, Oregon, offering residential, outpatient, and intensive outpatient levels of care.

Zoe Costa

A peer support specialist at STARS who helped organize the networking event.

Shea Darnell

A peer support specialist at STARS who spoke about the importance of collaboration among behavioral health providers.

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What they’re saying

“The purpose of the event is networking for these different organizations within our county to be able to connect, and then also to inform.”

— Zoe Costa, Peer Support Specialist, STARS

“The more people we can get collaborating and on the same page, aware of what's happening in other organizations, where the funding's coming from, who can help in the best way, the more streamlined our care is for people.”

— Shea Darnell, Peer Support Specialist, STARS

What’s next

STARS plans to continue hosting similar networking events in the future to further strengthen connections between local behavioral health providers.

The takeaway

By bringing together diverse organizations serving the mental health and addiction recovery needs of the Mid-Willamette Valley, this event helped break down silos and foster collaboration that could lead to more comprehensive, effective care for those in need of support.