Deschutes County Health Director Discusses Challenges of Providing Care in Rapidly Growing Region

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In this episode of the "Bend Don't Break" podcast, Aaron Switzer interviews Holly McCown Harris, the Health Services Director for Deschutes County, Oregon. Harris discusses the realities of providing public and behavioral health care in a rapidly growing region, sharing her journey from juvenile probation work in rural Texas to leading one of Central Oregon's most essential health departments. The conversation covers challenges like Medicaid uncertainty, misconceptions around civil commitment, and the deep impact of the housing crisis on behavioral health, as well as hopeful developments like new residential treatment beds and the region's first child psychiatric facility.

Why it matters

As Central Oregon's population continues to grow, the demand for public health and behavioral health services has increased significantly. Harris' insights shed light on the complex issues facing health care providers in the region and the importance of collaboration across agencies to address community needs.

The details

During the interview, Harris discusses the intersection of crisis response, public health, and behavioral health, and how the public often doesn't see the full scope of these interconnected issues. She offers a grounded look at what the county can do and the limitations it faces due to a lack of authority or resources. The conversation also touches on longstanding challenges like Medicaid uncertainty and the misconceptions around civil commitment, as well as the deep impact the housing crisis has had on behavioral health in the region.

• The podcast episode was recorded and published on February 11, 2026.