You’re Invited!
Cascadia Health is proud to present a new event series, “Let’s Talk About It!” It’s a three-part series of conversations with Cascadia experts in the field of crisis intervention, mental health, and housing. These conversations bring together supporters and community members for dynamic discussions with a balance between systems-level and on-the-ground perspectives. We know our community has questions and Let’s Talk About It! is a hopeful place to find answers.
This year, we’re exploring:
How we support people experiencing a behavioral health crisis. We provide many options – a number to call, someone that will respond, and a place to go.
Mental health in Oregon and how integration (peer delivered services, wellness, and primary care) are all vital to addressing the region’s most pressing challenges. The inextricable link between healthcare and housing and the profound impact housing stability has on health outcomes.
RSVP now – space is limited, and advanced registration is recommended.
All events are free with a suggested donation of $20, cold weather gear, or personal and home care items.
Event List
Caring for People in Crisis
Community Solutions to Crisis
- Sept 25, 2025 at 5:30 PM
- 3036 NE MLK Jr. Blvd
The demand for crisis services far exceeds available resources. What are the solutions and what will it take to end the crisis? This event will offer an overview of where the issue stands and Cascadia’s strategic plan to solve the challenges that face us.
Sponsored by:
City of Portland, We Are Better Together
Breaking the Mental Health Stigma
A Human-Centered Approach to Mental Health
- October 10, 2025 at 5:30 PM
- 3036 NE MLK Jr. Blvd
We’ve been evolving our care to meet people where they are and provide wrap around support. We recognize that mental health is interconnected with all aspects of an individual’s health. Learn how we’re enhancing coordination across all levels of care.
Sponsored by: CareOregon
Housing is Healthcare
Housing Stability & Health Outcomes
- November 20, 2025 at 5:30 PM
- 3036 NE MLK Jr. Blvd
Housing is Healthcare will discuss Cascadia’s strategic plan to address the housing crisis. We will talk about our integrated service delivery that prioritizes housing and health, early interventions, and preventative care that improve overall well-being.
Sponsored by:
Featured Speakers
Moderator & panelists for the next event, Sept. 25: “Community Solutions to Crisis.”
Moderator: Jackie Thomson, LCSW
Jackie Thomson currently works for Cascadia Health as Senior Director of Crisis Services. Jackie has worked for Cascadia since 2018 overseeing different programs supporting crisis response for shelters and the community. Jackie earned her master’s in social work from Eastern Washington University in 2013, and worked in homeless services in Spokane, Washington for six years before joining Cascadia Health.
Rachel Griffith (Project Respond Mobile Crisis Counselor):
Rachel is a licensed mental health and rehabilitation counselor who has worked with Project Respond since October 2022. She previously worked as a counselor and case manager with Washington County EASA serving youth experiencing first episode psychosis. Prior to going into the mental health field, Rachel was a CNA and worked for four years caring for people with dementia and then for ten years caring for medically fragile children. She is originally from Washington state, has lived in Portland for 17 years, and loves to spend free time in nature with her dogs.
Daniel Blachowski (Mobile Crisis Peer Support):
Daniel is a dynamic and compassionate Peer Wellness Specialist with over two decades of experience fostering meaningful, client-led relationships across behavioral health, real estate, and community advocacy. With a foundation in trauma-informed care and a deep commitment to social justice, Daniel brings a unique blend of empathy, creativity, and strategic thinking to his work. His career spans roles as a licensed Oregon real estate broker, founding member of several men’s support groups, and ambassador for LGBTQIA+ empowerment initiatives, production designer in the entertainment industry, a background in the arts with an MFA, and mental health peer support—each reflecting his dedication to building trust, empowering individuals, and facilitating personal transformation.
Cassy Gemelli, LCSW (Crisis Counselor at UWIC)
Employed with Cascadia for 32 years, since 1993. Working as a crisis counselor/clinician with the Urgent walk-in clinic for 24 years, since 2001.
WHOLE HEALTH. WHOLE LIVES. WHOLE COMMUNITY.
Would you like to become a sponsor of the Let’s Talk About It! series? Please contact give@cascadiahealth.org for more information or visit Give.