Mental Health in Crisis: Who’s Really Fighting for Us?

Michael Alexander

John Washington interviews Michael Alexander

Oregon Health Plan - Rusha Grinstead

John Washington interviews Rusha Grinstead from the Oregon Health Plan

The Drifting Community in Portland, OR

John Washington interviews Dennis Franklin, drift community's Hype Man.

Mental Health in Crisis: Who’s Really Fighting for Us?

he behavioral health system is overwhelming our communities. We see it every day—rising addiction, untreated trauma, families struggling to get the care they need. How did we get here? And who’s really doing the work to fix it?On this episode of Black Beat Podcast, host John Washington keeps it real, raw, and unapologetically Black with two powerhouse leaders in behavioral health:🔹 Ebony S. Clarke – Director of Behavioral Health at the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) 🔹 Dr. Kate McLaughlin – Executive Director of the Ballmer Institute for Children's Behavioral HealthThey break down: 🧠 The truth behind Oregon’s behavioral health crisis 🚨 How racism, economic oppression, and trauma fuel mental health struggles 💰 Why billions are being spent—but access to care is still a struggle 🔑 The new game plan to train mental health professionals before it’s too late ✊🏽 How communities can take back control and demand real solutionsThis ain’t just a conversation—it’s a wake-up call.

Breaking the Cycle: How the Miracles Club is Leading Portland’s Recovery Revolution - Julia Mines & Kayla Moore

John Washington, CEO of Flossin Media and host of the Black Beat Podcast, is joined by this episode's co-host, Fawn Aberson (Editor of Flossin Magazine), to speak with Julia Mines (Executive Director) and Kayla Moore (Program Director) of the Miracles Club, a Black-led addiction recovery center that has been a lifeline for the community for over three decades.Portland's homelessness crisis has reached alarming levels, exacerbated by the fentanyl epidemic and the unintended consequences of Measure 110, which decriminalized drug possession. Black neighborhoods, in particular, are bearing the brunt of these intersecting crises. Tents line city streets, businesses report an increase in break-ins, and families face daily reminders of the trauma caused by addiction. Amid these challenges, culturally responsive organizations like the Miracles Club provide a vital bridge between harm reduction and recovery, offering solutions tailored to the unique needs of Black communities.Tune in for a compelling discussion that uncovers the roots of trauma and explores actionable solutions to address our addiction crisis.