The Gaps in Employer-Provided Behavioral Health Care
Time: Noon to 1:15 pm
Venue: WOW Hall
291 West 8th
Eugene, Oregon
97401
- Join the Livestream
- YouTube
- Podcast
We will meet at the WOW Hall, 291 W 8th. Learn more: https://wowhall.org/about-us/. Walk, ride a bike or take the bus. You may park on the street or in the parking lot of FOOD for Lane County's Dining Room, across 8th from the WOW Hall. A freewill donation acknowledging the Dining Room's generosity may be made at the meeting.
Lunch will be available for $15.
Topic:
Oregon employers face a growing challenge: providing meaningful health benefits amid rising costs and limited budgets. In 2023, average employer family plan premiums reached nearly $24,000*, with employees covering a significant portion. Meanwhile, Oregon struggles with a shortage of 3,700 behavioral health treatment beds and unmet demand for substance use services**. With less than half of providers equipped to treat co-occurring disorders, many employees face fragmented care. This session explores how these pressures converge—rising costs, insurance design constraints, and substantial gaps in behavioral health access.
Note: This program will air on KLCC on Monday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m.
* Kaiser Family Foundation’s 2023 Employer Health Benefits Survey
** Oregon Health Authority’s Behavioral Health Residential+ Facility Study (June 2024)
Speakers
Title: Licensed Professional Counselor
Organization: Cascade Health
Website: https://www.cascadehealth.org/
Biography:
The following biography is provided by the panelist and edited for length/proofreading
Stephanie Evans-Wondra, LPC, Cascade Health: Stephanie holds a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. She enjoys working with people experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, grief and trauma, while understanding that people are doing their best with the tools they currently possess. Stephanie is adept at working with couples and helps couples resolve issues and move forward in their relationship. She has experience facilitating training workshops and has previously worked with the United States Army to provide training to military dependents through their Army Family Team Building program.
Title: President & CEO
Organization: Serenity Lane
Website: https://serenitylane.org/
Biography:
The following biography is provided by the panelist and edited for length/proofreading
In 2019, Pete Kerns was named president and chief executive officer of Serenity Lane, a private, nonprofit treatment center for alcohol and substance abuse. Pete brings 36 years of service with the Eugene Police Department and experience as the Chief of Staff for St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County. He is also the son of Serenity Lane’s co-founder, Dr. Thomas Kerns. As Serenity Lane’s leader, Pete brings a deep connection to and understanding of the community that Serenity Lane serves. Part of Pete’s vision includes updating Serenity Lane’s long-term strategic plan, with a focus on providing more access to services.
Title: Manager, Large Group Account Management
Organization: Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the NW
Website: https://about.kaiserpermanente.org/expertise-and-impact/healthy-communities/communities-we-serve/northwest-community
Biography:
The following biography is provided by the panelist and edited for length/proofreading
Robb Scheele is a seasoned health insurance industry leader with over 25 years of experience driving innovation in sales, account management, and workforce health strategy. For the past 12.5 years at Kaiser Permanente, Robb has led large group account management teams to deliver solutions that align population health insights with clients’ business performance goals. A recognized change agent, he has championed initiatives such as food-as-medicine programs and workforce resilience strategies. His strategic vision and ability to uncover unconsidered needs have positioned him as a trusted advisor to employers navigating complex health challenges. Prior to Kaiser Permanente, Robb held senior leadership roles with large national insurers, driving novel benefit, wellness, and market expansion strategies. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Robb is passionate about advancing health innovation through employee engagement.
