A new chapter in Madras’s behavioral health landscape officially began May 20, when BestCare Treatment Services broke ground on a culturally specific residential treatment facility that will serve Latino men struggling with substance use disorder — the only program of its kind in Oregon.
The new building at 316 N.W. Fourth St. will be approximately 8,000 square feet and house 16 beds. It will also include an outdoor recreation area with walking trails. Construction is projected to cost between $6.5 million and $8 million, with $3.4 million in public funding already secured.
A Program Rooted in Culture
BestCare’s Programa de Recuperación de Madras has operated for more than 20 years, offering treatment entirely in Spanish with a focus on cultural connection, family involvement, and a sense of belonging. Those elements, program leaders say, are critical to long-term recovery for a population that often avoids treatment due to language and cultural barriers.
“By helping them reconnect with their heritage and recover their Latino identity, we are helping to provide a solid foundation from which they can begin to heal.” — Salvador Amezola, Programa de Recuperación Program Director
The new facility is designed to reflect Latino culture throughout its spaces — an intentional architectural choice meant to reinforce the cultural foundation of the treatment model.
The Need Is Growing
BestCare CEO Rick Treleaven noted that Oregon’s Latino population has doubled since the program launched more than two decades ago, dramatically increasing the need for services.
“The need is immense. There are lots of folks that don’t engage in treatment because of a language barrier or because of a cultural barrier.” — Melissa Thompson, incoming BestCare CEO
Jefferson County’s Latino community makes up a significant portion of the county’s population, particularly in agriculture. Access to culturally responsive behavioral health services has long been identified as a gap.
State and Local Backing
The groundbreaking drew state and local officials. KC Ledell, senior behavioral health advisor for Gov. Tina Kotek’s office, attended and spoke directly to BestCare staff.
“We want to send a clear message to the workers who made this facility possible — this administration has your backs.” — KC Ledell, Governor’s Office
Catalina Sánchez Frank, executive director of the Madras Latino Community Association, presented BestCare staff with a commemorative plaque.
“This is a sincere thank you for putting our community first.”
Treatment at the facility will typically run 60 days, with patients receiving therapy and support services in a culturally grounded environment. Construction is now underway.