Benton, Linn Counties

Behavioral Health Specialist

Christopher R Eilers MA, LPC

christopher.eilers@lanecountyor.gov
541-214-5608 (cell)

Education: Bachelor of Science in Zoology from Oregon State University, a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Pacific University, and a Masters of Arts in Counseling from Northwest Christian University.

Christopher began his career in Behavioral Health Services at the Center for Family Development, providing individual and family therapy to adolescents with co-occurring disorders. Next, he served adults identified with SPMI at Lane County Behavioral Health by providing individual and group therapy, as well as case management. In 2011, he transitioned to an administrative role when he joined Lane Care to manage the Behavioral Health benefits for Medicaid recipients in Lane County.

As an Older Adult Behavioral Health Specialist, Christopher is able to leverage his knowledge of the behavioral health system and relationships with healthcare providers to shine a spotlight on the unique needs and challenges associated with aging individuals and their care providers in addressing behavioral health needs.

Since joining the Initiative in 2015, Christopher has been certified to provide many trainings, including: Mental Health First Aid, Approaching Alzheimer’s, Connect Suicide Post-Vention, W.I.S.E., and Trauma Informed Care 101. He is the Chair of the Older Adult Work Group, which has created a community of providers from all areas of healthcare that are dedicated to the improvement of the quality of life of seniors and adults with disabilities.

As an educator, Christopher has focused on providing enlightening and relevant training to healthcare and aging services providers, as well as to the community at large. He has also been directly involved in the planning and development of multiple conferences.

L. Kay McDonald, MA, QMHP-C

kay.mcdonald@lanecountyor.gov
541-285-2954 (cell)

Kay earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Willamette University, Salem, Oregon, and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Lewis & Clark, School of Professional Studies, Portland, Oregon. In various positions over 18 years, Kay coordinated medical, dental, and behavioral health care for the uninsured and underinsured citizens and members of the Oregon Health Plan. Kay had the creative opportunity to coordinate and authorize services for adults/older adults with unique, challenging access to obtaining care. Beginning in May, 2015, Kay has served in Lane County as a Specialist with the statewide Older Adult Behavioral Health Initiative.

County Profiles

Benton, Lincoln, & Linn Counties

Lincoln County has the highest percentage of adults age 65 and older compared to Benton, Linn, and Oregon overall. Benton County has the lowest percentage of rural-dwelling population compared to Linn and Lincoln counties. It is similar to Oregon overall.

Lincoln and Linn counties have a lower ratio of primary and mental health care providers than Oregon overall.
Benton County has a higher ratio of primary and mental health care providers than Oregon overall.
Lincoln and Linn counties have a higher percentage of severe housing problems compared to Oregon overall. Benton County has a lower percentage compared to the state.