by Jordan Harris
October 30th 2025
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Photo of Dr. Beckie Child
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our dear friend, Dr. Beckie Child.
Dr. Child was both an esteemed alum of the Master of Social Work and PhD in Social Work and Social Research programs at Portland State University (PSU), and a beloved colleague. Prior to and during her time as a graduate student, Beckie served as a research associate for the PSU Regional Research Institute (RRI), the executive director and board president of Mental Health America of Oregon, worked with the state to coordinate the Adult Mental Health and Addictions Services for Trauma Informed Oregon (TIO), and provided leadership and training to the Peerlink National Technical Assistance Center. After earning her doctoral degree, Dr. Child continued her work with the RRI, served as a professor in the PSU MSW program and at Utica College, and continued her policy and advocacy work.
Dr. Child was well-known for her achievements in systems change initiatives and specialized in mental health advocacy, self-harm prevention, peer support, support for those with disabilities, negotiating medication issues, adult mental health services, and addressing complex needs. Her unique and valuable perspective on mental health systems was partially informed by her lived experiences with homelessness and frequent hospitalization. This work earned her the title of Mental Health Advocate of the Year by the Mental Health Association of Portland in 2019.
One of her proudest accomplishments was getting a bill passed that guaranteed Oregon State Hospital patients the right to access fresh air, a bill adopted by at least four other states, which has improved the lives of countless individuals. Beckie said that she would smile when she went to visit people in the hospital and heard staff tell folks that it’s time for their “fresh air” break.
With full hearts, we thank Beckie for being a shining light in this world, sharing parts of her journey with us, and using her passionate love to serve others. She will be deeply missed, and her legacy will persist through the lives that she has touched.