Ben Botkin

The Oregon Health Authority in Salem. | OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY

Lawmakers consider proposal to give consumers a greater voice in behavioral health policy

A bill would train people who have received behavioral health services how to navigate the state’s system and advocate

Mar 2, 2023

Shutterstock

Oregon bill would ban therapists from trying to change a person’s sexual orientation

Bill would expand ban on attempting conversion therapy with people of any age.

Feb 16, 2023

PIXABAY

Legislative proposal seeks to help dental industry recruit and retain sorely needed staff

Propoosal seeks $20 million toward bolstering the number of widely needed hygienists and assistants.

Feb 14, 2023

Oregon lawmakers plan to put more money into housing and programs that can help people before they need treatment at the Oregon State Hospital. | COURTESY OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY

Lawmakers plan to provide more resources for Oregon’s beleaguered behavioral health system

National reports consistently rank Oregon as having among the highest rates of people experiencing mental health and addiction issues.

Feb 9, 2023

A RHESUS MONKEY AT THE OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY'S OREGON NATIONAL PRIMATE RESEARCH CENTER IN 2007./PETA

Lawmaker concerned about ‘dangerous’ conditions at OHSU primate center

Public records show workers are concerned about a “culture known to cut corners, deflect responsibility and lack accountability.”

Jan 23, 2023

Large red building, the Oregon State Hospital

Oregon State Hospital in Salem. | BEN BOTKIN/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon State Hospital largely passed inspection, violations remain

Federal regulators found the state-run mental health hospital still has problems with medication, food storage, cleanliness and sanitation.

Jan 12, 2023

SHUTTERSTOCK

Oregon agrees to a record $1.4 billion in public health settlements in 2022

Opioid settlements agreed to in 2022 will pay out over the next 18 years.

Dec 27, 2022

SHUTTERSTOCK

Oregon reaches $173 million settlement with pharmacy companies in opioid lawsuit

The money will go toward addiction prevention and treatment efforts in Oregon.

Dec 13, 2022

OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY’S DOERNBECHER CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL IS SWAMPED WITH PATIENTS WITH A RESPIRATORY INFECTION./CHRISTINE TORRES-HICKS/OHSU VIA OREGON CAPITAL CHRONICLE

Oregon Health Authority Bringing In Dozens Of Contract Nurses For Children’s Hospitals

The Oregon Health Authority is bringing in 112 out-of-state registered nurses and respiratory therapists to help the state’s two largest children’s hospitals.

Dec 3, 2022

Oregon State Hospital in Salem. | OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY

Long-Running Case Involving Defendants And The Oregon State Hospital Back In Court

District attorneys are unhappy with a judge's order to discharge Oregon State Hospital patients within a certain timeline, as are hospitals that treat people for psychiatric conditions.

Nov 23, 2022