Jake Thomas

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Oregon State Hospital in Salem. | OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY

Rights group accuses Marion County judges of ‘obstructing’ state hospital discharges

In a new filing, Disability Rights Oregon says some judges and other officials are thwarting a federal court order intended to open up beds at the state psychiatric facility

Aug 10, 2023
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An AMR ambulance at Legacy Health Good Samaritan Medical Center in Northwest Portland, Ore., on July 30, 2023. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Multnomah County warns AMR faces fines for slow responses to emergency calls

The contractor blames workforce shortages and Multnomah rules, but also says it is hiring rapidly in Washington County.

Aug 9, 2023
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SHUTTERSTOCK

Oregon Health Authority puts $1.5 million grant on hold

Peer respite award paused after justice department lawyers open investigation

Aug 8, 2023
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Tina Kotek | COURTESY PHOTO

Kotek approves universal health care board but cites concerns

Governor calls $2-million plan costly, potentially duplicative, but supporters say it’s a crucial step toward needed reform.

Aug 8, 2023
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Juliana Wallace will advise Gov. Tina Kotek on behavioral health policy starting Sept. 5. | COURTESY GOV. TINA KOTEK'S OFFICE

Kotek hires Portland social worker and manager to advise her on behavioral health 

Juliana Wallace has avoided the spotlight while serving in a range of jobs that supporters say make her a good pick to help improve the state’s behavioral health system.

Aug 3, 2023
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Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Portland. | M.O. STEVENS/WIKIMEDIA

Hospital doctors at Providence St. Vincent vote overwhelmingly to unionize

The union vote comes amid a wave of organizing by health care workers. Doctors are less likely to unionize, but that could be changing.

Aug 2, 2023
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Oregon State Hospital in Salem. | OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY

State hospital patients still held longer than court-ordered timelines, report finds

A landmark federal court order limiting how long certain patients can stay at the psychiatric facility has pressured local justice and health systems

Aug 2, 2023
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A pile of flowers and a note eulogizing Bobby Smallwood, a security officer for Legacy Health, sit outside the Good Samaritan Medical Center, where he was killed during a confrontation on July 30, 2023. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Legacy Health vows changes after killing. Nurses and others say it’s not enough.

The health system promises better security, but nurses want 24-7 coverage and additional protections after an uptick in local attacks on health workers

Jul 31, 2023
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Justice department investigates nonprofit selected for $1.5 million state contract

The Oregon Department of Justice issued a wide-ranging demand to Black Mental Health Oregon for financial documentation

Jul 27, 2023
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LYNNE TERRY/THE LUND REPORT

Legacy shooting prompts nurses union to decry unsafe conditions at Oregon hospitals

After a hospital security guard was killed over the weekend in Portland, the union urges more patient and visitor screening as well as staff training and support

Jul 25, 2023
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