Behavioral Health

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Opinion: State's record on mental health funds doesn't instill trust

Oregon Heath Authority officials are trying to rewrite an agreement with counties to fund and direct behavioral health services across the state. But local officials have balked at state proposals and doubt they'll receive the funding needed to meet the demand.

Jul 3
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Lawmakers clear bills targeting Oregon’s struggling mental health system

New laws will loosen civil commitment rules and devote tens of millions of dollars to new residential facilities and workers to staff them

Jun 30
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Clockwise from front left: Sophomores Madison Cailteux, Kaden Davis Young, Samuel Stanley, Jack Von Ammon and Pearl Carter participate in cooperative learning during science class at South Eugene High School on Dec. 11, 2023. | EMILY GREEN/THE LUND REPORT

With two landmark bills, Oregon charts new course on youth drug prevention

After a decade of failing to equip vulnerable youth with tools to fight addiction pressures, state officials must now craft a statewide strategy for prevention, treatment and recovery for Oregonians up to age 26.

Jun 27
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Revolt by Oregon counties delays state behavioral health changes

State health officials want counties to focus mental health spending on criminal defendants, but counties say vulnerable people would lose access and suffer as a result

Jun 24
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Major behavioral health bills pending as Legislature winds down

While at least one major bill combining several pieces of legislation appears to have momentum, another backed by top lawmakers and behavioral health providers will be killed by leadership

Jun 19
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Oregon State Hospital in Salem. | OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY

Oregon health officials will appeal federal contempt-of-court finding

Critics say Oregon has had plenty of time to invest in fixes to ensure prompt care of mentally ill people housed in jail, but the state officials say a new ruling levying hefty fines was unfair and unfounded

Jun 19
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Oregon State Hospital in Salem. | BEN BOTKIN/THE LUND REPORT

Deciphering the federal contempt order against Oregon health officials

Hefty fines and a beefed-up state watchdog will add to existing pressure over constitutional violations, but some are worried that other issues won’t be addressed

Jun 10
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Dr. Amanda Risser, chief medical officer at Central City Concern. | COURTESY OF CENTRAL CITY CONCERN

Q&A: Amanda Risser takes over as top doc at Central City Concern

The new head of medical care for the region’s largest homeless service provider talks about looming Medicaid cuts, weak links in the system, and priorities for the future

Jun 3
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Oregon State Hospital in Salem. | OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY

Oregon’s mental health needs outweigh its ability to provide services, report shows

Limited data collection and inadequate funding are key barriers to Oregon’s behavioral health improvement efforts

May 9