Behavioral Health

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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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SHUTTERSTOCK

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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SHUTTERSTOCK

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

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SHUTTERSTOCK

Contentious bill backed by behavioral health providers gets another hearing

A revised version of the bill affecting medical and behavioral care for foster kids and others in the custody of the state has won another hearing after facing major criticisms earlier in the session

May 8

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A rendering of the Western State Forensic Hospital in Lakewood, Wash. | HOK ARCHITECTURE

Construction proceeds on 350-bed Washington state psychiatric hospital

The Western State Forensic Hospital is intended to help reduce wait times for mental health evaluations and treatment

May 6