Behavioral Health

Pandemic Exacerbates Oregon’s Addiction Crisis: Overdose Deaths Rise 70%

“The realization that we will be dealing with COVID-19 for some time, and other stressors related to jobs, school and social isolation, may increase feelings of anxiety and depression,” an expert said.

Oct 27, 2020

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Universal Health Services, which owns Cedar Hills Hospital in Portland, wants to build another psychiatric facility in Wilsonville. | COURTESY OF CEDAR HILLS HOSPITAL

Cyberattack Hits Owner of Cedar Hills Psychiatric Hospital

The attack shut down Universal Health Services, the owner of Cedar Hills Hospital, which has nearly 100 in-patient beds for mental health patients.

Sep 29, 2020

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COURTESY OF LEGACY HEALTH

Feds, State Fault Unity Center -- Again -- Following Complaints, Failure To Protect Patients

Complaints and unannounced inspections at Portland’s psychiatric emergency hospital found a range of problems, including patient sexual encounters, an attempted suicide, Facebook livestreaming, escapes, nurse shortages and more.

Sep 29, 2020

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SHUTTERSTOCK

Exclusive: Health Authority Staff Angry Over Plans To Scrap On-Site Inspections At Behavioral Health Facilities

Critics say switching to virtual visits conducted through a smartphone or tablet, which will save time and money, could harm residents.

Sep 21, 2020
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SHUTTERSTOCK

Governor’s High-Level Behavioral Health Group Ends With Disappointment 

The group came up with a number of recommendations but they won’t move the needle on the state’s mental health crisis.

Sep 15, 2020
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MYRIAMS-FOTOS/PIXABAY

Audit Finds Oregon’s Mental Health System in Disarray, Lacks Leadership

The report identified wide-ranging, chronic problems, including a lack of leadership and failure to monitor $158 million of taxpayer money.

Sep 9, 2020
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SHUTTERSTOCK

Influential Foster Youth Forum Calls For Sweeping Changes To Address Racism, Mental Health Issues 

Ideas from foster children themselves will play a "key role" in transforming the child welfare system, one official said.

Aug 31, 2020
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SHUTTERSTOCK

Hospital Systems Support Tobacco Tax Measure

The measure would add $2 to a pack of cigarettes in Oregon, which has the lowest cigarette taxes on the West Coast. It would also tax vaping products.

Aug 13, 2020
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Shutterstock

Brown’s Behavioral Health Strategy Mired In Chaos, ‘Profound Disappointment’ 

When Brown set up her Behavioral Health Advisory Council in October 2019, advocates and medical professionals had high hopes it would spark meaningful change. Instead, it's turned into a missed opportunity, critics say.

Jul 20, 2020
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Oregon State Capitol in Salem. | RENAUDE HATSEDAKIS

Lawmakers Hope To Protect OHSU, State Hospital, Medicaid In Budget Cuts

Jul 16, 2020