Behavioral Health

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Elizabeth Flick, a seamster, inside the clothes store at Oregon State Hospital in Salem, Oregon on Nov. 21, 2023. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

With a sewing machine and creativity, state hospital seamster helps patients on journey

A seamster at the Salem psychiatric facility gives patients a little more control over something that’s easy to take for granted: how they dress

Dec 14, 2023

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Oregon State Hospital in Salem. | OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY

Oregon hospital systems file new appeal to pressure state on psychiatric care

New filing contends a federal judge in Portland wrongly dismissed an earlier case related to the Oregon State Hospital

Dec 7, 2023
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CASCADIA BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE

Cascadia Health security guard hospitalized after stabbing

The alleged assailant had previously received services at the health center without incident, according to a court filing

Nov 29, 2023
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Stabbin’ Wagon holds regular outreach events at Medford’s Hawthorne Park, which has seen issues with drug use and camping among unsheltered people. Melissa Jones, the group’s leader, was arrested at the park during sweeps of homeless encampments in 2020. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Despite criticisms, Stabbin’ Wagon signs contract with health authority

The Medford nonprofit will provide a new, non-clinical mental health service even after clashing with local officials. The status of other contracts remains uncertain.

Nov 21, 2023

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Clockwise, from left to right: Multnomah County Commissioner Sharon Meieran, moderator and Portland Axios reporter Emily Harris, Providence Health Chief Executive of Behavioral Health Robin Henderson, Portland Street Response Interim Program Manager Lielah Leighton, Jonathan Mroz of Central City Concern, Multnomah Circuit Judge Nan Waller discussed promising approaches to improve behavioral health care in Portland. | SCREENSHOT, OREGON HEALTH FORUM

Decisive action could help Portland's dysfunctional behavioral health system, experts say

An Oregon Health Forum panel agreed that action and urgency could significantly improve care for people experiencing mental health crisis and addiction in Oregon's largest city

Nov 16, 2023

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COURTESY PHOTO

Key Multnomah County mental health diversion unit ‘in shambles’

The nationally acclaimed program is foundering amid a tripled workload, fear of violence and staff departures

Nov 14, 2023

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Oregon legislators discuss upcoming changes to Measure 110 at the Oregon State of Reform conference in Portland on Nov. 14, 2023. From left to right: Rep. Rob Nosse, D-Portland; Rep. Ed Diehl, R-Stayton; and Rep. Thuy Tran, D-Portland. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon lawmakers preview possible fixes to Measure 110 in upcoming session

Public drug use and prosecution of drug dealers could be on the table, as well as reinstating criminal penalties and scrapping a controversial oversight council

Nov 14, 2023
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Oregon State Hospital in Salem. | OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY

Judge’s psychiatric discharge deadlines spawned ‘legal limbo,’ service gaps, locals say

Efforts to fix a bottleneck at Oregon State Hospital have increased problems elsewhere, local officials told lawmakers Wednesday

Nov 8, 2023
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SHUTTERSTOCK

Governor, lawmakers need to take action on Oregon kids’ mental health, advocate says

One in 4 Oregon youth ages 12-17 have experienced a “major depressive episode” in the last 12 months — the second-highest rate in the country, according to the state

Oct 31, 2023
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Oregon State Hospital in Salem. | BEN BOTKIN/THE LUND REPORT

State Hospital measures cause ripple effects, expert finds

Oregon’s psychiatric hospital is quickly admitting ‘aid and assist’ patients while the state works to ease ‘strain’ around patients’ transitions to community programs

Oct 26, 2023
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