2013 special legislative session

Courtney Wins Mental Health Funding Stream in Special Session

A cigarette tax increase will create a dedicated funding source for mental health services, totaling about $30 million a year. The Senate president said it should take care of Oregon’s needs for children and adolescents while still falling short for adults with mental illness.

Oct.

By:

Christopher David Gray

Pendleton Lawmakers Try To Keep Blue Mountain Hospital Open

Rep. Bob Jenson of Pendleton told The Lund Report he’s hoping to find a way to delay the closure of Eastern Oregon’s state mental hospital before its doctors and nurses leave for work elsewhere. Rep. Jennifer Williamson of Portland suggested converting it into a much-needed prison hospital for aging inmates.

Sept. 18, 2013 — The Oregon Health Authority has laid out the timetable to legislators for the closure of the Blue Mountain Recovery Center, even as Pendleton lawmakers strive to keep Eastern Oregon’s mental hospital open.

By:

Christopher David Gray