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Oregon’s mental health system is in a crisis. But should the state focus on preventive care? Provide more therapy sessions? Add hospital beds?

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.

In separate lawsuits, two employees allege the psychiatric hospital in Portland was a hostile work environment for gay people.

These hospital systems have a relatively small presence in Oregon compared to their national expansion, yet are a major force in the state’s economy.