Joanne Zuhl

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Controversial Oregon child welfare bill moves forward in Salem

The proposal aims to improve behavioral and medical care of the state’s most vulnerable youth, but opponents say it will subject Oregon kids to problematic care in other states

Jun 12
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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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Jim Diegel, former head of St. Charles Health System, tapped as temp for state hospital superintendent

An experienced hospital operations strategist, Diegel is tasked to turn around a long-troubled institution that is a lynchpin of both the state’s behavioral health and criminal justice systems

May 28
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The main campus of the Oregon State Hospital is in Salem. | MICHAEL ROMANOS/OREGON CAPITAL CHRONICLE

‘Significant vacuum’ in leadership threatens Oregon State Hospital’s stability, warns medical expert

Court-appointed outside expert raises questions about the resignation of Dr. Sara Walker and concerns over what her absence means for the state’s largest psychiatric facility

May 15
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Addiction experts raise alarm about cannabis use among Oregon’s youth

Attractively marketed, low priced and high-potency marijuana appeals to kids who think it’s safe to use, but it also poses serious mental health risks, including psychosis, for young users

May 13

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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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MEMBERS OF THE COLLECTIVE OF INDIGENOUS INTERPRETERS OF OREGON AFTER THEIR GRADUATION CEREMONY AT PORTLAND CENTER STAGE AT THE ARMORY IN DECEMBER./COURTESY OF PUEBLO UNIDO

More Oregonians speak Indigenous languages, but health care interpreters are lacking

Groups are joining with Legacy Health to ask lawmakers to beef up the training and accreditation program for interpreters to help people access care, other services

May 1
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Oregon State Hospital in Salem. | BEN BOTKIN/THE LUND REPORT

Updated: Oregon State Hospital's new 30-day safety plan provides broad strokes but few details

The three-page plan focuses on assessing patients risks, increasing staffing to operate more like a 24/7 hospital, and providing clearer direction and empowerment to staff

Apr 30
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