Ben Botkin

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Ebony Clarke, health director for Multnomah County, is moving to the state of Oregon to head its behavioral health division. | COURTESY MULTNOMAH COUNTY

Oregon behavioral health director pushes workers to hold agency accountable

Nearly 900 gather at Seaside conference for behavioral health peer workers, professionals who have their own experience with mental health issues

May 7, 2024

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The Oregon Department of Human Services is in Salem. | MICHAEL ROMANOS/OREGON CAPITAL CHRONICLE

Former state caregiver sentenced to 25 years of prison for sexual assault of disabled woman

The state agency’s Stabilization and Crisis Unit operates 24-hour residential programs in Oregon for people with developmental disabilities, including some experiencing mental health issues

May 2, 2024

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U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas. | COURTESY OF ANDREA SALINAS

U.S. Rep. Salinas backs legislation to increase, expand mental health care in public schools

The first-term U.S. representative from Oregon is co-sponsoring a bill that would allocate $300 million nationwide to put more mental health services in public schools

Apr 16, 2024

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Nurses at Legacy Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland. | LYNNE TERRY/THE LUND REPORT

As demand for nurses rises, OHSU expands nursing program to central Oregon

Central Oregon will be the third spot for OHSU’s accelerated bachelor’s degree in nursing, which already is available in Portland and Ashland

Apr 11, 2024

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The street nursing program sets out to help people at Hawthorne Park in Medford, Oregon, on Aug. 31, 2022. Since January 2022, small groups of OHSU School of Nursing faculty and students have hit the streets in Medford and Ashland to visit with people who are experiencing homelessness and offer basic health services. By the end of 2023, the OHSU Street Nursing Team plans to expand their efforts into neighboring Klamath County, Oregon. | TIFFANY ALLEN/OHSU

Health care insurer urges Oregon lawmakers to address homelessness crisis in rural areas

AllCare, which serves about 70,000 people in southern Oregon, highlighted the lack of affordable housing in its region

Apr 4, 2024

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Gov. Tina Kotek said her administration will closely track the rollout of new programs and spending to address drug addiction and homelessness. | BEN BOTKIN/OREGON CAPITAL CHRONICLE

Oregon governor signs sweeping drug addiction proposal into law

Kotek said the success of the partial repeal of Oregon's drug decriminalization law depends on "deep coordination at all levels."

Apr 2, 2024

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FERNANDO ZHIMINAICELA/PIXABAY

Most Oregonians keep their Medicaid benefits as state unwinds pandemic-era protections

More than 1 million low-income Oregonians will continue to receive free health care benefits through the Oregon Health Plan

Mar 26, 2024

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Gov. Tina Kotek said her administration will closely track the rollout of new programs and spending to address drug addiction and homelessness. | BEN BOTKIN/OREGON CAPITAL CHRONICLE

Kotek promises to dog spending for drug addiction programs

Lawmakers put $211 million toward drug addiction treatment, programs and new residential facilities. Lawmakers also allocated $376 million for homeless shelters, housing, infrastructure and rent assistance.

Mar 15, 2024

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FREESTOCKS/UNSPLASH

Oregon Prescription Drug Affordability Board seeks public input about drug costs

Community forums across the state in April and May will address the soaring costs of prescription drugs

Mar 14, 2024

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Oregon State Hospital in Salem. | OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY

Oregon State Hospital superintendent announces her retirement

Dolly Matteucci will leave in March, creating a high-profile opening at the Oregon Health Authority

Mar 12, 2024