Jake Thomas

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Tina Kotek | COURTESY PHOTO

Kotek approves universal health care board but cites concerns

Governor calls $2-million plan costly, potentially duplicative, but supporters say it’s a crucial step toward needed reform.

Aug 8, 2023
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Juliana Wallace will advise Gov. Tina Kotek on behavioral health policy starting Sept. 5. | COURTESY GOV. TINA KOTEK'S OFFICE

Kotek hires Portland social worker and manager to advise her on behavioral health 

Juliana Wallace has avoided the spotlight while serving in a range of jobs that supporters say make her a good pick to help improve the state’s behavioral health system.

Aug 3, 2023
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Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Portland. | M.O. STEVENS/WIKIMEDIA

Hospital doctors at Providence St. Vincent vote overwhelmingly to unionize

The union vote comes amid a wave of organizing by health care workers. Doctors are less likely to unionize, but that could be changing.

Aug 2, 2023
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Oregon State Hospital in Salem. | OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY

State hospital patients still held longer than court-ordered timelines, report finds

A landmark federal court order limiting how long certain patients can stay at the psychiatric facility has pressured local justice and health systems

Aug 2, 2023
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A pile of flowers and a note eulogizing Bobby Smallwood, a security officer for Legacy Health, sit outside the Good Samaritan Medical Center, where he was killed during a confrontation on July 30, 2023. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Legacy Health vows changes after killing. Nurses and others say it’s not enough.

The health system promises better security, but nurses want 24-7 coverage and additional protections after an uptick in local attacks on health workers

Jul 31, 2023
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SHUTTERSTOCK

Justice department investigates nonprofit selected for $1.5 million state contract

The Oregon Department of Justice issued a wide-ranging demand to Black Mental Health Oregon for financial documentation

Jul 27, 2023
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LYNNE TERRY/THE LUND REPORT

Legacy shooting prompts nurses union to decry unsafe conditions at Oregon hospitals

After a hospital security guard was killed over the weekend in Portland, the union urges more patient and visitor screening as well as staff training and support

Jul 25, 2023
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Kaiser Permanente workers represented by the Service Employees International Union Local 49 hold a picket outside Westside Medical Center in Hillsboro on July 24, 2023 to pressure the managed care consortium on contract negotiations. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Kaiser Permanente workers picket as contract talks heat up

Similar to other employees in healthcare, picketing workers want better staffing and working conditions

Jul 24, 2023
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SHUTTERSTOCK

State’s plan to pay $3 million for mental health centers sparks objections

Two groups with gaps in reporting and other issues will receive hefty grants to open long-awaited Oregon mental health respite centers, but advocates and state attorneys have concerns

Jul 20, 2023
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ALEXANDER GREY / PIXABAY

Most people keeping Oregon Health Plan coverage despite eligibility checks

State officials are culling the rolls after the program swelled to cover 1.5 million Oregonians during the pandemic

Jul 20, 2023