Behavioral Health

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

New Contempt Ruling Lodged Against Oregon State Hospital

A Tillamook County Judge rejected the state’s reasoning for why it won’t admit defendants deemed “guilty except for insanity,” leading to unconstitutional jail stays.

Nov 23, 2021
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Oregon State Hospital in Salem. | BEN BOTKIN/THE LUND REPORT

Lawmakers In Salem Consider Behavioral Health System’s Needs

The system faces immediate needs to retain workers during the pandemic amid long-term plans that may transform it.

Nov 18, 2021
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Large red building, the Oregon State Hospital

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

Injunction Against State Hospital Could Have Far-Reaching Implications

A federal judge opens new legal can of worms for State Hospital, ruling the facility must admit guilty-except-for-insanity defendants despite objections.

Nov 15, 2021
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Oregon State Hospital in Salem. | BEN BOTKIN/THE LUND REPORT

OHA Director Floats $33.5 Million Plan To Bolster State Hospital Hiring

The Oregon Health Authority wants to hire 359 new employees at Oregon State Hospital starting in March to combat its worrisome staffing shortage.

Nov 11, 2021
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Oregon Health Authority Putting $15M Toward Immediate Behavioral Health Incentives

The short-term spending is an initial step toward stemming losses in the behavioral health field. But advocates say the system needs long-term investments.

Oct 28, 2021
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Oregon’s Opioid Settlement Dollars At Risk

The state and local governments can’t agree on how the money should be allocated, putting the total amount available to Oregon in jeopardy.

Oct 26, 2021

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

New Concerns About Racism, Transphobia Raised With Oregon State Hospital Leadership

The Hospital’s Advisory Board is seeking answers from Superintendent Dolly Matteucci after staff revealed details about the treatment of a Black patient and a transgender patient.

Oct 20, 2021
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Oregon State Hospital. | AMANDA LOMAN/SALEM REPORTER

Outside Investigation Finds “Complete Disarray” At Oregon State Hospital

Disability Rights Oregon urges Gov. Kate Brown and Oregon Health Authority to take swift action on understaffing, other woes at the Salem facility.

Sep 27, 2021
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Oregon State Hospital. | AMANDA LOMAN/SALEM REPORTER

Gay Oregon State Hospital Worker Sues, Alleging Harassment, Bullying At Salem Facility

The maintenance worker says he was physically assaulted and bullied after he came out to a co-worker.

Sep 16, 2021
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Recovery Groups Urge Gov. Brown To Act On Workforce Crisis

Oregon agencies say they need more money to boost worker pay and stem employee turnover that is hurting the quality of care.

Sep 14, 2021
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How meth is sabotaging Oregon's behavioral health system

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Read our two-part series about how — despite a windfall of new funding — the state has no plan to address the 'new meth' that is overwhelming behavioral health providers and inflaming ongoing crises across the state.

State inaction left Oregon teens vulnerable to fentanyl’s fatal spread

A student at Harmony Academy, a high school for teens in recovery, told The Lund Report he didn't realize he was smoking fentanyl until his parent had him tested. He thought the pills he was buying were oxycodone. | EMILY GREEN/THE LUND REPORT

A lack of prevention, education and youth addiction programs opened the door to tragedy as dealers added the potent opioid to local drug markets

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