Behavioral Health

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SHUTTERSTOCK

At some Oregon hospitals, inpatient psychiatric units face uncertain future

Hospital behavioral health units are chronic money losers because insurers fail to cover the full cost of care

Feb 13, 2024

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A cake that was served at the grand opening of the Recovery Works NW detox in Southeast Portland on Aug. 18, 2023. The withdrawal management facility was funded through Measure 110. | EMILY GREEN/THE LUND REPORT

Lies, damned lies — and Measure 110 statistics?

Both sides of Oregon’s drug decriminalization debate are citing statistics to draw opposite conclusions, sometimes irresponsibly

Feb 8, 2024
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Oregon Senate leaders spoke to reporters about their priorities for a 2024 legislative session expected to focus on addressing housing and behavioral health. From left: Senate Minority Leader Tim Knopp, Senate President Rob Wagner and Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon Legislature’s 2024 session looks packed with health care

Lawmakers will take up major health care issues in the five-week session as well as potential Measure 110 changes

Feb 6, 2024
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SHUTTERSTOCK

Oregon has huge shortage of treatment beds, consultant finds

Despite recent investments of more than $1.5 billion into Oregon’s behavioral health system, the state falls far short of what it needs to meet demand for treatment, according to a new report

Feb 1, 2024
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CASCADIA BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE

Cascadia fined $7,250 over safety lapses found after Haley Rogers' death

The large Portland social service nonprofit says it’s correcting problems after worker's stabbing death. A potential lawsuit and legislation are in the works.

Jan 16, 2024

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Clockwise from front left: Sophomores Madison Cailteux, Kaden Davis Young, Samuel Stanley, Jack Von Ammon and Pearl Carter participate in cooperative learning during science class at South Eugene High School on Dec. 11, 2023. | EMILY GREEN/THE LUND REPORT

Other states drive youth prevention in ways Oregon does not

States like Washington and Pennsylvania work with scientists to help schools put in place science-backed prevention programs

Jan 16, 2024

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CareOregon is among 16 coordinated care organizations in Oregon serving Medicaid members. | LYNNE TERRY/THE LUND REPORT

CareOregon’s wealth in spotlight as merger nears key review

CareOregon has grown rapidly and of late has drawn scrutiny for high profits. Though its leadership says its financial success may not last, critics don’t want control of the nonprofit’s $1 billion portfolio of cash and investments to leave Oregon

Jan 13, 2024

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Patrick Allen. | COPYRIGHTED IMAGE REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM THE PORTLAND TRIBUNE

CareOregon merger draws opposition from former top Oregon health official

On the eve of a key state recommendation, Patrick Allen, the Oregon Health Authority's former director, said he hasn't seen a 'compelling argument' that Oregonians' interests are served by CareOregon's proposed merger into a California-based entity. The nonprofit Portland-based insurer oversees care for 500,000 low-income members of the Oregon Health Plan.

Jan 12, 2024

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SHUTTERSTOCK

Not all prevention research is created equal, but experts can pinpoint the solid science

Prevention science can help guide decisions about which programs and curricula to choose, but understanding its limitations are key

Jan 11, 2024

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Linn County Alcohol and Drug Prevention Specialist Shannon Snair leads a LifeSkills Training class at Scio Middle School in Scio, Ore., Nov. 16, 2023. The class is one of the most research-supported substance use prevention curricula in the country. | KRISTYNA WENTZ-GRAFF/OREGON PUBLIC BROADCASTING/FOR THE LUND REPORT

Most Oregon kids don’t get science-backed drug prevention

A statewide analysis reveals that among the state’s 197 public school districts, substance use prevention programs often lack scientific support and can be little more than a chapter in a textbook

Jan 11, 2024