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Oregon Unveils Plan To Help Mentally Ill, Under Pressure From Feds

By Kristian Foden-Vencil (OPB)
Portland, Oregon July 28, 2016 6:46 p.m.

For the last few years, the U.S. Department of Justice has been investigating Oregon’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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At least in part because of confrontations between law enforcement and people with mental illnesses.

Now Lynne Saxton with the Oregon Health Authority said her agency has come up with an extensive plan. "We have a great team put together," she said.

"We’ll be using some national experts in behavioral health in this work and I think we have a real opportunity to make solid progress every year.”

The plan will roll out over three-years and health care providers will be required to meet specific performance goals.  They include: treating physical and mental health together; expanding community-based mental health services; and reducing commitments to the state hospital.

If the state backs off the effort, the DOJ said it will then restart its investigation.

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