Oregon’s three gubernatorial candidates don’t quite agree. So when I asked them to name the state agencies most in need of additional oversight, I was surprised to hear a common refrain. (We removed the perplexing Department of Employment from the table.) All three said the Oregon Department of Health topped the list.
“Tina and I agree, it’s an OHA. It’s too big, out of control, out of control,” said Betsey Johnson.
The Oregon Department of Health was separated from the Oregon Department of Social Services in 2009. The department administers the state’s public and behavioral health programs, as well as Oregon State Hospitals.
The refurbishment has not gone well.Oregon, according to a national survey Ranked #1 for prevalence of mental illnessOccupational Safety and Health (OSH) is overrun and states are being sued by hospitals for having no place to send patients suffering from acute mental illness.
Meanwhile, government agencies have been accused of delaying the deployment of more than $300 million in funding for addiction services attached to Measure 110, a law that decriminalizes small amounts of hard drugs in 2020.
Tina Kotek has promised to fire both Patrick Allen, head of the division, and Steve Allen, director of behavioral health.
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