Abbey McDonald
Abbey McDonald joined the Salem Reporter in 2022. She previously worked as the business reporter at The Astorian, where she covered labor issues, health care and social services. A University of Oregon grad, she has also reported for the Malheur Enterprise, The News-Review and Willamette Week.
New clinic to expand addiction, mental health treatment access for Salem teens
Insight Northwest Recovery will soon open a clinic in Salem offering intensive outpatient treatment through group therapy for anyone ages 12 and up facing challenges with addiction, mental health or both.
REPORTER’S COLUMN: UGM conversation illuminates forgotten Salem backyard trolley
Reporter Abbey McDonald spent a few hours talking to people in the lobby of the Union Gospel Mission. Among them was a longtime Salem resident who once had a working trolley system in his backyard.
Community coalition hopes to preserve Salem’s Dome Building, open it to public use
The Dome Building, once part of the Oregon State Hospital, has been sitting vacant for years. A local group of nonprofits and elected officials believe it has potential as a home base for community services.
McNary grad brings free screening of sex ed comedy film to Salem Cinema
Kyle Kuhns, who was born and raised in Keizer and spent evenings in high school in the seats of Salem Cinema, executive produced the new comedy “DOIN’ IT.” The local theater is hosting two free showings of the movie this week.
A unique downtown medical clinic works to care for homeless patients’ long-term needs
Northwest Human Services has expanded its hours at a drop-in medical clinic in downtown Salem, and is seeing more people than ever before. Many of the incoming patients have injuries or illnesses caused by a lack of shelter or inadequate shoes.
Salem Clinic says it will stop taking most Medicaid patients starting Jan. 1
After failing to reach a new contract with PacificSource, Salem Clinic told Medicaid patients that they’ll need to find another provider in the new year. PacificSource maintains that negotiations are ongoing, but the clinic says it couldn’t wait any longer to inform patients and staff of the change.
Church at the Park will shelter fewer people, lay off staff due to state budget cuts
Church at the Park is reducing the amount of spots at its young adult shelter and laid off 16 people due to a $2 million budget cut from the state this year.
New Salem-based hospice opens with focus on nursing staff wellness
Solterra Hospice, which began accepting patients in November, is a new venture led by a Salem hospice nurse that limits the amount of patients per nurse to 10, far below what’s become the industry standard since Covid.
Faster permitting, zoning changes needed to speed new home building in Salem, speaker says
Salem does well compared to many Oregon cities in making housing easier to build, according to Michael Andersen of the Sightline Institute in a Monday presentation to the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce. Andersen said faster housing development is a key part of reducing homelessness.
Electrical overload likely responsible for August fire that damaged south Salem mobile homes
The Salem Fire Department could not officially determine what caused a fire that damaged three homes on Southeast Cumberland Court on Aug. 10.