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.
SENTENCED TO THE SIDEWALK: Legislators sharpening focus on reforms to help troubled people
After years of inaction, lawmakers are turning their attention to key flaws in Oregon's civil commitment process. But needed space to treat people with severe mental illnesses still lags behind.
SENTENCED TO THE SIDEWALK: In ‘revolving door’ of Salem’s psychiatric unit, getting better is a matter of luck
Oregon has no functional system to compel psychiatric treatment for unsheltered people dying slowly from neglect. That leaves Salem Hospital as the only outlet for many of Salem’s most vulnerable.
SENTENCED TO THE SIDEWALK: One woman’s misery reveals flaws in Oregon commitments
Government officials considered whether Melinda Lou Kayser needed someone to care for her. They said no. She then died, nearly naked, on a Salem street.
What to do in Salem from April 10-16: Junk Hunt, ballet, live music
Events this week include a large vintage sale at the Oregon State Fairgrounds, the world premiere of a ballet, roller derby and the 2nd Friday Céilí.
Slow Art Day invites Salem gallery visitors to take extra time with pieces
On Saturday, visitors to the Salem Public Library, Salem Art Association and Salem on the Edge will be asked to consider a single piece of art for 10 minutes. The event, called Slow Art Day, is part of an international event encouraging people to take some time to themselves to connect with works.
What’s showing at Salem galleries, museums in April
Exhibitions in Salem this month will celebrate spring blooms, share local fashion history and showcase work by young artists. Free events include Slow Art Day, lectures on art history and downtown’s Salem Art Walk on Friday.
New program will help incarcerated people go directly to shelters, not the streets
The state recently awarded the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency an $800,000 grant which will launch a new program to take unsheltered people released from prison or the Oregon State Hospital straight to a shelter where they can get behavioral health support. It aims to improve outcomes and reduce repeat arrests.
Judge rules Salem Health monopoly lawsuit can move forward
Oregon Heart Center’s lawsuit alleging that Salem Health is attempting to push it out of the market can move forward after a Marion County judge decided that some of its claims, if true, could show the hospital was building an unlawful monopoly.
How state money has shaped sheltering in Salem
A recent report shows that Gov. Tina Kotek’s January 2023 executive order has helped shelter over 600 homeless people and families in Marion and Polk counties and added more than 200 shelter beds.
After five-month delay, senior residents at Mahonia Crossing get consistent hot water
Despite complaints to management, senior residents at Salem’s newest and largest affordable housing project said they haven’t had consistent hot water in one of the buildings since October. That changed this week, after questions from Salem Reporter.