Tag sentenced to the sidewalk
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.