This week, the Junction City campus of Oregon’s psychiatric hospital took in 24 new patients. The six-year old treatment facility has never been fully budgeted until now.
The state legislature allocated $31 million in its current budget cycle, for two additional treatment units in Junction City. The first opened Monday and will provide secure treatment for people charged with felonies and found Guilty Except for Insanity. A second 24-bed unit is planned for early next year.
The budget for the new psychiatric units includes 110 positions for staff and operational support. Openings are posted on the Oregon Health Authority jobs page.
Oregon Health Authority : Employment : Oregon State Hospital : State of Oregon
Oregon State Hospital staff said the additional beds in Junction City will ease pressure on the Salem campus and free up space to treat people under Aid and Assist orders which require hospital-level, mental health treatment to help patients understand the criminal charges against them and assist in their own defense.
The legislature also provided funds to the Oregon Health Authority to allocate to counties for more resources and beds in communities for people under Aid and Assist orders who don’t need hospital-level care.