Report: Smaller Ore. mental health facility better

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — A new report recommends building a state psychiatric hospital in Junction City but with fewer than half the beds planned.

The Statesman Journal reports that mental health advocates say the state should just scrap the proposed Junction City mental psychiatric hospital, not downsize it.

They say that adding a second psychiatric hospital only about 50 miles away from the new hospital under construction in Salem will eat up the state’s mental health budget.

Critics also say the plan ignores the needs of the mentally ill in the Portland area and in Eastern Oregon.

In a separate report by a consulting firm, reforms at the Oregon State Hospital are hindered by the culture at the main state psychiatric facility in Salem — including distrust, poor communication and a lack of accountability.

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Information from: Statesman Journal, http://www.statesmanjournal.com