Mental Health

Washington Mental Health Reform Focuses On Preventive Care

Alexandra Kocik — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 13:40:29 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Health care advocates are pushing Washington state lawmakers to keep up momentum toward expanding access to Medicaid. About 100 people rallied on the Capitol steps in Olympia Thursday. They argue one group that will especially benefit is people with mental illness.

Inside the Capitol, that’s one of many issues related to the mentally ill.

The Sanka Party Brews Activism Inside A Mental Hospital

John Ryan — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 13:38:55 +0000

The Tea Party has become a fixture in American politics. But the Sanka Party? Not so much. Other than an interest in hot beverages, the two activist groups have little in common. The Sanka Party got started last summer near Tacoma, Wash., in the unlikeliest of places: inside the walls of the state’s largest psychiatric institution.

Oregon Senate President Calls for Mental Health Reform

Virginia Alvino — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 01:02:31 +0000

SALEM, Ore. – One of the most influential state lawmakers in Salem wants Oregon to make what he calls a “game-changing” investment in community mental health services. Democratic Senate President Peter Courtney proposes a dedicated tax or fee to cover the expense.

According to the Oregon Health Authority, fewer than half of adults who need mental health treatment actually get it.

Shootings Push Mental Health Into Spotlight In Salem

Chris Lehman — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 14:19:27 +0000

Recent mass shootings in Oregon and Connecticut have thrust mental health issues into the spotlight. Some Oregon lawmakers and mental health advocates hope there's enough momentum to keep the conversation front and center. Unlike gun control, there is a consensus that appears to be emerging on funding mental health programs.

Newtown Shooting Raises Questions About Mental Health Funding

Ruby de Luna — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 14:18:30 +0000

Little information is available yet to conclude whether the shooter in Newtown, Connecticut was diagnosed with or treated for mental illness. But last week’s incident has raised questions around the country about mental health--specifically, funding for mental health treatment and services. Ruby de Luna looks at how Washington’s mental health services have fared over the years.

Oregon Lottery's Anti-Addiction Efforts Under Scrutiny

Chris Lehman — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 01:06:04 +0000

The Oregon Lottery spends millions of dollars a year to prevent gambling addiction. But some Oregon lawmakers say that effort has been ineffective. Now, a legislative committee may force the Lottery to hire someone to coordinate its anti-addiction efforts.

State Senator To Propose More Security in Psychiatric Wards

Paige Browning — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 14:26:46 +0000

One Washington state senator says it is past time for lawmakers to increase safety at the state’s two psychiatric hospitals. Paige Browning reports Senator Mike Carrell announced he will propose legislation in the coming term.

One Patient Dead, Another Arrested At Eastern State Hospital

Paige Browning — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 14:06:58 +0000

A patient was found dead early Tuesday at a psychiatric hospital in eastern Washington, leading to the arrest of patient in the same unit. The woman in custody is suspected of murder.

Safety And Suicide At Western State Hospital

John Ryan — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 14:16:45 +0000

Western State Hospital, near Tacoma, is the largest psychiatric institution in the Pacific Northwest. Its mission statement says the hospital--

Actor: "provides a healing environment free from danger, fear, hurt, injury, coercion, or intimidation for people with psychiatric disabilities. … Through vigilant attention and effort, WSH ensures a safe haven."

One week in April, Western failed to live up to those words, and the consequences were dire. Attention was less than vigilant, and two patients wound up dead. In part one of our public radio investigation, KUOW's John Ryan reported on the case of one of those patients. She committed suicide. In part two of our investigation, John looks at the safety improvements Western has, and hasn't, made since April.

Through The Cracks: The Life And Death Of Megan Templeton

John Ryan — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 13:55:51 +0000

In the past decade, a dozen Western State Hospital patients have killed themselves. More than a hundred others have tried. Megan Templeton was the most recent. In April, she hanged herself in her hospital room. She had turned 20 the day before. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for teenagers and young adults in Washington.