[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 113 (Monday, September 20, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S9381]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        OREGON HEALTH CARE HERO

 Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I wish to rise today to recognize a 
group of dedicated public servants who are increasing access to mental 
health care for people in Multnomah County, OR. Because of their 
willingness to creatively address barriers to care, Cascadia Behavioral 
HealthCare and its county partners are helping Oregonians lead 
healthier lives.
  Three years ago, Multnomah County's mental health services were in 
disarray. Budget shortfalls and the closure of three major service 
providers were preventing county residents from accessing care, often 
with tragic consequences. Because the system's clients are primarily 
low income, this public crisis became a personal crisis for individuals 
with no other options.
  In response, Cascadia and its partners reorganized the county's 
mental health care system, bringing quality, efficient services to many 
citizens in need. Employing new tools such as a mobile response unit, 
24-hour walk-in clinic, their creative response dramatically increased 
options for those in need. As a result, there has been a reduction in 
the hospitalization rate of adult mentally ill patients in the past 
year, easing the strain on county and State funds. Further, the new 
organization has saved more than $5 million in the last 3 years, while 
helping some of the neediest residents access care.
  Now, the system works. For people like Ann, an Asian-American 
teenager who began hearing voices in high school, access to services 
literally saved her life. The daughter of immigrants, Ann's family did 
not understand her mental illness, which was later diagnosed as 
schizophrenia. As her condition worsened, Ann's anxiety and suicidal 
thoughts increased. Eventually, she wound up in the State hospital.
  Ann was referred to Cascadia Behavioral Health center where she was 
treated by a psychiatrist for medication management and a trainer to 
help her understand her diagnosis and develop coping skills. A Cascadia 
family therapist, working with a cultural specialist, is helping Ann 
and her family adjust to her diagnosed paranoid schizophrenia. She will 
receive additional case management and help so she can graduate high 
school.
  For people like Ann, the availability of mental health care is 
absolutely crucial. But for the courage of Cascadia and its county 
partners, Ann and others like her may not have found the care they need 
to live stable, productive and rewarding lives. Because of the valuable 
services they provide, I recognize Cascadia Behavioral HealthCare and 
its partners as true health care heroes. I look forward to following 
their continued success.

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