As a mental health therapist for almost 30 years and the last 20 years in the emergency room, the state of Oregon makes for an interesting case study in poor decision-making.

Oregon, and specifically Multnomah County, loves to talk about how progressive and equitable it is, but doesn’t back it up with real action. They love to form committees, hire expensive consultants to write reports outlining the same recommendations and yet nothing seems to really change in meaningful ways.

The recent editorial on House Bill 2005 is a perfect example of why I continue to be baffled by our state’s decision-making, (“Editorial: Oregon’s uninspiring response to a decades-old crisis,” June 22). Legislators decided to combine in one mental health bill so many different issues that should have been voted on separately. This could have put the bill at risk of not passing, which would result in no improvements. Unbelievable and yet not surprising.

As someone who has a front row view of what being last in the country looks like when it comes to mental health services, this constant uphill battle is exhausting as a frontline worker. This bill should serve as a reminder on why we have to stop telling our constituents and the country what we stand for – and instead, start showing it.

Veronica Lozano, Portland

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