Ben
Botkin
Lane County

Grace
Chinowsky

Eugene

Lillian
Schrock-Clevenger

Springfield

Facing lawmakers’ questions, Oregon Health Authority director says state hospital’s past seclusion practices were ‘confusing’

Questions continue to mount about Oregon State Hospital, which has had five unexpected patient deaths since November 2023. 

Last week, we investigated the Oregon Health Authority’s claim that its director, Dr. Sejal Hathi, wasn’t aware of the extent of seclusion practices at the hospital until after a patient’s death in March 2025.

The statement was incomplete at best. Relying on a public records request, Lookout Eugene-Springfield reported that the state hospital’s consultant told Hathi and other hospital leaders in November 2024 that the overuse of seclusion needed immediate attention. That was four months before the death.

Hathi declined to do an interview with Lookout, but had less leeway to avoid skeptical lawmakers last week to talk about the hospital.

Even then, answers were sometimes elusive.

“It’s confusing to all of us, and that’s why so many changes have been instituted to make sure that this never happens again,” Hathi told lawmakers.

‘No secrets, no surprises’

Again and again, Hathi and other agency bosses touted their commitment to transparency.

“We want to make sure that OSH is an institution that is transparent and accountable, not just to OHA, not just to itself, but also to the broader state and the community,” Hathi told lawmakers. 

Interim Superintendent Jim Diegel hit on that same theme in remarks to lawmakers: “No secrets, no surprises,” Diegel said.

After touting their transparency, Oregon State Hospital officials led lawmakers, staffers and media outlets on a tour of the Salem facility. 

Lookout Eugene-Springfield requested access, which the hospital denied.

In an email copied to Diegel before the hearing, hospital spokesperson Amber Shoebridge told a Lookout reporter that the tour did not have room.

Shoebridge left out one detail: Three reporters from other outlets were granted access to the tour. 

“We’ve got nothing to hide,” Chief Medical Officer Dr. Amit Bhavan told The Oregonian/OregonLive after the tour. 

School district budget cuts hit home, and Conrad drops out of legislative race

School district cuts: Eugene and Springfield school district leaders are talking to the community about budget cuts. Here’s a look at their work. 

Conrad ends legislative bid: Charlie Conrad, a former GOP legislator from Dexter, has ended his bid as an Independent Party of Oregon candidate in the state House District 12 race.

Local access roads, revisited: KLCC’s “Oregon on the Record” interviewed me about local access roads, an issue I’m covering in Lane County. You can listen to the KLCC interview here.

— Ben Botkin

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Inside Eugene City hall with Grace chinowsky

Surveillance policy in the works: After facing controversy over automated license-plate recognition tools, the city of Eugene aims to complete initial work on a policy defining and regulating surveillance technology by the end of the year.

Amazon permit: The city of Eugene has issued a building permit for an Amazon distribution facility in west Eugene.

Dangerous heat: One dean and at least four students collapsed amid scorching heat during the University of Oregon’s graduation ceremonies a week ago, sparking questions about the university’s preparedness for extreme weather and, later, an apology from the university president.

Changes coming to Costco: Shoppers, rejoice! According to plans, Costco is considering the addition of more than 200 parking spaces and more fuel pumps across Chad Drive on the site of the former Office Depot building.

Checking in on Springfield With lillian Schrock-Clevenger

Springfield library to be closed on Mondays: Last week, councilors adopted the city’s fiscal year 2027 budget, which decreases library staff, leading to reduced programs and hours. Following the budget adoption, the library announced that starting July 6 it will no longer be open on Mondays.

Library’s plaza series begins: In an email announcing the library’s changing hours, director Emily David said the library will continue to offer many services and programs, including its summer multicultural plaza events, which kicked off last week with a showcase of the cultural dance styles of Tahiti.

New CEO at McKenzie-Willamette: Nearly a year after its parent company removed its top leader, the Springfield hospital named Mark Robinson as McKenzie-Willamette’s chief executive officer, effective July 20. He arrives after holding a similar job in Montana.

Dorris Ranch nature playground: Picture stone forts and a boulder mound with a slide. The Willamalane Park and Recreation District board has awarded a construction contract to a company that will build those features and others in an oak tree grove at Dorris Ranch, with construction projected to begin later this year.

Levy passes: Speaking of the park and recreation district, Willamalane Executive Director Michael Wargo told Lookout it was a relief when the district’s proposed levy passed — after initially falling behind in early returns in the May 19 election — saving the district from cutting staff and services.

beyond lane county

Yes, we need AC: The scorching weather reminds us that the experts are right: Air conditioning is essential for public health. The Oregon Journalism Project has the story. 

National Guard changes: The Oregon National Guard faces likely changes and reductions under the Trump administration. The Oregon Capital Chronicle breaks down what that looks like.

Biomarker coverage: Advocates want Oregon lawmakers to mandate that health insurers cover biomarker testing. The Oregon Capital Chronicle has the details on why and how the tests keep people healthy.

Public Meetings this week

Monday

  • The Eugene City Council will meet at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the 1059 Willamette project, where developers are expected to ask for an additional $8.66 million in Downtown Urban Renewal funds for the $38.7 million project.
  • The Eugene City Council will reconvene at 7:30 p.m. for a regular meeting. Approval of the city’s supplemental budget is on the agenda.
  • The Springfield City Council plans a work session at 5:30 p.m. to review plans for City Hall repairs and updates.
  • The Springfield City Council will hold its regular meeting at 5:45 p.m. to review the status of an annexation request for a stabilization center and behavioral health hospital. 
  • The Springfield Economic Development Agency plans its regular meeting at 7 p.m. to discuss next steps for downtown properties. 

Tuesday

  • Lane County commissioners will meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday to discuss solid waste fees and adopt the budget. 

Wednesday

  • The Willamalane board of directors meets at 5:30 p.m. for a public hearing and adoption of the district’s 2027 budget.

Do you have story ideas or tips? Send them our way: ben@lookoutlocal.com | grace@lookoutlocal.com | lilliansc@lookoutlocal.com

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Ben Botkin covers politics and policy in Lane County. He has worked as a journalist since 2003, most recently at the Oregon Capital Chronicle, where he covered justice, health and human services and documented regional efforts to combat fentanyl addiction. Botkin has worked in statehouses in Idaho, Nevada, Oklahoma and, of course, Oregon. When he's not working, you'll find him road tripping across the West, hiking or surfing along the Oregon Coast.

Grace Chinowsky graduated from The George Washington University with a degree in journalism. She served as editor-in-chief of the university’s independent student newspaper, The GW Hatchet, and interned at CNN and MSNBC. Grace covers Eugene’s city government and the University of Oregon.