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Mount Angel father urges Marion County to press state for better services for residents with co-occurring IDD and mental illness
Summary
Joe James of Mount Angel described his son's repeated placements and gaps in services for people with co-occurring intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) and mental health needs and asked commissioners to use their state connections to advocate for better supports.
Joe James, a Mount Angel resident, described his son's multi-year experience with co-occurring psychosis and intellectual and developmental disability during public comment at the Marion County Board of Commissioners meeting Wednesday.
James said his son "was placed in a group home for children about 6 years ago when we ran out of options to keep him in our family home" and that the family has faced repeated emergency-room episodes and limited follow-up care. "There are minimal or no services for individuals with an IDD mental health and behavioral health diagnosis," James said.
The speakers emphasized Marion County's limited authority over statewide service rules but urged the board to use "the right connections" to advocate for stronger supports. Commissioner Christian Willis thanked James for coming and said he is carrying the family's story into legislative conversations, noting there are multiple bills pending at the state level he believes relate to the issues James raised.
James also praised his son's Marion County service coordinator, saying the coordinator "has provided a consistent, loving, supportive, and compassionate level of service to Gabe and our family." County officials and commissioners in the meeting acknowledged the family's struggles and expressed willingness to help elevate the issue with state partners.
The comment occurred during the meeting's public comment period; no formal county action was taken at the time. James identified himself for the record as "Joe James, 595 Elm Street, Mount Angel."
