Oregon has effectively criminalized severe mental illness [Video]

PORTLAND, Ore. — In Oregon, there are two ways that a person with severe mental illness can be compelled to get treatment and care.

The first path is through a process called “civil commitment” — where doctors and a judge can order involuntary treatment if they find a person to be a danger to themselves or others, at imminent risk.

The second path is through the criminal justice system. A person may commit a crime, get arrested, and is then evaluated and transferred from a jail to a facility like the Oregon State Hospital for mandatory treatment and potential restoration if they’re deemed unable to aid and assist in their own defense.

Over the last five years, the “civil” route — the preventative care route — has all but vanished in Oregon.

“The system is failing to actually treat …