Peacehealth Expanding Behavioral Health
PeaceHealth announced today plans to build a new inpatient behavioral health hospital in Lane County. The 96-bed Timber Springs Behavioral Health Hospital will be located near PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend in Springfield. It will offer comprehensive behavioral health services for adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients, including inpatient and outpatient care. This facility, set to open in 2027, will replace PeaceHealth’s current 35-bed unit, tripling capacity and expanding services. Alicia Beymer, Chief Administrative Officer, says the hospital will address a significant community need for mental health resources. PeaceHealth is partnering with Lifepoint Behavioral Health for the project, which will be built alongside the Lane Crisis Stabilization Center.
Florence Teens Fatal Wreck
Two Florence teens were involved in a tragic crash on Friday, October 11, 2024, at 10:47 a.m. Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle accident on Highway 20 near milepost 7 in Lincoln County. 18-year-old Jacob Joseph Barlett attempted a high-speed turn onto NE Arcadia Drive when his Nissan Titan left the road, rolled several times, and came to rest on its roof. Barlett suffered critical injuries and was airlifted to a regional hospital. His passenger, Benito Kirk Esquivel Whitney, also 18, was pronounced dead at the scene. Both young men were from Florence. Speed is being investigated as a primary factor. The crash disrupted traffic for about an hour as authorities conducted their investigation.
Crash Holds Traffic
A crash yesterday afternoon left the southbound lane of Highway 101 closed to traffic at milepost 166. Oregon State police were investigating the crash of a corregated pipe truck that left the southbound lane obstructed for several hours as crews attempted to right the trailer. There was no immediate report on injuries or whether any other vehicles were involved.
OEM Exercise
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is preparing for a large-scale emergency exercise, IronOR 24, from October 28 to 31, 2024. This statewide event will test the state’s readiness in responding to a catastrophic Cascadia Subduction Zone Earthquake. The exercise builds upon the Cascadia Rising 2016 drill, but this time focuses on the critical days 4 through 7 of disaster response. IronOR 24 will assess the state’s ability to maintain operational coordination, ensure communication systems stay functional, and address human needs like shelter and healthcare. Over 18 state agencies and other partners will participate to enhance Oregon’s preparedness.