The Tragic Death of Jesse Woods: A Failure in Mental Health Care and Reform in Oregon

The tragic death of Jesse Woods was preventable, as highlighted in the article “Did Jesse Woods have to die? Portland man was shot, killed by a former friend after increasingly threatening behavior” on March 29th. The lack of action by the Legislature and governors over the past twelve years to expand Oregon’s mental health system and enact a reasonable civil commitment law ultimately led to this devastating outcome. If Woods had received the necessary care, his daughter would still have her father, and the man who felt compelled to take his life would not have been burdened with that decision.

It is concerning that Oregon’s ongoing neglect of those who are unable to care for themselves may result in more tragedies, trauma, and suffering. It is crucial for the state to prioritize mental health care and implement effective measures to support individuals in need. Without proper intervention and support, there is a risk of further heartbreak and loss in our communities.

Tony Greiner from Portland raises valid concerns about the consequences of the state’s failure to address mental health issues effectively. It is essential for policymakers to take action to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. To read additional letters to the editor, visit oregonlive.com/opinion.