Paul:  There are 82 empty beds in Salem.  Both institutions are "locked-ward" facilities, at the far end of the treatment continuum.  In fact, the supporters of the construction of the JCHospital boasted that it was built to meet the specs of a medium security prison.  No one is suggesting placing dangerous patients in those 16 bed community-sited facilities.  I'm suggesting a significant number of those now in JC or Salem could safely be receiving more appropriate treatment in community-based facilities at a fraction of the cost and with no danger to anyone.  

I'm pleased to see the direction Washington State is moving and I hope Oregon decision-makers will take note.

Let's have another cup of coffee one of these days and solve the problems of the world.

regards, Gary