The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) recently confirmed the tragic suicide of a 17-year-old youth in the state's foster care system, as reported by Oregon's official newsroom. The teen had been residing in a temporary lodging situation, under the care of ODHS employees when the incident occurred on August 3.
ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht expressed the agency's collective heartache over the death, "Words cannot express the sorrow we feel for this devastating loss," and OHA Director Sejal Hathi, MD, MBA commented on the broader impact of such events, saying, "Any time a young person dies by suicide, there are waves and ripples of hurt and trauma." at the same time recognizing the need for an enhanced prevention system, as stated by the Oregon Department of Human Services. The agencies are now conducting thorough reviews to understand what led to the fatality with a focus firmly on prevention and ensuring access to mental health services for children and youth within their system.
Resources to assist those affected by the loss have been put in place, including the deployment of OHA’s Suicide Rapid Response program aimed at providing rapid support and on-the-spot resources as required, the community is urged to be patient and respect the privacy of the individual while these comprehensive reviews are underway. "We extend our deepest condolences to the family and everyone affected by this devastating loss," ODHS Child Welfare Director Aprille Flint-Gerner conveyed, as per the Oregon Department of Human Services.
