Lawsuit: Changing the Mental Health Emergency Response System
When Washington County receives a call for a physical health emergency such as a heart attack, trained EMTs and paramedics are sent as first responders. But when the County receives a call for a mental health emergency, it sends armed police. This type of response does not meet the health needs of the person seeking help and places unfair demands on law enforcement.
This lawsuit against the Washington County and the Washington County Consolidated Communications Agency aims to ensure people in crisis receive the care they need and deserve, rather than face discriminatory treatment at the hands of police.
Co-counsel in this this case are attorneys from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), ACLU of Oregon, and Sheppard Mullin.
Case Documents
Disability Rights Oregon v. Washington County et al., No. 3:24-cv-00235
February 5, 2024: Class Action Complaint
Media Coverage
February 5, 2024: Disability Rights Oregon sues Washington County alleging it fails people in mental health crises
February 5, 2024: Washington County violating law by sending sheriff’s deputies, police primarily to mental health-related calls, suit alleges
February 5, 2024: Oregonian Joins Lawsuit Against County's Discriminatory Emergency Response System
February 5, 2024: Disability Rights Advocates Sue Washington County for Sending Police to Mental Health Emergencies
February 5, 2024: DRO has filed a federal lawsuit against Washington County
February 5, 2024: Washington County hit with lawsuit over its response to mental-health emergencies
February 5, 2024: Lawsuit against Washington County alleges failure to provide effective response to mental health calls
February 7, 2024: Why did Disability Rights Oregon sue Washington County this week?
February 19, 2024: Lawsuit: Washington County Fails People with Disabilities
