Disability Rights Oregon Urges Careful Consideration for Next OHA Director
MEDIA CONTACT
Melissa Roy-Hart
(503) 444-0026 | media@droregon.org
Portland, Oregon—July 2, 2026. Disability Rights Oregon issued the following statement in response to today’s announcement that Dr. Sejal Hathi is stepping down as director of the Oregon Health Authority.
““Oregon continues to struggle with stable leadership at the Oregon State Hospital, a deeply broken behavioral health system, and rural healthcare access that does not meet the needs of people with disabilities, especially those outside of the I-5 corridor. The next director of the Health Authority will likely preside over the largest cuts in history to the Medicaid-funded Oregon Health Plan.”
”What Oregonians deserve is someone who will be laser-focused on protecting healthcare coverage, keeping rural hospitals open, and finally delivering the safe, timely mental health care Oregonians have been promised for years. We trust the Oregon State Senate will give the nominee for the next permanent director the careful consideration this position deserves.””
About
Disability Rights Oregon
Disability Rights Oregon upholds the civil rights of people with disabilities to live, work, and engage in the community. The nonprofit works to transform systems, policies, and practices to give more people the opportunity to reach their full potential. For nearly 50 years, the organization has served as Oregon’s Protection & Advocacy system.
