The mission of South Lane Mental Health is to restore hope and renew lives through compassionate mental health services, support, and advocacy.
On behalf of the SLMH Board of Directors, Leadership Team, and Myself;
South Lane Mental Health joins with the American Medical Association, American Psychological Association, the American Counseling Association, and the National Association of Social Work in its full opposition to the decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade and eliminate guaranteed access to essential reproductive health care.
We agree with the AMA when it asserts the public health danger created by this decision, one that will “lead to government interference in the patient-physician relationship, dangerous intrusion into the practice of medicine, and potentially criminalizing care.”
We agree with the APA when it asserts the mental health dangers created by the assault on bodily autonomy that “ignores not only precedent but science and will exacerbate the mental health crisis America is already experiencing.”
We agree with the ACA when it asserts “we can expect an increase in economic hardship and insecurity that may lead to increased stress, lower life satisfaction, decreased work productivity, increased turnover, and decreased mental well-being.
We agree with the NASW when it declares that “all individuals have a right to bodily autonomy, that abortion is health care, and that all individuals have the right to freedom of choice in accessing essential health care services most especially their reproductive health.”
Last, we agree with The AOA in their support of the position to support the sanctity and privacy of the patient-physician relationship. “We denounce any federal or state legislative or administrative action that interferes with that relationship. We also condemn any attempts to criminalize or impose civil penalties on physicians for the provision of physician-level care.”
South Lane Mental Health is both a Mental Health and Public Health institution, and as such, we endorse the positions of these public and mental health governing bodies. SLMH affirms the bodily autonomy and reproductive health care rights of all women.
-Noah Zepeda, Executive Director
American Medical Association Statement:
https://www.ama-assn.org/press-center/press-releases/ruling-egregious-allowance-government-intrusion-medicine
American Psychological Association Statement: https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2022/06/scotus-abortion-decision
National Association of Social Workers Statement: https://www.socialworkers.org/Advocacy/Policy-Issues/Reproductive-Rights-Are-Human-Rights
American Optometric Association StatementAOA statement on Supreme Court repeal of Roe V. Wade – American Osteopathic Association
Masks are required for all South Lane Mental Health staff, clients, and visitors in public areas of our buildings, regardless of vaccination status. Please speak with your therapist prior to your in-person appointment if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you.
The staff at South Lane Mental Health seek to promote equity and inclusion within our agency as well as the larger Cottage Grove Community. Our hearts go out to members of our community that have been impacted directly or indirectly by recent and historic violence against people of color. We believe that black lives matter, and we support those that seek justice and equity for all. The pain, frustration, and emotional toll that communities of color continually endure due to systemic racism add to existing disparities.
The time is now for all of us to work together to build stronger communities, address social, health, and economic disparities, and to heal the divisions in our society. We call on all community members, especially those in leadership roles, to model compassion and strive for constructive solutions.
Please check out our Equity and Inclusion page for more information on this important topic (see blue “Diversity, Equity & Inclusion” button to the right).
SOUTH LANE MENTAL HEALTH is a non-profit community mental health organization serving southern Lane County, and Springfield. Since 1988, South Lane Mental Health has been committed to helping people affected by mental illness and emotional problems, to better understand their condition and take steps toward recovery and living independently and productively in the community.
Our therapists help children and adults realize full and productive lives through counseling (depression, anxiety, etc.), case management, medication management, crisis services (suicide prevention, PTSD related symptoms, etc.) , recovery services (alcohol and drug abuse), intensive outpatient services, supported employment and supported housing. Please contact us if you or someone you care about needs help: 541-942-3939.
Our Offices:
The Bohemia Residential Center
The Center for Recovery
75 S. 5th St., Cottage Grove
1245 Birch Ave., Cottage Grove
Our Island Park Office
288 Mill St., Springfield
Our Main Office
1345 Birch Ave., Cottage Grove
Our Downtown Office
37 N. 6th St., Cottage Grove
