Ruthann Weist single-handedly runs the division within the Portland Police Department. She sees everything from unleashed dogs to squirrels stuck in chimneys to, occasionally, dolphin recoveries.
The Biden administration released final rules this week on minimum staffing levels, but facilities here will have 2 to 3 years to staff up at a time when recruiting and retaining workers has been a challenge.
Critics say the minimum staffing levels are unrealistic and an unfunded mandate that will further burden the state's nursing homes, many of which are at risk of closing or downsizing because of worker shortages.
Critics say the minimum staffing levels are unrealistic and an unfunded mandate that will further burden the state's nursing homes, many of which are at risk of closing or downsizing because of worker shortages.
Portland Nearly Triples Social Services Staff Within Three Years, Outpacing Police, Publics Works, Parks Divisions themainewire.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from themainewire.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The city has reduced the costly use of hotels to house people temporarily, but social services remain one of the Portland's largest expenses as more services and staff are required at shelters.
The city's new interim health and human services director noted the correlation between overdose deaths and naloxone administrations when talking about findings of the city's annual report on homeless services, which was released Friday.
Newsworthy people and performances for Jan. 22, 2024 mainebiz.biz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from mainebiz.biz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Kristen Dow is leaving her role as Portland's director of health and human services to work for a national consultant. The search for her replacement has begun.
If creating limited states of emergency and relaxing codes are on the table, it must be for the entire city of Portland, giving extraordinary opportunities for out-of-the-box solutions.