Prison Health Head Sues Corrections Dept Over Alleged Retaliation

A former Oregon prison health director, who once managed care for about 12 000 inmates, has filed a lawsuit against the state corrections agency and several of its leaders. He claims that after he raised concerns about medical neglect and wasted funds, the department retaliated by terminating him and other senior staff. The lawsuit names the department’s director, a deputy director, an employee services official and a consultant who wrote an unfavorable report. The complaint argues that the report was biased, that it unfairly attacked the director’s honesty and leadership, and that it paved the way for his dismissal.The former manager says he repeatedly highlighted problems such as delayed treatments, insufficient transportation to medical appointments and a backlog of visits. He also pointed out over $50 million in potential savings from pharmacy practices, but was instructed not to share this with lawmakers. According to him, those funds were redirected elsewhere while medical staff shortages continued. He began his career as a corrections officer in 2004 and climbed the ranks to oversee more than 600 employees. After his dismissal, he now works as an administrative leader at a Portland‑based treatment organization that focuses on substance use recovery. The agency has not responded to the lawsuit, only stressing its commitment to professional standards among employees.