Salem's Youth Mental Health Lifeline Faces Shutdown

Salem is about to lose its only safe space for young people struggling with mental health. The Salem Drop, a youth mental health drop-in center, is closing its doors because of big funding cuts. This is a huge blow to the community, especially since Oregon is already struggling with mental health issues. The center, run by Youth Era, has been a vital resource since it opened in 2018. It offers a place for young people to connect, learn, and get support from peers who understand what they're going through. Activities like meditation, art workshops, and video game competitions help create a sense of community and belonging. The funding cuts come from Pacific Source Community Solutions, which cited financial pressures and Medicaid rate shortfalls as the reason. This decision has left Youth Era with no choice but to lay off staff and close the center. The timing couldn't be worse, as youth mental health is a growing concern.Oregon ranks at the bottom of the nation for both youth and adult mental health. This is not a new problem, but it's getting worse. The closure of the Salem Drop will only make things harder for young people who need support. Youth Era's founder, Martin Rafferty, started the nonprofit in 2009 after experiencing homelessness as a child. Over the years, they have provided thousands of hours of peer support. The data shows their programs work, but without proper funding, they can't continue. Rafferty and his team are calling on state leaders and health councils to step in and find alternative funding. They argue that youth mental health is an emergency that needs immediate attention. The closure of the Salem Drop is a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting this critical issue.