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News Release

Coffee Creek Correctional Facility Hosts Largest Family Event Of The Year (Photo) -07/30/25

Who:    

Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF) in partnership with the Wilsonville Rotary

What:

Through A Child’s Eyes (TACE)

TACE is a carnival-style event held inside the prison, where incarcerated mothers and their children come together for a day of joy and connection. Families enjoy BBQ, games, arts and crafts, back-to-school haircuts, and a variety of activities.

When:  

Saturday, August 9, 2025

Media is invited to attend this event from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Where:

Coffee Creek Correctional Facility

24499 SW Grahams Ferry Road

Wilsonville, OR 97070

RSVP:

RSVP to Amber Knight via email no later than 12:00 p.m. on Monday, August 4, 2025.  
 

Contact Information:    

Amber Knight, Public Information Officer

503-507-3567
Amber.N.Knight@doc.oregon.gov

Additional Information:

To learn more about this event, visit:

Through A Child’s Eyes: A Weekend of Connection and Joy | Rotary Club of Wilsonville

Background:

TACE is Coffee Creek Correctional Facility’s largest annual event, made possible through a continued partnership with the Wilsonville Rotary and community volunteers. Now in its 22nd year, TACE has grown to be one of CCCF’s most meaningful and cherished traditions, creating lasting memories for incarcerated mothers and their children.

Those wishing to attend will be required to complete a criminal background check.

DOC Receives Healthcare Delivery System Assessment -07/29/25

Press availability scheduled at 1:00 p.m., July 29 

  

  

Salem, OR -- The Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) has taken major steps to improve healthcare services for adults in custody (AICs), following a thorough investigation conducted by the Department of Justice at DOC Director Michael Reese's request. In February, DOC's two top Health Services leaders were terminated following whistleblower allegations. The Director responded quickly by bringing in an expert-led consulting firm to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare system and assigned the incoming Health Services Assistant Director to act on its findings. Efforts have since focused on evaluating systems, strengthening staffing, and making operational improvements. 

The largest area of reform has focused on AIC access to offsite specialty care. Improvements in this area include an overhaul to the Therapeutic Levels of Care (TLC) system and scheduling process – removing delays in accessing care. Changes include: 

  • Allowing for use of individual provider’s clinical judgment regarding outside referrals for all levels of care.  

  • Modifications to allow for a range of clinical requests to be referred by providers without needing TLC approval. 

  • Ensuring TLC meetings are not canceled.  

  • Centralized scheduling for offsite care under one clinical structure. Additional schedulers and transport staff have been hired to help address the backlog of needed outside medical trips.  

Earlier this year, DOC hired the Falcon Group, a national consulting firm specializing in correctional healthcare. Falcon conducted a comprehensive review of DOC’s healthcare delivery system including policies, practices, and the overall quality of care. Falcon arrived at 67 findings and key observations reflecting convergence among sources of information and stakeholders that were unprecedented in Falcon’s experience. The key findings in “State of Oregon Department of Corrections Healthcare Delivery System Assessment,” included Falcon noting that DOC impressed them as authentically committed to studying and improving healthcare for AICs. The report also noted that Pharmacy Services and Dental Services both emerged as best practice models, and that Behavioral Health Services has many best-practice approaches.  

The Falcon team has also provided a series of recommendations as part of their report, ranging from no-cost process changes to full replacement of a prison. DOC will take the next 120 days to review the report and determine recommendations to move forward. DOC will then create an implementation plan based on recommendations in Falcon’s report. 

Other areas of focus have included hiring for critical positions and pushing through the final stages of electronic health records implementation.  

DOC is in the beginning stages of developing a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) office for Health Services. This team will use data-driven processes to identify gaps, implement best practices, and ensure compliance with medical standards and regulatory requirements. 

From Director Michael Reese, “As part of our commitment to improving the quality, accessibility, and efficacy of care for adults in custody, this report will serve as a strategic guide for prioritizing actions within the implementation plan being developed by our incoming Health Services Assistant Director. We are committed to ensuring that the implementation plan will be completed within 120 days, and we value Falcon’s willingness to assist in prioritizing and refining the report’s recommendations.”  

The Oregon Department of Corrections will hold a press availability July 29, at 1:00 p.m., to answer questions regarding the report. DOC officials will be joined by representatives from the Falcon Group.  

Members of the media must RSVP by 11:30 a.m., July 29, by emailing DOC Communications Manager, Amber Campbell at  Amber.R.Campbell@doc.oregon.gov. DOC is using an MSN Teams-based platform for the press conference, and log-in information will be provided to reporters who RSVP. Members of the media are asked to log in a few minutes early. 

 

Suspicious Substance Detected And Cleared At Two Rivers Correctional Institution -07/16/25

On July 16, 2025, Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) staff were alerted to a suspicious substance in mail received at the administration building. The area was secured and evacuated. About five envelopes containing photos with a strong odor were isolated. At approximately 12:15 p.m., DOC incident command was activated.

TRCI worked with the Umatilla Fire Department and their HAZMAT team to investigate and assess any hazards. Four Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) employees were exposed and had reactions to the substance. As a precaution, staff were decontaminated before being transported offsite for further evaluation. HAZMAT tested the mail and cleared the site after no dangerous substances were detected.

DOC takes all threats to staff and adults in custody seriously. This incident underscores the importance of preventing dangerous substances from entering DOC facilities.

TRCI is a multi-custody prison in Umatilla that houses approximately 1,800 adults in custody. TRCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including institution and industrial laundry, mattress manufacturing, and sewing. Other institution work programs include reparation and cleaning of irrigation ditches, maintenance of local baseball fields, and work with local cities and the Hermiston School District. The facility provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, religious services, and behavioral health services. TRCI opened in 2000.

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Oregon Department Of Corrections Announces New Assistant Director For Health Services Division (Photo) -07/15/25

Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) Director Michael Reese today announced the appointment of Kevin Bovenkamp as the new Assistant Director of Health Services. He will join the DOC team August 11, 2025.

Mr. Bovenkamp began his career in corrections in 2005, as the Director of Organizational Development with Washington State Department of Corrections (WA DOC) and more recently served as the Assistant Secretary of WA DOC’s Health Services Division from 2013 to 2019.

Mr. Bovenkamp brings more than 20 years of experience working in corrections and in health care services, with 7 years of that time in correctional health services settings. He is passionate about public service and deeply committed to equity, accountability, and quality care for justice-involved populations.

Before joining DOC, Mr. Bovenkamp served as the Assistant Secretary of Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration for the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. There he oversaw statewide healthcare operations, behavioral health services, and habilitative supports. As part of this role, Mr. Bovenkamp directed healthcare staffing initiatives, succession planning, and leadership development that strengthen team performance and built organizational resilience.

In addition to completing his Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice at Seattle University, he has a certificate in Executive Management from University of Washington, and a Master of Science degree in Health/Correctional Health Care Administration from George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

“I am excited to welcome Mr. Bovenkamp to the Oregon DOC team. I am confident he will make a significant impact, both for Health Services and for DOC,” stated DOC Director Michael Reese.

The Oregon Department of Corrections Health Services provides health care to adults in custody (AICs) at each institution. State and federal laws ensure that AICs are entitled to health care during incarceration. Healthcare services to AICs must be comparable to health care provided in the community. This means all types and levels of health care must be provided in a clinically appropriate manner by properly credentialed professionals in settings equipped and designed for the delivery of health care. Health care includes medical, dental, psychiatric, and mental health services.

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Attached Media Files: Portrait of Kevin Bovenkamp,

Oregon State Penitentiary Reports In-custody Death (Photo) -07/15/25

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, William Carl Jordan, died the evening of July 13, 2025. Jordan was incarcerated at Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP) in Salem and passed away in the infirmary while on hospice care. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified.

Jordan entered DOC custody on June 6, 2024, from Washington County with an earliest release date of September 17, 2026. Jordan was 68 years old.

  

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of approximately 12,000 men and women who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

OSP is a multi-custody prison located in Salem that houses approximately 2,000 adults in custody. OSP is surrounded by a 25-foot-high wall with 10 towers. The facility has multiple special housing units including disciplinary segregation, behavioral health, intermediate care housing, and an infirmary (with hospice) with 24-hour nursing care. OSP participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including the furniture factory, laundry, metal shop, and contact center. It provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, work-based education, work crews, and pre-release services. OSP was established in 1866 and, until 1959, was Oregon’s only prison.

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Attached Media Files: William C. Jordan,

Snake River Correctional Institution Reports In-custody Death (Photo) -07/03/25

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Charles Edward Vermillion, died the afternoon of July 3, 2025. Vermillion was incarcerated at Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI) in Ontario and passed away at a regional hospital while on hospice care. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Vermillion entered DOC custody on April 20, 2017, from Klamath County with an earliest release date of November 5, 2034. Vermillion was 60 years old. Next of kin has been notified.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of approximately 12,000 individuals who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

SRCI is a multi-custody prison in Ontario that houses approximately 3,000 adults in custody. SRCI has multiple special housing units including disciplinary segregation, intensive management, infirmary (with hospice) with 24-hour nursing care, and an administrative segregation unit. SRCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including a contact center, laundry, and sign shop. SRCI specializes in incentive housing, specialized housing, individuals with mental health/medical vulnerabilities, education and trades programs, cognitive and parenting programs, and institution work programs. SRCI opened in 1991 and is the largest correctional institution in the state.

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Attached Media Files: Vermillion_C.jpg,

Oregon Department Of Corrections Modernizes Public Records Request Process -07/03/25

In an ongoing effort to improve services for Oregonians, the Department of Corrections (DOC) has modernized its public records request process by implementing new software to streamline access and communication.

Effective July 7, 2025, DOC will launch Granicus GovQA, a cloud-based platform designed to efficiently manage and process public records requests. Public records requests can be submitted through the DOC website:  Department of Corrections : Public Record Requests : Research and Information Requests : State of Oregon.

As the volume and complexity of requests have grown, DOC adopted GovQA to provide a secure, centralized, and highly customizable solution. The new system enhances transparency and improves tracking and communication—leading to better customer service.

Through the new public records portal, requesters can:

  • Create a secure user profile.
  • Submit and track requests online.
  • Communicate directly with DOC staff to clarify or refine requests, helping to reduce delays and improve accuracy.
  • Retrieve responsive records directly from the GovQA portal.

For DOC staff, the system standardizes workflows, increasing internal efficiency and consistency in handling requests.

Granicus GovQA is the largest provider of cloud-based services for government compliance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). It supports numerous state and local governments across the country, including other agencies within Oregon.

DOC employs 4,600 staff members at 12 institutions, two community corrections offices, and several centralized support facilities throughout the state. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of over 12,000 adults sentenced to more than 12 months of incarceration, and direct or indirect supervision of 24,000 offenders on felony supervision in the community. DOC is recognized nationally among correctional agencies for providing adults in custody with the cognitive, education, and job skills needed to become productive citizens when they transition back to their communities.

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Oregon State Penitentiary Reports In-custody Death (Photo) -07/02/25

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Stuart Ross Anderson, died the morning of July 2, 2025. Anderson was incarcerated at Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP) in Salem and passed away in the infirmary while on hospice care. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Anderson entered DOC custody on June 22, 2004, from Deschutes County with an earliest release date of January 4, 2040. Anderson was 72 years old. Next of kin has been notified.

  

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of approximately 12,000 men and women who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

OSP is a multi-custody prison located in Salem that houses approximately 2,000 adults in custody. OSP is surrounded by a 25-foot-high wall with 10 towers. The facility has multiple special housing units including disciplinary segregation, behavioral health, intermediate care housing, and an infirmary (with hospice) with 24-hour nursing care. OSP participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including the furniture factory, laundry, metal shop, and contact center. It provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, work-based education, work crews, and pre-release services. OSP was established in 1866 and, until 1959, was Oregon’s only prison.

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Attached Media Files: Anderson_S.jpg,