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News Release

New Residential Treatment Facility To Open In Salem - 07/17/26

July 17, 2026 

Media Contact: Kim Lippert, Kimberly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov

New residential treatment facility to open in Salem

SALEM, Ore. – Behavioral health professionals and local partners gathered on July 15 to celebrate the opening of Ruth Marie House, a new residential treatment facility that expands housing and treatment options for adults with severe and persistent mental illness in Marion County.

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) supported development of the 10-bed facility through a $1.3 million investment from House Bill 5024, which became law in 2021. The home provides 24-hour residential treatment in a supportive setting that helps people build skills, increase independence and support long-term recovery.

“Every person deserves the opportunity to recover and thrive in their own community,” said Ebony Clarke, OHA’s Behavioral Health Division director. “Ruth Marie House expands access to community-based behavioral health services in Marion County and provides people with the support, stability and dignity they need on their recovery journey.”

Ruth Marie House is named in honor of Ruth Marie Carroll, whose leadership and advocacy helped establish residential behavioral health services in Marion County nearly 50 years ago. Alongside her husband, Donald Carroll, she helped expand care for people living with serious mental health challenges.

Ruth Marie House supports OHA's goal to expand home and community-based behavioral health services so more people can receive care where they live.

“Mental health is huge and everyone needs help and support,” said Erica Ouderkirk, administrator at Ruth Marie House. “It’s great to provide that care for people and see their accomplishments.”

Residents are expected to move in over the next few months.

The Ruth Marie House is a new residential treatment facility that expands housing and treatment options for adults with severe and persistent mental illness in Marion County.

 

Ruth Marie House is named in honor of Ruth Marie Carroll, whose leadership and advocacy helped establish residential behavioral health services in Marion County nearly 50 years ago. Alongside her husband, Donald Carroll, she helped expand care for people living with serious mental health challenges.

 

Community members and behavioral health professionals gathered at the Ruth Marie House to tour the new home for adults recovering from severe and persistent mental illness in Marion County.

 

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New Residential Treatment Facility To Open In Salem - 07/17/26

July 17, 2026 

Media Contact: Kim Lippert, Kimberly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov

New residential treatment facility to open in Salem

SALEM, Ore. – Behavioral health professionals and local partners gathered on July 15 to celebrate the opening of Ruth Marie House, a new residential treatment facility that expands housing and treatment options for adults with severe and persistent mental illness in Marion County.

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) supported development of the 10-bed facility through a $1.3 million investment from House Bill 5024, which became law in 2021. The home provides 24-hour residential treatment in a supportive setting that helps people build skills, increase independence and support long-term recovery.

“Every person deserves the opportunity to recover and thrive in their own community,” said Ebony Clarke, OHA’s Behavioral Health Division director. “Ruth Marie House expands access to community-based behavioral health services in Marion County and provides people with the support, stability and dignity they need on their recovery journey.”

Ruth Marie House is named in honor of Ruth Marie Carroll, whose leadership and advocacy helped establish residential behavioral health services in Marion County nearly 50 years ago. Alongside her husband, Donald Carroll, she helped expand care for people living with serious mental health challenges.

Ruth Marie House supports OHA's goal to expand home and community-based behavioral health services so more people can receive care where they live.

“Mental health is huge and everyone needs help and support,” said Erica Ouderkirk, administrator at Ruth Marie House. “It’s great to provide that care for people and see their accomplishments.”

Residents are expected to move in over the next few months.

The Ruth Marie House is a new residential treatment facility that expands housing and treatment options for adults with severe and persistent mental illness in Marion County.

 

Ruth Marie House is named in honor of Ruth Marie Carroll, whose leadership and advocacy helped establish residential behavioral health services in Marion County nearly 50 years ago. Alongside her husband, Donald Carroll, she helped expand care for people living with serious mental health challenges.

 

Community members and behavioral health professionals gathered at the Ruth Marie House to tour the new home for adults recovering from severe and persistent mental illness in Marion County.

 

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