GOBHI Update: Divine Rights leaving Baker County after relocating dozens of individuals to Baker County

By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Tuesday, October 15th, 2024 in Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories

BAKER COUNTY – Late last week it was brought to the attention of the public that a program called Divine Rights has been relocating “dozens of individuals to Baker County from around the Pacific Northwest. According to that release issued on behalf of the Baker County District Attorney’s Office, New Directions Northwest, law enforcement and the Baker City Manager, these individuals have no connection to Baker County and are living in local hotels and are being bused to Umatilla County for methadone shots. You can view the press release here.

Since that release was issued, GOBHI has issued its own release on this situation. “GOBHI recently became aware that a company involved with one of its Non-Emergency Medical Transport (NEMT) contractors had relocated multiple vulnerable individuals with no connection to Baker County to free hotels in Baker County. From there, the NEMT provider began transporting the individuals to Pendleton for addiction treatment while billing Medicaid for their transportation costs. GOBHI cancelled this contract immediately based on the risk to the individuals involved and began assisting with hotel stays, meals and transportation. GOBHI is also working with other Coordinated Care Organizations and Community Mental Health programs to help those affected stay in treatment while transitioning to more permanent solutions in their home communities.”

The release from Baker County officials stated that “Crisis workers from New Direction Northwest are assisting these individuals to return to their hometowns, if they so choose.”