Unity Center for Behavioral Health Legacy Emanuel Health System ADA discrimination Portland Oregon

I was discriminated against because of my service dog which is a violation of federal & state ADA service dog laws.I was attempting to see a family member and was told by the receptionists and later by the people from Administration that they could not have their service dog in the facility. The reasons stated were: "disruption to the unit" (the dog was under a chair - no disruption); allergies (violation of the laws as well as inaccurate since therapy dogs round on the units); fear of dogs (see above); against policy (violation of law).

The dog was wearing a vest which read "service dog" on one side and the reason it was needed on the other. Administration asked questions that are prohibited by federal and state laws & kept sighting a policy prohibiting animals on the patient unit (please read this: ada.gov/service_animals_… & this ada.gov/regs2010/service…). As you can see service dogs CANNOT be prohibited from this place. If this is the way they treat visitors who do not have a mental illness, how are they treating those who are not able to articulate for themselves? 

I have been back since, and have experienced the same treatment as described above 4 different times. One administrator told me, "If you want to see your daughter then you will comply with our rules!" That is blackmail! I was so embarrassed and started to cry. Who wants the entire reception area to know their intimate health information? Yet what choice did I have - answer their invasive questions or they would not allow me to see my loved one. How absolutely terrible! Then I was made them visit my loved one in a conference room. REALLY!? How therapeutic is that?! Other people get to see their loved ones in the patient room. Think about this. How would you feel? What other discriminatory behavior is done in the locked units? How are the mentally ill really treated here?

I was also asked for vaccination records, proof that my dog was a service dog, describe how the dog works, etc. I was given a copy of the "policy" which also includes pets and therapy dogs. This policy addresses patients and employees but does not address visitors. The policies for patients and employees is in direct violation of ADA service animal laws. I was also told, "leave your dog in the car." 

The administration, nursing staff, SEIU 49 employees, security, etc all are in violation of the laws. They do not seem to understand that they cannot choose which laws to follow and which ones not to...makes you really think about what kind of care they provide. 

An interesting fact: this facility, as well as other Legacy Health facilities, have therapy dogs that come around and visit the patients. Therapy dogs aren't protected under federal or state laws but are allowed on the units, including ICU, ER, & locked psychiatric units. This place is very scary and one should think closely before putting your loved one here. 

In addition, this place is asking the public for monetary donations (legacyhealthgiving.org/b…). Since when does a multi-billion dollar health system need donations? Should people donate to an organization that believes they are above the law?

My loved one is getting terrible care! This person lives in a dangerous situation & is not able to speak for themselves. Despite mandatory reporting laws, the staff have NOT reported the living situation and are sending the loved one back to the unsafe situation. 

DO NOT send your family member here!