Behavioral health professionals and community partners came together on July 15 to celebrate the opening of Ruth Marie House, a new residential treatment home in Salem. The home will increase housing and treatment options for adults in Marion County who live with severe and long‑term mental illness.
Honoring Ruth Marie Carroll
The home is named after Ruth Marie Carroll, who helped lead the effort to create residential behavioral health services in Marion County nearly 50 years ago. She and her husband, Donald Carroll, worked to improve care for people with serious mental health needs.
Ruth Marie House supports OHA’s goal of growing home and community-based behavioral health services so more people can get care close to 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.”
Support from Oregon Healthy Authority
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) helped fund the 10‑bed home with a $1.3 million investment from House Bill 5024, which was passed in 2021. Ruth Marie House offers 24‑hour support in a safe, caring environment where people can build skills, gain independence, and work toward 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.”
Residents are referred from other facilities are expected to move in over the next few months.