Lawsuit Filed Against Clatsop County Mental Health Agency

ASTORIA, Ore. (AP) – A former adult foster home licenser at Clatsop Behavioral Healthcare has filed a $550,000 lawsuit against the agency alleging gender discrimination and retaliation.

The Astorian reports Carole Purtle claims she was subjected to sexual harassment from a co-worker and that her complaints were ignored by her supervisor.

She also claims she was retaliated against, and ultimately fired, after making the reports to the state about Medicaid.

Mental health agency spokesman Michael Shipley said while Clatsop Behavioral Healthcare cannot comment on any pending matters, the agency believes all employees should be treated fairly, and they remain committed to providing a positive environment.

Purtle was an adult foster home licenser in the agency’s intellectual and developmental disabilities program.

Purtle first took her claims to the state Bureau of Labor and Industries. The state dismissed her complaint in June for insufficient evidence.
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Information from: The Daily Astorian, http://www.dailyastorian.com