Friends and acquaintances said they had no idea Cathy Boone had money available to her. Author: Kyle Iboshi (KGW) Updated: 10:06 PM EDT June 2, 2021
PORTLAND, Ore. Cathy Boone died homeless. She’d been living on the streets of Astoria despite inheriting a small fortune. The state of Oregon held more than $800,000 of her unclaimed money when the 49-year-old passed away in January 2020.
“It just didn’t make any sense to me. That money was just sitting there, and she needed help in the worst way,” said Jack Spithill, Boone’s father.
Boone struggled with mental health issues and drug abuse, according to her father.
Clatsop Behavioral Healthcare hopes to open a rapid access center in Astoria, providing clinical help for mental health and substance abuse and potentially taking pressure off hospital emergency rooms.
Amy Baker, the agencyâs executive director, said the center will function similarly to an urgent care and serve adults and children. The agency plans to hire two clinicians to staff the center, along with a peer recovery ally.
People will be screened for help, regardless of their insurance or ability to pay, and staff will determine whether they need the agencyâs services or referrals to other providers.
âThe walk-in center is good for folks who canât wait for an appointment, for folks who struggle with scheduling appointments and keeping appointments and for people who are in that magical window of readiness to get help,â Baker said. âAnd you want to capitalize on that readiness.â