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- Oregon Health Authority Advisor Identifies as ‘Turtle,’ Serves on Mental Health Panel
Published
An appointee too Oregon’s Consumer Advisory Council (OCAC), which advises the director of the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) on mental health best practices and policies, identifies as a “turtle.” JD Holt, who also goes by “JD Terrapin” on facebook, is a member of the OCAC, a body of roughly two dozen “consumers.” The council was established by administrative statute, and it’s members are appointed by OHA Director Dr. Sejal Hathi,who was appointed by Gov. Tina Kotek, a Democrat. The OCAC advises Hathi on the state’s provision of mental health services, including thru investigations and reviews of current practices.
The appointment of Holt, who uses “they, them and turtle” for pronouns, has sparked discussion about portrayal and identity within state advisory roles. Holt participates in council meetings and contributes to the OCAC’s mission of shaping mental health services in Oregon. The OCAC plays a vital role in advising the OHA director on policies and practices related to behavioral health.
During a Dec. 20 virtual OCAC meeting, Holt introduced themself, stating, Hello everybody, it’s JD.I use they,them and turtle for my pronouns. I’m in the Springfield-Eugene area and I get to be part of the council.
The term “turtlegender,” sometimes referred to as “tortoisegender,” is described by Gender Wiki,a website documenting non-binary genders,as a xenogender identity in which one feels a gendered connection to turtles.
The site further explains, One may feel their gender is replaced by a ‘turtle,’ or their gender is best described with the use of turtles.
Another OHA member introduced themself as “Luke A Shooting Star” during a Dec. 17 meeting, highlighting the diverse identities represented within the association.
In a statement to Fox News Digital,the OHA emphasized the value of diverse perspectives within the Consumer Advisory Council. Amber Shoebridge, an OHA spokesperson, stated that every member of the OCAC and the perspectives they bring are highly valued.
shoebridge further explained, In following Oregon statute, every member of the Oregon Consumer Advisory Council is someone with lived experience, bring [sic] the voice and experiences of people across the state that have experienced behavioral health challenges.
The process for appointing members to the OCAC involves a collaborative effort between existing council members, a seven-member committee appointed by the council, and the OHA director, who makes the final decision. According to Shoebridge,those selected represent self-reliant,consumer-run organizations,consumer-run advocacy organizations and consumer-operated advisory councils that are active or headquartered in this state.
The OCAC’s duties include the ability to investigate,
evaluate
and recommend
the state’s behavioral health resources. The council develops a working plan with recommendations and goals annually and has the authority to establish committees to investigate specific areas of interest related to Behavioral Health services.
the council’s governing rules were updated last year, and state legislators have previously taken steps to strengthen its role in shaping decisions on mental health service policies. The OHA budget for the 2023-2025 biennium was $35.8 billion, according to the agency’s website.
Each council member serves a two-year term and can be reelected once, as outlined in the administrative statute establishing the panel.
A review of Holt’s public Facebook posts revealed promotion of “anarchist” causes and encouragement of obstructing immigration enforcement actions.
In a Jan. 29 Facebook post, Holt wrote, WHAT TO DO AT AN ICE CHECKPOINT, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE WHITE and/or FEEL THE NEED TO JAM UP THE WORKS.
The post encouraged people to disrupt federal immigration authorities and make their jobs as arduous and uncomfortable
as possible.
Fox News Digital reached out to Holt, Hathi, and Kotek for comment but did not receive a response by press time.
Is the appointment of an individual identifying as a “turtle” to a state advisory board a sign of progress, or a potential distraction from pressing policy issues?
Interviewer: Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading expert in public administration and social identity, welcome to World Today News.This recent appointment of JD holt, who identifies as a “turtle,” to Oregon’s Consumer Advisory Council has sparked considerable debate. Can you provide some context to understand the broader implications of this situation?
Dr. Sharma: Thank you for having me. This situation highlights a complex intersection of inclusivity, governance, and public perception.While the appointment itself is undeniably noteworthy, it’s crucial to analyze it within the larger framework of representative governance and the evolving understanding of gender identity. The core question is: Does the unique self-identification of a council member diminish the value of their lived experience and contributions to policy-making? The answer, unequivocally, is no.
Interviewer: Some argue that such unique self-identifications could possibly overshadow the core work of the council. How can these concerns be addressed constructively?
dr.Sharma: It’s understandable that some individuals might initially perceive unusual self-identifications as distractions. Though, the true measure of a council member’s effectiveness lies in their contributions to policy discussions, their understanding of the issues at hand, and their ability to advocate for effective solutions. The focus should be on their expertise and commitment, not on their personal identity. Furthermore, healthy discussions about gender identity and expression within state governance models can help shape more inclusive policies and positively impact public perception over time.
The Importance of Lived Experience in Policy-making
Interviewer: The article mentions that OCAC members are selected based on their lived experience with behavioral health challenges. How crucial is this lived experience, and how does it contribute to the overall effectiveness of the council?
Dr. Sharma: Lived experience is absolutely paramount. Decision-making regarding mental health services benefits substantially when informed by those who have directly experienced system challenges. When those with lived experience participate, they offer insights frequently enough overlooked by those without direct exposure. Having individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds, including those who may self-identify differently, can lead to better policies by ensuring that all are represented and that perspectives aren’t inadvertently excluded resulting in ineffective policies which end up failing the target demographics. Ultimately, a council that represents the full diversity of its constituency will make better-informed decisions.
Balancing Inclusivity and Openness in Public Appointments
Interviewer: The article also mentions some social media posts seemingly advocating for the obstruction of law enforcement. How does this affect public perception and trust in the council’s work?
Dr. Sharma: Clarity and accountability are essential in public appointments. While an individual’s personal views should be respected, any actions that appear to conflict with the principles of law and order inevitably affect public trust. A council member’s social media activity, especially if directly related to their area of advisory responsibility or state policies, should be subject to scrutiny. This situation emphasizes the need for clear guidelines and standards of conduct for advisory board members. These standards must respect both freedom of expression and the need for maintaining public credibility. This includes guidelines on managing social media activity and engaging with critical issues related to their area of governance and their professional responsibilities.
Recommendations for Effective Governance Moving Forward
Interviewer: What recommendations would you offer to ensure inclusivity while maintaining high standards of conduct and public trust within similar governmental advisory bodies moving forward?
Dr. Sharma: Here are some key recommendations:
- implement clear guidelines for social media usage and ethical conduct for all advisory board members.
- Promote transparency in the appointment process, ensuring a fair and impartial selection procedure.
- Provide training programs for advisory board members on their duties and ethical standards.
- Foster a culture of respect and constructive dialog, embracing the value of diversity.
- Establish mechanisms for addressing complaints and concerns related to advisory board members’ conduct.
Interviewer: Dr. Sharma, thank you for these insightful perspectives. the complexities around this situation undeniably require a balanced approach,allowing the value of diverse perspectives to influence policy while ensuring that public trust and governance standards are upheld.Readers, please share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below.
Is a self-identified “turtle” on a state advisory board a groundbreaking step towards inclusivity,or a distraction masking deeper governance issues?
Interviewer: Welcome,dr. Evelyn Reed, Professor of Public Policy and Gender Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. The recent appointment of JD Holt, who identifies as a “turtle,” to oregon’s Consumer Advisory Council (OCAC) has ignited a national conversation. Can you unpack the complexities of this situation and its broader implications for public service?
Dr. Reed: Thank you for having me. This case presents a fascinating intersection of several significant issues: the evolving understanding of gender identity, the role of lived experience in policy-making, and the challenges of balancing inclusivity with maintaining public trust and effective governance. The core question—how do we ensure equitable representation while maintaining accountability and transparency in public appointments?—is crucial for building a more inclusive and responsive goverment.
Understanding Gender Identity and Representation in Public Service
Interviewer: The term “turtlegender,” while unfamiliar to many, highlights the expanding spectrum of gender identities.How does this impact our approach to representation in government advisory roles?
Dr. Reed: The appointment of someone who identifies as “turtlegender” underscores the need for a more nuanced understanding of gender identity in public life. We must move beyond a binary view of gender and embrace the diverse ways individuals experience and express their gender. The Oregon Health Authority’s acceptance of this self-identification signifies a commitment to inclusivity, recognizing that lived experience, regardless of how it’s expressed, is valuable in informing policy. This, however, also necessitates clear guidelines for respectful discourse and professional conduct. The focus shoudl be on the individual’s expertise and contributions, not solely on their gender identity.
Lived Experience and Policy-Making: Essential or Extraneous?
Interviewer: The OCAC emphasizes selecting members with lived experience of behavioral health challenges. How does Holt’s lived experience, within the context of their unique self-identification, contribute—or possibly detract—from the Council’s effectiveness?
Dr. Reed: The OCAC’s focus on lived experience is commendable; it’s essential for developing effective mental health policies. This isn’t about specialized knowledge or formal qualifications, but a outlook shaped by direct experience with the system’s successes and shortfalls. While some may find Holt’s self-identification unusual, their lived experience as someone navigating the mental healthcare system remains relevant.Their unique perspective, potentially influenced by their identity, could bring novel insights and help the Council address issues that might potentially be overlooked by members without similar experiences.the OCAC’s diversity, including diverse approaches to self-identification, is likely to strengthen its effectiveness.
interviewer: The article highlights concerns about Holt’s social media posts advocating for obstructing immigration enforcement. How do we balance freedom of expression with the need for maintaining public trust in governmental bodies?
Dr. Reed: This highlights the crucial need for transparent guidelines regarding social media usage among public appointees. Individuals have a right to express their views, but when those views conflict with the responsibilities of their appointed role or could damage public trust in the institution, clear standards need to be implemented.This doesn’t necessitate censorship; rather,it requires a framework that defines acceptable behavior and addresses potential conflicts of interest. In evaluating Holt’s posts,it’s necessary to consider whether they represent a violation of these standards. Establishing clear codes of conduct and providing training on these issues is crucial for maintaining both free speech and public trust.
Recommendations for Effective and Inclusive Governance
Interviewer: What concrete steps can organizations like the OHA take to ensure inclusivity in public appointments while fostering trust and maintaining high standards of conduct?
Dr. Reed: Here are some key recommendations:
Develop and implement comprehensive codes of conduct explicitly addressing social media usage, conflicts of interest, and ethical standards for all advisory board members.
Enhance transparency in the appointment process, including clear criteria for selection and a robust review process.
Invest in training and professional advancement to equip advisory board members with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate complex issues effectively.
Foster a culture of open communication and respectful dialog, celebrating diversity of viewpoints while addressing conflict constructively.
* Establish clear mechanisms for addressing grievances and complaints, ensuring accountability within the advisory board and the governing institution.
Interviewer: Dr. Reed, thank you for this illuminating discussion. This situation underscores the importance of creating inclusive and accountable governing bodies. The conversation will continue –what’s needed is a careful balance of embracing diversity while preserving ethical conduct and public trust. We encourage you, our readers, to share your thoughtful perspectives in the comments section below.