Oregon Mental Health Advisory Board Welcomes Unique Member Identifying as a Turtle

A unique addition to Oregon’s mental health advisory board is making headlines. A member of this state panel advising the director of the Oregon Health Authority focuses on innovative practices and policies while identifying as a “turtle.” This unconventional identity has raised eyebrows and sparked conversations about inclusion and diversity within governmental committees.

JD Holt, also known as “JD Terrapin” on social media, stands out as one of approximately two dozen consumers on the Oregon Health Authority’s Consumer Advisory Council, or OCAC. Appointed by Director Dr. Sejal Hathi, a nominee of Governor Tina Kotek, this council was formed through administrative statute to offer guidance on mental health service provision throughout the state.

Fulfilling a Vital Role in Mental Health Services

The primary function of the OCAC is to advise the state on effective mental health strategies by conducting thorough investigations and reviews of existing practices. At a December 20 virtual meeting, Holt introduced themselves, sharing, “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.” This introduction illustrates the growing recognition of diverse gender identities in contemporary society.

The term “turtlegender,” which describes Holt’s identity, reflects a connection to turtles that influences the individual’s gender experience. According to Gender Wiki, a resource that catalogs non-binary gender identities, this type of identity is classified as a xenogender identity. Individuals with a turtlegender identity may perceive their gender through the lens of their connection with turtles.

A Broader Spectrum of Identities

During another council meeting on December 17, members introduced themselves under unique identifiers, with one participant stating, “Luke A Shooting Star.” This trend toward using distinctive names emphasizes the diversity that exists within the council and highlights the importance of representation for individuals with varied gender identities and experiences.

In a recent statement to Fox News Digital, the Oregon Health Authority emphasized that every individual on the Consumer Advisory Council brings unique perspectives shaped by their lived experiences. OHA spokesperson Amber Shoebridge stated, “In following Oregon statute, every member of the Oregon Consumer Advisory Council is someone with lived experience, bringing the voice and experiences of people across the state who have dealt with behavioral health challenges.” This commitment to representing diverse experiences enhances the council’s credibility and effectiveness.

Appointment Process and Council Objectives

The process for appointing members to the OCAC involves collaboration between existing council members and a committee consisting of seven members. The director of the Oregon Health Authority has the final say in appointments, ensuring a comprehensive approach to membership that represents a wide range of consumer-run organizations and advocacy groups within the state.

The advisory council’s essential responsibilities include investigating, evaluating, and recommending enhancements to the state’s behavioral health resources. Each year, OCAC formulates a working plan with specific goals and recommendations to improve mental health services. The council also holds the authority to establish committees dedicated to examining particular areas of interest related to behavioral health.

Recent Developments and Legislative Actions

In recent years, state legislators have worked to reinforce the council’s position and influence in shaping mental health service policy. Although the Oregon Health Authority did not provide information regarding the budget allocation for the OCAC at this time, the overall budget for the agency for the 2023-2025 biennium was noted at $35.8 billion. This extensive budget underscores the importance of mental health services in Oregon’s public policy agenda.

A Diverse Community of Consumers

Members of the advisory council serve two-year terms with the possibility of one reelection. This term structure helps to ensure fresh perspectives while maintaining continuity within the council. As individuals with firsthand knowledge of the challenges related to behavioral health, council members like Holt play a crucial role in advocating for systemic improvements.

Scrutiny surrounding Holt’s involvement continues, particularly given their public advocacy for various causes. A review by Fox News uncovered posts where Holt promotes anarchistic sentiments and encourages actions against federal immigration enforcement. One notable Facebook post advised individuals, especially those fitting certain demographics, on how to disrupt activities at ICE checkpoints.

The Future of Mental Health Advocacy in Oregon

As Oregon navigates the complexities of mental health advocacy, the inclusion of diverse identities fosters necessary conversations about representation and inclusivity in policymaking. While some may question unconventional identities, it is essential to recognize the value each member brings when addressing mental health from various perspectives.

Following the outreach attempts by Fox News Digital to contact Holt, Hathi, and Kotek, no responses were received before publication. Moving forward, the discourse surrounding Holt’s identity and its implications for governance serves as a reflection of broader societal discussions about gender, identity, and representation in leadership roles.