Recent Posts

Keeping maternity close to home in Oregon

Welcoming a new baby should come with peace of mind, not worrying about how far you’ll have to travel to get care. That’s why Governor Tina Kotek is working with Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Hospital Association of Oregon to protect and strengthen labor and delivery services across the state. At its heart, this […]

Six tips to support your 2026 health and well-being goals

With the arrival of a new year, many of us make resolutions or set goals around our health and well-being. Oregon Health Authority is here to help! Even small choices like getting vaccinated or quitting tobacco can improve your health, help you live longer and support the health of the people across Oregon. When it comes to health, we’re all connected.  Here are six simple ways to focus […]

Help prevent cervical cancer by getting screened 

Most cervical cancers (up to 93%) can be prevented with screening and vaccination.  January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Anyone with a cervix can get cervical cancer, which occurs most often in people older than 30. When found early, cervical cancer is highly treatable and most people go on to live long, healthy lives.   Screening  People should get screened for cervical cancer regularly, even if they received the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Screening options include Pap tests and HPV. These tests can […]

Vaccination remains best protection as flu cases rise in Oregon

Influenza – or flu activity in Oregon started to rise in early November, and in the last few weeks, has been spreading faster. As of December 27, about 14.8% of flu tests across the state were positive, slightly lower than 15.9% the previous week. This positivity rate indicates high flu transmission.  Most flu going around […]

Oregon Releases New Guide to Reduce the Burden of Cancer Statewide 

Cancer remains the leading cause of death in Oregon, affecting thousands of families every year. With about 22,000 new cancer diagnoses annually, the impact of this disease reaches far beyond patients—it touches caregivers, communities, and workplaces. In response, the Oregon Health & Science University’s Knight Cancer Institute and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) have published the […]

Agencies unite to urge Oregonians to ‘Rethink the Drink’ this holiday season

As Oregonians celebrate the holiday season, state agencies renew their call to “Rethink the Drink” – encouraging people to pause, reflect and make mindful and healthy choices when it comes to their alcohol consumption.  Leading this effort is Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Oregon Alcohol & Drug Policy Commission (ADPC) Oregon Liquor & Cannabis Commission (OLCC) […]

Oregon Health Authority continues to recommend hepatitis B vaccination for newborns 

Oregon Health Authority strongly supports the West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) recommendation that newborns continue to receive hepatitis B vaccination at birth.   The West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) is a partnership between California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington to ensure that public health recommendations are guided by safety, efficacy, transparency, access and trust.  WCHA recommends that newborns […]

Oregon Health Plan Helps Rural Communities Stay Housed and Healthy 

Last year, Oregon became the first state in the country to offer rent assistance statewide as a Medicaid benefit. This means that some Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members can get help paying for rent and utilities if they have certain health conditions and meet other requirements.  This benefit is part of a statewide effort to improve […]

Four steps to a happy (and healthy) holiday meal  

Families, friends and Thanksgiving guests can stay safe from foodborne germs by practicing four simple steps this holiday: Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill.  Clean:  Wash hands and surfaces often  Separate: Avoid cross contamination  Cook: To the proper temperature  Chill: Refrigerate promptly  For more information, visit OHA’s Food Safety web page  

Rethink the Drink this holiday season 

As we gather with friends and loved ones during the holiday season, drinking alcohol may be on the menu. Oregon Health Authority’s Rethink the Drink initiative encourages us to find ways to enjoy the season safely.   Alcohol ads and marketing can seem to be everywhere    Many of us cross the line into drinking too much, […]