Recent Posts

Oregon Health Authority Q&A: How some medications can affect blood sugar

In a previous Oregon Health News article, an Oregon Health Authority (OHA) subject matter expert shared that Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be caused by medications. A curious reader wrote in to learn more: Q: Your article says Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be caused by some medications. What medications might contribute to people developing […]

Oregon Health Plan updates: What’s changing and how to stay covered

Oregon Health Plan (OHP) is making changes to meet new federal rules. Here is what OHP members need to know now: New work or activity rules will be required for some adults ages 19–64 starting January 1, 2027 when they apply for or renew coverage. These rules apply only to some members, and many exemptions […]

Oregon State Hospital apple harvest: Rooted in community

Did you know there’s a small apple orchard on the Junction City campus of Oregon State Hospital (OSH)? More than 200 dwarf Liberty and Empire apple trees were planted on the campus when it opened in 2015. Three years later, patients, staff, and community volunteers joined together for the first harvest. While the patient and […]

Oregon Health Authority issues standing order for updated COVID-19 vaccines

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has issued a standing order that lets vaccine providers across the state begin giving updated COVID-19 vaccines. The statewide order signed last week by Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., OHA’s health officer and state epidemiologist, matches similar steps taken in the other three West Coast Health Alliance (WHCA) states—Washington, California, and Hawaii. […]

A new place to heal: Eugene facility opens doors for Oregon youth

Families across Oregon have a new source of hope and healing. A secure inpatient treatment facility has opened in Eugene through a partnership between Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Nexus Family Healing. With 12 new beds, the state can now support more youth who need a safe, structured place to heal.  A supportive environment for youth  […]

Back to school mental health: Supporting students through the transition

In many parts of Oregon, students are settling back into classrooms, new routines, and the rhythm of the school year. Whether it’s the excitement of kindergarten, the nerves of starting middle or high school, or the big leap into college life, transitions can stir up a lot of feelings. A little stress is completely normal, […]

September is Pain Awareness Month: Let’s walk through it together

September is Pain Awareness Month, a time to learn, share, and support the many people in our communities who live with ongoing pain. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that almost 52 million U.S. adults live with pain that lasts longer than three months. That’s a huge number—and chances are good that […]

Friends for Life: Supporting Oregon youth through connection, conversation, and awareness

This August, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) are launching Friends for Life, a statewide campaign to help young people and the adults who care about them talk openly about opioids like fentanyl and other drugs. The campaign comes at an important time, as communities work together to prevent overdoses, […]

A mother’s story: Highlighting WIC breast/chest feeding support during National Breastfeeding Month

Earlier this month, Oregon Health News featured an article about National WIC Breastfeeding Week and World Breastfeeding Week and how Oregon communities support parents during early parenthood. We are excited to follow up with a story that shows the impact of these services. Finding support through WIC When Marion County mother Diane Smith became pregnant […]

National Immunization Awareness Month: Keeping Oregon families healthy

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, a great time to learn how vaccines help protect Oregon families. Vaccines help keep everyone safe from serious diseases. They’ve been used for decades and are still one of the best tools we have to prevent illness and save lives. How OHA supports families and providers Oregon Health Authority […]