News & Stories for Oregonians
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Director Sejal Hathi, M.D., MBA, has announced the hiring of Sean Murphy as the new superintendent of Oregon State Hospital (OSH) following a national recruitment. Murphy has three decades of executive leadership experience in behavioral health, healthcare operations, public safety, and large-scale government administration. “Sean is a collaborative and results-driven leader […]
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use health advisory last week for Lake Billy Chinook in Jefferson County, due to the presence of cyanotoxins above Recreational Use Value (RUVs). OHA’s Recreation Use Values (RUVs) are made to protect the most vulnerable people, including children. People should not swim or do activities where they might swallow water or breathe in […]
Oregon Health Authority has updated its guidance to help families, schools, sports programs, and other youth organizations decide when it is safe for children to be active outside when there is wildfire smoke or other air pollution. The new Oregon Air Quality Guide for Children and Youth, which is based on the air quality index, shows growing scientific evidence that wildfire smoke can affect children’s health […]
A stronger path for Oregon families New residential treatment beds are helping Oregon families get the mental health and addiction care they need, close to home. These improvements strengthen communities across the state and support people when they need it most. Expanding care that Oregon communities can count on Governor Tina Kotek announced major progress […]
Update on well water testing north of Prineville Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has released a new report looking at water quality from about 60 domestic wells located just north of Prineville. The report reviews test results collected by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and explains what those results mean for household health. OHA is seeking public comment on […]
As Oregon enters the hottest months of the year, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is encouraging people to take steps now to protect themselves, their families and their communities from heat-related illness. Heat-related illnesses can develop quickly and can become life-threatening. Older adults, infants and young children, outdoor workers, people experiencing homelessness, pregnant people and those with chronic […]
As summer begins and schools across Oregon close for break, some of the support students count on during the year also pauses. Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is reminding LGBTQIA2S+ youth and their families that help, community, and safe spaces are still available all summer. Why support matters “Every young person deserves to feel safe, supported, […]
Why Oregon’s new tobacco law matters for our communities Oregon’s updated tobacco law is now in effect, bringing stronger protections to help keep young people from becoming addicted to nicotine. As of June 5, Senate Bill 1571 expanded the definition of “tobacco products” to include newer nicotine items such as oral nicotine pouches, lozenges, gum, […]
Oregon is seeing real progress in the fight against drug overdoses. New data from Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and federal partners show that overdose deaths have gone down for the second year in a row. While the work isn’t over, these numbers are a strong sign that our communities’ efforts are making a real difference. A downward […]
Every young person in Oregon deserves the chance to thrive. When youth have the support they need, whether that’s mental healthcare, school services or help for disabilities, they are safer, more confident, and better able to reach their goals. And when our youth succeed, our entire state becomes stronger, healthier, and more connected. That belief is at […]