News & Stories for Oregonians
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. […]
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 […]
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, 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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
Wildfires can affect more than the air we breathe. When a fire is nearby, people may feel worried about what will happen. Evacuation warnings, changes to daily routines, losing property or community spaces, and breathing smoke for a long time can all cause stress, anxiety, fear, grief, and other strong emotions. As wildfires and smoke […]
As wildfires continue to burn across Oregon and smoke fills the air in many communities, people are looking for ways to help keep their families safe and healthy. Wildfire smoke can be very dangerous. Tiny particles in the air can harm your lungs, cause coughing and wheezing, chest tightness, and irritated eyes or throat. Children, […]
Understanding behavioral health crises for teens and families When a child or teen has a behavioral health crisis, parents often have to make life-changing decisions without much information and support. A behavioral health crisis is a serious situation in which a person’s thoughts, emotions, or behaviors become so overwhelming that they can no longer safely […]