News & Stories for Oregonians
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 […]
In early May, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) epidemiologists learned that an Oregon resident had been aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, where health officials were investigating an outbreak of a rare virus called Andes hantavirus. Since then, OHA has worked closely with local, federal, and international partners to monitor the Oregon resident and plan for their safe return. Return from quarantine The […]
Our partners at Oregon Department of Human Services share that the Oregon Summer EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) program is back! The Summer EBT program gives families money to help buy groceries when school is out. Healthy eating throughout the summer helps students stay strong and prepared for the next school year. Each eligible student can […]
Families in rural Oregon will soon see stronger, more reliable maternity care thanks to new federal funding approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Governor Tina Kotek has secured state funding that will help keep maternity care services strong and stable in some of the state’s most remote areas. With funds matched by the federal government now […]
Families across Oregon work hard to keep children healthy, and vaccines are a big part of that. Most parents choose to vaccinate their children, but new data shows that some schools have lower vaccination rates than they used to. Because of this, state health officials are encouraging families to take a moment to check their school’s immunization rates. […]