News & Stories for Oregonians
Alongside the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM), Oregon Health Authority is working to use gender-inclusive language and terms that support all people in relation to infant feeding, especially people in the LGBTQIA2S+ community. For more information on this, read the ABM statement. Every year from August 1–7, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and communities across Oregon celebrate […]
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) are reminding people to stay safe around bats. Bats are an important part of Oregon’s environment, but they can sometimes carry rabies—a serious virus that affects the brain. So far in 2026, 20 bats in Oregon have tested positive for rabies. At […]
For families experiencing homelessness, finding a safe place to live is only one part of what they need. Parents and young children also face stress, uncertainty, and trauma that can affect their emotional health and development. A new partnership Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is partnering with Morrison Child and Family Services and Path Home on […]
West Nile virus (WNv) has been detected in Jackson County for the first time this year. The virus was found in a mosquito pool collected on July 15 in Eagle Point. July through September are typically the busiest months for WNv activity in the county. How the virus was found A sample was collected from […]
Behavioral health professionals and community partners came together on July 15 to celebrate the opening of Ruth Marie House, a new residential treatment home in Salem. The home will increase housing and treatment options for adults in Marion County who live with severe and long‑term mental illness. Honoring Ruth Marie Carroll The home is named […]
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is encouraging residents of the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area (LUBGWMA) to test their well water for nitrate this summer, a time of the year when presence of the chemical can be higher. What is LUBGWMA? The LUBGWMA area has been designated by the state due to high nitrate in […]
Safer, healthier homes for rural families For families in Eastern Oregon, a safe and healthy home can mean lower utility bills, fewer safety hazards and greater peace of mind. Through Oregon Health Authority (OHA)’s Healthy Homes Grant Program, groups like Community in Action are helping make this happen for people in Harney and Malheur counties. Community in Action […]
Why does advice on how much water to store change? Different organizations and people have given different advice. Currently Oregon Emergency Management suggests being “two weeks ready” – storing water to last two weeks. It’s a lot to ask for many people, but we do support that high bar for people that can do it. […]
Public health officials are urging people at risk of exposure to mpox to get vaccinated. Transmission of a more serious type of the virus is increasing globally, so it’s important for health care providers to watch for symptoms among patients. Community transmission of the clade I mpox virus type is increasing in several countries around […]
Oregon’s rural communities bring local knowledge, strong skills, and a focus on progress to our state. Oregon Health Authority (OHA) continues to invest in projects that help people living in rural communities get the care they need close to home. With new federal funding from the Rural Health Transformation Program, local partners across the state will lead solutions that improve health, […]