News & Stories for Oregonians
Are you planning to have (or already had) a birth at home or somewhere outside a health care facility without a midwife or licensed attendant? If so, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Center for Health Statistics can help you get started with the forms and information you need to register your baby’s birth. Registering your child’s birth allows […]
As communities prepare to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is encouraging people to plan to keep themselves, their families and communities safe from excessive alcohol use. Celebrating safely Independence Day celebrations often include barbecues, parades, fireworks, and time with friends and loved ones. For many people, alcohol is part of the celebration. Its widespread presence can make it easy for people to drink […]
Mosquito activity increases during summer in Oregon, and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) wants to be sure you know how to protect yourself against bites to reduce exposure to West Nile virus. West Nile virus is the most common disease from mosquitoes in Oregon. Mosquitoes with the virus are found mostly in the eastern and southern parts […]
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) will offer new nutrition benefits to support members who are managing certain health conditions and may have limited access to healthy food. These benefits are part of a statewide effort to help Oregonians stay healthy and well. What’s new? Fruit and vegetable benefit Members who qualify […]
Oregon State Hospital (OSH) Volunteer Services is excited to kick off the Summer Sunshine Drive. Each year, this donation drive helps patients during their stay at OSH and as they return to their everyday lives. Community and caregiver kindness has made a real difference, and we’re asking for your help again this summer. What we […]
Summer is officially here! Oregon is a great place for summer adventure, and it’s important to stay safe in all the fun. Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is encouraging residents and visitors to take some steps to protect themselves from seasonal hazards that can lead to illness, injury, and preventable deaths. Water safety Extreme heat Sun […]
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is reminding people with Oregon Health Plan (OHP) coverage to make sure their contact information is up to date. This is important because new federal rules require every state to change how they manage their health coverage programs and OHP members may need to receive additional information to keep their coverage. Members should respond to renewal letters and keep their contact information and preferred language up to date by going to Benefits.Oregon.gov, calling 1-800-699-9075, or visiting a local ODHS office. What the new […]
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 […]