News & Stories for Oregonians
Building on a strong foundation Construction is now underway on a new Latino-focused residential treatment center in Madras. The BestCare Treatment Services center, located at 316 NW Fourth Street, will offer 16 beds and expand access to substance use disorder treatment for the growing Latino community in Central Oregon. The new facility will provide care with respect to Latino culture and language. It […]
When a young person is experiencing a mental health crisis, families often find themselves navigating fear, confusion and uncertainty all at once. In those moments, having access to the right support can make all the difference. The Oregon Family Support Network (OFSN) is here to help families feel less alone and more empowered. If you’re […]
The air we breathe affects our health every day. Even though air quality across the United States has improved over the last 20 years, air pollution remains a challenge, especially during wildfire season or periods of heavy smoke. Poor air quality has been linked to health problems like asthma, heart disease, and difficulty breathing. Some people, including […]
As summer gets closer, the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program is launching its 2026 season. From May through September, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) work together to check water quality at some of Oregon’s most popular beaches so everyone can enjoy the coast safely. Why do we test ocean water? Sometimes […]
When people in Oregon run into roadblocks navigating the health services they depend on, Oregon Health Authority (OHA)’s Ombuds Program is often the place they turn for help. Behind every call is a real person trying to find stability, care, or clarity in a system that can feel overwhelming. A new report from the OHA Ombuds Program covers trends in […]
May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month! It’s a great time to highlight the powerful benefits of active living and encourage people of all ages and abilities to find simple ways to move more each day. Read on to learn why being active matters, and how it helps protect against and manage chronic diseases. […]
Community and state officials recently gathered in Bend to celebrate a new center that will offer more recovery resources and a welcoming place for young people to connect. 4D Recovery celebrated the opening of its new Recovery Community Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. “This opening highlights the important work happening across Oregon to provide more help for people who are struggling,” said Governor Tina […]
May is Arthritis Awareness Month, a time to spotlight a condition that affects more than 800,000 people living in Oregon, and to share what Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is doing to support people living with arthritis. Why Arthritis Awareness Month is important Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. and Oregon. Arthritis is often characterized by inflammation or swelling of one or […]
Across Oregon, communities are seeing meaningful changes as new resources from the statewide opioid settlement continue to roll out. Over the last two years, the Oregon Opioid Settlement Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Board (OSPTR) has supported projects that make it easier for people to stay safe, get treatment when they need it, and find long‑term recovery close […]
For more than a decade, Oregon’s Pathfinder exercise has helped communities across the state practice responding to a major disaster. First launched in 2012, this full‑scale training brings together medical teams, first responders, volunteers, and military partners to prepare for the Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake and tsunami scenario, one of the most serious natural hazards […]