News & Stories for Oregonians
Recently, an Oregon Health News reader wrote in to ask about some issues they are experiencing in their rental home in Polk County. Oregon Health Authority’s Environmental Public Health subject matter experts weighed in. I am a tenant in Polk County, Oregon dealing with ongoing water damage, sewage overflow, and suspected mold exposure in my […]
Walk into the Vocational Services program room at Oregon State Hospital (OSH) in Junction City and you’ll hear the steady, unexpected hum of sewing machines. Inside, patients like Kelly and Keppa use their creativity to brighten the walls, halls and days throughout the hospital. In their paid positions through Vocational, Kelly and Keppa turn donated fabrics into display quilts that beautify the […]
April showers bring May flowers and usually some sunshine, too! May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and with summer right around the corner, it’s a great time to talk about protecting your skin from the sun. Even though Oregon is known for cloudy days and rain, the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can still harm your […]
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is celebrating National Volunteer Appreciation Week April 19-25 by recognizing the dedicated volunteers who protect and support communities across the state through the State Emergency Registry of Volunteers in Oregon (SERV-OR) and the AmeriCorps VISTA Partnership Project. From strengthening emergency preparedness systems to responding during disasters and public health crises, these […]
The Oregon Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) will host a series of community forums to hear from patients, caregivers, and other Oregonians about the cost of medications and how these costs affect their lives. Both online and in‑person events are available. All forums will cover similar material, so participants can choose the option that best […]
Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) recently celebrated the opening of the new Baker Building in Astoria. The building was developed by Clatsop Behavioral Healthcare (CBH) and Edlen & Company and provides 32 affordable apartments for people experiencing mental health challenges or substance use disorders. At least nine of the homes are for people […]
Black Maternal Health Week takes place April 11–17, 2026. It’s a week to celebrate, learn, and take action to support Black mothers and birthing people. The Black Mamas Matter Alliance started this movement 10 years ago to shine a light on the challenges Black women face during pregnancy and birth. This year’s theme, “Rooted in Justice and Joy,” honors a decade of community leadership. It lifts […]
April is Alcohol Awareness Month, a time to take a closer look at how alcohol shows up in our lives and what we can do to keep ourselves and our communities safe this spring. In Oregon, alcohol has become a common part of social life for many people, from weddings and holidays to sporting events and backyard barbecues. It […]
Earlier this month, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS), community partners, local leaders, and residents celebrated the opening of Stratus Village, a new 175-unit affordable housing development in McMinnville. Stratus Village includes 10 Permanent Supportive Housing units for people with serious and long-term mental illness. These homes offer a safe place to live, […]
Public health is all around us in sometimes visible, but more often invisible ways. It’s clean drinking water, safe food, vaccines, and smoke-free public places. It’s newborn screenings that help detect serious diseases early. It’s the people who track outbreaks, respond to emergencies, and work to reduce drug overdoses. It’s creating communities that are easy […]