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Oregon Lawmakers Will Take 'Big Swing' At Mental Health Funding

A package working its way through the budget process will amount to the Legislature’s largest-ever investment in necessary housing and services, advocates say.

Jun 16, 2021

A health care worker unpacks the Pfizer vaccine at Oregon Health & Science University. | OHSU

In Latest Risk Level Shuffle: Polk County Nears 65% Vaccination Rate

Jackson County will move down to moderate risk, with Polk County set to move to lower risk in the governor’s COVID-19 framework.

Jun 15, 2021

Homeless Population In Central Oregon Increases 13%

The issue of homelessness is at the forefront of local politics, as public bodies like the Bend City Council are trying to handle a growing homeless population.

Jun 15, 2021

MIKA BAUMEISTER/UNSPLASH

Being Vaccinated Doesn’t Mean You Must Go Maskless

It's not clear how long the vaccines’ protection will last, but it is increasingly clear that being vaccinated reduces the risk of infecting others.

Jun 15, 2021

SHUTTERSTOCK

Oregon Health Authority, Medicaid Insurers Haggle Over Vaccination Incentive Money

Facing pressure from coordinated care organizations, the health authority reduces its COVID-19 vaccination-rate goals for Medicaid members.

Jun 14, 2021
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State health officials are racing to win federal approval of Oregon Health Plan changes before Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, shown at the Oregon Convention Center vaccination site, leaves office. | KRISTYNA WENTZ-GRAFF/OPB

Gov. Brown Defends Plan To Lift Mask Mandate

Although masks do provide some protection to the wearer, they are much better at preventing someone from spreading disease than they are at preventing someone from contracting it.

Jun 14, 2021

SHUTTERSTOCK

Boeing Rejected Air Purifiers Like Those Widely Used In Schools

The company tested two kinds of technologies used in schools to combat germs and found that neither was effective enough to install on its commercial planes.

Jun 14, 2021

Clackamas Is Next County To Enter Lower Risk Category

State officials still expect Oregon to reach a 70% vaccination rate for adults by the end of June.

Jun 11, 2021

Advocates gather Thursday near the Oregon capitol to support legislation and policy to improve access to addiction recovery treatment. Each of the 1,206 flags represents someone who has died from drugs or alcohol./Ben Botkin/The Lund Report