Ben Botkin

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GOV. KATE BROWN/SHUTTERSTOCK

With Pandemic Slowing, Oregon Announces Winner Of $1 Million Vaccination Prize

An Oregon State University fine arts student wins the grand prize, which Gov. Kate Brown had dangled to lure more people to get vaccinated.

Jul 9, 2021

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The Oregon Health Authority in Salem. | OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY

Oregon Health Authority Hires New Dental Director 

Dr. Kaz Rafia is the second dental director at the agency, replacing Bruce Austin.

Jul 7, 2021
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Dozens of people sat and played in the Ira Keller Fountain Park in Portland on June 28, 2021. | KRISTYNA WENTZ-GRAFF/OPB

Nearly 1,000 Die In Northwest Heat Wave

The deaths stretched from Oregon through British Columbia, which was hit the hardest with nearly 800 fatalities.

Jul 6, 2021

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MIKA BAUMEISTER/UNSPLASH

Restrictions Lifted But What About The Pandemic?

Infectious disease experts warn there is the potential for flareups with the presence of highly infectious variants and the risk of others emerging that could evade vaccines.

Jun 30, 2021
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PATRICK ALLEN, DIRECTOR OF THE OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY, GIVES LAWMAKERS AN UPDATE ON THE CORONAVIRUS.

Legislature Approves Spate Of Other Health Care Bills 

The measures passed include creating a new dental profession and giving coordinated care organizations more flexibility.

Jun 29, 2021
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The Oregon State Capitol building in Salem. | BEN BOTKIN/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon Lawmakers Pump Money And Oversight Into Health Care

Residents will have to wait to see whether the Oregon Legislature’s increased spending and regulation of the health care industry will yield results.

Jun 29, 2021
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The Legislature is in session. | BEN BOTKIN/THE LUND REPORT

Lawmakers Pass Bill To Put Undocumented Residents On Medicaid

The Oregon House passes House Bill 3352, to make people eligible for Medicaid regardless of their immigration status.

Jun 25, 2021
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OREGON DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Gov. Kate Brown Will Reopen Oregon By June 30 Regardless of Goal

Vaccinations have slowed to a snail’s pace, creating uncertainty about when the state will reach 70% vaccination for adults.

Jun 25, 2021

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KEITH COOPER/CC BY 2.0

Oregon Health Authority Budget Slated To Grow By $3 Billion 

Lawmakers have dedicated extra money to cover a demand for Medicaid and there's new money for behavioral health care, an area that's been neglected for years.

Jun 24, 2021
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Polk County Moves to Lower COVID-19 Risk Level

In this latest announcement by Gov. Kate Brown, which is likely to be the last one on risk levels, Jefferson, Klamath, and Marion move down to moderate risk.

Jun 22, 2021