Ben Botkin

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SHUTTERSTOCK

Coordination -- Not Funds -- Missing From Oregon’s Mental Health Care System, Lawmakers Say

Speaking at an online forum, officials note that Oregon spends plenty of money -- $3.7 billion over two years -- but gets poor results.

Apr 19, 2021
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Challenges Persist As Oregon Moves Vaccine Rollout To Final Stage

Everyone 16 and older will become eligible for COVID-19 vaccine on Monday, but state says it still faces difficulties reaching some groups, including Latinos.

Apr 16, 2021
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Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center has provided mobile COVID-19 testing to reach the Latino community. | VIRGINIA GARCIA

Latino Advocates Call For Stepped Up Vaccinations

Latinos make up about 13% of the state’s population but only 6% have received at least a first dose, according to state data.

Apr 15, 2021
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Vaping appears to be on the rise. | KRISTIAN FODEN-VENCIL/OPB

Oregon Bill Would Ban Online Vaping Sales 

The House advances a bill that requires face-to-face purchases of vaping products to prevent illicit sales to minors.

Apr 13, 2021
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Johnson & Johnson's COVID vaccine. | SHUTTERSTOCK

Oregon, Washington Halt Use Of Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Over Blood Clots

The decision follows a federal announcement that six cases of blood clots had emerged in women between 18 and 48 who received the vaccine.

Apr 13, 2021

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The Legislature is in session. | BEN BOTKIN/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon House Passes Bill Regulating Nurse Staffing Levels For Pandemics

The bill would require nurses' input in setting staffing levels at hospitals during long-term emergencies.

Apr 9, 2021
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ALEX VISSER/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon Lawmakers Want To Improve Collection Of Racial, Ethnic Data On Patients

The pandemic has highlighted the need for better information about the provision of services to disadvantaged populations, advocates say.

Apr 9, 2021
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Oregon State Capitol in Salem. | RENAUDE HATSEDAKIS

Oregon Bill Would Give Coordinated Care Organizations More Spending Flexibility

House Bill 3353 seeks to give coordinated care organizations ways to fund community programs and services

Apr 7, 2021
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Oregon Opens COVID-19 Vaccination To All Residents 16 And Older On April 19

With the virus spreading rapidly, Gov. Kate Brown also announced updates to the county risk levels: No county is classified as an extreme risk.

Apr 6, 2021

Oregon Officials Warn Of Delays As Vaccine Eligibility Expands

Johnson & Johnson manufacturing error will short-change Oregon by 200,000-300,000 doses, but officials widen the expansion.

Apr 2, 2021