Children’s Health

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A student at Harmony Academy, a high school for teens in recovery, told The Lund Report he didn't realize he was smoking fentanyl until his parent had him tested. He thought the pills he was buying were oxycodone. | EMILY GREEN/THE LUND REPORT

State inaction left Oregon teens vulnerable to fentanyl’s fatal spread

A lack of prevention, education and youth addiction programs opened the door to tragedy as dealers added the potent opioid to local drug markets

Mar 7

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From left, Cheryle A. Kennedy, Chairwoman for the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde; Kelly Rowe, Health and Wellness Director for the Tribe; and Multnomah County Commissioner Diane Rosenbaum cut the ribbon at the grand opening of Great Circle Recovery at 3580 SE 82nd Ave. in Portland on Feb. 6, 2023. | EMILY GREEN/THE LUND REPORT

New clinic in Portland poised to treat fentanyl addiction in youths and adults

Unlike most providers, Great Circle Recovery’s opioid treatment program will offer methadone to youths, which can better treat fentanyl withdrawal.

Feb 7
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Peer support specialists working for Malheur County offered Narcan, an overdose-reversing drug, to people stopping by a day shelter in Ontario on Oct. 13, 2022. | KYLE GREEN/THE LUND REPORT

Legislation to slow opioid overdoses draws broad support

Proponents showed up in force to support legislation that would clear legal hurdles preventing wider distribution of naloxone, an opioid overdose-reversing drug.

Jan 31
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MIRA SATUREN, 16, OF ASHLAND, SPEAKS TUESDAY IN A PRESS CONFERENCE ABOUT HER CONCERNS ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE. SHE PARTICIPATED IN AN OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY STUDY ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE AND YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH./BEN BOTKIN/THE LUND REPORT

Climate Change Affecting Oregon Youths' Mental Health: Report

State report on climate change in Oregon serves as a starting point for policymakers and agencies.

Jun 15, 2022

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Sarah Lemley, executive director and co-founder of Northwest PANDAS/PANS Network, is pictured at right with Rep. Rachel Prusak (left), who has championed coverage for the condition. In the background is Kym McCornack, who is also with the network./Courtesy of Sarah Lemley

Kids on Oregon Health Plan Get Hard-Fought Coverage For A Rare Condition 

The Oregon Health Plan will cover a specialized treatment for children who have PANDAS/PANS, a neuropsychiatric condition.

May 24, 2022
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SYDNEY MCCORNACK (LEFT) OF PORTLAND DURING A PANDAS FLARE AT AGE 11 AND (RIGHT) IN MARCH 2022 AS A 14-YEAR-OLD./COURTESY OF THE MCCORNACKS

For Oregon Parents, A Long Slog To Get Coverage For A Rare Condition

A state committee could put Oregon on the path for coverage of PANDAS and PANS, disorders caused by infection.

Apr 14, 2022
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MICK STEVENS OF TIGARD PUT HIS PARALEGAL CAREER ON HOLD TO TAKE CARE OF HIS DAUGHTER, JILLIAN, DURING THE PANDEMIC./COURTESY OF MICK STEVENS.

Oregon Parents Fight To Keep Care Payments As Pandemic Winds Down

Medicaid funds have gone to hundreds of parents of severely developmentally disabled children for their caregiving during the public health emergency, but that is slated to end.

Mar 17, 2022
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Under Oregon's Medicaid exemption, Sheena Powell (at right) of Salem was unable to get braces for her daughter, CiAna (at left) through Oregon Health Plan. | COURTESY PHOTO

How Oregon’s Alone-In-The-Nation Approach To Children’s Health Care Unraveled In Weeks 

Internal Oregon Health Authority emails show that officials debated Lund Report article to make a ‘strategic and political decision’ to reduce barriers for low-income children’s access to coverage.

Mar 1, 2022

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Cainan Molzer (far right), 17, of Medford, poses with his family. | COURTESY JOE MOLZER

Facing Scrutiny, Oregon Will Phase Out Barriers To Children’s Health Care 

After concerns went public, Oregon Health Authority abandoned its one-of-a-kind system for children on Medicaid that has led to denials for medically necessary care.

Feb 9, 2022