Public Health

For a time, drive-through and walk-in vaccinations were available across the state, including some funded by the state. | PHOTO COPYRIGHT: PAMPLIN MEDIA GROUP (USED WITH PERMISSION)

Legislature likely to provide a fraction of public health officers’ budget request Premium

Local health officials sought $286 million to combat health disparities; a budget bill includes $50 million

Jun 20

SHUTTERSTOCK

Oregon health officials recommend getting new COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it’s available

It’s not yet clear exactly when the new COVID-19 vaccine will be available in Oregon. But people can begin scheduling appointments now.

Sep 14

The Capitol Building in Salem. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Improved Oregon revenue forecast could fund health care improvements

Behavioral health, coverage, workforce loom large on the laundry list of unmet requests facing state lawmakers. A legislative impasse could keep them from going anywhere despite the availability of new funds.

May 18
Premium

Rapid COVID-19 test. | SHUTTERSTOCK

New COVID wave coming to Oregon, forecaster says

New variant, ‘Arcturus,’ is expected to drive a new surge in cases, and it may come with additional cases of pink eye

Apr 17
Premium

A critical care nurse at OHSU receives a vaccine during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. | COURTESY OHSU

Oregon health systems require some masking despite end of mandate

While masking protocols vary among providers, it’s still generally required around medically fragile patients

Apr 4
Premium

The closure of Legacy's Mount Hood birth center was marked with a vigil on March 17, 2023. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon Health Authority denies Legacy’s request to close Gresham maternity unit

Health officials accused Legacy of creating a staffing problem and signaled the health system could face penalties for the closure

Mar 29
Premium

GERD ALTMANN/PIXABAY

COVID, flu and RSV trends moving in right direction, state official says

Many hospitals remain near their capacity, but the Oregon Health Authority has signaled that if trends hold they’ll drop a pandemic-era requirement around masks.

Feb 9

OREGON HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN SALEM./PHOTOATELIER/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Bills seek $185 million for local public health and behavioral health workers

Despite previous funding approved by the Oregon Legislature, proponents say the spending is needed to shore up a workforce teetering on collapse.

Feb 2
Premium

FRITZ LIEDTKE/OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY

OHSU vaccine study suggests too-frequent COVID boosters unhelpful

Researchers say viral respiratory immune response is strongest from vaccination once a year.

Jan 26

As respiratory illnesses cause increasing strain on hospitals in Oregon and Washington, PeaceHealth officials are telling people not to come to the emergency room at Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver if at all possible. | COURTESY OF PEACEHEALTH