Public Health

MUFID MAJNUN/UNSPLASH

The country’s leading COVID-19 variant is still rare in Oregon

Omicron EG.5 has become the U.S.’s most dominant variant, making up nearly a quarter of national cases

Oct 26, 2023

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, 2023

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

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

Jun 20, 2023
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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, 2023
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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, 2023
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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, 2023
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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, 2023
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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, 2023