Oregon Capital Chronicle

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Gov. Tina Kotek said her administration will closely track the rollout of new programs and spending to address drug addiction and homelessness. | BEN BOTKIN/OREGON CAPITAL CHRONICLE

Oregon governor signs sweeping drug addiction proposal into law

Kotek said the success of the partial repeal of Oregon's drug decriminalization law depends on "deep coordination at all levels."

Apr 2, 2024

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The Oregon Health Authority in Salem. | OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY

Health authority launches website to ease abortion access as Supreme Court hears anti-abortion case

Health authority officials said the timing was not a coincidence and marks Oregon’s support for retaining wide access to abortions

Mar 27, 2024

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FERNANDO ZHIMINAICELA/PIXABAY

Most Oregonians keep their Medicaid benefits as state unwinds pandemic-era protections

More than 1 million low-income Oregonians will continue to receive free health care benefits through the Oregon Health Plan

Mar 26, 2024

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Gov. Tina Kotek said her administration will closely track the rollout of new programs and spending to address drug addiction and homelessness. | BEN BOTKIN/OREGON CAPITAL CHRONICLE

Kotek promises to dog spending for drug addiction programs

Lawmakers put $211 million toward drug addiction treatment, programs and new residential facilities. Lawmakers also allocated $376 million for homeless shelters, housing, infrastructure and rent assistance.

Mar 15, 2024

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FREESTOCKS/UNSPLASH

Oregon Prescription Drug Affordability Board seeks public input about drug costs

Community forums across the state in April and May will address the soaring costs of prescription drugs

Mar 14, 2024

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Oregon State Hospital in Salem. | OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY

Oregon State Hospital superintendent announces her retirement

Dolly Matteucci will leave in March, creating a high-profile opening at the Oregon Health Authority

Mar 12, 2024

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Sara Barger, executive manager and policy liaison for 4D Recovery, visits with Mitch Wright, 31, in a recovery house in Gresham on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. Wright, one of the house’s residents, said the house’s structure helped him turn his life around after drug addiction. | BEN BOTKIN/OREGON CAPITAL CHRONICLE

Recovery houses in Oregon provide crucial transition in path toward drug-free life

Oregon lawmakers poised to allocate $18 million this session to help them grow

Mar 5, 2024

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Democratic state Rep. Jason Kropf of Bend and Democratic state Sen. Kate Lieber of Beaverton have orchestrated the meetings on their approach to Oregon's drug crisis. (Ben Botkin/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

In first vote, committee passes controversial bill that would unwind Measure 110

Police and prosecutors support House Bill 4002, but civil rights advocates warn that it would usher in Oregon’s return to the failed war on drugs

Feb 29, 2024

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SHUTTERSTOCK

Senate committee axes proposal for mandatory addiction treatment for children

The Senate Human Services Committee trimmed the bill down to a pilot program giving drug users quick access to treatment medication

Feb 22, 2024

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Simon Fulford, executive director of Parrott Creek Child and Family Services in Oregon City, looks into a resident's room. For months, his organization has tried to seek state funding for youth residential addiction services. | MICHAEL ROMANOS/OREGON CAPITAL CHRONICLE

Oregon Health Authority’s slowness to respond to drug crisis stymies expansion of care

Providers have ‘shovel ready’ projects, and the Legislature allocated millions last year but the health authority has yet to make any funding decisions

Feb 18, 2024