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Multnomah County worked to vaccinate people of color and people experiencing homelessness. | MOTOYA NAKAMURA/MULTNOMAH COUNTY

Oregon's health care program for low-income people is in ‘crisis,’ leaders say

Much publicized federal cuts haven't even kicked in yet. But the state's health care system for 1.4 million low-income people is already bleeding red ink, and leaders of the care organizations in the Oregon Health Plan say they can't afford to keep delivering care at a huge loss.
Aug 21, 2025
Portland Police officers use a fentanyl test kit during an arrest for drug possession in downtown Portland, Sept. 10, 2024
Portland Police officers use a fentanyl test kit during an arrest for drug possession in downtown Portland, Sept. 10, 2024. This woman was one of roughly 70 people who have been deflected in Multnomah County since Oregon recriminalized drug possession. | KRISTYNA WENTZ-GRAFF / OPB

One year in, Oregon’s efforts to curb drug use are still a work in progress

During the past year, more than 1,300 people entered a deflection program. Roughly 48% didn’t complete it. The remainder either did or are currently enrolled.
Sep 4, 2025
Rural Clackamas County in Oregon. | SHUTTERSTOCK

Oregon seeks $1 billion for rural health

State health officials are competing with other states for a share of $50 billion in federal rural health funds
Nov 6, 2025
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Oregon State Hospital in Salem, Oregon, on Nov. 21, 2023. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

State wants hospitals to pay more to support the program investigating them

Oregon health officials are asking lawmakers to support a bill that would increase hospital licensing fees by a factor of five to improve outreach and oversight. They'd still be less than in Washington state, but hospital officials say the move would further burden struggling facilities.
Mar 18, 2025
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U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT, PUBLIC DOMAIN/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Health care workers want ICE out of hospitals, and blue states are responding

Health care workers in multiple states say ICE is increasing its presence in health care facilities, like the incident at Adventist Health in Portland. They say the actions are deterring people from seeking medical care and creating chaos that jeopardizes the safety of their patients.
Feb 10

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