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Moss isn’t a likely source of lead exposure for humans. But researchers took samples from it in Portland neighborhoods to see how environmental lead levels vary across the region. | COURTESY/OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY

Study finds old telecom cables leaching lead in parts of Portland

Researchers found high levels near old cables, helping explain a long-standing mystery around why some areas are harder hit than others by the toxic substance

Jul 25, 2024
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Compounding pharmacies are formulating copies of semaglutide, a key ingredient in blockbuster weight-loss drugs like Wegovy. | ILLUSTRATION BY OONA TEMPEST/KFF HEALTH NEWS

Why millions are trying FDA-authorized alternatives to Big Pharma’s weight loss drugs

In response to shortages, compounding pharmacies are producing copycat versions of blockbuster weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic. While these pharmacies are operating in a gray area, large drugmakers oppose the practice

Jul 25, 2024

NAOMI PETRIE IS A DENTAL THERAPIST IN COOS BAY WHO IS PART OF A PILOT DENTAL THERAPIST PROGRAM FOR TRIBAL AREAS. SHE IS A MEMBER OF THE CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF COOS, LOWER UMPQUA AND SIUSLAW INDIANS./COURTESY OF THE NORTHWEST PORTLAND AREA INDIAN HEALTH BOARD

Dental therapists, who can fill cavities and check teeth, get the OK in more states

Introduced by Alaska Natives, the occupation brings oral health care to more areas. Dental therapists are authorized in 14 states including Oregon and Washington

Jul 25, 2024

SHUTTERSTOCK

Oregon tops country in share of people retaining Medicaid, study finds

States are again checking to see if people covered by Medicaid are eligible after a pause during the pandemic. Oregon has kept 80% of its Medicaid recipients enrolled in the program, a new study found

Jul 25, 2024

Drones are increasingly being used to respond to health care emergencies (illustration). | SHUTTERSTOCK

Rescue from above: How drones may narrow emergency response times

Public safety and health care organizations across the country are increasingly using drones to speed up lifesaving treatment in situations in which every second counts

Jul 25, 2024

Teresa Blazer looks at Oregon Health Authority information about her home's water system in Shady Cove in May of 2024. | JUSTIN HIGGINBOTTOM/JPR

Southern Oregon residents worry state isn’t monitoring water quality closely enough after arsenic scare

A Jackson County resident had questions after she learned about elevated arsenic levels in her drinking water. Her concerns reveal gaps in water regulation throughout the state.

Jul 23, 2024

EMILIANO BAR/UNSPLASH

State funds $13 million to improve medication-assisted treatment at Oregon's jails

New treatment providers around the state will be funded to combat opioid use disorder, including at jails, clinics and hospitals, with help from Oregon Health & Science University

Jul 23, 2024
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SHUTTERSTOCK

A California medical group treats only homeless patients — and makes money doing it

Street medicine nonprofit Healthcare in Action has tapped into streams of public money. Those include Medicare Advantage plans for seniors, the fastest-growing segment of the population facing homelessness

Jul 23, 2024

Oregon State Hospital in Salem. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

After fatal drug overdose, Oregon State Hospital resumes limited in-person visits for patients

Hospital officials paused visits to rethink their approaches to preventing drugs and other contraband from entering the Salem-based psychiatric facility

Jul 23, 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during the National Action Network conference at the Sheraton Times Square in New York on April 14, 2023. | SHUTTERSTOCK

Harris, once Biden’s voice on abortion, would take an outspoken approach to health

Jul 23, 2024

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