News & Stories for Oregonians
This article contains notes from Oregon Health News readers who responded to our survey about how they cope with loneliness. OHA warmly thanks everyone who generously wrote in. We’ve included many of your thoughtful responses throughout this article and at the bottom. In 2019, in a park in Cardiff, Wales, a friendly dog approached an […]
When someone struggling with drug use reaches out for help, there’s a chance they’ll never get that help if they are unhoused. Often there are waiting lists for residential treatment services, and by the time a space opens up, the person may have changed their mind, disappeared with no contact information, or died. “This population […]
Updated Oct. 12 – this article was edited to correct details of the Bridge Access Program in the COVID-19 vaccine section. Available in Spanish OHA is aware of some people being unexpectedly charged for COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines. There are a few reasons why this might happen, and we always recommend checking […]
Available in Spanish Updated Nov. 2, 2023 The next round of COVID-19 vaccines is here, and the guidance for who should get it, and when, is much simpler than before. Find a 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine near you by searching at Vaccines.gov. Click here for a printable document. (This printable document has not been updated to […]
In one Portland neighborhood, new hope is dawning for hundreds of people seeking treatment for addiction. Recovery Works Northwest recently cut the ribbon on the state’s first alcohol and drug withdrawal (detox) management facility made possible with Measure 110 funding. The 16-bed facility in Southeast Portland will be the first of its kind to serve […]
Available in Spanish The life-saving opioid overdose reversal medication naloxone is now available to the public without a prescription. It is available under its brand name Narcan, which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for over-the-counter distribution earlier this year. The FDA first approved naloxone in 1971, and it has since been traditionally […]
Available in Spanish A few weeks ago we reported that Omicron subvariant XBB.1.16 had become the predominant COVID-19 variant across Oregon and the United States, making up 14.8% of all cases nationally at that time. As of last week, another subvariant—Omicron EG.5—has taken over as the country’s predominant strain, accounting for 17.3% of COVID-19 cases […]
Available in Spanish When Betty Brown surveys the free food line that forms twice a week at the Portland Open Bible Church, she sees a tapestry of immigrant and refugee groups represented. She sees members of Russian, Vietnamese, Chinese, Latino and Arab communities, among others. It is a source of pride—to simultaneously support and celebrate […]
Available in Spanish If you’re an Oregon Health Plan (OHP) member, did you know you might be able to get help with vet bills, supplies and adoption fees for your therapy animal? You may also be able to get a lamp or light box to treat anxiety and depression, hotel stays after surgery or modifications […]
Available in Spanish Update: Aug. 4, 2023 – This article has been updated to reflect the CDC’s support for its advisory panel’s vote, as stated in this press release. Infants and 1-year-olds will soon be able to receive a new medication to protect them from RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). The Centers for Disease Control and […]
