What to know about the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines

The next round of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines is here, and the guidance for who should get it, and when, is much simpler than before. Find an updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine near you by searching at Vaccines.gov. Click here for a printable document. Q: Who should get the updated COVID-19 vaccine? A: The Centers for Disease […]

Through Measure 110 funding, recovery center brings new hope to Portland neighborhood

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 […]

How the availability of naloxone without a prescription will save lives

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 […]

COVID-19: New variant, same message

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 […]

Portland woman honored for vaccinating, educating and feeding immigrants and refugees

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 […]

Some Oregon Health Plan benefits may surprise you

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 […]

What’s happening with the pandemic?

We’ve heard from readers that you’d like more information about what’s happening with COVID-19. The good news is there’s not much to report, but we understand why people are feeling anxious about something that has consumed all of our lives for the past few years. The virus The virus that causes COVID-19 continues to mutate. […]

Apply now for help paying water and energy bills

If you’re having trouble paying your water, heating or cooling bills, you may be able to get your current and past due bills paid for. Water and sewer bills Oregon’s Low-Income Household Water Assistance (LIHWA) Program is accepting applications through Sept. 30. This temporary federal program was launched during the pandemic to help low-income households […]

Los beneficios completos del Plan de Salud de Oregon están disponibles para más adultos sin importar el estatus migratorio desde el 1 de julio.

Desde el 1 de julio, los habitantes de Oregon de todas las edades, independientemente de su estado migratorio, comenzaron a tener acceso a los beneficios completos del Plan de Salud de Oregon (OHP/Medicaid) si cumplen con los requisitos de ingresos. La cobertura completa del OHP incluye: En 2022, Oregon Health Authority (OHA, por sus siglas […]

OHP benefits available to people of all ages and immigration status

Available in Spanish Starting July 1, Oregonians of all ages, regardless of immigration status, will have access to full Oregon Health Plan (OHP/Medicaid) benefits if they meet income requirements. Full OHP coverage includes: In 2022, OHA expanded OHP coverage to adults ages 19-25 and 55 and older, no matter their immigration status. Now, all Oregonians […]