Oregon State Hospital volunteers bring holiday joy to patients

Available in Spanish Since 1986, every patient at Oregon State Hospital has received a gift during the holidays. This year, that’s 689 patients, and hospital volunteers are at the heart of the months-long process. OSH’s Volunteer Services team coordinates the Caring Tree program, which begins in the summer when hospital staff identify items that patients […]

If the holidays are hard: Resources for emotional and mental health 

If you find it hard to fully enjoy the holidays, you are not alone. All of us are figuring out how to celebrate in ways that support our health, which is more than protecting against COVID-19. Here are some ways to support your mental and emotional health as you prepare for the holidays. 

COVID-19 home tests and holiday gatherings

If you are worried about gathering with others who are unvaccinated, immunocompromised, or at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19, you may wonder about using COVID-19 home tests to find out whether you and people around you have current COVID-19 infection. While this is not currently recommended by the CDC, over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 testing kits are becoming more widely available.

Ways to enjoy the holiday season safely

It’s important to celebrate and be with people you care about during the holiday season. And because all adults and many children are now eligible for vaccination, safety guidance has loosened up a little since last year.

Tips for safer shopping during the holidays

For some folks, holiday shopping is just as important as baking homemade cookies, gathering with friends and family and giving presents. And while it’s true that COVID-19 has changed the way we shop, it doesn’t have to dampen the spirit of giving. If you follow a few tips to protect yourself and others, holiday shopping […]

Let’s trick-or-treat safely!

The time for ghosts, goblins and sticky sweets is approaching faster than you can say “Boo!” Okay, maybe not that fast, but it is time to start preparing for a safe Halloween.   This year, if you plan to trick-or-treat or hand out candy, please keep these tips in mind for a fun and healthy outing:  […]

Celebrating spring holidays safely

It’s spring, which means the days are getting lighter, flowers are starting to bloom, and people in Oregon are heading outside. This year, also, hope is in the air with more people in Oregon getting vaccinated. This is also a time when many celebrate springtime holidays. If you are fully vaccinated and plan on gathering, remember […]