Oregon Health Authority

Oregon Health Authority Follow us for the latest health news and tips for Oregonians and their families.

Oregon’s School-based health centers (SBHCs) are making a difference!During the 2023-24 school year, they logged a recor...
07/23/2025

Oregon’s School-based health centers (SBHCs) are making a difference!

During the 2023-24 school year, they logged a record number of visits – helping more students and families access the care they need, right in their communities.

Operating through a unique community partnership model, 43,000 people (mostly school-aged youth ages 5 to 21) sought health care at one of Oregon’s 87 SBHCs, which are located throughout 28 counties. This amounted to nearly 149,000 patient visits.

From providing medical care, behavioral health services and, often, dental services, these easily accessible services support youth to grow, learn and thrive.

To learn more about Oregon’s SBHCs, visit: https://ow.ly/mE2F50Wujzx

Wildfires are unpredictable and can quickly send smoke into Oregon communities. Smoke can travel hundreds of miles and c...
07/22/2025

Wildfires are unpredictable and can quickly send smoke into Oregon communities. Smoke can travel hundreds of miles and can cause health problems during prolonged exposure.

Here's how you can protect yourself and your family when smoke levels are high:
• Stay inside if possible. Keep windows and doors closed.
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
• Use HEPA filters in indoor ventilation systems or portable air purifiers.
• Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated reduces the smoke that can travel deep into your lungs.
• If you can, create a cleaner air space. Make sure you have enough medication and monitor your health.

Call your health care provider or 211 if your asthma gets worse or you’re exposed to smoke.

Smoke levels can change rapidly depending on the weather. For the most current information, visit oregonsmoke.org.

Back-to-school season is right around the corner!Is your child up to date on their vaccines?Oregon schools and childcare...
07/21/2025

Back-to-school season is right around the corner!

Is your child up to date on their vaccines?

Oregon schools and childcare facilities require certain vaccinations before the start of the school year.

Now’s the perfect time to schedule a check-up. Need help finding a provider? Call 211 or visit https://ow.ly/wQbm50WsXBw

Learn what immunizations are required for Oregon children in school or childcare facilities: https://ow.ly/KFKm50WsXBv

Wildfire smoke is harmful, especially for children, pregnant people, and those with chronic medical conditions. People a...
07/20/2025

Wildfire smoke is harmful, especially for children, pregnant people, and those with chronic medical conditions. People at risk for severe smoke effects should try to stay indoors when the air quality reaches “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” and others when outdoor air quality reaches “unhealthy.”

Monitor air quality in your area:
• Check the Oregon DEQ Air Quality Index map aqi.oregon.gov
• Visit the Oregon Smoke Information blog oregonsmoke.org
• Download the free OregonAIR app

Stay up to date on local emergency alerts at oralert.gov

Mosquitoes aren’t just annoying—they can spread disease like West Nile Virus. For the first time this year in 2025, mosq...
07/20/2025

Mosquitoes aren’t just annoying—they can spread disease like West Nile Virus. For the first time this year in 2025, mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus have been identified in Oregon. So, it’s a good time to take steps to protect yourself and your family.

To learn more, visit our West Nile Virus Prevention and Education website: https://ow.ly/YUUA50Ws2C2

As people head out to enjoy annual county fairs showcasing Oregon’s agricultural communities, stay safe around farm anim...
07/19/2025

As people head out to enjoy annual county fairs showcasing Oregon’s agricultural communities, stay safe around farm animals at county fairs.

Farm animals are fun to visit, but they can carry germs that make people sick, even if they look healthy.

If you plan to visit a county fair with farm animals, here are some safety tips to keep in mind.

OHA issued a recreational use health advisory today for Bully Creek Reservoir in Malheur County due to the presence of a...
07/19/2025

OHA issued a recreational use health advisory today for Bully Creek Reservoir in Malheur County due to the presence of a cyanobacteria bloom and cyanotoxins above recreational use values for human exposure.

Children and pets are at increased risk for cyanobacteria exposure and poisoning because of their size and level of activity.

Remember, “When in doubt, stay out!”

For more information, visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website: healthoregon.org/hab

The Oregon Health Authority Beneficiary Advisory Committee (BAC) is recruiting!The BAC is a group where people with Medi...
07/18/2025

The Oregon Health Authority Beneficiary Advisory Committee (BAC) is recruiting!

The BAC is a group where people with Medicaid can share their thoughts and ideas with OHA. It gives advice to the Medicaid Advisory Committee (MAC) and to OHA about how to improve the Medicaid program in Oregon.

If you are interested in working to improve Oregon’s Medicaid program through the work of the BAC, apply by August 13: https://ow.ly/PQ0l50WrZSF

**Stipend and/or travel reimbursement available for eligible members.**

If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Wetherson at BAC.Info@odhsoha.oregon.gov, 503-793-1920.

Wildfire smoke can be harmful, even during evacuation. If you’re leaving due to fire or smoke:In the car • Set your AC t...
07/18/2025

Wildfire smoke can be harmful, even during evacuation. If you’re leaving due to fire or smoke:

In the car
• Set your AC to circulate
• Close air vents to keep smoke out
• Bring respirators (N95 or better, if possible)

Stay informed
• Follow local alerts and evacuation orders, ORAlert.gov
• Call 211 Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., or visit 211info.org for help finding shelters or clean air centers

Your health matters. Take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Governor Tina Kotek has declared a state of emergency due to imminent threat of wildfires across Oregon. Wildfires and s...
07/17/2025

Governor Tina Kotek has declared a state of emergency due to imminent threat of wildfires across Oregon. Wildfires and smoke can be harmful to health.

Stay up to date on alerts for your area by checking:
• Oregonsmoke.org
• The Oregon DEQ Air Quality Index map aqi.oregon.gov
• Download the free OregonAIR app on your smartphone.

For more information on protecting your health during wildfires, visit healthoregon.org/wildfires

And remember, to find clean air shelters near you during wildfire emergencies, call 211 or visit 211info.org and enter “Wildfire Related Clean Air Shelters”.

07/16/2025

OHA is pleased to announce the “988 Oregon: Connect to Hope" campaign, launching with the three-year anniversary of 988. Our goal is to make sure people across Oregon know they can call or text 988 to get free, confidential support - anytime, anywhere.

Investments in treatment are paying off in Oregon behavioral health system.OHA’s Behavioral Health Director Ebony Clarke...
07/16/2025

Investments in treatment are paying off in Oregon behavioral health system.

OHA’s Behavioral Health Director Ebony Clarke delivered a powerful message at the Recovery Community Summit in Portland, highlighting how legislative investments in adult behavioral health residential treatment are transforming lives and reshaping the future of care in Oregon.

New treatment centers are continuing to open statewide, thanks to investments from the Oregon State Legislature, especially in rural areas hit hard by the opioid crisis.

Since June 2024, Oregon has added more than 240 beds and plans are to reach a total of 595 new beds by the end of 2026.

This momentum is part of Gov. Kotek’s behavioral health priority and a bold vision outlined in OHA’s Strategic Plan - building a stronger, responsive, and equitable behavioral health system for all Oregonians.

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