Neighborhood Health Center

03/13/2026

Sleep is one of the best ways to care for your health. It helps your brain focus, supports your heart, and helps your body fight germs.

Try one small change this week:
🌙 Keep the same bedtime and wake-up time most days
📵 Turn off screens before bed
🛏️ Make your room cool, dark, and quiet

If sleep has been hard for a while, you’re not alone. Bring it up at your next visit! We’re here to help.

03/11/2026

Having health insurance is an important step toward protecting your health and your wallet. But having insurance is only the first part. Knowing how to use it helps you get the care you need, without surprise bills or unnecessary stress.

Learn More:

Learn how health insurance works, including the Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid), Medicare, and private insurance. Simple terms, no jargon, and help from NHC.

03/05/2026

Neighborhood Health Center (NHC) is saddened to share the passing of former NHC Board member Alan Hodge, who served on our Board of Directors for seven years, including as Treasurer.

Alan joined the Board because he wanted to give back for the care he and his mother received at NHC. Over time, he became a thoughtful advocate for community healthcare and for the patients we serve.

As a community health center, our Board includes patient leaders who help guide how care is delivered. Alan brought honesty, humor, and perspective to conversations that shaped decisions affecting thousands of patients across our clinics.

NHC CEO Jeri Weeks shared, "Alan always brought so much wit and perspective to our board meetings. He had the room in stitches many, many times during his time on the board. He was more than just a board member; he was a friend."

We are grateful for Alan’s service and the impact he made at NHC. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.

Read more about Alan’s legacy and service: https://bit.ly/Alan_Hodge

03/02/2026

Eating healthy doesn’t have to cost more. 🥕

For many families, food budgets are tight. The good news? Small choices can help stretch your dollars and support your health.

Here are a few budget-friendly nutrition tips:
📝 Plan meals ahead to avoid last-minute spending
🫘 Choose beans, lentils, eggs, and peanut butter
🧊 Frozen and canned fruits and veggies count (look for no added sugar or salt)
🛒 Store brands often cost less and offer the same nutrition
💳 SNAP and WIC benefits can help, and some stores offer extra fruit and veggie incentives

Nutrition looks different for everyone. What matters most is finding what works for you and your family.

Talk with your provider about nutrition at your next appointment. We’re here to support your health — one step at a time.

Note: This post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. For personalized care and recommendations, please talk with your healthcare provider.

02/27/2026

Keep your smile healthy between dental visits!

You don’t have to wait for your next appointment to take great care of your teeth and gums. Our blog shares simple, everyday tips to help you keep your smile strong and healthy — from brushing and flossing the right way to foods that help (and some that don’t).

Read more:

By Dr. Ellory Busch, Family Dentist at NHC Tanasbourne Medical & Dental Clinic Taking care of your teeth isn’t just about visiting the dentist – it’s also about what you do every day. Good habits help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Here are some tips for taking care of your smile between de...

02/25/2026

When it comes to kids’ dental care, having options matters.

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is one option dentists may use to help manage cavities in young children.

Learn how it works and when it’s used:

Learn what silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is, how it works, and when it may help stop cavities in kids, without drilling or shots.

02/20/2026

Got OHP or a CCO? Here’s how it works at your clinic!

If you have the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) or are part of a Coordinated Care Organization (CCO), you might have questions about how it helps you get care.

Our guide explains how OHP and CCOs work with NHC — like how you choose a clinic, get care from your care team, and use your benefits. It’s written in plain language so it’s easy to understand.

Learn more:

Learn how Oregon Health Plan (OHP) Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs) work and how to choose a clinic that fits your needs. See why selecting NHC as your OHP clinic gives you access to medical, dental, and behavioral health services.

02/19/2026

Flu season can hit fast, and it can be tough on kids and adults alike.

The flu is a virus that spreads easily through coughs, sneezes, and shared surfaces. Symptoms often start suddenly and can include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and extreme tiredness. Kids may also have vomiting or diarrhea.

The best protection is a flu shot each year for everyone 6 months and older. Flu shots can’t give you the flu, and they help lower the risk of serious illness. Washing hands, covering coughs, staying home when sick, and cleaning shared surfaces also make a difference.

If your child gets sick, rest and fluids are key. Get medical care right away for trouble breathing, dehydration, confusion, bluish lips or face, or symptoms that improve and then get worse.

Not sure what’s right for your family? Talk with your provider. They know your health history and can help you decide what’s best.

Have questions or need a flu shot? Contact your NHC care team to learn more.

02/18/2026

Last week, NHC leadership joined Community Health Center leaders from across the country in Washington, D.C. for the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) Policies & Issues Forum.

This year marked 60 years of Community Health Centers serving communities nationwide, and important conversations about what’s next for primary care. A key focus was NACHC’s “Triple Double” strategy, which aims to strengthen access to care by doubling primary care spending, the number of patients served, and the primary care workforce.

Representing Neighborhood Health Center (NHC), our CFO/COO, Blain A. West, and Director of Advancement, Penny L. Moore, met with members of Oregon’s congressional delegation to advocate for sustained and expanded federal investment in Community Health Centers.

These conversations matter. Community Health Centers serve nearly 1 in 7 Americans, yet account for just 1% of total U.S. healthcare spending. Their integrated model delivers high-quality, cost-effective, and whole-person care in communities across the country.

Proud to be part of a national movement advancing access to care and supporting the future of primary care.

02/18/2026

Ever leave a medical visit confused by the words you heard? 🤔

Health care comes with its own language, and sometimes that makes it hard to understand what your provider is telling you. Our latest blog breaks down 12 common medical terms in easy-to-understand language so you can feel more confident at your next visit.

Read the guide: https://bit.ly/health-terms

Understanding your care helps you be a stronger partner in your health, and we’re here to help every step of the way. 💚

Learn 12 common medical and healthcare terms explained in simple language to help you feel more confident at your doctor’s visit.

02/16/2026

Please join us in welcoming Dina Garcia, LCSW, MSW, to Neighborhood Health Center!

Dina joins our Oregon City Medical Clinic as a Behavioral Health Consultant, bringing deep experience supporting children, families, and adults across community mental health, child welfare, residential, and outpatient settings. Her work is grounded in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and family-centered treatment planning.

At NHC, Dina partners closely with care teams to provide compassionate, integrated behavioral health support, helping patients feel heard, supported, and empowered as they work toward their health and wellness goals.

We’re excited to have Dina’s expertise, collaboration, and care on our team. Welcome to NHC, Dina!

02/13/2026

Does cold air make your teeth zing? ❄️🦷 You’re not imagining it! Winter can make sensitivity feel worse.

A few quick tips that can help:
🔹Try a soft-bristled toothbrush
🔹Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth
🔹Cover your mouth with a scarf outside

If it’s sharp or lasts more than a few weeks, it’s worth checking in with a dentist. We’ve got you. 💙

Which tip will you try out?