News & Stories for Oregonians
Black Maternal Health Week takes place April 11–17, 2026. It’s a week to celebrate, learn, and take action to support Black mothers and birthing people. The Black Mamas Matter Alliance started this movement 10 years ago to shine a light on the challenges Black women face during pregnancy and birth. This year’s theme, “Rooted in Justice and Joy,” honors a decade of community leadership. It lifts […]
April is Alcohol Awareness Month, a time to take a closer look at how alcohol shows up in our lives and what we can do to keep ourselves and our communities safe this spring. In Oregon, alcohol has become a common part of social life for many people, from weddings and holidays to sporting events and backyard barbecues. It […]
Earlier this month, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS), community partners, local leaders, and residents celebrated the opening of Stratus Village, a new 175-unit affordable housing development in McMinnville. Stratus Village includes 10 Permanent Supportive Housing units for people with serious and long-term mental illness. These homes offer a safe place to live, […]
Public health is all around us in sometimes visible, but more often invisible ways. It’s clean drinking water, safe food, vaccines, and smoke-free public places. It’s newborn screenings that help detect serious diseases early. It’s the people who track outbreaks, respond to emergencies, and work to reduce drug overdoses. It’s creating communities that are easy […]
Oregon State Hospital (OSH) is pleased to announce that Dr. Amit Bhavan has been selected as the hospital’s new Chief Medical Officer. He has been serving in the role on an interim basis since August 2025. During this time, Dr. Bhavan helped OSH stay in compliance with national health standards and supported ongoing efforts to […]
Communities across Oregon are working together to keep measles from spreading, and one of the most helpful tools we have is wastewater testing. Wastewater testing looks for tiny pieces of viruses or other infectious diseases in the sewage water that flows from communities. This approach gives everyone an early clue when measles shows up in […]
Many people in our state struggle with the cost of prescription medications – Oregon Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) is gathering real stories to understand how these prices affect everyday life. In February, we shared that PDAB was working on identifying a list of prescription drugs for review at upcoming community forums. This year, PDAB […]
In many places around Oregon, spring break starts next week! Many people living in and visiting Oregon are hoping to enjoy the great outdoors as part of their fun. E-scooters and e-bikes are becoming popular ways to explore parks, neighborhoods, and city streets. They’re fun, fast and a great way to get around. As more people ride them, staying safe is more important than ever. A rider’s […]
Spring break is just around the corner, and many people living in Oregon are getting ready for road trips, vacations, and time off with family and friends. As you make plans, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is reminding you to celebrate safely, especially when it comes to alcohol and transportation. In Oregon, driving under the influence […]
In July 2025, the federal government passed the House Resolution 1 (HR1) budget bill, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. HR1 requires big changes to Oregon Health Plan (OHP, also known as Medicaid). Starting in 2027 at the earliest, new federal rules will require OHP members to renew more often. Currently, most OHP members renew […]
