Oregon Law Expands ‘tobacco Products’ Definition To Prevent Underage Sales, Youth Nicotine Addiction - 06/03/26

Editors: Find video clips of Sarah Wylie discussing SB 1571 on OHA’s Media Resources page.

June 3, 2026

Media contact: Erica Heartquist, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Oregon law expands ‘tobacco products’ definition to prevent underage sales, youth nicotine addiction

Oral nicotine pouches, lozenges, other emerging nicotine products included under Oregon’s tobacco regulations starting June 5

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is reminding Oregon’s 3,700 tobacco retailers that a new state law expanding the definition of tobacco products takes effect June 5.

People must be 21 to purchase tobacco products and inhalant delivery systems in Oregon and nationwide. Senate Bill 1571, signed into law in March, expands the state’s definition of tobacco products to include oral nicotine pouches, lozenges, gum and other nicotine products, regardless of whether they are naturally or synthetically made.

Nicotine pouches are the fastest-growing product on the U.S. tobacco market. In 2024, oral nicotine pouches became the second most commonly used tobacco product among U.S. middle and high school students.

The revision brings Oregon’s tobacco regulations in line with federal law to reduce youth access to addictive nicotine products, many of which are sold in flavors marketed as cool mint, citrus burst, refreshing chill and wild berry. A national study showed that 80% of youth who ever used a tobacco product started with a flavored product.

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in Oregon, accounting for 8,000 deaths annually. Sarah Wylie, manager of the Oregon Tobacco Retail License Program at OHA's Public Health Division, said “SB 1571 is a significant step in responding to the shifting tobacco retail landscape and the emergence of new and addictive nicotine products.”

“As the tobacco industry continues to introduce these products designed to appeal to new consumers, public health policies must evolve to keep pace and ensure communities are protected from emerging health risks,” Wylie said.  

Between January and July 2025, OHA’s Tobacco Prevention and Education Program conducted a statewide tobacco retail assessment to examine tobacco availability, advertising, marketing and promotion across 1,147 Oregon retail outlets, including convenience stores, gas stations and grocery stores, among others.

The assessment found that 65% of tobacco retailers offered price promotions, including 43% promoting oral nicotine products. One product, Zyn, had the lowest advertised price of any tobacco or nicotine product assessed, averaging just $5.60. The low cost is especially concerning as oral nicotine pouches continue to grow in popularity among youth, who are often the most price-sensitive consumers.

The new law takes important steps toward reducing youth nicotine addiction and reducing tobacco-driven health inequities. Nearly 90% of people who smoke start before they turn 18, and teenagers’ developing brains are vulnerable to the highly addictive nicotine in tobacco products.

Moving forward, oral nicotine products will be regulated similarly to cigarettes and inhalant delivery systems, such as e-cigarettes or vapes.

OHA encourages Oregon tobacco retailers to review age verification and ID-checking procedures with employees to ensure compliance with the updated law before it takes effect. OHA and local public health authorities will continue to conduct undercover compliance checks, which now include enforcement of the updated law.

Retailers are urged to visit OHA's website for tobacco retailers for a training manual, fact sheets, compliance checklists and other educational resources to help them stay in compliance with Oregon tobacco sales laws. For questions about OHA compliance inspections and enforcement, visit healthoregon.org/tobaccoretailsales, email Tobacco.Inspections@odhsoha.oregon.gov, or call: 971-673-2283.

Quitting tobacco makes a difference – and quitting is different for everyone. That’s why there are a variety of free options across Oregon to help you succeed.

• You can get free counseling with a Quit Coach and Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) sent to your door at no cost:
  • Texting “Ready” (English) or “Listo” (Spanish) to 21586
  • Calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW or 1-855-DEJELO-YA (Spanish)
  • Visiting the Oregon Tobacco Quit Line at quitnow.net/oregon
  • Downloading the free “Quit for Life” app on your mobile device
• You can ask your local pharmacist if they offer counseling and treatment on site. Pharmacists that offer counseling and treatment on site will work with you to build a personalized treatment plan and provide follow-up to see how the treatment plan works.
• You can also learn how to quit in your own way, with or without the help of a coach or pharmacist, by visiting https://smokefreeoregon.com/im-ready-to-quit.

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OHA, Local Public Health Monitoring Passenger Exposed To Andes Virus - 06/02/26

June 2, 2026

Media contact: Jonathan Modie, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

OHA, local public health monitoring passenger exposed to Andes virus

Individual was aboard outbreak-stricken MV Hondius cruise ship

PORTLAND, Ore.—Public health officials are monitoring an Oregon resident after their return this week from a Nebraska quarantine facility, where the individual stayed after disembarking from the cruise ship MV Hondius.

The resident, who has asked for privacy, arrived home in Oregon June 1 and will remain in quarantine through June 21—42 days following their return to the United States on May 10.

Since May 10, the Oregon resident has been at the National Quarantine Unit (NQU) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. The resident was transported to the facility after disembarking with other U.S. passengers from the MV Hondius in Spain following an outbreak of the Andes strain of hantavirus aboard the cruise ship, which departed Ushuaia, Argentina, April 1.

Oregon Health Authority has collaborated closely with federal and local partners, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local public health authorities, on the response to the Andes virus outbreak. This has included implementing guidelines for the safe return of any Oregon passenger to the state.

OHA reminds people that the risk of infection with Andes virus in Oregon remains extremely low and there are no concerns of transmission to the general public.

CDC has published Interim Guidance for Public Health Assessment and Management of People with Potential Exposure to Andes Virus to support monitoring of individuals with exposure to the Andes virus on the MV Hondius cruise.

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Recreational Use Advisory Issued For Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge - 05/28/26

May 28, 2026

Media contact: Erica Heartquist, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory issued for Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge

PORTLAND, Ore.— Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use health advisory today for Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge due to the presence of a cyanotoxins above recreational use value. The wildlife refuge is in Klamath County.

People should avoid swimming and high-speed water activities, such as water skiing or power boating, in areas of the wildlife refuge where blooms are present, as the major route of exposure is ingestion or inhalation of water. Toxins are not absorbed through the skin. However, those with skin sensitivities may get a puffy red rash.

OHA encourages people to visit Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge and enjoy activities such as fishing, bird watching and canoeing. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray. Sprays could lead to the risk of inhaling cyanotoxins.

Drinking water

Drinking water directly from areas of the lake affected by a bloom is especially dangerous. Toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating water with camping-style filters. Contact campground management or the local health department with questions about water available at nearby campgrounds or day use areas.

Not all private treatment systems are effective at removing cyanotoxins. People who do not use a well or public water system and draw in-home water directly from an affected area are advised to use an alternative water source for drinking and cooking.

Symptoms for people, pets

Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size, level of activity, and likelihood of ingesting water.

For people, exposure to cyanotoxins can be serious and cause a range of symptoms. Symptoms may be similar to food poisoning such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may also be more serious, such as numbness, tingling, dizziness and shortness of breath. These symptoms may require medical attention.

Dogs can get extremely ill and even die within minutes to hours of exposure to cyanotoxins by drinking the water, licking their fur, or eating the toxins from floating mats or dried crusts along the shore. This is regardless of whether a recreational use health advisory in place. Symptoms in dogs can include difficulty walking, seizures, lethargy, and loss of appetite, and more.  If a dog exhibits symptoms, veterinary treatment should be sought as quickly as possible. OHA recommends keeping dogs on leashes, away from affected water and mat material, to help reduce the chance of exposure.

Fishing

Fish caught from areas where cyanobacteria blooms are present may pose unknown health risks, so OHA recommends not eating fish from those areas. Those who decide to eat the fish should remove fat, skin and organs, where toxins are more likely to build up, before cooking or freezing. Fillets should also be rinsed with clean water.

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0482, or visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.

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Vaccination Rates For Oregon Students Reach New Low; Nonmedical Exemptions At New High - 05/28/26

May 28, 2026

Media contact: Jonathan Modie, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Vaccination rates for Oregon students reach new low; nonmedical exemptions at new high

Most families choose to vaccinate children, but more than a third of Oregon schools at risk of measles outbreak

PORTLAND, Ore.—State health officials urge parents and guardians to check their school’s vaccination rate to help families understand the local risk of a disease outbreak, especially for children who are not up to date on the MMR vaccine for measles.

Parents and caregivers can see vaccination rates for individual schools on OHA’s School Immunization Data dashboard.

Kindergarteners and nonmedical exemptions

For the 2025-2026 school year, Oregon’s rate of nonmedical exemptions for required school vaccines for kindergarteners has climbed to a record high of 10.9%—up from 6.9% in the 2021-2022 school year.

Only 85.6% of kindergarteners were up to date on required vaccines, according to data, continuing an overall downward trend that began a decade ago. The steepest decline happened during the last four years—a 3-percentage point drop since the 2021-2022 school year, when the rate was 88.4%.

“Although the vast majority of families in Oregon are still choosing to protect families through vaccination, the downward trends are deeply concerning,” said Howard Chiou, M.D., PhD., medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at OHA’s Public Health Division. “We risk seeing the return of diseases such as measles and polio—diseases of the past that once caused widespread harm but are entirely preventable with vaccines.”

The vaccine with the highest rate of kindergarten nonmedical exemptions is the second dose of the measles vaccine (MMR) at 9.4%, up from 4.9% 10 years ago, a 92% jump. Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world, and the best way to prevent infection is to get vaccinated.

The vaccine with the second highest rate of kindergarten nonmedical exemptions is the DTaP vaccine, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough). Pertussis rates in Oregon hit a 75-year high in 2025—1,475 cases.

Pertussis and measles cases have also risen to record highs in the past year nationally.

K-12 students

While the majority of K-12 students statewide, 90.2%, is up to date on required vaccinations, pockets of risk remain in individual schools. These pockets of risk at schools exist in all 36 counties in Oregon.

“Even when overall vaccination rates are high at the state or county level, that can sometimes hide significant risk at an individual school, so parents should not assume their local schools will also be well protected,” Chiou said. “We encourage families to look at the immunization rates for their child’s school to better understand personal and community risks.”

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 92% to 94% of the population needs to be immune to measles, through vaccination or previous infection, to prevent or limit the spread of infections in a community. Chiou says Oregon’s public health system strives for a 93% vaccination rate to achieve herd immunity.

Currently, more than one in three (36%) Oregon schools with 10 or more students in grades K-12 report MMR vaccination rates under 93% and are therefore at high risk of a measles outbreak.

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Governor Kotek Secures Additional Funding To Help Stabilize Maternity Care In Rural Communities - 05/28/26

May 28, 2026

Contact: Kristen Lambert, Kristen.lambert@oha.oregon.gov, 971-271-1347

Governor Kotek secures additional funding to help stabilize maternity care in rural communities

New federal funding will bolster state investment, strengthen labor and delivery services across 21 rural hospitals serving families in 17 counties

SALEM, Ore. — Governor Tina Kotek, Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and the Hospital Association of Oregon, announced today that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Oregon’s proposed state directed payment to strengthen and stabilize maternity care services in rural communities. By matching state funding secured by Governor Kotek , these approved federal funds will result in a total investment of up to $37.5 million for 21 rural hospitals that provide maternity services for some of Oregon’s most remote communities. For rural hospitals, many of which will navigate reductions in Medicaid funding due to H.R. 1, these payments will help provide additional staffing and essential medical equipment, sustain and create good paying jobs and invest in strategies that improve overall quality of care of maternity services, such as supporting community outreach to pregnant Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members.

"I fought for these funds in my budget to stabilize services in Oregon because rural communities deserve reliable, high quality maternity care close to home,” Governor Kotek said. “The Trump Administration’s cuts to Medicaid will make rural maternity care harder to sustain and I applaud the work by the agency to maximize state dollars to support Oregon providers. I appreciate this partnership from hospital leaders who participated in conversations with my office to devise how these funds will be spent, and our continued partnership as we work together to improve access to care where it’s needed most.”

The directed payment is part of a one-time $25 million investment authorized by the Legislature in House Bill 5025 (2025). The coordinated effort is led by Governor Kotek with OHA and the Hospital Association of Oregon to strengthen maternity services. Roughly half of all births in the state are covered by OHP, and Medicaid funding changes have already begun to impact rural healthcare providers in Oregon and across the country.  

“CMS’s approval enables us to support rural hospitals at a moment when maternity services are under tremendous pressure,” said Dr. Sejal Hathi, Director of OHA. “OHA worked hard to secure this funding because rural families and communities cannot wait as healthcare costs rise and labor and delivery units close. These funds will help reinforce essential care for expecting OHP members while also strengthening services for entire communities. As we implement this directed payment, OHA remains committed to bolstering the full continuum of maternity care and closing longstanding gaps—so that families can access the safe, high-quality care they need throughout pregnancy and beyond.”

At a time when Oregon’s rural hospitals are increasingly impacted by federal policy changes, these payments are designed to stabilize maternity services, strengthen access to care, and create good paying jobs in communities with limited resources. The funding aims to ensure safe, reliable services for OHP members. The investments are expected to improve access to prenatal and postpartum care, reduce preventable complications, and promote more equitable maternal health outcomes across rural Oregon.

“Oregon's rural hospitals face mounting financial and workforce challenges in sustaining the maternity services families rely on,” said Becky Hultberg, president and CEO of the Hospital Association of Oregon. “CMS’s approval was a critical step in releasing funds to rural hospitals, providing much-needed support to help protect access to maternity care in rural Oregon. This investment highlights what can be achieved when state leaders, hospitals, and our partners work together to protect care in communities.”

There is no application process for rural hospitals. Rural hospitals that currently offer maternity services will automatically receive payments. OHA is working with CCOs and rural hospitals to coordinate a payment schedule.

Investments Aimed at Stabilizing Care and Expanding Access

These efforts are part of a broader statewide strategy to strengthen maternity care. In 2025, the Governor requested and the Legislature authorized a one-time $25 million investment to support, stabilize, improve and expand rural maternity hospital services. Governor Kotek directed OHA to distribute the funds in a targeted approach based on input from impacted hospitals. In addition to the CMS‑approved directed payment, OHA increased the 2026 maternity care rates for larger hospitals that are paid by coordinated care organizations (CCOs) through diagnosis-related group (DRG) rates.

Rural hospitals may use the funds to strengthen maternity services and improve quality of care for OHP members, including: 

• Hiring or retaining maternity care staff
• Upgrading or purchasing clinical equipment
• Expanding outreach, navigation, or perinatal support for OHP members

Below is a list of rural hospitals that will receive direct payment (in alphabetical order by county):

In counties such as Malheur County — where more than half of residents are enrolled in OHP — improvements to maternity services often benefit the broader community. While activities like outreach may focus specifically on OHP members, other investments, such as equipment upgrades or additional staffing, enhance care for all patients.

In addition to the directed payment, OHA is continuing to strengthen the full continuum of maternity care by expanding access to doulas and lactation counselors, implementing a community-based access program to support culturally specific and geographically diverse perinatal service providers, and prioritizing maternal and child health through the Rural Health Transformation Program. OHA recognizes that maternity care extends far beyond hospital services—from prenatal visits and labor and delivery to postpartum supports, home visiting, and lactation services—and is working across this entire continuum to close gaps and improve equitable access to care for families in every community. 

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Every day, in multiple ways, the Oregon Health Authority supports individuals, communities, and partners across the state so that all families can thrive. OHA is further supporting rural hospitals by providing a total of $35 million in federal Rural Health Transformation Program funding this year. While most rural hospitals are eligible to receive $963,000 each through this opportunity, three larger rural hospitals with more than 50 beds can each receive nearly $1.4 million. This direct funding is designed to help rural Oregon improve access to critical services during a time of tremendous change and challenge in healthcare. On May 7, OHA announced which hospitals are eligible for this federal funding and how much each hospital can receive. For more details, please refer to the Rural Health Transformation Program newsletter.

New Roadmap Lays Out How To Help Youth With Complex Needs Thrive - 05/27/26

May 27, 2026

Contact: Franny White, OHA Communications, franny.l.white@oha.oregon.gov, 971-349-3539 

New roadmap lays out how to help youth with complex needs thrive

System of Care Advisory Council implementing 2026-2029 Strategic Plan

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon’s System of Care Advisory Council (SOCAC) is working to implement actionable strategies described in its new strategic plan to help youth with complex, unmet behavioral health or intellectual and developmental disabilities needs be safe, well and thrive.

Having more youth receive treatment and services at their homes or in their communities, increasing the high school completion rate for system-involved youth, reducing suicide attempts among youth, and decreasing substance use disorder in youth are among the key goals outlined in SOCAC’s 2026-2029 Strategic Plan.

“We are determined to ensure Oregon’s youth can thrive despite many challenges,” said SOCAC Executive Director Anna K. Williams. “To help make that happen, the System of Care Advisory Council is putting its new strategic plan into action statewide.”

For example, SOCAC is prioritizing making it easier for caregivers to access temporary, short-term respite and improving school-based services for students with disabilities. The council is also improving its support of local systems of care that address barriers across the state. And in addition to improving access to community-based supports and services, the strategic plan prioritizes access to high-acuity treatment and services for youth with multiple diagnoses.

The Oregon Legislature established SOCAC in 2019 to provide oversight for, and facilitate coordination between, the state agencies and community partners that provide behavioral, foster and other forms of care for Oregon youth with complex needs. SOCAC partners directly with youth, their families and other individuals as well as organizations involved in education, juvenile justice and more.

Co-developed with youth and families, SOCAC’s new strategic plan lays out small, but meaningful steps for the council to take during the next three years. The plan prioritizes four broad goals: 

• Improve access to coordinated, integrated and community-based systems of care
• Promote the co-creation of equitable policy and systems by providers and the youth and families they serve
• Create sustainable infrastructure that increases the systems of care’s capacity and credibility
• Transform the systems that serve children, youth and families

SOCAC is an independent state council with 29 members who are appointed by the governor. It partners with the following state agencies: Oregon Health Authority, Oregon Department of Human Services, Oregon Department of Education and Oregon Youth Authority. More information is at the SOCAC website and its fact sheet. People who are interested in contributing to SOCAC’s efforts are encouraged to email statewide.soc@oha.oregon.gov.

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OHA Kicks Off 2026 Oregon Beach Monitoring Season - 05/15/26

May 15, 2026

Media contact: Erica Heartquist, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

OHA kicks off 2026 Oregon beach monitoring season

Agency shares safety tips for coastal beach visitors

Editors: A media kit with videos of Linda Novitski, Ph.D., recreational waters specialist at OHA, discussing beach monitoring, is available on our media resources webpage. You can also watch a video about Oregon’s beach monitoring effort on our YouTube channel.

PORTLAND, Ore.—The Oregon Beach Monitoring Program is kicking off the 2026 beach monitoring season, a joint effort between Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality that monitors about two dozen of Oregon’s most used beaches for fecal bacteria between May and September.

Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections, and other illnesses. Children, the elderly and those with a compromised immune system should use extra caution as they are more vulnerable to illness from waterborne bacteria.

Through the Beach Monitoring Program, DEQ regularly samples marine water and freshwater at 25 beaches along Oregon’s 360 miles of coastline between May and September. To protect public health, OHA issues advisories at beaches where bacteria levels in marine waters are high.

The following Oregon beaches are being monitored during 2026, including beach name, and the city and county in which they are located:

• Seaside Beach – Seaside, Clatsop County
• Cannon Beach – Cannon Beach, Clatsop County
• Tolovana Beach State Park– Cannon Beach, Clatsop County
• Short Sand Beach (Oswald West State Park) – Arch Cape, Tillamook County
• Manzanita Beach – Manzanita, Tillamook County
• Rockaway Beach – Rockaway, Tillamook County
• Twin Rocks Beach – Twin Rocks, Tillamook County
• Oceanside Beach – Oceanside, Tillamook County
• Cape Kiwanda Beach – Pacific City, Tillamook County
• Neskowin Beach – Neskowin, Tillamook County
• D River Beach – Lincoln City, Lincoln County
• Siletz Bay Beach – Lincoln City, Lincoln County
• Beverly Beach – Newport, Lincoln County
• Agate Beach – Newport, Lincoln County
• Nye Beach – Newport, Lincoln City
• Ona Beach (Brian Booth-Beaver Creek State Park) – Seal Rock, Lincoln City
• Roads End Beach – Lincoln City, Lincoln County
• Seal Rock Beach – Seal Rock, Lincoln County
• Heceta Beach – Florence, Lane County
• Bastendorff Beach – Coos Bay, Coos County
• Sunset Bay State Park Beach – Coos Bay, Coos County
• Hubbard Creek Beach – Port Orford, Curry County
• Harris Beach State Park – Brookings, Curry County
• Mill Beach – Brookings, Curry County
• Crissey Fields State Recreation Site – Brookings, Curry County

Monitored locations include beaches where the Beach Monitoring Program has found bacteria in the past, or beaches for which local partners and the public have requested monitoring due to potential pollution concerns.

When visiting the Oregon Coast, the Beach Monitoring Program encourages visitors to remember the following tips to protect :

• Check for advisories before you head to the beach.
• If a beach is under advisory:
  • Avoid swimming and swallowing ocean water.
  • Avoid swimming in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, or in discolored water, and stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean. Levels of fecal bacteria can be higher in these types of water sources.
  • Shower after playing at the beach.
  • Wash your hands before eating or drinking.
  • Enjoy activities such as picnicking, beach walking and kite flying.

Note: Beach advisories are only issued for beaches that are actively being monitored within the May to Sept. sampling window. However, unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters can come from both shore and inland sources including:

• Stormwater runoff
• Sewer overflows
• Failing septic systems
• Animal waste from livestock, pets and wildlife

Even if no advisory is in effect, avoid swimming in the ocean within 48 hours after a rainstorm.

For more information and current beach monitoring conditions please visit: www.healthoregon.org/beach, or contact the Beach Monitoring Program at Beach.Health@oha.oregon.gov or 1-877-290-6767.

Clinic In Clackamas County Is Latest Measles Exposure Location - 05/15/26

Opioid Settlement Board Allocated $90 Million For Prevention, Treatment, Recovery Services Across Oregon - 05/14/26

May 14, 2026

Media contact: Erica Heartquist, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov  

Opioid Settlement Board allocated $90 million for prevention, treatment, recovery services across Oregon

What you should know: 

• The Oregon Opioid Settlement Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Board allocated more than $90 million over the past two years to support substance use and recovery services and supports.
• Thirty percent—more than $27 million—went to the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon.
• Eighty-one Oregon cities and counties received more than $71 million.

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Oregon Opioid Settlement Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Board (OSPTR) has allocated more than $90 million statewide for substance use prevention, treatment and recovery services and supports statewide over the last two years, according to a new report that details spending in 2024-2025.

“These investments will create lasting, positive change in Oregon's prevention, treatment and recovery systems, supporting vital programs for those impacted by the overdose and substance use disorder crisis,” said OSPTR Co-Chair Annaliese Dolph. “Together, we are seizing a historic opportunity to build and strengthen high-impact initiatives that reach those who need them most.”

During the 2023–2025 biennium, from July 2023 to June 2025, the OSPTR Board allocated 30% of the state portion of opioid settlement funds— $27.7 million—to the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon.

A total of 81 cities and counties received 55% of Oregon’s opioid settlement funds. Local jurisdictions spent the funds primarily on supporting people in treatment and recovery (29%) and connecting people who need help to care (26%).

The OSPTR Board funds have paid for a range of care around the state, including:

• $14.3 million to expand existing Oregon opioid treatment programs in high-needs areas, including The Dalles, Klamath Falls, Redmond, Oregon City, Gresham, NE Oregon, rural Linn County, East Lane County, Florence and the North Coast, and for training and technical assistance to jails to improve access to medications for opioid use disorder.
• $13.7 million for the Save Lives Oregon Clearinghouse to distribute naloxone and other life-saving supplies to organizations statewide.
• $13.7 million to support primary prevention programs—those that help prevent substance use before it starts—through counties and community-based organizations, and to replenish and strengthen the statewide substance use disorder prevention workforce.
• $13 million to establish new recovery community centers in Coos Bay, Roseburg, Grants Pass and in the Gorge, and for expansions of existing recovery community centers in Klamath Falls, Portland and Medford, with a focus on expanding access to culturally specific services across the state.

About the OSPTR Board

Since July 2021, the State of Oregon has reached agreements several companies for their roles in the opioid crisis. Through these agreements, more than $700 million will be awarded to Oregon by 2039.

Settlement funds from opioid manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies are divided between the State of Oregon (45%) and local jurisdictions (55%).

The state’s share is deposited into the Opioid Settlement, Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Fund as it becomes available. This fund is controlled by the 18-member OSPTR Board. OHA provides administrative support to the fund and board.

To learn more about Oregon’s opioid settlement funds, visit oregon.gov/opioidsettlement.

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New Bend Recovery Center Expands Support For Young Adults In Recovery - 05/14/26

May 14, 2026

Media Contact: Amber Shoebridge, 503-931-9586

New Bend recovery center expands support for young adults in recovery

BEND, Ore.— Community and state officials recently joined local partners to celebrate the opening of a new center that will expand recovery resources and provide a welcoming space for peer connection, mentoring and youth-focused activities in Central Oregon.

4D Recovery celebrated the opening of its new Recovery Community Center, at 1841 NE Lytle Street, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“This opening highlights the important work happening across Oregon to provide more help for people who are struggling,” said Governor Tina Kotek. “Peer services are critical to the continuum of care, and I’m excited for Central Oregon to have this new support for their community.”

The center will provide peer-led recovery support services and programming for young adults navigating substance use and co-occurring mental health challenges. The Behavioral Health Resource Network (BHRN) program, based in Oregon Health Authority’s Behavioral Health Division, awarded 4D Recovery in Bend approximately $2 million over four years.

Abbey Stamp, executive director of the Behavioral Health Resource Networks, emphasized the importance of community-based recovery services and peer support for young people in recovery during the event.

“Recovery happens in community,” Stamp said. “Creating spaces where young people can access support, build connections and feel a sense of belonging is critical to long-term recovery and well-being.”

4D Recovery is a peer-led recovery organization that serves young adults through recovery community centers, peer mentoring, recovery housing and other support services in Oregon and Washington.

"Our Deschutes County ribbon cutting had a strong turnout, with a great mix of community partners, representatives, and local leaders in attendance,” said Gabrie Ward, 4D Recovery Deschutes County Community Center Manager. “One of the standout moments was hearing from the speakers, who highlighted the importance of community, collaboration and continued support for young people and the work being done."

The organization will host another ribbon cutting ceremony next week for its Young Adult Recovery Center in Medford.

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Oregon Overdose Deaths Declined In 2024, 2025 - 05/13/26

May 13, 2026 

Media contact: Jonathan Modie, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Oregon overdose deaths declined in 2024, 2025

New data show fewer fentanyl overdoses, but continued strain on emergency services

PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon’s overdose deaths have decreased over the past two years, according to provisional federal data and a new report released by Oregon Health Authority (OHA).

Preliminary data show there were around 1,100 deaths in 2025, representing a continued downward trend, although the total is likely to increase slightly as more data from 2025 is processed. A total of 1,544 people died of a drug overdose in 2024, down from 1,833 in 2023.

The decline marks the first year-over-year decline since 2016, according to a legislatively mandated report on the ongoing statewide overdose crisis.

“This improvement is the result of deep partnerships between state agencies, behavioral health providers, local officials and law enforcement and shows what is possible when all of us work together,” Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said. “We have to stay on track. Together, we can save the lives of our neighbors, friends and family members.” 

John W. Mcllveen, Ph.D., Oregon’s State Opioid Treatment Authority, said that while all overdose deaths are tragic, and historically underserved communities and populations still bear the brunt of the opioid crisis, the data show Oregon’s investments in prevention, treatment and harm reduction are helping save lives.

“But with fentanyl and methamphetamine still involved in most deaths, continued collaboration is critical to sustaining this progress,” he said, noting that more than 90% of the reported overdose deaths involved fentanyl, methamphetamine or some combination of both.

There were 4,193 in-patient overdose-related hospitalizations, and 10,365 overdose-related emergency room visits in 2024, according to the report. Those totals do not account for overdoses that are reversed in the community, using opioid-reversing medications such as naloxone.

In 2024, 62.2% of Oregon overdose deaths involved multiple substances (polysubstance), with the majority (70%) of polysubstance overdose deaths involving fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Addressing this issue requires a cross-agency, multisector response to simultaneously address factors contributing to substance use and overdose.

Some investments contributing to Oregon’s decrease in overdoses include:

• Funding the Save Lives Oregon Harm Reduction Clearinghouse, which partners with community-based and front-line organizations to provide direct services to people experiencing fentanyl addiction and other substance use issues.
• Expanding investments in opioid treatment programs and services throughout the state.

• Funding Behavioral Health Regional Networks (BHRNs). This statewide network of services and supports, available in every Oregon county, serves people with substance use disorders regardless of their ability to pay.
• Funding prevention programs and peer services and supports around the state.

“The sustained decline in overdose deaths is encouraging to see, but we still have a long way to go,” said Tom Jeanne, M.D., MPH, deputy state health officer and deputy state epidemiologist at OHA. “Continued investment by the state and community partners across the full spectrum of prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery is needed to keep overdoses on a downward trajectory.”

You can see Jeanne’s complete interview here.

Ways to save lives in your community:

• Learn how to administer naloxone with this Save Lives Oregon video
• Connect with your regional overdose prevention coordinator to learn about local overdose prevention activities and resources.
• Find more overdose and prevention resources on OHA’s website.

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Cyanobacteria Bloom Season Is Here: When In Doubt, Stay Out - 05/07/26

Editors: Videos of Linda Novitski, Ph.D., discussing cyanobacteria blooms and advisories are available on OHA’s Media Resources page.

May 7, 2026

Media contact: Erica Heartquist, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Cyanobacteria bloom season is here: When in doubt, stay out

PORTLAND, Ore.—With summer just around the corner, Oregon agencies have begun their annual monitoring of the state’s lakes, rivers and reservoirs for the presence of toxic cyanobacteria blooms.

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) launched their seasonal freshwater surveillance activities earlier this week, as increasing temperatures raise the risk of cyanobacteria harmful algae blooms (cyanoHABs) in water bodies.

Cyanobacteria are beneficial bacteria found in all fresh water worldwide, but they can multiply into blooms under the right conditions, such as warm weather, sunlight, water temperature, nutrients and water chemistry. Many blooms are harmless, but some can produce cyanotoxins that make people and animals sick.

“When temperatures rise, many people head to their favorite water bodies to cool off, but those higher temperatures can also promote toxic cyanobacteria growth,” said Linda Novitski, Ph.D., recreational waters specialist in the Environmental Public Health Section at OHA’s Public Health Division. “Our goal is to inform people about the risks of exposure when recreating and reduce cases of illness due to cyanoHABs.”

Exposure to cyanotoxins occurs when water is swallowed while swimming, or when people inhale water droplets during high-speed activities such as water-skiing or wakeboarding. Symptoms of exposure to cyanotoxins include:

• Diarrhea
• Cramps
• Vomiting
• Numbness
• Dizziness and fainting

Although cyanotoxins are not absorbed through the skin, people with sensitive skin can develop a red, raised rash when wading, playing or swimming in or around a bloom.

Children and pets are particularly sensitive to illness because of their size and activity levels. Similarly, livestock and wildlife can become ill and die after drinking from water bodies, troughs or other sources affected by blooms and potential toxins.

Dogs can get extremely ill and even die within minutes to hours of exposure to cyanotoxins by drinking the water, licking their fur or eating the toxins from floating mats or dried crust along the shore. It is very important to get a pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible if they exhibit diarrhea, vomiting, breathing problems, difficulty walking or standing, or loss of appetite.

During cyanoHABs season, DEQ and local partners collect water samples at water bodies around the state with heavy recreational use, a history of cyanobacteria blooms, or where a bloom is visible. Samples are sent to a laboratory for testing; OHA analyzes the results and decides if an advisory should be issued.

Very few freshwater bodies in Oregon are monitored for cyanotoxins. For this reason, it is important for people to carefully observe any water body they choose to recreate in before taking the plunge.

OHA recommends that everyone not swim or do high-speed boating in water that is foamy, scummy, thick like pea-green or blue-green paint, or where brownish-red mats are present. Additionally, since blooms can wash up on the shore, people should avoid areas with algal mats that are either attached, floating or stranded on the shore.

Even then, looks can be deceiving. Certain blooms grow on or near the bottom of water bodies such as lakes and rivers. While some blooms make and release toxins into the water, they don’t change how the surface of the water looks, making them hard to see.

Community members looking for visual examples can find pictures of algae blooms in the Algae Bloom Photo Gallery or watch an explainer video on blooms at OHA’s official YouTube channel. If you are unsure, follow OHA’s guidance of “When in doubt, stay out.”

Open recreational areas where blooms are confirmed can still be enjoyed for activities such as camping, hiking, biking, picnicking and bird watching. By being aware of signs of a bloom and taking appropriate precautions to reduce or eliminate exposure, people can enjoy water activities such as canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and boating as long as boat speeds do not create excessive water spray. Fish can be eaten if they are cleaned with water from a clean water source and fat, skin, and organs are removed before eating.

To learn if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body, visit the Harmful Algae Bloom website or call the OHA Public Health Division toll-free information line at 877-290-6767.

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0440. For campground or lake information, call the local management agency.

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