Kaiser Permanente Northwest

Emergency Messages as of 11:13 PM, Thu. Dec 4

No information currently posted.

Subscribe to receive FlashAlert messages from Kaiser Permanente Northwest.

Manage my existing Subscription

News Release

INTERVIEWS: Doctor’s Advice On Pneumonia Vaccines - 12/03/25

PORTLAND, Ore. (December 3, 2025) ~ As respiratory-illness season gets under way, physicians at Kaiser Permanente Northwest remind our communities that a safe and effective vaccine is available to prevent serious lung infections caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, commonly called pneumococcal disease – including pneumonia.

 

“Pneumonia infections can be life-threatening, especially for older adults and people with chronic health conditions,” said Dr. Marion Howard of Kaiser Permanente Northwest. “Vaccination gives strong protection from the most common type of pneumonia, and it’s one of the smartest things you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones this time of year.”

 

Pneumonia is of the most common and dangerous respiratory infections in the U.S., often striking suddenly and leading to hospitalization or death, particularly among older adults and people with chronic illnesses. (The recent deaths of Diane Keaton, 79, and Dick Cheney, 84, have brought more attention to the serious nature of the lung infection.) Because the infection spreads easily through coughing or close contact, experts say vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and those around you before illness strikes. 

 

The CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for children younger than 5 years and adults 50 years or older. The CDC also recommends pneumococcal vaccination for children and adults at increased risk for pneumococcal disease. Children also receive pneumococcal conjugate vaccines as part of the routine immunization schedule. Even healthy adults should review their vaccination history with their care team, as recommendations depend on age, medical history, and prior vaccines.

 

Interviews available:  

Dr. Marion Howard, physician with Kaiser Permanente Northwest, is available for Zoom interviews on Thursday, Dec. 4 from 10:30 a.m.-noon. Contact Karen Vitt to schedule. 

 

Dr. Howard is prepared to discuss: 

  • The latest pneumococcal-vaccine recommendations for adults and children 

  • Why pneumonia remains a serious threat despite being preventable 

  • How the vaccine fits into broader respiratory-illness prevention (including flu and COVID) 

  • Who is at greatest risk and what individuals can do to protect themselves  

About Kaiser Permanente 
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve nearly 12.6 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, please visit: about.kaiserpermanente.org. 

INTERVIEWS: Doctor’s Advice On Pneumonia Vaccines - 12/03/25

PORTLAND, Ore. (December 3, 2025) ~ As respiratory-illness season gets under way, physicians at Kaiser Permanente Northwest remind our communities that a safe and effective vaccine is available to prevent serious lung infections caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, commonly called pneumococcal disease – including pneumonia.

 

“Pneumonia infections can be life-threatening, especially for older adults and people with chronic health conditions,” said Dr. Marion Howard of Kaiser Permanente Northwest. “Vaccination gives strong protection from the most common type of pneumonia, and it’s one of the smartest things you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones this time of year.”

 

Pneumonia is of the most common and dangerous respiratory infections in the U.S., often striking suddenly and leading to hospitalization or death, particularly among older adults and people with chronic illnesses. (The recent deaths of Diane Keaton, 79, and Dick Cheney, 84, have brought more attention to the serious nature of the lung infection.) Because the infection spreads easily through coughing or close contact, experts say vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and those around you before illness strikes. 

 

The CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for children younger than 5 years and adults 50 years or older. The CDC also recommends pneumococcal vaccination for children and adults at increased risk for pneumococcal disease. Children also receive pneumococcal conjugate vaccines as part of the routine immunization schedule. Even healthy adults should review their vaccination history with their care team, as recommendations depend on age, medical history, and prior vaccines.

 

Interviews available:  

Dr. Marion Howard, physician with Kaiser Permanente Northwest, is available for Zoom interviews on Thursday, Dec. 4 from 10:30 a.m.-noon. Contact Karen Vitt to schedule. 

 

Dr. Howard is prepared to discuss: 

  • The latest pneumococcal-vaccine recommendations for adults and children 

  • Why pneumonia remains a serious threat despite being preventable 

  • How the vaccine fits into broader respiratory-illness prevention (including flu and COVID) 

  • Who is at greatest risk and what individuals can do to protect themselves  

About Kaiser Permanente 
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve nearly 12.6 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, please visit: about.kaiserpermanente.org. 

Dentists Deliver Free Dental Care In Clark County (Photo) - 11/21/25

Kaiser Permanente Dental teams showed their commitment to community health during a free community dental clinic at Cascade Park Dental Office in Vancouver, Wash., on Saturday, Nov. 15. In partnership with Kaiser Permanente Northwest Community Health and the Free Clinic of Southwest Washington, the event provided essential dental services to 39 patients, delivering more than $28,000 in care to neighbors who need it most.

 

Volunteer dentists Lloyd Chang, DDS; Matthew Chung, DDS; Benjamin An, DDS; Mailiki Patterson, DDS; Hatai Jivagunchainan, DMD; and Thien-Y Hoang, DMD worked alongside nearly 30 Kaiser Permanente Dental team members who supported patient care, clinic operations and outreach. The clinic is part of Kaiser Permanente’s ongoing effort to improve access to care for vulnerable community members across Clark County.

 

“Access to dental care is crucial to overall health and wellness,” said Thien-y Hoang, DMD. “When people live with significant dental decay or oral infections, it isn’t just painful — it can put real strain on the body. Those infections increase the risk of bacteria entering the bloodstream, which can lead to heart problems and weaken the immune system. Helping patients address these issues is one of the most meaningful ways we can support their health.”

Attached Media Files: In partnership with Kaiser Permanente Northwest Community Health and the Free Clinic of Southwest Washington, the Cascade Park free dental clinic provided essential dental services to 39 patients, delivering more than $28,000 in care to neighbors who need it most., In partnership with Kaiser Permanente Northwest Community Health and the Free Clinic of Southwest Washington, the Cascade Park free dental clinic provided essential dental services to 39 patients, delivering more than $28,000 in care to neighbors who need it most., Volunteer dentists Lloyd Chang, DDS; Matthew Chung, DDS; Benjamin An, DDS; Mailiki Patterson, DDS; Hatai Jivagunchainan, DMD; and Thien-Y Hoang, DMD worked alongside nearly 30 Kaiser Permanente Dental team members during a free community dental clinic at Cascade Park Dental Office in Vancouver, Wash., on Saturday, Nov. 15.,

Dentists Deliver Free Dental Care In Clark County (Photo) - 11/21/25

Kaiser Permanente Dental teams showed their commitment to community health during a free community dental clinic at Cascade Park Dental Office in Vancouver, Wash., on Saturday, Nov. 15. In partnership with Kaiser Permanente Northwest Community Health and the Free Clinic of Southwest Washington, the event provided essential dental services to 39 patients, delivering more than $28,000 in care to neighbors who need it most.

 

Volunteer dentists Lloyd Chang, DDS; Matthew Chung, DDS; Benjamin An, DDS; Mailiki Patterson, DDS; Hatai Jivagunchainan, DMD; and Thien-Y Hoang, DMD worked alongside nearly 30 Kaiser Permanente Dental team members who supported patient care, clinic operations and outreach. The clinic is part of Kaiser Permanente’s ongoing effort to improve access to care for vulnerable community members across Clark County.

 

“Access to dental care is crucial to overall health and wellness,” said Thien-y Hoang, DMD. “When people live with significant dental decay or oral infections, it isn’t just painful — it can put real strain on the body. Those infections increase the risk of bacteria entering the bloodstream, which can lead to heart problems and weaken the immune system. Helping patients address these issues is one of the most meaningful ways we can support their health.”

Attached Media Files: In partnership with Kaiser Permanente Northwest Community Health and the Free Clinic of Southwest Washington, the Cascade Park free dental clinic provided essential dental services to 39 patients, delivering more than $28,000 in care to neighbors who need it most., In partnership with Kaiser Permanente Northwest Community Health and the Free Clinic of Southwest Washington, the Cascade Park free dental clinic provided essential dental services to 39 patients, delivering more than $28,000 in care to neighbors who need it most., Volunteer dentists Lloyd Chang, DDS; Matthew Chung, DDS; Benjamin An, DDS; Mailiki Patterson, DDS; Hatai Jivagunchainan, DMD; and Thien-Y Hoang, DMD worked alongside nearly 30 Kaiser Permanente Dental team members during a free community dental clinic at Cascade Park Dental Office in Vancouver, Wash., on Saturday, Nov. 15.,

WESTSIDE MEDICAL CENTER RECOGNIZED FOR PATIENT SAFETY - 11/18/25

Kaiser Permanent’s Westside Medical Center earns an “A” for limiting patient injuries, reducing medical errors, and preventing infections, according to the Leapfrog Group

 

HILLSBORO, Ore., Nov. 18, 2025 – Kaiser Permanente’s Westside Medical Center has been recognized as among the best in Oregon for patient safety by The Leapfrog Group. Westside Medical Center earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from the national nonprofit organization that serves as a voice for health care consumers and purchasers.

 

“This recognition reflects the unwavering commitment of our Westside Medical Center teams to deliver exceptional care,” said Adam Van Den Avyle, Kaiser Permanente’s Northwest Hospital Administrator. “Their dedication to quality and patient safety is truly inspiring, and I’m grateful for their continued efforts to set the highest standards for our community.”

 

Leapfrog assesses hospitals on approximately two dozen measures, including patient injuries, medical and medication errors, and infections. Hospitals receive an A through F depending on their performance.

 

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program focused exclusively on preventable medical errors, infections and injuries that kill more than 500 patients a day nationally. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring. 

 

To see Westside Medical Center’s full grade details and to access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org.

 

About Kaiser Permanente 

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve nearly 12.6 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, please visit: about.kaiserpermanente.org. 

WESTSIDE MEDICAL CENTER RECOGNIZED FOR PATIENT SAFETY - 11/18/25

Kaiser Permanent’s Westside Medical Center earns an “A” for limiting patient injuries, reducing medical errors, and preventing infections, according to the Leapfrog Group

 

HILLSBORO, Ore., Nov. 18, 2025 – Kaiser Permanente’s Westside Medical Center has been recognized as among the best in Oregon for patient safety by The Leapfrog Group. Westside Medical Center earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from the national nonprofit organization that serves as a voice for health care consumers and purchasers.

 

“This recognition reflects the unwavering commitment of our Westside Medical Center teams to deliver exceptional care,” said Adam Van Den Avyle, Kaiser Permanente’s Northwest Hospital Administrator. “Their dedication to quality and patient safety is truly inspiring, and I’m grateful for their continued efforts to set the highest standards for our community.”

 

Leapfrog assesses hospitals on approximately two dozen measures, including patient injuries, medical and medication errors, and infections. Hospitals receive an A through F depending on their performance.

 

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program focused exclusively on preventable medical errors, infections and injuries that kill more than 500 patients a day nationally. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring. 

 

To see Westside Medical Center’s full grade details and to access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org.

 

About Kaiser Permanente 

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve nearly 12.6 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, please visit: about.kaiserpermanente.org. 

INTERVIEWS: Having Tough Talks With Aging Parents (Photo) - 11/10/25

PORTLAND, Ore. (November 10, 2025) – Many people are dealing with senior parents who have serious health struggles, which means they are facing topics that are often difficult to talk about. As families gather for the holidays, it can also be a time when subtle changes in aging loved ones become more noticeable. As seniors face challenges such as difficulty driving, managing daily tasks, or making decisions about downsizing or moving to assisted living, it may be the right time to start important and sometimes difficult conversations about their health, safety and future care.

 

“Noticing these changes early and addressing them with empathy can make a big difference,” said Dr. Marion Howard, geriatrician with Kaiser Permanente Northwest. “Families often struggle with how to bring up topics like retiring from driving, transitioning to assisted living, or discussing end-of-life wishes. Planning these conversations before a crisis arises allows seniors to feel respected and supported while ensuring their well-being."

 

Dr. Howard encourages families to approach these discussions with compassion and preparation. “It’s okay for these conversations to be hard,” she said. “Listening carefully, validating feelings, and involving your health care team can help make decisions smoother and maintain your loved one’s dignity and independence.”

  

Dr. Howard adds that it’s normal for these talks not to go smoothly at first because emotions often run high, so showing patience and understanding are key when those moments arise.

 

Interviews available:  

Dr. Marion Howard, MD, geriatrician with Kaiser Permanente Northwest, is available for Zoom interviews on Tuesday, Nov. 11 from noon-1:30 p.m. Contact Karen Vitt to schedule.

 

Dr. Howard is prepared to discuss:  

  • How to approach conversations about driving retirement with seniors 
  • Planning for assisted living or changes in living arrangements 
  • Advance directives, living wills, and end-of-life planning 
  • Managing difficult conversations when cognitive or physical limitations are present 
  • Strategies for supporting seniors’ independence while ensuring their safety 

About Kaiser Permanente 

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve nearly 12.6 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, please visit: about.kaiserpermanente.org. 

Attached Media Files: Many people are dealing with senior parents who have serious health struggles, which means they are facing topics that are often difficult to talk about., “Families often struggle with how to bring up topics like retiring from driving, transitioning to assisted living, or discussing end-of-life wishes," said Dr. Marion Howard, geriatrician with Kaiser Permanente Northwest.,

INTERVIEWS: Having Tough Talks With Aging Parents (Photo) - 11/10/25

PORTLAND, Ore. (November 10, 2025) – Many people are dealing with senior parents who have serious health struggles, which means they are facing topics that are often difficult to talk about. As families gather for the holidays, it can also be a time when subtle changes in aging loved ones become more noticeable. As seniors face challenges such as difficulty driving, managing daily tasks, or making decisions about downsizing or moving to assisted living, it may be the right time to start important and sometimes difficult conversations about their health, safety and future care.

 

“Noticing these changes early and addressing them with empathy can make a big difference,” said Dr. Marion Howard, geriatrician with Kaiser Permanente Northwest. “Families often struggle with how to bring up topics like retiring from driving, transitioning to assisted living, or discussing end-of-life wishes. Planning these conversations before a crisis arises allows seniors to feel respected and supported while ensuring their well-being."

 

Dr. Howard encourages families to approach these discussions with compassion and preparation. “It’s okay for these conversations to be hard,” she said. “Listening carefully, validating feelings, and involving your health care team can help make decisions smoother and maintain your loved one’s dignity and independence.”

  

Dr. Howard adds that it’s normal for these talks not to go smoothly at first because emotions often run high, so showing patience and understanding are key when those moments arise.

 

Interviews available:  

Dr. Marion Howard, MD, geriatrician with Kaiser Permanente Northwest, is available for Zoom interviews on Tuesday, Nov. 11 from noon-1:30 p.m. Contact Karen Vitt to schedule.

 

Dr. Howard is prepared to discuss:  

  • How to approach conversations about driving retirement with seniors 
  • Planning for assisted living or changes in living arrangements 
  • Advance directives, living wills, and end-of-life planning 
  • Managing difficult conversations when cognitive or physical limitations are present 
  • Strategies for supporting seniors’ independence while ensuring their safety 

About Kaiser Permanente 

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve nearly 12.6 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, please visit: about.kaiserpermanente.org. 

Attached Media Files: Many people are dealing with senior parents who have serious health struggles, which means they are facing topics that are often difficult to talk about., “Families often struggle with how to bring up topics like retiring from driving, transitioning to assisted living, or discussing end-of-life wishes," said Dr. Marion Howard, geriatrician with Kaiser Permanente Northwest.,