Interviews Tomorrow: Black Maternal Health Week + Perinatal Safety -04/16/25

PORTLAND, Ore. (April 15, 2025): Black Maternal Health Week (April 11-17) is a time to call attention to health outcomes for Black mothers who continue to face significantly higher risks during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. For instance, Black mothers are 3.5 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes compared to white mothers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The good news is that there are effective, evidence-based practices providers can implement that can reduce morbidity and mortality during pregnancy. If these practices are put into place, all women, especially those who face the greatest risks, are more likely to have a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

 

"Many women who are low income in both rural and urban communities face barriers to accessing prenatal care, as well as postpartum care for up to 3 months post-birth," said Dr. Christal Crooks, MD, family medicine physician with Kaiser Permanente in Portland, Ore. "These barriers include personal barriers (work, childcare, transportation, education, culture, language); health system barriers (limited hours of operation, lack of services); and environmental barriers (location and connectivity or cell phone coverage.)

 

“We’ve seen progress in maternal health outcomes due to advancements in medical technology, better access to prenatal care, and increased awareness of maternal health issues. But too many women -- especially Black mothers -- still face unacceptable risks of complications during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period."

 

Interviews available: 

Dr. Christal Crooks, MD, family medicine physician with Kaiser Permanente Northwest, is available for Zoom interviews on Thursday, April 17 from 10 a.m. to noon.  Contact Karen Vitt to schedule.

 

Dr. Crooks is prepared to discuss:

• What is driving disparities in maternal health outcomes, and what can be done to improve care for all mothers

• Evidence-based practices that reduce preventable deaths and complications during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period

• Why Black women are 3.5 times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women, and why they are also more likely to experience preterm births, low birthweight births, and infant mortality 

• What tools and support are being implemented to improve health outcomes for mothers

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 12.4 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 Today: Managing Children’s Spring Allergies -04/11/25

PORTLAND, Ore. (April 10, 2025): With the arrival of warmer weather in Portland, many children are beginning to experience seasonal allergy symptoms. Dr. Tracy Peck, a pediatrician at Kaiser Permanente Mt. Scott Medical Office in Portland, emphasizes the importance of early intervention to alleviate discomfort and improve quality of life during allergy season.

 

"As spring blooms, we see a significant uptick in allergy symptoms among children," said Dr. Peck. “Unlike adults, kids may not always be able to explain what they’re feeling, so parents should watch for signs like persistent sneezing, itchy eyes, or nasal congestion. Early recognition and action can make a big difference. Over-the-counter remedies can help in many cases, but if symptoms persist or interfere with sleep or school, it’s time for parents to talk with their pediatrician about treatment options.

 

Recent studies indicate that climate change is contributing to longer and more intense allergy seasons. Warmer temperatures and extended growing seasons lead to increased pollen production, exacerbating allergy symptoms in children.

 

​To help manage and reduce allergy symptoms in children, Dr. Peck recommends the following strategies:

• Limit Outdoor Exposure: Pollen counts are typically higher during midday and afternoon. Encourage children to play outside during early morning or late evening hours when pollen levels are lower.​

• Keep indoor air Clean: Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in your home to trap allergens. Keep windows closed during high pollen seasons to prevent allergens from entering.

• Maintain cleanliness: After outdoor activities, have children change clothes and shower to remove pollen from their bodies and hair. This practice helps prevent the spread of allergens within the home.​

• Monitor pollen forecasts: Stay informed about daily pollen counts in the Portland area. On days with high pollen levels, consider indoor activities to minimize exposure.​

• Consult a pediatrician: If allergy symptoms persist or interfere with daily activities, seek medical advice. A pediatrician can recommend appropriate over-the-counter medications or prescribe treatments tailored to your child's needs.

"By taking preventive steps, parents can significantly reduce their children's allergy symptoms and enhance their overall well-being this spring," Dr. Peck adds.​

 

Interviews available: 

Dr. Tracy Peck, MD, Pediatrician with Kaiser Permanente Northwest, is available for Zoom interviews on Friday, April 11 between 2-4 p.m. Contact Karen Vitt to schedule. 

 

Dr. Peck is prepared to discuss: 

• Common allergy symptoms in children 

• Ways to minimize or prevent spring allergies  

• Treatments available and when to seek medical advice 

• Why spring allergy season seems longer and worse lately 

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 12.4 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

TODAY: Volunteers Cleaned Up Vancouver For National Volunteer Month (Photo) -04/09/25

Today in Vancouver, Wash., more than 50 Kaiser Permanente employees rolled up their sleeves to celebrate National Volunteer Month with a Vancouver community cleanup event in partnership with SOLVE.

 

Armed with gloves and trash bags, Northwest staff gathered outside the Kaiser Permanente Cascade Park Medical Office before heading out in teams to collect litter and help beautify the surrounding neighborhood.

 

“Volunteering and giving back to the communities we serve is so important to Kaiser Permanente and our employees,” said Ron Shoals, Community Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northwest. “Cleaner communities are healthier communities, and this is one way we can support the well-being of our neighbors right here in Vancouver.” The event is one of 25 volunteer activities Kaiser Permanente employees are taking part in throughout April, all aimed at supporting healthier, more vibrant communities.

Kaiser Permanente Announces New Hospital Tower At Its Sunnyside Medical Center (Photo) -03/31/25

Kaiser Permanente announces new hospital tower at its Sunnyside Medical Center 

 

The modern, state-of-the-art facility will make Sunnyside Medical Center the first fully electric hospital in Oregon.