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January 22, 2020
Media contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us
Northwest Regional Newborn Bloodspot Screening Advisory Board meets February 4
What: A public meeting of the Northwest Regional Newborn Bloodspot Screening (NWRNBS) Advisory Board.
Agenda: Welcome; recap and review of work; disorder review introduction; spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) review and discussion (open comment period to include SMA); X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) review and discussion (open comment period to include X-ALD); review draft process for recommending the removal of disorders from the screening panel; wrap-up and next steps.
When: Tuesday, Feb. 4, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Two 10-minute public comment periods are scheduled at about 10 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.; comments are limited to from one to three minutes depending on the number of people providing comments.
Where: Oregon State Public Health Laboratory, Suite 100, Shared Conference Room, 7202 NE Evergreen Parkway, Hillsboro. Please check in at the front desk and bring a photo ID. A conference call line is available by dialing 720-707-2699 (West Coast); 646-558-865 (East Coast), access code 753 960 1319.
Background: The Northwest Regional Newborn Bloodspot Screening Program screens newborns for endocrine, hemoglobin, cystic fibrosis, immunodeficiency and metabolic disorders that may not be clinically evident in the first few days or weeks of life. Detecting these conditions early allows the infant to be referred for diagnosis and appropriate treatment to prevent death or disability. For more information, visit healthoregon.org/nbs.
# # #
Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:
- Sign language and spoken language interpreters
- Written materials in other languages
- Braille
- Large print
- Audio and other formats
If you need help or have questions, please contact Christianne Biggs at 503-693-4172, 711 TTY or S.AdvisoryBoard@dhsoha.state.or.us">NBS.AdvisoryBoard@dhsoha.state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.
January 22, 2020
Media contact: Allyson Hagen, 503-449-6457, allyson.hagen@dhsoha.state.or.us
Program Contact: Pete Edlund, 503-931-8873, .m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.us">peter.m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.us (meeting information or accommodation)
CCO Metrics Technical Advisory Group meets January 23
What: A public meeting of the Oregon Health Authority’s CCO Metrics Technical Advisory Group.
When: January 23, 1-3 p.m.
Where: Five Oak Building, Suite 850, Mary Conference Room, 421 SW Oak St., Portland. Space is limited. The public also may join remotely through a webinar at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/4851900018377321985 and conference line at 888-398-2342, participant code 5731389.
Agenda: Welcome and introductions; updates; 2020 measure calculations: continuous enrollment criteria, 2019 baseline calculations; adjourn.
For more information, please visit the committee's website at http://www.oregon.gov/OHA/HPA/ANALYTICS/Pages/Metrics-Technical-Advisory-Group.aspx.
# # #
Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:
- Sign language and spoken language interpreters
- Written materials in other languages
- Braille
- Large print
- Audio and other formats
If you need help or have questions, please contact Pete Edlund at 503-931-8873, 711 TTY, .m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.us">peter.m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.
January 22, 2020
Media contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us
Advance Directive Adoption Committee meets February 3
What: A public meeting of the Advance Directive Adoption Committee.
Agenda: Revise first draft of Advance Directive form; finalize first draft of instructions and FAQs to accompany form.
When: Monday, Feb. 3, 2-5 p.m. The meeting is open to the public. A public comment period will be held at the end of the meeting.
Where: Portland State Office Building, Conference Room 177, 800 NE Oregon St., Portland.
Background: The Advance Directive Adoption Committee provides guidance to the Oregon Health Authority on necessary revisions to Oregon’s Advance Directive form.
# # #
Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:
- Sign language and spoken language interpreters
- Written materials in other languages
- Braille
- Large print
- Audio and other formats
If you need help or have questions, please contact Kati Moseley at 971-673-2284, 711 TTY or ina.moseley@dhsoha.state.or.us">Katarina.moseley@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.
January 16, 2019
Media contact: Allyson Hagen, 503-449-6457, allyson.hagen@dhsoha.state.or.us
Oregon Health Authority awarded up to $16 million to improve child health
Funds targeted to Marion, Polk, Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson counties
Statement from Dana Hargunani, MD, OHA chief medical officer
Oregon will receive millions in new federal funding to develop better ways to reduce health risks for children and prevent unnecessary hospital visits and foster care placements.
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has been awarded up to $16 million over seven years from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Integrated Care for Kids (InCK) Model to improve health for children and youth covered by Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in five Oregon counties.
OHA will partner with the Oregon Pediatric Improvement Partnership (OPIP) at Oregon Health & Science University and local communities to better integrate services across behavioral health, physical health, and other family supports to meet the triple aim of better health, better care, and lower costs. OHA is one of eight awardees selected from across the country.
"This is an exciting opportunity to bring extra resources to this region, connecting community partners, health care providers and families to wrap resources around our kids," said Dana Hargunani, MD, OHA's chief medical officer. "We will be able to take what we learn from this work to help improve children’s health across the state."
The model will focus on supporting children and youth ages 0 to 21 who are covered by Medicaid and CHIP in Marion, Polk, Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties. The ultimate goal of the model is to provide effective child- and family-centered care in order to reduce hospital stays and out-of-home placements for children and youth such as foster care and residential behavioral health.
Research shows that many of the factors that determine health outcomes are related to social determinants of health and health equity. This funding aims to help health care providers align with other public programs such as child welfare, education, housing, nutrition, and maternal and child health to expand access to care for children and youth.
The funding includes up to $3 million for the first two years for planning and partnership development and up to $2 million for each of the five implementation years, with some funding contingent on performance.
The model will also help advance Governor Brown’s policy priorities for the Oregon Health Plan by: addressing social determinants of health and health equity, improving family behavioral health support, developing value-based payments for children’s health care, and reducing costs.
The award announcement can be found on the CMS website.
# # #
Disclaimer: The contents provided are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of HHS or any of its agencies.
The project described above was supported by Funding Opportunity Number CMS2B2-20-001 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
January 14, 2020
Media contact: Allyson Hagen, 503-449-6457, allyson.hagen@dhsoha.state.or.us
Program Contact: Daphne Peck, 503-373-1985, c.info@dhsoha.state.or.us">herc.info@dhsoha.state.or.us (meeting information or accommodation)
HERC Evidence-based Guidelines Subcommittee meets February 6
What: A public meeting of the Health Evidence Review Commission’s Evidence-based Guidelines Subcommittee.
When: February 6, 2-5 p.m.
Where: Clackamas Community College Wilsonville Training Center, Rooms 111-112, 29353 SW Town Center Loop E, Wilsonville. The public also may attend by webinar and via a listen-only conference line at 888-204-5984, participant code 801373.
Agenda: The subcommittee will review public comments on the draft coverage guidance on planned out-of-hospital birth, as well as a new evidence-based report, Multicomponent Interventions to Improve Screening for Breast, Cervical or Colorectal Cancer.
For more information about the meeting, visit the committee’s website. The meeting agenda and materials will be available one week before the meeting.
# # #
Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:
- Sign language and spoken language interpreters
- Written materials in other languages
- Braille
- Large print
- Audio and other formats
If you need help or have questions, please contact Daphne Peck at 503-373-1985, 711 TTY or c.info@dhsoha.state.or.us" target="_blank">erc.info@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the event. Written comments are also welcome at c.info@dhsoha.state.or.us">herc.info@dhsoha.state.or.us.
January 13, 2020
Media contact: Delia Hernández, 503-422-7179, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us
Oregon Cannabis Commission's Patient and Social Equity Subcommittee meets January 23
What: A public meeting of the Patient and Social Equity Subcommittee of the Oregon Cannabis Commission.
Agenda: Opening introductions and statements; outline of goals and timeline; open discussion of scope and timeframe for initial subcommittee work, division of work and duties; open discussion of Patient Care Program.
When: Thursday, Jan. 23, 1-3 p.m.
Where: Portland State Office Building, Conference Room 1B, 800 NE Oregon St., Portland. Conference call line: 877-848-7030, access code 753428.
Background: The Oregon Cannabis Commission was established in the 2017 legislative session through HB 2198. The commission consists of the state health officer or designee and an eight member-panel appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the senate. The commission is tasked with determining a possible framework for future governance of the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program, steps to address research on cannabis in areas of public health policy and public safety policy, agronomic and horticultural best practices, and medical and pharmacopoeia best practices. The commission also advises the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission regarding statutes governing medical and retail cannabis. Visit www.healthoregon.org/cannabiscommission for more information.
# # #
Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:
- Sign language and spoken language interpreters
- Written materials in other languages
- Braille
- Large print
- Audio and other formats
If you need help or have questions, please contact Shannon McFadden at 971-673-3181, 711 TTY or shannon.m.mcfadden@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.
January 13, 2020
Media contact: Allyson Hagen, 503-449-6457, allyson.hagen@dhsoha.state.or.us
Program Contact: Pete Edlund, 503-931-8873, .m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.us">peter.m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.us (meeting information or accommodation)
CCO Metrics and Scoring Committee meets January 17
What: The regular public meeting of the Oregon Health Authority’s CCO Metrics and Scoring Committee.
When: January 17, 9 a.m. to noon.
Where: Five Oak Building Suite 775, Transformation Training Room, 421 SW Oak St., Portland. The public also may join remotely through a webinar at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/6785343942173754125 and listen-only conference line at 888-204-5984, access code 1277166.
Agenda: Welcome, consent agenda, and general updates; public testimony (9:10-9:20); OHPB health equity definition – presentation and discussion; the incentive program and transformation; 2021 measure proposal: health equity – meaningful access to culturally responsive health care services; 2021 measure proposal: obesity prevention through multi-sector interventions; adjourn.
For more information, please visit the committee's website at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HPA/ANALYTICS/Pages/Metrics-Scoring-Committee.aspx.
# # #
Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:
- Sign language and spoken language interpreters
- Written materials in other languages
- Braille
- Large print
- Audio and other formats
If you need help or have questions, please contact Pete Edlund at 503-931-8873, 711 TTY, .m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.u">peter.m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.u, at least 48 hours before the meeting.
January 10, 2020
Media contact: Delia Hernández, 503-422-7179, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us
Tenmile Lake recreational use health advisory lifted
The Oregon Health Authority has lifted the recreational use health advisories for Tenmile Lake in Coos County.
Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins (harmful algae toxins) in Tenmile Lake are below recreational guideline values for human exposure. However, officials advise recreational visitors to be alert to signs of cyanobacterial (harmful algae) blooms, because blooms can develop and disappear on any lake through the season. Only a fraction of Oregon’s lakes and streams are monitored for cyanobacterial blooms.
People and especially small children and pets should avoid recreating in areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green or brownish red in color, if a thick mat of blue-green algae is visible in the water, or bright green cells are suspended in the water. If you see these signs avoid activities that cause you to swallow water or inhale droplets, such as swimming or high-speed water activities.
It’s possible cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. Sometimes, cyanobacteria can move into another area, making water that once looked foamy, scummy or discolored now look clear. However, when a bloom dies elsewhere in the water body, it can release toxins that may reach into the clear water. There also are species of cyanobacteria that anchor themselves at the bottom of a water body, live in the sediment, or can grow on aquatic plants and release toxins into clear water near the surface.
Homeowners who pull water directly from the lake through private intakes should be aware that the levels of cyanotoxins in the water where sampling occurred are still above the drinking water values for children 5 and younger. Levels continue to be above OHA’s informational guideline values for dogs.
No additional sampling is planned or expected by the county or the Tenmile Lakes Basin Partnership.
For health information or to report an illness, contact the Oregon Health Authority at 971-673-0482.
Learn more
January 9, 2020
Media contact: Delia Hernández, 503-422-7179, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us
2020-2024 State Health Improvement Plan subcommittee meetings
What: Subcommittees of the 2020-2024 State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) are tasked with identifying strategies and measures, and developing work plans for implementing the SHIP. Each of the five subcommittees is focused on one of the following priority areas:
- Access to equitable preventive health care.
- Adversity, trauma and toxic stress.
- Behavioral health.
- Economic drivers of health.
- Institutional bias.
Agenda: Finalize key indicators and continue to develop and review strategies to support priority area goals.
Where: All meetings are held at the Portland State Office Building, 800 NE Oregon St., Portland. Meetings are also available remotely. For remote meeting attendance, visit the subcommittee page through the following links:
- Institutional bias.
- Adversity, trauma and toxic stress.
- Economic drivers of health (including issues related to housing, living wage, food security and transportation).
- Access to equitable preventive health care.
- Behavioral health (including mental health and substance use).
When:
- Institutional Bias Subcommittee: Jan. 15, 10 a.m. to noon, Room 915.
- Behavioral Health Subcommittee: Jan. 15, 2-4 p.m., Room 900.
- Economic Drivers of Health Subcommittee: Jan. 24, 1-3 p.m., Room 900.
- Access to Equitable Preventive Health Care Subcommittee: Jan. 27, 1¬-3 p.m., Room 900.
- Adversity, Trauma and Toxic Stress Subcommittee: Feb. 4, 2-4 p.m., Room 918
All meetings are open to the public. A five-minute public comment period will be held near the end of each meeting; comments are limited to one minute.
Background: Oregon’s SHIP identifies interventions and strategies to address health-related priorities in the state. The SHIP serves as a basis for taking collective action with cross-sector partners to improve heath of people in Oregon. The SHIP is based off findings of the State Health Assessment.
Program contact: Elizabeth Gharst, 971-420-9943, eth.a.gharst@dhsoha.state.or.us">Elizabeth.a.gharst@dhsoha.state.or.us
# # #
Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:
- Sign language and spoken language interpreters
- Written materials in other languages
- Braille
- Large print
- Audio and other formats
If you need help or have questions, please contact Catherine Moyer at 971-673-1132, ine.moyer@dhsoha.state.or.us">catherine.moyer@dhsoha.state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.
January 9, 2020
Media contact: Rebeka Gipson-King, 503-945-7141, rebeka.gipson-king@dhsoha.state.or.us
Program contact: Jacee Vangestel, 503-945-2852, jacee.m.vangestel@dhsoha.state.or.us
Oregon State Hospital Advisory Board meets January 16 in Salem
What: A regular public meeting of the Oregon State Hospital Advisory Board.
When: January 16, 1-5 p.m.
Where: Oregon State Hospital, Callan Conference Room, 2600 Center Street NE, Salem. The public can also attend via toll-free conference line at 888-278-0296, access code 4294893.
Agenda: After the public comment period, topics will include updates on federal and state laws, OSH data, diversity initiatives, psychiatric care, discharge of persons found "guilty except for insanity" or GEI, and family involvement and communication.
Details: The Oregon State Hospital Advisory Board advises the superintendent, Oregon Health Authority director and legislators on issues related to the safety, security and care of patients. Members include consumers, providers, advocates, legislators, community members, consumer families and OSH union members.
For more information, see the board’s website at http://www.oregon.gov/oha/osh/Pages/advisory-board.aspx.
# # #
Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide:
- Sign language and spoken language interpreters
- Written materials in other languages
- Braille
- Large print
- Audio and other formats
If you need help or have questions, please contact Jacee Vangestel at 503-945-2852, 711 TTY or jacee.m.vangestel@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.
January 9, 2020
Media contact: Delia Hernández, 503-422-7179, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us
Public Health Advisory Board meets January 16
What: A public meeting of the Public Health Advisory Board.
Agenda: Discuss grounding PHAB work in health equity; review PHAB funding principles for 2020; discuss outcomes of the Dec. 19 Accountability Metrics Subcommittee meeting; and approve priorities for 2021-23 investment in public health modernization.
When: Jan. 16, 2-5 p.m. The meeting is open to the public. A public comment period will be held at the end of the meeting.
Where: Portland State Office Building, Room 177, 800 NE Oregon St., Portland. Also available remotely by telephone at 669-900-6833, access code 730 818 593.
Oregon’s Public Health Advisory Board provides guidance for Oregon’s governmental public health system and oversees the implementation of public health modernization and Oregon’s State Health Improvement Plan.
# # #
Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:
- Sign language and spoken language interpreters
- Written materials in other languages
- Braille
- Large print
- Audio and other formats
If you need help or have questions, please contact Cara Biddlecom: at 971-673-2284, 711 TTY, or a.m.biddlecom@dhsoha.state.or.us">cara.m.biddlecom@dhsoha.state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.
January 9, 2020
Media contact: Delia Hernández, 503-422-7179, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us
Now is the time to test homes for radon gas
Free community event to learn about radon and community resources
Statement from Curtis Cude, Oregon Radon Awareness Program
Many parts of Oregon remain at risk of high radon – an odorless, tasteless and invisible gas. It is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes up from the ground and is drawn into buildings, where it can build up to dangerous levels.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that radon is responsible for more than 20,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the United States. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. after cigarette smoking, and the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.
Many test kits are priced between $15 and $25 and can be found in most hardware stores. Radon problems can be fixed by qualified contractors for a cost similar to that of common home repairs, such as painting or having a new water heater installed.
The Radon Awareness Program collects radon test data from test kit manufacturers in an effort to understand which areas of the state have the potential for high radon levels and to identify areas where educational outreach efforts need to be focused. The program is offering a free radon test kit to residents whose homes are in ZIP codes with fewer than 20 radon test results. Residents can send an email to adon.program@dhsoha.state.or.us">radon.program@dhsoha.state.or.us to receive instructions on how to get a free test kit, which will be provided while supplies last.
There will be an opportunity to attend a free educational event to learn about radon, areas of concern, health effects and community resources. For details about the event visit the Northwest Radon Coalition website.
For more information on which areas of the state are at moderate to high risk of having elevated radon levels, radon testing and mitigation, or to order a test kit online, contact the Radon Awareness Program at adon.program@dhsoha.state.or.us">radon.program@dhsoha.state.or.us or visit http://www.healthoregon.org/radon.
January 7, 2020
Media contact: Delia Hernández, 503-422-7179, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us
Rules Advisory Committee meets in Portland January 21
What: A rules advisory committee will hold its second meeting to consider proposed changes to Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 333-014-0590. The proposed changes are the result of passage of Senate Bill (SB) 253 during the 2019 legislative session. SB 253 revised ORS 431.382 to include provisions for a local public health authority that has previously transferred its responsibilities to the Oregon Health Authority to request the responsibilities be transferred back to the local public health authority.
Agenda: Review of revised proposed draft rules, review of draft fiscal impact statement and draft statement of need. The agenda will include time for public comment.
The agenda is subject to change and is posted with meeting materials at http://www.healthoregon.org/lhd.
When: Tuesday, Jan. 21, 1-2:30 p.m.
Where: Portland State Office Building, Room 177, 800 NE Oregon Street, Portland.
A conference call option is available for committee members and the public at 877-873-8017, access code 767068#. Members of the public are asked to mute their phone lines unless they are providing public comment during the designated agenda time.
Program contact: Danna Drum, 503-957-8869, um@dhsoha.state.or.us">danna.k.drum@dhsoha.state.or.us
# # #
Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:
- Sign language and spoken language interpreters
- Written materials in other languages
- Braille
- Large print
- Audio and other formats
If you need help or have questions, please contact Danna Drum at 503-957-8869, 711 TTY or um@dhsoha.state.or.us">danna.k.drum@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.
January 7, 2020
Media contact: Delia Hernández, 503-422-7179, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us
Toxic Free Kids Program Rules Advisory Committee extends meeting schedule into January
What: The Toxic Free Kids Program Rules Advisory Committee (RAC) is holding a series of public meetings. The purpose of the RAC is to implement requirements set forth by SB 478 (2015). The series has been extended to a telephone-only meeting on January 24.
Agenda: Provide background information and purpose of RAC; review the rulemaking process; review draft rule language; request input and feedback, discuss next steps.
When: Jan. 24, 9 a.m. to noon.
Where: By telephone via conference line by calling 888-363-4735, access code 1027039. If you haven’t attended previous meetings of this RAC, please email eekids.program@dhsoha.state.or.us">toxicfreekids.program@dhsoha.state.or.us to receive meeting materials.
Who: The Toxic Free Kids Rules Advisory Committee includes representation of these key stakeholder categories: Oregon Environmental Council, the Toy Association, Oregon Business and Industry, American Chemistry Council, Northwest Green Chemistry, Hasbro, Inc., Oregon Health Authority, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Multnomah County Department of Health, Metro Regional Government, Washington Department of Ecology.
Program contact: Justin Waltz, 971-673-1217, justin.waltz@dhsoha.state.or.us.
# # #
Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:
- Sign language and spoken language interpreters
- Written materials in other languages
- Braille
- Large print
- Audio and other formats
If you need help or have questions, please contact Justin Waltz, 971-673-1217, 711 TTY, or justin.waltz@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.
January 7, 2020
Media contact: Delia Hernández, 503-422-7179, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us
Conference of Local Health Officials meets January 16 in Portland
What: The monthly public meeting of the Conference of Local Health Officials (CLHO).
Agenda: Review and approval of the WIC program element, review and approval of new suicide prevention program element, overview of planning process for 2021-2023 public health modernization funding, public health modernization learning collaborative planning update, Public Health Division updates, Joint Leadership Team update.
The agenda is subject to change. It is posted with meeting materials on the CLHO website at http://www.oregonclho.org/ before the meeting.
When: Jan. 16, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Where: Portland State Office Building, Room 177, 800 NE Oregon Street, Portland. No conference call option is available for the public.
Background: The Conference of Local Health Officials provides recommendations to the Oregon Health Authority on the foundational capabilities and programs and any other public health program or activity under ORS 431.147. (ORS 431.340)
Program contact: Danna Drum, 503-957-8869, um@dhsoha.state.or.us">danna.k.drum@dhsoha.state.or.us
# # #
Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:
- Sign language and spoken language interpreters
- Written materials in other languages
- Braille
- Large print
- Audio and other formats
If you need help or have questions, please contact Danna Drum at 503-957-8869, 711 TTY or um@dhsoha.state.or.us">danna.k.drum@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.
January 3, 2020
Media contact: Allyson Hagen, 503-449-6457, allyson.hagen@dhsoha.state.or.us
Program contact: Jeramy Vargas, 503-580-5603, amy.vargas@dhsoha.state.or.us">jeramy.vargas@dhsoha.state.or.us
Health Care Workforce Committee meets January 8
What: A public meeting of the Health Care Workforce Committee.
When: January 8, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The committee will hold a planning meeting from 9 to 11 a.m., and its business meeting from 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Public testimony will be heard 1:15-1:30 p.m.
Where: Clackamas Community College Wilsonville Training Center, Room 210, 29353 SW Town Center Loop E, Wilsonville. The public can also attend by webinar and listen-only telephone line at 877-411-9748, access code 730407.
Agenda: Welcome; approval of November 2019 meeting summary; election of chair and vice chair for 2020, Oregon Health Policy Board and Oregon Health Authority updates; legislative updates; discussion of the Healthcare Workforce Needs Assessment; discussion and potential action on the Health Care Provider Incentive Fund and Program; presentation of State Workforce Plan 2020-2030; public comment.
For more information, please visit the committee’s website at http://www.oregon.gov/oha/HPA/HP-HCW/Pages/Meetings.aspx.
# # #
Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:
- Sign language and spoken language interpreters
- Written materials in other languages
- Braille
- Large print
- Audio and other formats
If you need help or have questions, please contact Jeramy Vargas, 503-580-5603, 711 TTY, amy.vargas@dhsoha.state.or.us">jeramy.vargas@dhsoha.state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.
January 3, 2020
Media contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us
OHA statement in response to FDA sales ban on flavored nicotine vaping products
PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon Health Authority has issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s Jan. 2 decision on flavored vaping products.
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has been closely following the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s (FDA) announcement of a partial sales ban on flavored nicotine vaping products. According to the FDA, companies that do not cease manufacture, distribution and sale of unauthorized flavored cartridge-based e-cigarette (other than tobacco or menthol) within 30 days risk FDA enforcement action.
OHA has repeatedly urged the FDA to ban all flavored tobacco products, without exemptions. While we recognize FDA’s intent, the proposed enforcement action falls short of its stated goal to protect the public’s health. The FDA’s action exempts menthol and open tank e-cigarettes, which allow customers to custom-mix flavors. These exemptions will drastically limit FDA’s effectiveness in reducing youth vaping. The most recent evidence shows that mint and menthol are among the most popular vape flavors for youth. This comes on top of decades of tobacco industry targeting of African-American communities with menthol marketing and discounts, contributing to a heavier burden of tobacco use, death and disease in that population. The FDA’s action also falls short on limiting youth access. Several studies have shown that it’s easier for underage buyers to purchase vaping products illegally from vape shops than from other types of retailers.
In December, the U.S. Congress passed legislation raising the national tobacco purchase age from 18 to 21. This is an important step to curb youth tobacco use. But Oregon’s experience shows that raising the minimum age is not enough to stem the youth e-cigarette epidemic. As one of the first states to raise the tobacco purchase age to 21, Oregon still experienced a nearly 80% increase in youth e-cigarette use from 2017 to 2019. One in four Oregon 11th-graders report current use of e-cigarettes and vaping products like Juul.
OHA continues to work on decreasing the use of all vaping products and implementing Gov. Kate Brown’s Executive Order 19-09. OHA is committed to developing strong programs and policies that put protecting Oregon’s kids first – not the tobacco and vape industry.
If you are ready to quit vaping or quit using other tobacco products, free help is available to anyone in Oregon.
The Oregon Quit Line is a free, telephone and web-based program that helps youth and adults quit vaping nicotine. It offers free confidential, evidence-based counseling and materials. Callers 18 years and older can receive Nicotine Replacement Therapy in the form of patches or gum.
- The Quit Line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- English: 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or www.quitnow.net/oregon
- Spanish: 1-855-DÉJELO-YA (1-855-335-35692) or www.quitnow.net/oregonsp
- TTY: 1-877-777-6534
This is Quitting powered by truth® is a free, confidential, 24-7 texting program for young people who vape.
- Text DITCHJUUL to 88709 or www.thisisquitting.com
December 31, 2019
Media contact: Allyson Hagen, 503-449-6457, allyson.hagen@dhsoha.state.or.us
Oregon Health Policy Board meets January 7 in Portland
What: The monthly meeting of the Oregon Health Policy Board.
When: January 7, 8:30 a.m. to noon.
Where: Portland State Office Building Room 177, 800 NE Oregon St., Portland. Members of the public can watch via livestream or call in to listen by dialing 888-808-6929, participant code 915042#.
Agenda: welcome; minutes approval; liaison updates; OHA report; mergers and acquisitions process review; public testimony; Sustainable Health Care Cost Growth Target Implementation Committee update; health equity update.
For more information on the meeting, visit the board’s meeting page.
# # #
Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:
- Sign language and spoken language interpreters
- Written materials in other languages
- Braille
- Large print
- Audio and other formats
If you need help or have questions, please contact Jeff Scroggin at 541-999-6983, 711 TTY, ey.scroggin@dhsoha.state.or.us">jeffrey.scroggin@dhsoha.state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.
December 31, 2019
Media contact: Allyson Hagen, 503-449-6457, allyson.hagen@dhsoha.state.or.us
Program contact: Zachary Goldman, 503-881-8698, y.k.goldman@dhsoha.state.or.us">zachary.k.goldman@dhsoha.state.or.us
Sustainable Health Care Cost Growth Target Implementation Committee meets January 8
What: A public meeting of the Sustainable Health Care Cost Growth Target Implementation Committee.
When: January 8, 9 a.m. to noon.
Where: Portland State Office Building, Room 177, 800 NE Oregon Street, Portland. The public can join remotely through a conference line at 888-808-6929, access code 915042. This meeting can also be viewed via live-stream at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eraJMDgmaig.
Agenda: Welcome; follow-up from previous meeting; cost growth target methodology part 1; cost growth target methodology part 2; public comment; next steps.
For more information and meeting materials, please visit the committee’s website at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HPA/HP/Pages/Sustainable-Health-Care-Cost-Growth-Target.aspx.
# # #
Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:
- Sign language and spoken language interpreters
- Written materials in other languages
- Braille
- Large print
- Audio and other formats
If you need help or have questions, please contact Zachary Goldman at 503-881-8698, 711 TTY, y.k.goldman@dhsoha.state.or.us">zachary.k.goldman@dhsoha.state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.
December 26, 2019
Media contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us
New Year’s resolutions for a healthy 2020
Oregon Health Authority social media campaign shares resources
PORTLAND, Ore.— The Oregon Health Authority is encouraging people to consider making health one of their top priorities in 2020. To this end, OHA is launching a social media campaign to share resources to help people improve their health. The following are six New Year’s health resolutions OHA will be sharing resources about:
HIV treatment and prevention
Getting tested, accessing treatment, using condoms and having open communication with sexual partners are ways to prevent HIV. Prevention medication such as PrEP is offered to Oregon Health Plan members and is free to people without drug insurance coverage through the Ready, Set, PrEP program.
Save on prescription costs
The Oregon Prescription Drug Program is the state’s prescription discount card program. You can enroll online, by phone at 800-913-4284, or you can download a printed application available in four languages and mail to the program.
Get health insurance
OHP is free and you can sign up anytime. Here are three ways to apply:
- Apply online: Go to ONE.Oregon.gov to login or create an account.
- Trained community partners across the state can help you fill out an application. It's free. Visit OregonHealthCare.gov to find community partners in your area.
- You can download and print an application or have an application mailed to you. Request a paper application by calling OHP Customer Service at 800-699-9075 or 711 (TTY).
Get a flu vaccine
Protect your family, co-workers, neighbors and community from the flu. Cases of flu are on the rise across Oregon, but it’s not too late to get vaccinated. To find flu vaccine clinics, visit www.flu.oregon.gov and use OHA’s flu vaccine locator tool.
Talk to your kids about their health
Let them know that now they can take “mental health days” just as they would sick days. Under state law, students can have up to five absences excused in a three-month period.
Quit vaping/tobacco
If you or someone you know is ready to quit tobacco or vaping cannabis or nicotine, free help is available. Contact the Oregon Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or online at www.quitnow.net/oregon or in Spanish at 1-855-DÉJELO-YA or online at www.quitnow.net/oregonsp.