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News Release

OHA Urges Vaccinations As Flu Activity Rises, Holidays Approach - 12/04/25

December 4, 2025

Media contact: Timothy Heider, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov  

OHA urges vaccinations as flu activity rises, holidays approach  

PORTLAND, Ore – As influenza activity increases over the next two months before its expected peak in early spring, health officials urge everyone to get their flu vaccine, particularly as people gather indoors to celebrate the holidays. 

So far, hospitalizations remain low. But the percentage of positive flu tests is on the rise.

“The flu season generally continues into the spring, which means flu activity will continue to increase for many months,” said Howard Chiou, M.D., Ph.D., medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Division. “That’s why it’s never too late to get the flu vaccine.”

Chiou added that getting vaccinated now is especially important. “People will leave Thanksgiving, not only with leftovers, but also with the flu. It’s not too late to get your flu shot, especially before the upcoming holidays. The flu shot is the best way to help make sure you don’t miss out on holiday festivities or get other people sick.”

Last year’s flu season in Oregon was the worst in the state’s recent history. OHA releases the latest information on the flu season in its weekly FluBites report. Information on flu activity can also be found on Oregon’s Respiratory Virus Data dashboard.

Flu is a contagious, respiratory tract infection caused by the influenza virus.

Symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy and runny nose, muscle aches, headache and fatigue. It can result in mild to severe illness, including hospitalization and death.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommend seasonal flu vaccination for everyone ages 6 months or older.

Nearly 1 million people in Oregon have been vaccinated so far this year, which is about 5% lower than at the same time last year. The flu vaccination rate has been in decline for several years.

Certain groups, including older adults, young children, pregnant people and people with certain health conditions, are at higher risk for serious complications from influenza.

The hospitalization rate is highest for people ages 65 and older, but flu seasons are unpredictable and even young and healthy people can develop severe disease.

The best way people can protect themselves and others is by getting a flu vaccine every year.

People can get the COVID-19, influenza and RSV vaccines by contacting their health plan, health care provider, county public health clinic or federally qualified health center. Parents and caregivers of children can also search for a clinic by calling 211 or visiting 211info.org. 

This video reminds people not to let influenza take us out of the picture this year. 

###

OHA Urges Vaccinations As Flu Activity Rises, Holidays Approach - 12/04/25

December 4, 2025

Media contact: Timothy Heider, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov  

OHA urges vaccinations as flu activity rises, holidays approach  

PORTLAND, Ore – As influenza activity increases over the next two months before its expected peak in early spring, health officials urge everyone to get their flu vaccine, particularly as people gather indoors to celebrate the holidays. 

So far, hospitalizations remain low. But the percentage of positive flu tests is on the rise.

“The flu season generally continues into the spring, which means flu activity will continue to increase for many months,” said Howard Chiou, M.D., Ph.D., medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Division. “That’s why it’s never too late to get the flu vaccine.”

Chiou added that getting vaccinated now is especially important. “People will leave Thanksgiving, not only with leftovers, but also with the flu. It’s not too late to get your flu shot, especially before the upcoming holidays. The flu shot is the best way to help make sure you don’t miss out on holiday festivities or get other people sick.”

Last year’s flu season in Oregon was the worst in the state’s recent history. OHA releases the latest information on the flu season in its weekly FluBites report. Information on flu activity can also be found on Oregon’s Respiratory Virus Data dashboard.

Flu is a contagious, respiratory tract infection caused by the influenza virus.

Symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy and runny nose, muscle aches, headache and fatigue. It can result in mild to severe illness, including hospitalization and death.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommend seasonal flu vaccination for everyone ages 6 months or older.

Nearly 1 million people in Oregon have been vaccinated so far this year, which is about 5% lower than at the same time last year. The flu vaccination rate has been in decline for several years.

Certain groups, including older adults, young children, pregnant people and people with certain health conditions, are at higher risk for serious complications from influenza.

The hospitalization rate is highest for people ages 65 and older, but flu seasons are unpredictable and even young and healthy people can develop severe disease.

The best way people can protect themselves and others is by getting a flu vaccine every year.

People can get the COVID-19, influenza and RSV vaccines by contacting their health plan, health care provider, county public health clinic or federally qualified health center. Parents and caregivers of children can also search for a clinic by calling 211 or visiting 211info.org. 

This video reminds people not to let influenza take us out of the picture this year. 

###

Recreational Use Advisory Lifted For Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge - 12/03/25

December 3, 2025

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

Recreational use advisory lifted for Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge

Pets should continue to be kept away as detected levels remain above educational guideline values for animals

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge in Klamath County.

OHA issued the advisory July 9.

Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins in Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge is below recreational guideline values for people. However, detected levels are still above OHA’s educational guideline values for dogs, and owners should keep their pets away from these areas.

OHA advises recreational visitors to continually be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable. Only a fraction of water bodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab.

When recreating, people, and especially small children, and pets should avoid areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green or blue-green, or if thick brownish-red mats are visible or bright green clumps 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, and keep pets out of the area.

Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins released may reach into clear water around the bloom. Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving toxins behind. 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.

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

###

Recreational Use Advisory Lifted For Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge - 12/03/25

December 3, 2025

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

Recreational use advisory lifted for Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge

Pets should continue to be kept away as detected levels remain above educational guideline values for animals

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge in Klamath County.

OHA issued the advisory July 9.

Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins in Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge is below recreational guideline values for people. However, detected levels are still above OHA’s educational guideline values for dogs, and owners should keep their pets away from these areas.

OHA advises recreational visitors to continually be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable. Only a fraction of water bodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab.

When recreating, people, and especially small children, and pets should avoid areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green or blue-green, or if thick brownish-red mats are visible or bright green clumps 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, and keep pets out of the area.

Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins released may reach into clear water around the bloom. Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving toxins behind. 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.

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

###

Recreational Use Advisory Lifted For Wapato Marsh At Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge - 12/02/25

December 2, 2025

Media contact: Timothy Heider, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory lifted for Wapato Marsh at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge

Continue to keep pets away as levels detected remain above educational guideline values for animals

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Wapato Marsh at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge in Multnomah County.

OHA issued the advisory May 1.

Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins in Wapato Marsh at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge are below recreational guideline values for people. However, levels detected are still above OHA’s educational guideline values for dogs, and owners should keep their pets away from these areas.

OHA advises recreational visitors to continually be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable.

Only a fraction of water bodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab.

When recreating, people, and especially small children, and pets should avoid areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green or blue-green, or if thick brownish-red mats are visible or bright green clumps are suspended in the water.

If people see these signs, avoid activities that cause you to swallow water or inhale droplets, such as swimming or high-speed water activities, and keep pets out of the area.

Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins released may reach into clear water around the bloom. Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving toxins behind.

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.

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

###

Recreational Use Advisory Lifted For Wapato Marsh At Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge - 12/02/25

December 2, 2025

Media contact: Timothy Heider, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory lifted for Wapato Marsh at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge

Continue to keep pets away as levels detected remain above educational guideline values for animals

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Wapato Marsh at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge in Multnomah County.

OHA issued the advisory May 1.

Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins in Wapato Marsh at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge are below recreational guideline values for people. However, levels detected are still above OHA’s educational guideline values for dogs, and owners should keep their pets away from these areas.

OHA advises recreational visitors to continually be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable.

Only a fraction of water bodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab.

When recreating, people, and especially small children, and pets should avoid areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green or blue-green, or if thick brownish-red mats are visible or bright green clumps are suspended in the water.

If people see these signs, avoid activities that cause you to swallow water or inhale droplets, such as swimming or high-speed water activities, and keep pets out of the area.

Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins released may reach into clear water around the bloom. Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving toxins behind.

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.

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

###

Agencies Unite To Urge Oregonians To ‘Rethink The Drink’ This Holiday Season - 11/25/25

November 25, 2025

Media contacts: 

Agencies unite to urge Oregonians to ‘Rethink the Drink’ this holiday season

The Rethink the Drink invites open conversation about alcohol, how people can keep Oregon safe this holiday season.

PORTLAND, Ore. -  As Oregonians prepare to celebrate, gather and reconnect with loved ones this holiday season, state agencies renew their call to “Rethink the Drink” - encouraging people to pause, reflect and make mindful and healthy choices when it comes to their alcohol consumption.

Leading this effort is Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Oregon Alcohol & Drug Policy Commission (ADPC) Oregon Liquor & Cannabis Commission (OLCC) and Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Through statewide community outreach, they hope to shift the holiday drinking culture in Oregon to reduce the pressure to drink alcohol during family gatherings or holiday parties.

This year, Rethink the Drink is encouraging people to come together to help one another be healthy and care for their communities. That includes creating healthy environments that support people in their efforts to drink less.

“During celebrations, it’s easy to drink more than we intend to,” says Dr. Tom Jeanne, M.D., M.P.H., deputy state health officer at OHA. “We can support each other by having honest, compassionate conversations about our drinking - not judging, but looking out for one another.”

Holiday events and binge drinking sometimes go hand in hand. That can contribute to unsafe driving and other dangerous behavior. Binge drinking impairs judgement, slows reaction times and increases the likelihood of making fatal decisions.

“We see the consequences of impaired driving all year, but the risks increase around the holidays,” said Ryan Stone, Impaired Driving Program Analyst at ODOT. “If you plan to drink, plan your ride. A text, a call, or a quick rideshare request can prevent a crash, a DUII, or a tragedy. The people you share the holidays with want you to get home safely.”

More Oregon adults drink excessively than most of us realize, more than 1 in 5. Most people in this group are not affected by alcoholism or an alcohol use disorder. However, by drinking excessively, people increase their odds of developing an alcohol use disorder later in life.

Holiday gatherings often involve social drinking, which can lead to binge and heavy drinking, patterns of drinking associated with injury, impaired driving and long-term health risks. Each year, more than 2,500 Oregonians die from alcohol-related causes including eight types of cancer, liver disease, heart disease, memory and mental health issues, sleep disruptions and more.

What People Can Do to Celebrate Mindfully

To help people enjoy the season with their health in mind, the “Rethink the Drink” campaign offers practical strategies:

  1. Healthy Hosting:
    • Provide non-alcoholic beverage options.
    • Provide ample food since people drink more when they’re hungry.
    • Avoid asking people why they aren’t drinking or pressuring them to drink more.
  2. Pace your drinks:
    • Set a personal drink limit before you arrive.
    • Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or non-alcoholic ones.
    • Consider diluting drinks with ice or low-sugar mixers.
  1. Count and plan:
    • Decide ahead of time how many drinks feels “safe” for you.
    • Track how many drinks you have; consider using an app.
  1. Plan for a safe ride:
    • If you plan to drink, arrange a designated driver, use a rideshare, or take public transportation.
    • Impaired driving isn’t limited to alcohol. If you’re going to use anything that affects how you feel or think, make a transportation plan and line up a sober driver or another safe way home.
  1. Talk about it:
    • Encourage open conversations and ask loved ones how they feel about drinking.
    • Avoid pressuring others to drink; support those who choose not to.

Supporting Everyone

Not everyone drinks, and not everyone who drinks wants to drink a lot. It’s important to create holiday environments that feel safe and inclusive for all.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol dependence or misuse, confidential help is available: 1-800-923-4357 (Oregon’s substance use support line).

The Risks of Impaired Driving

Alcohol continues to play a major role in fatal and serious-injury crashes across Oregon, especially during the holiday season. Even small amounts of alcohol can affect decision-making and slow reaction time.

But alcohol isn’t the only concern. Impairment can come from any substance that makes you feel different — including cannabis, prescription medications, or combinations of substances. All can affect your ability to drive safely.

That’s why agencies are encouraging Oregonians to make a transportation plan before they drink or use any impairing substance. Planning ahead protects you, your loved ones, and everyone else on the road.

Learn more about impaired driving and Oregon’s safety efforts.  

About Rethink the Drink

Rethink the Drink is a health communications initiative led by the Oregon Health Authority, in partnership with ADPC, OLCC, and ODOT. The campaign invites Oregonians to have mindful conversations about when, how much and why they drink - for themselves, their families and their communities. There are several resources at RethinkTheDrink.com to help people who want to drink less, or to support individuals or their loved ones who might have an alcohol use disorder. You can also find Rethink the Drink on Facebook and Instagram.

###

Agencies Unite To Urge Oregonians To ‘Rethink The Drink’ This Holiday Season - 11/25/25

November 25, 2025

Media contacts: 

Agencies unite to urge Oregonians to ‘Rethink the Drink’ this holiday season

The Rethink the Drink invites open conversation about alcohol, how people can keep Oregon safe this holiday season.

PORTLAND, Ore. -  As Oregonians prepare to celebrate, gather and reconnect with loved ones this holiday season, state agencies renew their call to “Rethink the Drink” - encouraging people to pause, reflect and make mindful and healthy choices when it comes to their alcohol consumption.

Leading this effort is Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Oregon Alcohol & Drug Policy Commission (ADPC) Oregon Liquor & Cannabis Commission (OLCC) and Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Through statewide community outreach, they hope to shift the holiday drinking culture in Oregon to reduce the pressure to drink alcohol during family gatherings or holiday parties.

This year, Rethink the Drink is encouraging people to come together to help one another be healthy and care for their communities. That includes creating healthy environments that support people in their efforts to drink less.

“During celebrations, it’s easy to drink more than we intend to,” says Dr. Tom Jeanne, M.D., M.P.H., deputy state health officer at OHA. “We can support each other by having honest, compassionate conversations about our drinking - not judging, but looking out for one another.”

Holiday events and binge drinking sometimes go hand in hand. That can contribute to unsafe driving and other dangerous behavior. Binge drinking impairs judgement, slows reaction times and increases the likelihood of making fatal decisions.

“We see the consequences of impaired driving all year, but the risks increase around the holidays,” said Ryan Stone, Impaired Driving Program Analyst at ODOT. “If you plan to drink, plan your ride. A text, a call, or a quick rideshare request can prevent a crash, a DUII, or a tragedy. The people you share the holidays with want you to get home safely.”

More Oregon adults drink excessively than most of us realize, more than 1 in 5. Most people in this group are not affected by alcoholism or an alcohol use disorder. However, by drinking excessively, people increase their odds of developing an alcohol use disorder later in life.

Holiday gatherings often involve social drinking, which can lead to binge and heavy drinking, patterns of drinking associated with injury, impaired driving and long-term health risks. Each year, more than 2,500 Oregonians die from alcohol-related causes including eight types of cancer, liver disease, heart disease, memory and mental health issues, sleep disruptions and more.

What People Can Do to Celebrate Mindfully

To help people enjoy the season with their health in mind, the “Rethink the Drink” campaign offers practical strategies:

  1. Healthy Hosting:
    • Provide non-alcoholic beverage options.
    • Provide ample food since people drink more when they’re hungry.
    • Avoid asking people why they aren’t drinking or pressuring them to drink more.
  2. Pace your drinks:
    • Set a personal drink limit before you arrive.
    • Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or non-alcoholic ones.
    • Consider diluting drinks with ice or low-sugar mixers.
  1. Count and plan:
    • Decide ahead of time how many drinks feels “safe” for you.
    • Track how many drinks you have; consider using an app.
  1. Plan for a safe ride:
    • If you plan to drink, arrange a designated driver, use a rideshare, or take public transportation.
    • Impaired driving isn’t limited to alcohol. If you’re going to use anything that affects how you feel or think, make a transportation plan and line up a sober driver or another safe way home.
  1. Talk about it:
    • Encourage open conversations and ask loved ones how they feel about drinking.
    • Avoid pressuring others to drink; support those who choose not to.

Supporting Everyone

Not everyone drinks, and not everyone who drinks wants to drink a lot. It’s important to create holiday environments that feel safe and inclusive for all.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol dependence or misuse, confidential help is available: 1-800-923-4357 (Oregon’s substance use support line).

The Risks of Impaired Driving

Alcohol continues to play a major role in fatal and serious-injury crashes across Oregon, especially during the holiday season. Even small amounts of alcohol can affect decision-making and slow reaction time.

But alcohol isn’t the only concern. Impairment can come from any substance that makes you feel different — including cannabis, prescription medications, or combinations of substances. All can affect your ability to drive safely.

That’s why agencies are encouraging Oregonians to make a transportation plan before they drink or use any impairing substance. Planning ahead protects you, your loved ones, and everyone else on the road.

Learn more about impaired driving and Oregon’s safety efforts.  

About Rethink the Drink

Rethink the Drink is a health communications initiative led by the Oregon Health Authority, in partnership with ADPC, OLCC, and ODOT. The campaign invites Oregonians to have mindful conversations about when, how much and why they drink - for themselves, their families and their communities. There are several resources at RethinkTheDrink.com to help people who want to drink less, or to support individuals or their loved ones who might have an alcohol use disorder. You can also find Rethink the Drink on Facebook and Instagram.

###

Four Steps To A Happy (and Healthy) Holiday Meal - 11/24/25

November 24, 2025 

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

Four steps to a happy (and healthy) holiday meal

PORTLAND, Ore.— Families, friends and Thanksgiving guests can stay safe from foodborne germs by practicing four simple steps this holiday: Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill. 

Clean:  Wash hands and surfaces often 

  • Wash your hands at least 20 seconds with soap and water before, during and after preparing food, and before eating.
  • Always wash hands after handling uncooked meat, turkey and other poultry, seafood, flour, or eggs.
  • Wash utensils, cutting boards and countertops with hot, soapy water after preparing each food item.
  • Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running water. 
 
 
 

Separate: Avoid cross contamination 

  • Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood and their juices away from other foods when grocery shopping.
  • Keep raw or marinating meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs separate from all other foods at the bottom of the refrigerator; store raw meat, poultry, and seafood in sealed containers or wrap them securely so the juices don't leak onto other foods.
  • Use one cutting board or plate for raw meat, poultry, and seafood and a separate cutting board or plate for produce, bread and other foods that won't be cooked.
 
 

Cook: To the proper temperature 

  • The only way to tell if food is safely cooked to a temperature that kills germs is to use a food thermometer. For example, turkey should cook to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • This chart provides a detailed list of temperatures and foods, including shellfish and precooked ham. 
 

Chill: Refrigerate promptly 

  • Never leave perishable food out for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if exposed to temperatures above 90°F).
  • Package warm or hot food in clean, shallow containers and then refrigerate — it is OK to put small portions of hot food in the refrigerator since they will chill faster.
  • If the food is exposed to temperatures above 90°F, like sitting in a hot car or at a picnic, refrigerate it within 1 hour.
  • Thaw frozen food safely in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave – never thaw food on the counter because bacteria multiply quickly in the parts of the food that reach room temperature. 
 
 
 

Check out this informative video showing how to safely prepare your Thanksgiving meal. 

For more information, visit OHA’s Food Safety web page  

Four Steps To A Happy (and Healthy) Holiday Meal - 11/24/25

November 24, 2025 

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

Four steps to a happy (and healthy) holiday meal

PORTLAND, Ore.— Families, friends and Thanksgiving guests can stay safe from foodborne germs by practicing four simple steps this holiday: Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill. 

Clean:  Wash hands and surfaces often 

  • Wash your hands at least 20 seconds with soap and water before, during and after preparing food, and before eating.
  • Always wash hands after handling uncooked meat, turkey and other poultry, seafood, flour, or eggs.
  • Wash utensils, cutting boards and countertops with hot, soapy water after preparing each food item.
  • Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running water. 
 
 
 

Separate: Avoid cross contamination 

  • Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood and their juices away from other foods when grocery shopping.
  • Keep raw or marinating meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs separate from all other foods at the bottom of the refrigerator; store raw meat, poultry, and seafood in sealed containers or wrap them securely so the juices don't leak onto other foods.
  • Use one cutting board or plate for raw meat, poultry, and seafood and a separate cutting board or plate for produce, bread and other foods that won't be cooked.
 
 

Cook: To the proper temperature 

  • The only way to tell if food is safely cooked to a temperature that kills germs is to use a food thermometer. For example, turkey should cook to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • This chart provides a detailed list of temperatures and foods, including shellfish and precooked ham. 
 

Chill: Refrigerate promptly 

  • Never leave perishable food out for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if exposed to temperatures above 90°F).
  • Package warm or hot food in clean, shallow containers and then refrigerate — it is OK to put small portions of hot food in the refrigerator since they will chill faster.
  • If the food is exposed to temperatures above 90°F, like sitting in a hot car or at a picnic, refrigerate it within 1 hour.
  • Thaw frozen food safely in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave – never thaw food on the counter because bacteria multiply quickly in the parts of the food that reach room temperature. 
 
 
 

Check out this informative video showing how to safely prepare your Thanksgiving meal. 

For more information, visit OHA’s Food Safety web page  

The West Coast Health Alliance Stands With Scientific Evidence: Vaccines Are Not Linked To Autism - 11/21/25

November 21, 2025

Contact: Erica Heartquist, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

The West Coast Health Alliance Stands with Scientific Evidence: Vaccines Are Not Linked to Autism

The West Coast Health Alliance continues to strongly recommend vaccines to protect our children, noting that rigorous research of millions of people in multiple countries over decades provides high quality evidence that vaccines are not linked to autism. The Alliance is deeply concerned about inaccurate claims to the contrary recently posted on the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.  

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with multiple contributing genetic and environmental factors. Suggesting it stems from any single cause, such as vaccination, misleads families who deserve accurate guidance. It is not only a disservice to families seeking clarity about vaccines but also potentially harmful to autistic individuals and their families.

Vaccines are thoroughly tested and remain one of the most import ant tools for preventing infectious diseases. Public health guidance on immunization must be grounded in credible, evidence-based science to help parents and caregivers who may be receiving conflicting or inaccurate messages about immunization.

The Alliance encourages families to seek information from trusted health care providers and reputable medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics.

###

The West Coast Health Alliance Stands With Scientific Evidence: Vaccines Are Not Linked To Autism - 11/21/25

November 21, 2025

Contact: Erica Heartquist, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

The West Coast Health Alliance Stands with Scientific Evidence: Vaccines Are Not Linked to Autism

The West Coast Health Alliance continues to strongly recommend vaccines to protect our children, noting that rigorous research of millions of people in multiple countries over decades provides high quality evidence that vaccines are not linked to autism. The Alliance is deeply concerned about inaccurate claims to the contrary recently posted on the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.  

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with multiple contributing genetic and environmental factors. Suggesting it stems from any single cause, such as vaccination, misleads families who deserve accurate guidance. It is not only a disservice to families seeking clarity about vaccines but also potentially harmful to autistic individuals and their families.

Vaccines are thoroughly tested and remain one of the most import ant tools for preventing infectious diseases. Public health guidance on immunization must be grounded in credible, evidence-based science to help parents and caregivers who may be receiving conflicting or inaccurate messages about immunization.

The Alliance encourages families to seek information from trusted health care providers and reputable medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics.

###

Recreational Use Advisory Lifted For Hells Canyon Reservoir - 11/18/25

November 18, 2025

Media contact: Timothy Heider,  PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory lifted for Hells Canyon Reservoir

Pet owners should continue to keep their pets away from areas that appear to have a bloom

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Hells Canyon Reservoir in Baker and Wallowa Counties.

OHA issued the advisory Aug 20.

Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins in Hells Canyon Reservoir are below recreational guideline values for people. However, levels detected may still above OHA’s educational guideline values for dogs. Pet owners should therefore keep their pets away from areas that have the appearance of a cyanobacteria bloom.

OHA advises recreational visitors to continually be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable.

Only a fraction of water bodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab.

When recreating, people, and especially small children, and pets should avoid areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green or blue-green, or if thick brownish-red mats are visible or bright green clumps 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, and keep pets out of the area.

Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins released may reach into clear water around the bloom. Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving toxins behind. 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.

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

###

Recreational Use Advisory Lifted For Hells Canyon Reservoir - 11/18/25

November 18, 2025

Media contact: Timothy Heider,  PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory lifted for Hells Canyon Reservoir

Pet owners should continue to keep their pets away from areas that appear to have a bloom

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Hells Canyon Reservoir in Baker and Wallowa Counties.

OHA issued the advisory Aug 20.

Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins in Hells Canyon Reservoir are below recreational guideline values for people. However, levels detected may still above OHA’s educational guideline values for dogs. Pet owners should therefore keep their pets away from areas that have the appearance of a cyanobacteria bloom.

OHA advises recreational visitors to continually be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable.

Only a fraction of water bodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab.

When recreating, people, and especially small children, and pets should avoid areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green or blue-green, or if thick brownish-red mats are visible or bright green clumps 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, and keep pets out of the area.

Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins released may reach into clear water around the bloom. Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving toxins behind. 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.

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

###

Extremely High Microcystin Levels Detected In The Barnes Unit Of The Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge - 11/17/25

November 17, 2025

Contact: Erica Heartquist, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Extremely high microcystin levels detected in the Barnes Unit of the Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge

OHA urges caution for dog owners and waterfowl hunters

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - Oregon Health Authority (OHA) urges caution for dog owns and waterfowl hunters after extremely high microcystin levels were detected in the Barnes Unit of the Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge.

The sample was taken from an area currently open for waterfowl hunting during the 2025–2026 season. The Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge has been under a recreational advisory since July 9.

Microcystin is a cyanotoxin produced by certain harmful algal blooms. Exposure can cause acute liver damage in people and is often fatal to dogs. Hunters should avoid using contaminated water for cleaning gear or handling harvested birds.

Dogs are at increased risk for exposure because of their size and level of activity. They can become extremely ill and die from water intoxication after drinking excessive amounts of water while swimming or fetching objects for long periods of time.

Symptoms

Symptoms of microcystin exposure may be similar to food poisoning such as stomach cramping, 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 experience weakness, difficulty walking, seizures, lethargy, loss of appetite and more. If a dog exhibits symptoms, veterinary treatment should be sought as quickly as possible.

For more information about the advisory issued for waterfowl hunting in the Barnes Unit of the Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge, visit the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) news website.

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 1-877-290-6767, or visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.

###

Extremely High Microcystin Levels Detected In The Barnes Unit Of The Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge - 11/17/25

November 17, 2025

Contact: Erica Heartquist, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Extremely high microcystin levels detected in the Barnes Unit of the Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge

OHA urges caution for dog owners and waterfowl hunters

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - Oregon Health Authority (OHA) urges caution for dog owns and waterfowl hunters after extremely high microcystin levels were detected in the Barnes Unit of the Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge.

The sample was taken from an area currently open for waterfowl hunting during the 2025–2026 season. The Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge has been under a recreational advisory since July 9.

Microcystin is a cyanotoxin produced by certain harmful algal blooms. Exposure can cause acute liver damage in people and is often fatal to dogs. Hunters should avoid using contaminated water for cleaning gear or handling harvested birds.

Dogs are at increased risk for exposure because of their size and level of activity. They can become extremely ill and die from water intoxication after drinking excessive amounts of water while swimming or fetching objects for long periods of time.

Symptoms

Symptoms of microcystin exposure may be similar to food poisoning such as stomach cramping, 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 experience weakness, difficulty walking, seizures, lethargy, loss of appetite and more. If a dog exhibits symptoms, veterinary treatment should be sought as quickly as possible.

For more information about the advisory issued for waterfowl hunting in the Barnes Unit of the Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge, visit the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) news website.

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 1-877-290-6767, or visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.

###

CORRECTION: Seeking Health Care Affordability, OHA Finds Five Organizations Didn't Meet Acceptable Cost Growth Standards In 2023 - 11/17/25

CORRECTION: This news release has been reissued to correct a typo.

 

November 17, 2025

Media contact: Franny White, franny.l.white@oha.oregon.gov, 971-349-3539 

Seeking health care affordability, OHA finds five organizations didn't meet acceptable cost growth standards in 2023 

 

Report: Compensation for frontline health care workers growing slower than for others  

SALEM, Ore. – In support of its efforts to make care more affordable, a detailed review of statewide health care spending data led Oregon Health Authority to determine most of the state’s health care organizations had acceptable reasons for high cost growth in 2023. However, OHA also found five entities didn’t have an acceptable reason for their spending increases that year.

For the first time, OHA will require three organizations to develop plans to meet the state’s health care spending target. In a related analysis, OHA also found compensation for frontline health care workers grew slower than for others who worked for Oregon hospitals and medical groups in 2023.

“Making health care affordable benefits everyone: People can more easily maintain their health, employers can better support their workers, and the health care industry can serve more members of their communities,” said OHA Health Policy & Analytics Division Director Clare Pierce-Wrobel.

“As directed by state law, OHA’s Sustainable Health Care Cost Growth Target Program provides additional transparency into what the state spends on health care,” Pierce-Wrobel said. “In the few cases where OHA finds cost growth is unreasonably high, the program follows thoughtful and gradual accountability standards. When the state, insurers, hospitals, providers and others work together, we can make health care affordable and accessible for everyone in Oregon.”

Health care costs in Oregon and around the country are rising at an alarming rate, outpacing wages and making care unaffordable for working families. Rising costs also strain the budgets of businesses and government agencies that pay for employer health coverage. In addition, reduced federal support for Medicaid and Affordable Care Act health plans is expected to further increase costs by causing people to lose coverage and avoid care until they need more expensive emergency care.

Measuring spending

Each year, OHA’s Sustainable Health Care Cost Growth Target Program collects and analyzes data from health insurance companies and other sources to measure what people and organizations in Oregon spend on health care. The program has aimed to limit health care cost growth to a 3.4% average annual increase per person since 2021. The Oregon Legislature established the program to help control health care spending.

While evaluating how spending changed between 2022 and 2023, OHA found most entities had an acceptable reason for higher-than-hoped cost growth, including for things like increased frontline workforce costs, high drug costs or increasing services to meet growing community needs. OHA made a total of 120 comparisons between insurance plans, hospital systems and medical groups while examining how those organizations spent while serving people with commercial, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid coverage. These comparisons led OHA to determine three insurance plans, one hospital system and one medical group did not have an acceptable reason for spending more than the state’s target.

The following five entities were found to have unreasonably high health care cost growth in 2023: 

  • St. Charles Health System, whose costs for serving people with commercial insurance increased 26.3%
  • ModaHealth’s Medicare Advantage insurance plans, which increased 15.4%
  • The Corvallis Clinic, whose costs for serving people with commercial insurance increased 8.7%
  • PacificSource’s commercial insurance plans, which increased 7.3%
  • UHC Company’s Medicare Advantage insurance plans, which increased 6.3%
 
 
 
 

Improvement plans

The 2022-2023 measurement period marks the first time that OHA can require organizations to submit performance improvement plans if their high cost growth didn’t occur for an acceptable reason. OHA is requiring three of the above organizations – St. Charles Health System, UHC Company and PacificSource – to submit plans.

As allowed by state law, OHA is excusing two others with unreasonable cost growth. ModaHealth’s Medicare Advantage insurance plans don’t need to submit an improvement plan because they are no longer offered. OHA is also excusing The Corvallis Clinic this year so it can focus on holding its parent company, Optum, accountable in future measurement periods.

The organizations’ performance improvement plans must identify what is causing their high cost growth, name actions they will take to address those cost drivers, and provide a timeline by which their cost growth will be reduced. OHA must approve the plans, which will be due by the end of January 2026.

Starting in 2028, OHA can begin issuing fines to health care entities that consistently fail to meet the target in three out of five years. By design, the Cost Growth Target Program does not immediately penalize an organization for their high cost growth in a single year or two, even if it is determined to be unreasonable. The program may only penalize organizations that fail to meet the cost growth target – without an acceptable reason – three times in a five-year period.

Workforce costs 

Because workforce costs are a significant driver of health care spending and OHA considers spending on frontline workers an acceptable reason for exceeding the state’s health care cost growth target, OHA has also published a related report that examines frontline worker compensation at a subset of the hospitals and medical groups that are subject to the target.

Frontline health care worker compensation recently grew at a slower rate than compensation for others who work at hospitals and medical groups, concludes the report. Frontline worker compensation grew 3.3% in 2023, compared to 13.0% for non-frontline workers. Further, frontline worker compensation represented 60% of total compensation in 2023, down from 62% in 2022.

The 2023 state law that created a requirement for OHA to conduct this analysis defines frontline health care workers as those who aren’t managers and receive total compensation that is less than $200,000 a year. While some providers – including many physicians and nurse anesthetists – earn more than that, they are not considered frontline workers in this analysis.

As planned when Oregon’s Cost Growth Target was first created, OHA is currently revisiting the target’s rate for 2026 through 2030. A short-term workgroup is expected to make a recommendation to OHA after its last meeting on Nov. 19.

More information is in the following reports: 

CORRECTION: Seeking Health Care Affordability, OHA Finds Five Organizations Didn't Meet Acceptable Cost Growth Standards In 2023 - 11/17/25

CORRECTION: This news release has been reissued to correct a typo.

 

November 17, 2025

Media contact: Franny White, franny.l.white@oha.oregon.gov, 971-349-3539 

Seeking health care affordability, OHA finds five organizations didn't meet acceptable cost growth standards in 2023 

 

Report: Compensation for frontline health care workers growing slower than for others  

SALEM, Ore. – In support of its efforts to make care more affordable, a detailed review of statewide health care spending data led Oregon Health Authority to determine most of the state’s health care organizations had acceptable reasons for high cost growth in 2023. However, OHA also found five entities didn’t have an acceptable reason for their spending increases that year.

For the first time, OHA will require three organizations to develop plans to meet the state’s health care spending target. In a related analysis, OHA also found compensation for frontline health care workers grew slower than for others who worked for Oregon hospitals and medical groups in 2023.

“Making health care affordable benefits everyone: People can more easily maintain their health, employers can better support their workers, and the health care industry can serve more members of their communities,” said OHA Health Policy & Analytics Division Director Clare Pierce-Wrobel.

“As directed by state law, OHA’s Sustainable Health Care Cost Growth Target Program provides additional transparency into what the state spends on health care,” Pierce-Wrobel said. “In the few cases where OHA finds cost growth is unreasonably high, the program follows thoughtful and gradual accountability standards. When the state, insurers, hospitals, providers and others work together, we can make health care affordable and accessible for everyone in Oregon.”

Health care costs in Oregon and around the country are rising at an alarming rate, outpacing wages and making care unaffordable for working families. Rising costs also strain the budgets of businesses and government agencies that pay for employer health coverage. In addition, reduced federal support for Medicaid and Affordable Care Act health plans is expected to further increase costs by causing people to lose coverage and avoid care until they need more expensive emergency care.

Measuring spending

Each year, OHA’s Sustainable Health Care Cost Growth Target Program collects and analyzes data from health insurance companies and other sources to measure what people and organizations in Oregon spend on health care. The program has aimed to limit health care cost growth to a 3.4% average annual increase per person since 2021. The Oregon Legislature established the program to help control health care spending.

While evaluating how spending changed between 2022 and 2023, OHA found most entities had an acceptable reason for higher-than-hoped cost growth, including for things like increased frontline workforce costs, high drug costs or increasing services to meet growing community needs. OHA made a total of 120 comparisons between insurance plans, hospital systems and medical groups while examining how those organizations spent while serving people with commercial, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid coverage. These comparisons led OHA to determine three insurance plans, one hospital system and one medical group did not have an acceptable reason for spending more than the state’s target.

The following five entities were found to have unreasonably high health care cost growth in 2023: 

  • St. Charles Health System, whose costs for serving people with commercial insurance increased 26.3%
  • ModaHealth’s Medicare Advantage insurance plans, which increased 15.4%
  • The Corvallis Clinic, whose costs for serving people with commercial insurance increased 8.7%
  • PacificSource’s commercial insurance plans, which increased 7.3%
  • UHC Company’s Medicare Advantage insurance plans, which increased 6.3%
 
 
 
 

Improvement plans

The 2022-2023 measurement period marks the first time that OHA can require organizations to submit performance improvement plans if their high cost growth didn’t occur for an acceptable reason. OHA is requiring three of the above organizations – St. Charles Health System, UHC Company and PacificSource – to submit plans.

As allowed by state law, OHA is excusing two others with unreasonable cost growth. ModaHealth’s Medicare Advantage insurance plans don’t need to submit an improvement plan because they are no longer offered. OHA is also excusing The Corvallis Clinic this year so it can focus on holding its parent company, Optum, accountable in future measurement periods.

The organizations’ performance improvement plans must identify what is causing their high cost growth, name actions they will take to address those cost drivers, and provide a timeline by which their cost growth will be reduced. OHA must approve the plans, which will be due by the end of January 2026.

Starting in 2028, OHA can begin issuing fines to health care entities that consistently fail to meet the target in three out of five years. By design, the Cost Growth Target Program does not immediately penalize an organization for their high cost growth in a single year or two, even if it is determined to be unreasonable. The program may only penalize organizations that fail to meet the cost growth target – without an acceptable reason – three times in a five-year period.

Workforce costs 

Because workforce costs are a significant driver of health care spending and OHA considers spending on frontline workers an acceptable reason for exceeding the state’s health care cost growth target, OHA has also published a related report that examines frontline worker compensation at a subset of the hospitals and medical groups that are subject to the target.

Frontline health care worker compensation recently grew at a slower rate than compensation for others who work at hospitals and medical groups, concludes the report. Frontline worker compensation grew 3.3% in 2023, compared to 13.0% for non-frontline workers. Further, frontline worker compensation represented 60% of total compensation in 2023, down from 62% in 2022.

The 2023 state law that created a requirement for OHA to conduct this analysis defines frontline health care workers as those who aren’t managers and receive total compensation that is less than $200,000 a year. While some providers – including many physicians and nurse anesthetists – earn more than that, they are not considered frontline workers in this analysis.

As planned when Oregon’s Cost Growth Target was first created, OHA is currently revisiting the target’s rate for 2026 through 2030. A short-term workgroup is expected to make a recommendation to OHA after its last meeting on Nov. 19.

More information is in the following reports: 

Families Urged To Stop ByHeart Formula Use To Reduce Infant Botulism Risk As National Outbreak Investigation Continues - 11/14/25

November 14, 2025

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

Families urged to stop ByHeart formula use to reduce infant botulism risk as national outbreak investigation continues 

Oregon now has two cases tied to company's products 

PORTLAND, Ore.—State agencies continue to track botulism cases linked to a nationally recalled infant formula—including two cases of infection in Oregon—but health officials say there are steps families can take now to reduce their babies’ exposure to the infection. 

Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Department of Agriculture are collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and public health and food safety officials from other states to investigate the multi-state outbreak connected with consumption of powdered infant formula produced by ByHeart.  

Howard Chiou, M.D., Ph.D., OHA medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations, says it is helpful that ByHeart, which manufactures the formula implicated in the infant botulism outbreak, has voluntarily recalled its products. That ensures the ByHeart formula remains off store shelves until federal, state and local health agencies complete their investigations. 

It’s the ByHeart products that may still be on families’ shelves at home that are the biggest concern for Chiou and his public health colleagues in Oregon.  

“Many parents and caregivers may still have ByHeart infant formula products in their pantries, and they may not be aware of the national recall and botulism outbreak, or perhaps they don’t think the ByHeart products they do have are affected,” Chiou says. “Our message is clear: Do not use ByHeart infant formula.” 

Infant botulism is a rare illness that happens when a baby swallows Clostridium botulinum spores that grow in the gut and make toxin. The bacteria are commonly found in the environment, including soil, dust and honey. Infant botulism often starts with constipation and progresses to difficulty feeding, a weak and altered cry, and loss of muscle tone. Severe cases require hospitalization for specialized treatment.  

Nationally, there have been 23 cases of infant botulism from 13 states identified in connection with the outbreak, including two infants from Oregon;  ill infants have been hospitalized and there have been no deaths. ByHeart has issued a recall of all its infant formula and ODA is conducting recall effectiveness checks to ensure that all recalled product has been removed from stores statewide. 

OHA and ODA urge people to stop using any ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula, including cans and single-serve sticks: 

  • Label any leftover formula that your infant was fed as “DO NOT USE” and keep the container stored in a safe spot for at least a month in case your infant develops symptoms and the product needs to be tested. If no symptoms appear after a month, throw the leftover formula away.
  • Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the formula using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher. Special soaps or detergents are not needed. 
 

If your baby has consumed recalled formula, it is important to recognize that most infants who have consumed the formula have not become sick. Watch infants for progressive symptoms, as they may take up to a month to appear. Testing for botulism is not available for infants without symptoms.   

Seek immediate medical care if your infant develops any of these symptoms: 

  • Poor feeding, with loss of interest in feeding for at least six hours or weaker suck
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Loss of head control
  • Decreased facial expression 
 
 
 

“I know this is a scary message for parents to hear, that the formula they have given their child might have made them sick,” said Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., state health officer and state epidemiologist at OHA. “We want to provide you the best information on who may be at risk, what symptoms to look for that your child may be getting sick, and steps you can take to help keep your baby healthy. Right now, we know of two babies who have gotten sick in Oregon, even though many more drank the formula we are talking about.” 

For the latest information regarding this active investigation, consult the outbreak investigation websites from the CDC and FDA. 

###

Families Urged To Stop ByHeart Formula Use To Reduce Infant Botulism Risk As National Outbreak Investigation Continues - 11/14/25

November 14, 2025

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

Families urged to stop ByHeart formula use to reduce infant botulism risk as national outbreak investigation continues 

Oregon now has two cases tied to company's products 

PORTLAND, Ore.—State agencies continue to track botulism cases linked to a nationally recalled infant formula—including two cases of infection in Oregon—but health officials say there are steps families can take now to reduce their babies’ exposure to the infection. 

Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Department of Agriculture are collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and public health and food safety officials from other states to investigate the multi-state outbreak connected with consumption of powdered infant formula produced by ByHeart.  

Howard Chiou, M.D., Ph.D., OHA medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations, says it is helpful that ByHeart, which manufactures the formula implicated in the infant botulism outbreak, has voluntarily recalled its products. That ensures the ByHeart formula remains off store shelves until federal, state and local health agencies complete their investigations. 

It’s the ByHeart products that may still be on families’ shelves at home that are the biggest concern for Chiou and his public health colleagues in Oregon.  

“Many parents and caregivers may still have ByHeart infant formula products in their pantries, and they may not be aware of the national recall and botulism outbreak, or perhaps they don’t think the ByHeart products they do have are affected,” Chiou says. “Our message is clear: Do not use ByHeart infant formula.” 

Infant botulism is a rare illness that happens when a baby swallows Clostridium botulinum spores that grow in the gut and make toxin. The bacteria are commonly found in the environment, including soil, dust and honey. Infant botulism often starts with constipation and progresses to difficulty feeding, a weak and altered cry, and loss of muscle tone. Severe cases require hospitalization for specialized treatment.  

Nationally, there have been 23 cases of infant botulism from 13 states identified in connection with the outbreak, including two infants from Oregon;  ill infants have been hospitalized and there have been no deaths. ByHeart has issued a recall of all its infant formula and ODA is conducting recall effectiveness checks to ensure that all recalled product has been removed from stores statewide. 

OHA and ODA urge people to stop using any ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula, including cans and single-serve sticks: 

  • Label any leftover formula that your infant was fed as “DO NOT USE” and keep the container stored in a safe spot for at least a month in case your infant develops symptoms and the product needs to be tested. If no symptoms appear after a month, throw the leftover formula away.
  • Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the formula using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher. Special soaps or detergents are not needed. 
 

If your baby has consumed recalled formula, it is important to recognize that most infants who have consumed the formula have not become sick. Watch infants for progressive symptoms, as they may take up to a month to appear. Testing for botulism is not available for infants without symptoms.   

Seek immediate medical care if your infant develops any of these symptoms: 

  • Poor feeding, with loss of interest in feeding for at least six hours or weaker suck
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Loss of head control
  • Decreased facial expression 
 
 
 

“I know this is a scary message for parents to hear, that the formula they have given their child might have made them sick,” said Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., state health officer and state epidemiologist at OHA. “We want to provide you the best information on who may be at risk, what symptoms to look for that your child may be getting sick, and steps you can take to help keep your baby healthy. Right now, we know of two babies who have gotten sick in Oregon, even though many more drank the formula we are talking about.” 

For the latest information regarding this active investigation, consult the outbreak investigation websites from the CDC and FDA. 

###

OHA Data Show Poor Air Quality Linked To More Emergency Visits - 11/12/25

November 12, 2025 

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

OHA data show poor air quality linked to more emergency visits

PORTLAND, Ore. - New Oregon Health Authority (OHA) data show that when air quality worsens in Oregon, more people visit emergency departments and urgent care clinics for breathing-related illnesses and mental health conditions. 

The findings come from OHA’s newly updated Air Quality & Health Outcomes data dashboard, which tracks near-real-time health trends across the state. The data reveal clear connections between days with high levels of smoke or pollution and spikes in visits for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), anxiety and other respiratory or stress-related symptoms. 

“Oregon’s near-real-time data show us what we’ve long suspected—that poor air quality affects not just our lungs, but also our mental well-being,” said Jen Seamans, Data and Epidemiology Unit manager. “This insight helps local health partners and hospitals prepare for the health impacts of smoke and other air pollution events as they happen.” 

Emergency visits rise during smoke events

  • During the 2020 wildfire in Oregon, the statewide increase in asthma-like illness visits was about 25% compared to the preceding four-week period.
  • For the tri-county (Clackamas, Multnomah, Washington) region, emergency department visits for air quality-related respiratory illness in 2022 were 44% greater in Washington County compared with the 2016-2019 average, 35% greater in Clackamas County and 7 % greater in Multnomah County. 
 

Some groups are more affected

  • Hispanic/Latino communities experienced about a 30% increase in asthma-related visits during major smoke events—higher than other groups (about 22%). 

Mental health effects also increase

  • On days with poor air quality, visits related to anxiety and stress are higher statewide.
  • Data finds associations between exposure to wildfire smoke and increased self-reported symptoms affecting mental health among adults.  
 

Data for the dashboard come from Oregon’s Electronic Surveillance System for the Early Notification of Community-Based Epidemics (ESSENCE) and the National Syndromic Surveillance Program (NSSP), which summarize emergency department and urgent care data across the state. Data are refreshed weekly, offering a timely picture of how environmental conditions affect health. 

Supporting stronger public health responses 

OHA and local health departments are using this information to: 

  • Plan for resource surges during wildfire smoke and other pollution events.
  • Target public health messages to people most at risk from poor air quality.
  • Integrate air quality data into climate resilience and emergency preparedness planning.
  • Advance health equity by identifying communities disproportionately affected by air pollution. 

OHA officials note that while the data show strong correlations between poor air quality and increased health care visits, they do not establish direct cause and effect. Patterns may also reflect factors such as care-seeking behavior or reporting delays. 

Next steps

OHA will continue expanding its air quality and health monitoring efforts. Future updates will include additional years of data, new health measures (such as hospitalizations and mortality data), and expanded analysis of pollutants. 

Visit the Oregon Environmental Public Health Tracking website for downloadable datasets, maps and guidance materials. 

###

OHA Data Show Poor Air Quality Linked To More Emergency Visits - 11/12/25

November 12, 2025 

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

OHA data show poor air quality linked to more emergency visits

PORTLAND, Ore. - New Oregon Health Authority (OHA) data show that when air quality worsens in Oregon, more people visit emergency departments and urgent care clinics for breathing-related illnesses and mental health conditions. 

The findings come from OHA’s newly updated Air Quality & Health Outcomes data dashboard, which tracks near-real-time health trends across the state. The data reveal clear connections between days with high levels of smoke or pollution and spikes in visits for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), anxiety and other respiratory or stress-related symptoms. 

“Oregon’s near-real-time data show us what we’ve long suspected—that poor air quality affects not just our lungs, but also our mental well-being,” said Jen Seamans, Data and Epidemiology Unit manager. “This insight helps local health partners and hospitals prepare for the health impacts of smoke and other air pollution events as they happen.” 

Emergency visits rise during smoke events

  • During the 2020 wildfire in Oregon, the statewide increase in asthma-like illness visits was about 25% compared to the preceding four-week period.
  • For the tri-county (Clackamas, Multnomah, Washington) region, emergency department visits for air quality-related respiratory illness in 2022 were 44% greater in Washington County compared with the 2016-2019 average, 35% greater in Clackamas County and 7 % greater in Multnomah County. 
 

Some groups are more affected

  • Hispanic/Latino communities experienced about a 30% increase in asthma-related visits during major smoke events—higher than other groups (about 22%). 

Mental health effects also increase

  • On days with poor air quality, visits related to anxiety and stress are higher statewide.
  • Data finds associations between exposure to wildfire smoke and increased self-reported symptoms affecting mental health among adults.  
 

Data for the dashboard come from Oregon’s Electronic Surveillance System for the Early Notification of Community-Based Epidemics (ESSENCE) and the National Syndromic Surveillance Program (NSSP), which summarize emergency department and urgent care data across the state. Data are refreshed weekly, offering a timely picture of how environmental conditions affect health. 

Supporting stronger public health responses 

OHA and local health departments are using this information to: 

  • Plan for resource surges during wildfire smoke and other pollution events.
  • Target public health messages to people most at risk from poor air quality.
  • Integrate air quality data into climate resilience and emergency preparedness planning.
  • Advance health equity by identifying communities disproportionately affected by air pollution. 

OHA officials note that while the data show strong correlations between poor air quality and increased health care visits, they do not establish direct cause and effect. Patterns may also reflect factors such as care-seeking behavior or reporting delays. 

Next steps

OHA will continue expanding its air quality and health monitoring efforts. Future updates will include additional years of data, new health measures (such as hospitalizations and mortality data), and expanded analysis of pollutants. 

Visit the Oregon Environmental Public Health Tracking website for downloadable datasets, maps and guidance materials. 

###

Oregon Cannabis Commission Seeks To Fill 3 Open Positions - 11/10/25

November 10, 2025

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

Oregon Cannabis Commission seeks to fill 3 open positions

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Oregon Cannabis Commission (OCC) is seeking candidates to fill open positions.

The OCC provides advice to Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission regarding Oregon Administrative Rules that govern medical cannabis, as well as retail cannabis, as it pertains to patients and caregivers. More information can be found on the OCC’s website at www.healthoregon.org/cannabiscommission.

The OCC governor-appointed positions are defined in 475C.930 and consist of the state health officer or designee and an eight-member panel. Members serve a term of four years each.

OCC is looking to fill three vacant positions: an attending provider as defined in ORS 475C.777; a local health officer, as described in ORS 431.418; and a person knowledgeable about research proposal grant protocols.

To apply, complete the electronic application on the governor’s Boards and Commissions website at https://www.oregon.gov/gov/Pages/board-list.aspx.

Note that only completed applications will be processed and considered for appointment. The application site lists items needed to apply, including:

  • Uploaded resume (PDF only).
  • Uploaded short personal bio.
  • Responses to the general application and background questions.

Those unable to complete the form electronically should contact the Executive Appointments Office at executive.appointments@oregon.gov for assistance.

For more information or questions, email the board administrator, Megan Lockwood, at megan.r.lockwood@oha.oregon.gov.

###

Oregon Cannabis Commission Seeks To Fill 3 Open Positions - 11/10/25

November 10, 2025

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

Oregon Cannabis Commission seeks to fill 3 open positions

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Oregon Cannabis Commission (OCC) is seeking candidates to fill open positions.

The OCC provides advice to Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission regarding Oregon Administrative Rules that govern medical cannabis, as well as retail cannabis, as it pertains to patients and caregivers. More information can be found on the OCC’s website at www.healthoregon.org/cannabiscommission.

The OCC governor-appointed positions are defined in 475C.930 and consist of the state health officer or designee and an eight-member panel. Members serve a term of four years each.

OCC is looking to fill three vacant positions: an attending provider as defined in ORS 475C.777; a local health officer, as described in ORS 431.418; and a person knowledgeable about research proposal grant protocols.

To apply, complete the electronic application on the governor’s Boards and Commissions website at https://www.oregon.gov/gov/Pages/board-list.aspx.

Note that only completed applications will be processed and considered for appointment. The application site lists items needed to apply, including:

  • Uploaded resume (PDF only).
  • Uploaded short personal bio.
  • Responses to the general application and background questions.

Those unable to complete the form electronically should contact the Executive Appointments Office at executive.appointments@oregon.gov for assistance.

For more information or questions, email the board administrator, Megan Lockwood, at megan.r.lockwood@oha.oregon.gov.

###

Recreational Use Advisory Lifted For Bully Creek Reservoir - 11/07/25

November 7, 2025

Media contact: Timothy Heider, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory lifted for Bully Creek Reservoir

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Bully Creek Reservoir in Malheur County.

OHA issued the advisory July 18.

Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins in Bully Creek Reservoir are safe for human health and pet health.

OHA advises recreational visitors to continually be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable.

Only a fraction of water bodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab.

When recreating, people, and especially small children, and pets should avoid areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green or blue-green, or if thick brownish-red mats are visible or bright green clumps 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, and keep pets out of the area.

Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins released may reach into clear water around the bloom. Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving toxins behind.

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.

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

###

Recreational Use Advisory Lifted For Bully Creek Reservoir - 11/07/25

November 7, 2025

Media contact: Timothy Heider, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory lifted for Bully Creek Reservoir

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Bully Creek Reservoir in Malheur County.

OHA issued the advisory July 18.

Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins in Bully Creek Reservoir are safe for human health and pet health.

OHA advises recreational visitors to continually be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable.

Only a fraction of water bodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab.

When recreating, people, and especially small children, and pets should avoid areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green or blue-green, or if thick brownish-red mats are visible or bright green clumps 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, and keep pets out of the area.

Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins released may reach into clear water around the bloom. Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving toxins behind.

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.

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

###

New Clackamas County Stabilization Center Expands Access To Behavioral Health Crisis Care - 11/07/25

November 7, 2025 

Media Contact: Kim Lippert, Kimberly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov, 971-323-3831 

New Clackamas County Stabilization Center expands access to behavioral health crisis care 

OREGON CITY, Ore.- Clackamas County has opened a new stabilization center in Milwaukie, marking a major milestone in Oregon’s efforts to transform the state’s behavioral health system. For the first time, anyone in the Clackamas community experiencing a behavioral health crisis can walk in any time, day or night, and receive immediate care without having to go to an emergency room or jail.

The crisis center, located at 9200 SE McBrod Ave., in Milwaukie, will expand access to crisis and recovery services. The center will help people experiencing panic attacks, hallucinations or other behavioral health conditions, and will also connect individuals experiencing homelessness to transitional housing in the community.

Photograph of OHA Deputy Director of Behavioral Health Christa Jones speaks at the ceremony

OHA Deputy Director of Behavioral Health Christa Jones speaks at the ceremony alongside Gov. Kotek and Clackamas County officials, highlighting Oregon’s ongoing commitment to expanding behavioral health care access. The Clackamas County Stabilization Center will provide 24/7 behavioral health services for people in crisis.

“Today, we are celebrating meaningful access to services that are too often out of reach,” Governor Tina Kotek said during the ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday.

“Of course, there is still a long way to go and we have to keep pushing to get Oregonians the treatment they need and deserve. I’ve made it a priority in my administration to work towards an Oregon where every person can access the care they need, when they need it, and how they need it.” 

Clackamas County officials and OHA Deputy Director of Behavioral Health Christa Jones joined Governor Kotek at the ceremony.

“It’s inspiring to see a place where people in crisis can feel safer and supported,” Jones said. “The thoughtful design, with calming spaces and views of the creek, reflects a deep respect for the dignity and comfort of those receiving care.” 

The new center is funded through House Bill 5204, passed in 2024 to expand access to behavioral health crisis care through investments in infrastructure. The Clackamas project received $4 million through the Oregon Department of Administrative Services.

The Clackamas County Stabilization Center will provide care to adults experiencing a behavioral health crisis and co-occurring disorders. Among the center’s services are crisis assessment, short-term housing, peer support, and connections to long-term treatment, recovery resources, and stable housing for individuals in behavioral health crises.

OHA is committed to transforming the state’s behavioral health system, expanding access to services and support, and investing in community-based services that provide compassionate and culturally responsive care.

The Clackamas Stabilization Center will serve as an important role by helping residents access services and support in their community. 

More information about the new Clackamas County Stabilization Center is available at: www.clackamas.us/h3s/stabilization-center. 

###

New Clackamas County Stabilization Center Expands Access To Behavioral Health Crisis Care - 11/07/25

November 7, 2025 

Media Contact: Kim Lippert, Kimberly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov, 971-323-3831 

New Clackamas County Stabilization Center expands access to behavioral health crisis care 

OREGON CITY, Ore.- Clackamas County has opened a new stabilization center in Milwaukie, marking a major milestone in Oregon’s efforts to transform the state’s behavioral health system. For the first time, anyone in the Clackamas community experiencing a behavioral health crisis can walk in any time, day or night, and receive immediate care without having to go to an emergency room or jail.

The crisis center, located at 9200 SE McBrod Ave., in Milwaukie, will expand access to crisis and recovery services. The center will help people experiencing panic attacks, hallucinations or other behavioral health conditions, and will also connect individuals experiencing homelessness to transitional housing in the community.

Photograph of OHA Deputy Director of Behavioral Health Christa Jones speaks at the ceremony

OHA Deputy Director of Behavioral Health Christa Jones speaks at the ceremony alongside Gov. Kotek and Clackamas County officials, highlighting Oregon’s ongoing commitment to expanding behavioral health care access. The Clackamas County Stabilization Center will provide 24/7 behavioral health services for people in crisis.

“Today, we are celebrating meaningful access to services that are too often out of reach,” Governor Tina Kotek said during the ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday.

“Of course, there is still a long way to go and we have to keep pushing to get Oregonians the treatment they need and deserve. I’ve made it a priority in my administration to work towards an Oregon where every person can access the care they need, when they need it, and how they need it.” 

Clackamas County officials and OHA Deputy Director of Behavioral Health Christa Jones joined Governor Kotek at the ceremony.

“It’s inspiring to see a place where people in crisis can feel safer and supported,” Jones said. “The thoughtful design, with calming spaces and views of the creek, reflects a deep respect for the dignity and comfort of those receiving care.” 

The new center is funded through House Bill 5204, passed in 2024 to expand access to behavioral health crisis care through investments in infrastructure. The Clackamas project received $4 million through the Oregon Department of Administrative Services.

The Clackamas County Stabilization Center will provide care to adults experiencing a behavioral health crisis and co-occurring disorders. Among the center’s services are crisis assessment, short-term housing, peer support, and connections to long-term treatment, recovery resources, and stable housing for individuals in behavioral health crises.

OHA is committed to transforming the state’s behavioral health system, expanding access to services and support, and investing in community-based services that provide compassionate and culturally responsive care.

The Clackamas Stabilization Center will serve as an important role by helping residents access services and support in their community. 

More information about the new Clackamas County Stabilization Center is available at: www.clackamas.us/h3s/stabilization-center. 

###

Recreational Use Advisory Lifted For Powder Arm Of Brownlee Reservoir - 11/07/25

November 7, 2025

Media contact: Timothy Heider, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory lifted for Powder Arm of Brownlee Reservoir

Continue to keep pets away as levels detected remain above educational guideline values for animals

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Powder Arm of Brownlee Reservoir in Baker County. There is still an advisory for the Snake River portion of Brownlee Reservoir.

OHA issued the advisory Oct 9.

Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins in Powder Arm of Brownlee Reservoir are safe for people. However, levels detected are still above OHA’s educational guideline values for dogs, and owners should keep their pets away from these areas.

OHA advises recreational visitors to continually be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable.

Only a fraction of water bodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab.

When recreating, people, and especially small children, and pets should avoid areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green or blue-green, or if thick brownish-red mats are visible or bright green clumps 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, and keep pets out of the area.

Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins released may reach into clear water around the bloom. Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving toxins behind. 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.

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

###

Recreational Use Advisory Lifted For Powder Arm Of Brownlee Reservoir - 11/07/25

November 7, 2025

Media contact: Timothy Heider, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory lifted for Powder Arm of Brownlee Reservoir

Continue to keep pets away as levels detected remain above educational guideline values for animals

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Powder Arm of Brownlee Reservoir in Baker County. There is still an advisory for the Snake River portion of Brownlee Reservoir.

OHA issued the advisory Oct 9.

Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins in Powder Arm of Brownlee Reservoir are safe for people. However, levels detected are still above OHA’s educational guideline values for dogs, and owners should keep their pets away from these areas.

OHA advises recreational visitors to continually be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable.

Only a fraction of water bodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab.

When recreating, people, and especially small children, and pets should avoid areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green or blue-green, or if thick brownish-red mats are visible or bright green clumps 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, and keep pets out of the area.

Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins released may reach into clear water around the bloom. Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving toxins behind. 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.

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

###

Recreational Use Advisory Lifted For Unity Reservoir - 11/07/25

November 7, 2025

Media contact: Timothy Heider, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory lifted for Unity Reservoir

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Unity Reservoir in Baker County.

OHA issued the advisory Sept 26.

Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins in Unity Reservoir are safe for human health and pet health.

OHA advises recreational visitors to continually be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable.

Only a fraction of water bodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab.

When recreating, people – especially small children, and pets – should avoid areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green or blue green or If thick brownish-red mats are visible or bright green clumps 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, and keep pets out of the area.

Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins released may reach into clear water around the bloom. Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving toxins behind. 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.

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

###

Recreational Use Advisory Lifted For Unity Reservoir - 11/07/25

November 7, 2025

Media contact: Timothy Heider, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory lifted for Unity Reservoir

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Unity Reservoir in Baker County.

OHA issued the advisory Sept 26.

Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins in Unity Reservoir are safe for human health and pet health.

OHA advises recreational visitors to continually be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable.

Only a fraction of water bodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab.

When recreating, people – especially small children, and pets – should avoid areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green or blue green or If thick brownish-red mats are visible or bright green clumps 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, and keep pets out of the area.

Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins released may reach into clear water around the bloom. Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving toxins behind. 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.

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

###

Oregon Seeks $1 Billion Federal Investment In Rural Healthcare - 11/06/25

November 6, 2025

Media contact: Franny White, franny.l.white@oha.orgon.gov, 971-349-3539 

Oregon seeks $1 billion federal investment in rural healthcare

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Health Authority (OHA) submitted its application for a federal grant program that could bring up to $1 billion in new investment to strengthen healthcare in Oregon’s rural and frontier communities. 

Through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, Oregon is seeking funding to expand access to care, grow the healthcare workforce, modernize technology and data systems, and invest directly in community-driven prevention and wellness initiatives. The program was established under House Resolution 1, the federal government budget reconciliation bill that was signed into law in July. 

To develop the application, OHA undertook a statewide engagement process between August and October that was designed to center regional voices. The agency: 

  • Hosted two statewide virtual public forums attended by hundreds of residents;
  • Conducted two online surveys that reached hundreds more providers, patients and community organizations;
  • Held formal consultation and follow-up meetings with Oregon’s Nine Federally Recognized Tribes; and
  • Reviewed extensive written input from hospitals, clinics and community partners across rural, frontier and remote regions. 

Across these conversations, people in Oregon emphasized prevention, healthy communities and workforce resilience as top priorities. They called for investments in community-based care models, support for local recruitment and retention, and incentives to attract non-traditional and culturally responsive providers. 

“Informed by the insight of our statewide rural partners, OHA developed a robust plan for transforming rural health in Oregon,” said OHA Director of Health Policy and Analytics Clare Pierce-Wrobel. “As a state with one-third of its residents living in rural and frontier communities, we believe our proposed initiatives meet or exceed the expectations of this funding opportunity—and expect the federal government will recognize the importance of this investment for Oregon’s rural communities when making awards later this year.” 

If funded, Oregon’s initiative would roll out in two phases: 

  • Phase 1 (2026–2027): Immediate “catalyst” grants for shovel-ready projects that expand access, improve local infrastructure, and strengthen emergency and maternity care.
  • Phase 2 (2028–2031): Larger, regional initiatives focused on long-term sustainability, shared infrastructure and cross-sector collaboration. 
 

The proposal also includes a dedicated Tribal initiative, providing direct funding for Tribal-led strategies that strengthen sovereignty, workforce development and culturally grounded care.

Nationwide, the Rural Health Transformation Program will distribute $50 billion between 2026 and 2031. Federal law requires the U.S. government to make program award decisions by Dec. 31.

More information is available on the OHA Rural Health Transformation Program webpage, including the following documents: a project summary, a project narrative, a budget narrative, a letter to OHA partners and a letter of support from Gov. Tina Kotek.

### 

Oregon Seeks $1 Billion Federal Investment In Rural Healthcare - 11/06/25

November 6, 2025

Media contact: Franny White, franny.l.white@oha.orgon.gov, 971-349-3539 

Oregon seeks $1 billion federal investment in rural healthcare

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Health Authority (OHA) submitted its application for a federal grant program that could bring up to $1 billion in new investment to strengthen healthcare in Oregon’s rural and frontier communities. 

Through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, Oregon is seeking funding to expand access to care, grow the healthcare workforce, modernize technology and data systems, and invest directly in community-driven prevention and wellness initiatives. The program was established under House Resolution 1, the federal government budget reconciliation bill that was signed into law in July. 

To develop the application, OHA undertook a statewide engagement process between August and October that was designed to center regional voices. The agency: 

  • Hosted two statewide virtual public forums attended by hundreds of residents;
  • Conducted two online surveys that reached hundreds more providers, patients and community organizations;
  • Held formal consultation and follow-up meetings with Oregon’s Nine Federally Recognized Tribes; and
  • Reviewed extensive written input from hospitals, clinics and community partners across rural, frontier and remote regions. 

Across these conversations, people in Oregon emphasized prevention, healthy communities and workforce resilience as top priorities. They called for investments in community-based care models, support for local recruitment and retention, and incentives to attract non-traditional and culturally responsive providers. 

“Informed by the insight of our statewide rural partners, OHA developed a robust plan for transforming rural health in Oregon,” said OHA Director of Health Policy and Analytics Clare Pierce-Wrobel. “As a state with one-third of its residents living in rural and frontier communities, we believe our proposed initiatives meet or exceed the expectations of this funding opportunity—and expect the federal government will recognize the importance of this investment for Oregon’s rural communities when making awards later this year.” 

If funded, Oregon’s initiative would roll out in two phases: 

  • Phase 1 (2026–2027): Immediate “catalyst” grants for shovel-ready projects that expand access, improve local infrastructure, and strengthen emergency and maternity care.
  • Phase 2 (2028–2031): Larger, regional initiatives focused on long-term sustainability, shared infrastructure and cross-sector collaboration. 
 

The proposal also includes a dedicated Tribal initiative, providing direct funding for Tribal-led strategies that strengthen sovereignty, workforce development and culturally grounded care.

Nationwide, the Rural Health Transformation Program will distribute $50 billion between 2026 and 2031. Federal law requires the U.S. government to make program award decisions by Dec. 31.

More information is available on the OHA Rural Health Transformation Program webpage, including the following documents: a project summary, a project narrative, a budget narrative, a letter to OHA partners and a letter of support from Gov. Tina Kotek.

### 

Dr. Steven Nakana Named Oregon Health Authority’s Equity & Inclusion Division Director - 11/06/25

November 6, 2025

Media contact: Max Sprague, 971-288-8429, Max.Sprague@oha.oregon.gov

Dr. Steven Nakana named Oregon Health Authority’s Equity & Inclusion Division Director

PORTLAND, Ore– Dr. Steven Nakana has been appointed the new permanent director of Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) Equity & Inclusion Division, effective Nov. 24, 2025.

Photograph of Steve Nakana

Dr. Nakana, who has more than 15 years of leadership experience, most recently served as Director of Community Health Partnerships – Metro at CareOregon, where he directed Metro-wide health equity strategy -- collaborating with local leaders and community-based organizations to turn state health priorities into locally driven action. He also maintained performance dashboards and applied frameworks like Results-Based Accountability to monitor outcomes and address disparities.

Earlier in his career, he held leadership positions at Portland Community College, Portland General Electric, Port of Portland and Mercy Corps, where he informed policy and system transformation, guided organizational equity strategies, implemented culturally responsive community investments to advance health access, designed inclusive community engagement structures and supported international peacebuilding and public health initiatives. 

“Dr. Nakana’s experience reflects a consistent and unwavering commitment to equity, transparency and meaningful collaboration – values that align closely with our OHA mission,” said Sejal Hathi, MD, M.B.A. “We welcome him to our team as we continue our work toward eliminating health inequities in Oregon by 2030.”

Dr. Nakana was chosen through a national search supported by Motus Recruiting. He will replace Alfonso Ramirez, who has served as the division’s interim director and will return to his previous role as Behavioral Health Equity and Community Partnership Director in OHA’s Behavioral Health Division.

“Alfonso Ramirez has led our Equity & Inclusion Division at a critical time, championing division-wide success as we navigate federal changes and other challenges,” Dr. Hathi said. “I’m grateful for the compassion and commitment he has brought to the interim director role and for the important role he will continue to play in advancing our strategic goal.”

The appointment comes at a pivotal time. As communities in Oregon and across the region face growing challenges, the arrival of OHA’s new permanent Equity & Inclusion Director underscores the importance of equity work as the agency meets this moment with clarity, care and accountability. OHA remains committed to creating systems where everyone can thrive, guided by shared values and responsibility.

“I’m delighted to join OHA, an agency long committed to putting equity at the forefront of health policy and decisions,” Dr. Nakana said. “I look forward to collaborating with the OHA team and its many partners to improve the health and lives of all people across the state.”

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Dr. Steven Nakana Named Oregon Health Authority’s Equity & Inclusion Division Director - 11/06/25

November 6, 2025

Media contact: Max Sprague, 971-288-8429, Max.Sprague@oha.oregon.gov

Dr. Steven Nakana named Oregon Health Authority’s Equity & Inclusion Division Director

PORTLAND, Ore– Dr. Steven Nakana has been appointed the new permanent director of Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) Equity & Inclusion Division, effective Nov. 24, 2025.

Photograph of Steve Nakana

Dr. Nakana, who has more than 15 years of leadership experience, most recently served as Director of Community Health Partnerships – Metro at CareOregon, where he directed Metro-wide health equity strategy -- collaborating with local leaders and community-based organizations to turn state health priorities into locally driven action. He also maintained performance dashboards and applied frameworks like Results-Based Accountability to monitor outcomes and address disparities.

Earlier in his career, he held leadership positions at Portland Community College, Portland General Electric, Port of Portland and Mercy Corps, where he informed policy and system transformation, guided organizational equity strategies, implemented culturally responsive community investments to advance health access, designed inclusive community engagement structures and supported international peacebuilding and public health initiatives. 

“Dr. Nakana’s experience reflects a consistent and unwavering commitment to equity, transparency and meaningful collaboration – values that align closely with our OHA mission,” said Sejal Hathi, MD, M.B.A. “We welcome him to our team as we continue our work toward eliminating health inequities in Oregon by 2030.”

Dr. Nakana was chosen through a national search supported by Motus Recruiting. He will replace Alfonso Ramirez, who has served as the division’s interim director and will return to his previous role as Behavioral Health Equity and Community Partnership Director in OHA’s Behavioral Health Division.

“Alfonso Ramirez has led our Equity & Inclusion Division at a critical time, championing division-wide success as we navigate federal changes and other challenges,” Dr. Hathi said. “I’m grateful for the compassion and commitment he has brought to the interim director role and for the important role he will continue to play in advancing our strategic goal.”

The appointment comes at a pivotal time. As communities in Oregon and across the region face growing challenges, the arrival of OHA’s new permanent Equity & Inclusion Director underscores the importance of equity work as the agency meets this moment with clarity, care and accountability. OHA remains committed to creating systems where everyone can thrive, guided by shared values and responsibility.

“I’m delighted to join OHA, an agency long committed to putting equity at the forefront of health policy and decisions,” Dr. Nakana said. “I look forward to collaborating with the OHA team and its many partners to improve the health and lives of all people across the state.”

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Innovative High School Program Equips Students For Behavioral Health Careers - 11/05/25

November 5, 2025

Media Contact:  Kim Lippert Kimberly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov, 971-323-3831

Innovative high school program equips students for behavioral health careers

SALEM, Ore. –An initiative to build a more diverse, culturally responsive behavioral health workforce is preparing Oregon students for a future career in the field.     

High school juniors and seniors are gaining real world experience to explore potential career paths in behavioral health through the High School Behavioral Health Career and Technical Education (CTE) grant program offered in the Salem- Keizer School District and—new this school year—in Sunset-Beaverton and Lane County school districts. 

“Students report the program is helping them prepare for their future and understand themselves and others better,” said Casey Reid, PhD, behavioral health pathway specialist, Lane Education Service District. “We are excited to prepare Oregon’s future behavioral health workforce and build the culture of schools along the way in ways that are supportive of students and communities.” 

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is supporting three High School Behavioral Health CTE programs for the first time with $185,000 grant funding from Senate Bill 5525, passed in 2023. This is the Salem-Keizer School District’s second year with their Behavioral Health CTE program and the first year for Sunset- Beaverton and Lane County School districts’ behavioral health CTE programs. 

 “These programs are doing more than preparing students for careers,” said OHA OHA’s Behavioral Health Division Director Ebony Clarke. “They’re creating access, breaking down barriers and building a future where Oregon’s behavioral health workforce reflects the communities it serves.”

Here are some highlights from the first year of funding: 

Salem-Keizer Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) 

  • 43 students completed paid internships under the supervision of industry professionals.
  • 20 students earned Peer Support Specialist (PSS) certifications.
  • 25 students earned Qualified Mental Health Associate – Registered (QMHA-R) certifications.
  • Provided paid transportation to rural students, ensuring equitable access to the program.

Sunset-Beaverton School District 

  • 16 students completed the first year of the new CTE pilot program (51 students are enrolled for 2025–26).
  • Funding helped convert classroom space into clinical-style environments and hire a full-time program coordinator.
  • Program recognition by the Oregon Department of Education expanded access to students from all 27 district high schools.

 Lane County School District 

  • 41 currently enrolled students represent nine high schools (four programs are on-site and one is a fully online pilot launched this fall — the first in Oregon).
  • All program educators received certification in Youth and Teen Mental Health First Aid.
  • Students are collaborating with community organizations to create peer support programs to bring timely help directly to schools.

The High School Behavioral Health CTE program supports OHA’s strategic plan to eliminate health inequities by 2030, contributing to a trained behavioral health workforce that reflects the lived experiences and cultural backgrounds of Oregon’s youth. 

For more information on the High School Behavioral Health CTE programs visit:  

https://ctec.salkeiz.k12.or.us/programs/behavior-health-and-human-services  

 https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/departments/teaching-learning/student-programs/career-technical-education-cte/behavioral-health-at-sunset

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Innovative High School Program Equips Students For Behavioral Health Careers - 11/05/25

November 5, 2025

Media Contact:  Kim Lippert Kimberly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov, 971-323-3831

Innovative high school program equips students for behavioral health careers

SALEM, Ore. –An initiative to build a more diverse, culturally responsive behavioral health workforce is preparing Oregon students for a future career in the field.     

High school juniors and seniors are gaining real world experience to explore potential career paths in behavioral health through the High School Behavioral Health Career and Technical Education (CTE) grant program offered in the Salem- Keizer School District and—new this school year—in Sunset-Beaverton and Lane County school districts. 

“Students report the program is helping them prepare for their future and understand themselves and others better,” said Casey Reid, PhD, behavioral health pathway specialist, Lane Education Service District. “We are excited to prepare Oregon’s future behavioral health workforce and build the culture of schools along the way in ways that are supportive of students and communities.” 

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is supporting three High School Behavioral Health CTE programs for the first time with $185,000 grant funding from Senate Bill 5525, passed in 2023. This is the Salem-Keizer School District’s second year with their Behavioral Health CTE program and the first year for Sunset- Beaverton and Lane County School districts’ behavioral health CTE programs. 

 “These programs are doing more than preparing students for careers,” said OHA OHA’s Behavioral Health Division Director Ebony Clarke. “They’re creating access, breaking down barriers and building a future where Oregon’s behavioral health workforce reflects the communities it serves.”

Here are some highlights from the first year of funding: 

Salem-Keizer Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) 

  • 43 students completed paid internships under the supervision of industry professionals.
  • 20 students earned Peer Support Specialist (PSS) certifications.
  • 25 students earned Qualified Mental Health Associate – Registered (QMHA-R) certifications.
  • Provided paid transportation to rural students, ensuring equitable access to the program.

Sunset-Beaverton School District 

  • 16 students completed the first year of the new CTE pilot program (51 students are enrolled for 2025–26).
  • Funding helped convert classroom space into clinical-style environments and hire a full-time program coordinator.
  • Program recognition by the Oregon Department of Education expanded access to students from all 27 district high schools.

 Lane County School District 

  • 41 currently enrolled students represent nine high schools (four programs are on-site and one is a fully online pilot launched this fall — the first in Oregon).
  • All program educators received certification in Youth and Teen Mental Health First Aid.
  • Students are collaborating with community organizations to create peer support programs to bring timely help directly to schools.

The High School Behavioral Health CTE program supports OHA’s strategic plan to eliminate health inequities by 2030, contributing to a trained behavioral health workforce that reflects the lived experiences and cultural backgrounds of Oregon’s youth. 

For more information on the High School Behavioral Health CTE programs visit:  

https://ctec.salkeiz.k12.or.us/programs/behavior-health-and-human-services  

 https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/departments/teaching-learning/student-programs/career-technical-education-cte/behavioral-health-at-sunset

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