Explore Health Launches Tool To Help People Navigate Health Coverage Options For 2027 | Explore Health Lanza Herramienta Para Ayudar A Las Personas A Entender Y Elegir Sus Opciones De Cobertura Médica Para 2027 - 10/15/26

October 15, 2026

Contact: Amy Coven (503-943-0164, amy.coven@oha.oregon.gov)

Explore Health launches tool to help people navigate health coverage options for 2027

Plan Guide will help people in Oregon find financial help, compare health plans.

SALEM, Ore. — People in Oregon can now get an early look at their health coverage options for 2027 with the launch of the Explore Health Plan Guide, a new online tool designed to help people prepare for Open Enrollment.

The Plan Guide helps users explore individual health and dental plans available in their area and compare costs, benefits and coverage. Users can also enter their prescription medications and doctors to see which plans may best meet their health needs.

The tool provides an assessment for potential eligibility for Oregon Health Plan (OHP) benefits and financial help through the Marketplace, including an estimate of the amount of financial assistance someone may qualify for.

“Choosing health insurance can feel overwhelming, especially when plans and coverage options are changing,” said Chiqui Flowers, director of the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace. “The Plan Guide gives you a chance to explore options before Open Enrollment begins so you can better understand what coverage and financial help may be available.”

The new tool is especially timely for 2027. Providence and PacificSource will no longer offer individual health plans in Oregon, and Moda will  only be available in select counties. The Plan Guide can help people affected by these changes understand which plans are available in their area and compare their options before selecting coverage.

Explore Health is available for people in Oregon who do not have access to affordable health coverage through their job and are not eligible for public medical programs such as the Oregon Health Plan.

Open Enrollment for 2027 health coverage runs from Nov. 1, 2026 to Jan. 15, 2027. The Plan Guide is available now to help people explore their options ahead of Open Enrollment. Using the tool does not enroll someone in coverage.

Explore Health is Oregon’s new state-based health insurance marketplace. Starting with the 2027 plan year, eligible individuals and families will be able to use Explore Health to shop for and enroll in Marketplace health coverage.

To explore the Plan Guide or learn more about Open Enrollment, visit ExploreHealthOR.gov. People in Oregon can also make an appointment with an Enrollment Partner for help understanding their options and enrolling in coverage.

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15 de octubre de 2026

Contacto: Amy Coven, 503-943-0164, amy.coven@oha.oregon.gov

Explore Health lanza herramienta para ayudar a las personas a entender y elegir sus opciones de cobertura médica para 2027

La Guía de Planes ayudará a los habitantes de Oregon a encontrar ayuda financiera y comparar planes de salud.

SALEM, Ore. — Los habitantes de Oregon ya pueden obtener una vista previa de sus opciones de cobertura médica para 2027 con el lanzamiento de la Guía de Planes de Explore Health, una nueva herramienta en línea diseñada para ayudar a las personas a prepararse para el periodo de Inscripción Abierta.

La Guía de Planes ayuda a las personas a explorar los planes médicos y dentales individuales disponibles en su zona, así como a comparar costos, beneficios y coberturas. También pueden ingresar información sobre sus medicamentos recetados y sus médicos para determinar qué planes se ajustan mejor a sus necesidades de salud.

La herramienta ofrece una evaluación de la posible elegibilidad para los beneficios del Plan de Salud de Oregon (OHP) y para recibir ayuda financiera a través del Mercado de Seguros, incluyendo una estimación de cuánta ayuda financiera que alguien podría recibir.

"Elegir un seguro médico puede resultar abrumador, especialmente cuando los planes y las opciones de cobertura cambian constantemente", señaló Chiqui Flowers, directora del Mercado de Seguros Médicos de Oregon. "La Guía de Planes brinda a las personas la oportunidad de explorar opciones antes de que comience la inscripción abierta, para que comprendan mejor qué coberturas y ayuda financiera podrían estar disponibles".

Esta nueva herramienta llega en un momento especialmente importante para 2027. Providence y PacificSource dejarán de ofrecer planes de salud individuales en Oregon, y Moda solo estará disponible en algunos condados. La Guía de Planes puede ayudar a las personas afectadas por estos cambios a entender qué planes están disponibles en su área y comparar sus opciones antes de elegir una cobertura.

Explore Health está disponible para los habitantes de Oregon que no tienen acceso a una cobertura médica asequible a través de su empleo y que no reúnen los requisitos para programas públicos de salud, como el Plan de Salud de Oregon.

El periodo de inscripción abierta para la cobertura de salud de 2027 será del 1 de noviembre de 2026 al 15 de enero de 2027. La Guía de Planes ya está disponible para que las personas puedan revisar sus opciones antes de que inicie la inscripción abierta. Usar esta herramienta no inscribe a nadie automáticamente en un plan de salud.

Explore Health es el nuevo mercado estatal de seguros médicos de Oregon. A partir del año del plan 2027, las personas y familias elegibles podrán utilizar Explore Health para buscar y elegir su cobertura de salud del Mercado.

Para explorar la Guía de Planes u obtener más información sobre la Inscripción Abierta, visite Espanol.ExploreHealthOR.gov. Las personas en Oregon también pueden programar una cita con un Socio de Inscripción para recibir ayuda para entender sus opciones y completar su inscripción.

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Medicaid Advisory Committee Accepting Applications - 10/13/26

October 13, 2026

Media Contact: Kristen Lambert, Kristen.Lambert@oha.oregon.gov

Medicaid Advisory Committee Accepting Applications

External - New Applicants

• New applicants please apply externally HERE
  • You will be instructed to create a Workday profile using an email and password
  • Sign in, search for Medicaid Advisory Committee, and select the Apply button
• Detailed guidance on how to apply externally can be found - HERE

Internal – New Applicants

Applicants who are already board members applying for reappointment or would like to apply for another board, and/or current state workers, please apply internally:

• Log into Workday – HERE
  • On the homepage, click on Menu and then select
  • Click on Internal – Find
  • Search for Medicaid Advisory Committee and select the Apply
• Detailed guidance on how to apply internally can also be found – HERE

Only complete applications will be considered. A complete application consists of: contact information, short personal bio, responses to application questions, demographic information, uploaded resume, background check questions*, voluntary disclosures, and additional tasks (prompted by Workday).

*Applicants are subject to a background check, and additional vetting may apply for some board positions. Notifying us about something in your past does not necessarily mean that you cannot or will not be appointed; but, it is important that you disclose this information in the beginning of the process. Please ensure your fiscal responsibilities are in order when applying. Non-compliant issues may delay or jeopardize your potential appointment.

Contact: If you have questions, please contact Sarah Wetherson (mac.info@odhsoha.oregon.gov, 503-793-1920).

You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille or a format you prefer free of charge. Contact MAC.Info@odhsoha.oregon.gov or 971-304-9642. We accept all relay calls. 

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Oregon Meets Tobacco Reduction Goals, But Disparities, Rising Adult Vaping Highlight Challenges - 10/07/26

Oregon meets tobacco reduction goals, but disparities, rising adult vaping highlight challenges

Portland, OR - Oregon has made significant progress in reducing tobacco use, meeting or exceeding all three tobacco-reduction goals established for 2017–2025, according to a new Oregon Health Authority (OHA) report.

The report, Evaluating the Impact of Statewide Policies on Tobacco Use and Sales, examines trends in tobacco use and sales before and after Oregon implemented three major statewide tobacco policies: Tobacco 21, which raised the legal minimum age to purchase tobacco and nicotine products; increased tobacco taxes through Ballot Measure 108; and Tobacco Retail Licensing, which requires Oregon retailers to obtain a license to sell tobacco and nicotine products.

The report found:

• Youth cigarette smoking declined substantially. In 2024, 1% of Oregon eighth graders and 2.8% of 11th graders reported current cigarette use, down from 4.3% and 8.8%, respectively, in 2015.
• Adult cigarette smoking declined. The percentage of Oregon adults who smoked cigarettes fell from 17.1% in 2016 to 11% in 2024, exceeding the state goal of 13.3%.
• Cigarette sales declined. Annual per-capita cigarette sales fell from 38.3 packs in 2016 to 21 packs in 2024, surpassing the state goal of 34 or fewer packs per person.
• Youth e-cigarette use declined. Current e-cigarette use among eighth graders fell from 9.3% in 2015 to 4.1% in 2024; among 11th graders, it fell from 17.1% to 9%.
• Adult e-cigarette use increased through 2023 before declining in 2024. E-cigarette use and sales among adults increased over much of the evaluation period, highlighting the changing tobacco and nicotine market.

Tobacco use remains one of the leading preventable causes of death and disease in Oregon, so these declines represent meaningful progress,” said Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., health officer and state epidemiologist.

“At the same time, we know that not everyone in Oregon has benefited equally from that progress. Continuing to reduce tobacco-related disease will require sustained attention to the communities most affected and to the rapidly changing nicotine marketplace.”

Progress, but persistent disparities

Among youth, higher tobacco use was reported among some gender-non-conforming youth and American Indian/Alaska Native and North African/Middle Eastern youth. Among adults, tobacco use remained higher among Black/African American and American Indian/Alaska Native adults, bisexual adults, people with less than a college education, people with lower incomes, and people who were unemployed or unable to work.

The report recommends continued investment in tobacco prevention and cessation, particularly for communities experiencing higher rates of tobacco use.

Overall evaluation findings

Tobacco Retail Licensing, effective Jan. 1, 2022, required businesses that sell tobacco and inhalant-delivery systems to obtain a license through the Oregon Department of Revenue (DOR). OHA’s Tobacco Retail Licensing Program works with DOR to monitor tobacco retailers and ensure they are held accountable to tobacco sales laws.

The evaluation found changes in tobacco use and sales associated with the period in which these policies were implemented. However, the report cautions that the findings do not establish that the policies caused the observed changes.

The full evaluation: Evaluating the Impact of Statewide Policies on Tobacco Use and Sales is available here.

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Oregon To Begin Enrollment In Nationwide Newborn Genomic Screening Research Study - 10/05/26

Oregon to begin enrollment in nationwide newborn genomic screening research study

Sunset Bay State Park Beach Health Advisory Lifted Oct 2 - 10/02/26

October 2, 2026

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

Sunset Bay State Park Beach health advisory lifted Oct 2

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) today lifted a public health advisory for contact with ocean water at Sunset Bay State Park Beach, located in Coos County.

The health authority issued the advisory September 30, after water samples showed higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters.

Results from follow-up tests taken by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) showed lower bacteria levels. Contact with the ocean water no longer poses a higher-than-normal risk. Officials recommend staying out of large pools on the beach that are frequented by birds, and runoff from those pools, because the water may contain increased bacteria from fecal matter.

Since 2003, state officials have used a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant to monitor popular Oregon beaches and make timely reports to the public about elevated levels of fecal bacteria. Oregon state agencies participating in this program are OHA, DEQ and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

For more information, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0440, or call OHA toll-free information line at 877-290-6767.

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New Facility Expands Access For Youth Mental Health Care In Central Oregon - 10/01/26

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2026-2027 Respiratory Virus Season Begins with Increased flu activity - 09/30/26

2026-2027 respiratory virus season begins with increased flu activity

Recreational Use Advisory Downgraded To A Precaution For Prineville Reservoir - 09/30/26

September 30, 2026

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

Recreational use advisory downgraded to a precaution for Prineville 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 downgraded the recreational use health advisory to a precaution for Prineville Reservoir in Crook County.

OHA issued the advisory July 27.

Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins in Prineville Reservoir 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 areas with blooms.

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 the signs of a bloom, and exposure routes 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 such as swimming or motorized or non-motorized boating activities that cause you to swallow water or inhale droplets, 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.

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Sunset Bay State Park Beach Health Advisory Issued Sept. 30 - 09/30/26

September 30, 2026

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

Sunset Bay State Park Beach health advisory issued Sept. 30

High bacteria levels prompt OHA recommendation to avoid water contact

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is issuing a public health advisory today for unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters at Sunset Bay State Park Beach in Coos County. People should avoid direct contact with the water in this area until the advisory is lifted.

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

Visitors should avoid wading in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, or in discolored water, and stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean. Levels of fecal bacteria tend to be higher in these types of water sources.

Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters can come from both shore and inland sources including:

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

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

Ocean waters will be re-tested after an advisory is issued. Once bacteria levels are at a safe level, OHA will notify the public that the advisory is lifted.

While this advisory is in effect at Sunset Bay State Park Beach, state officials continue to encourage other recreational activities (flying kites, picnicking, playing on the beach, walking, etc.) on this beach because they pose no health risk even during an advisory.

For the most recent information on advisories, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0482, or 877-290-6767 (toll-free).

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Reminder: Virtual Media Briefing On Respiratory Virus Season Today At 11 A.m. - 09/30/26

Oregon Physicians Discuss 2026-2027 Respiratory Virus Season At Virtual Media Briefing Wednesday - 09/29/26

Oregon physicians discuss 2026-2027 respiratory virus season at virtual media briefing Wednesday

Public Health Advisory Board Accepting Applications - 09/23/26

September 23, 2026

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

Public Health Advisory Board accepting applications

What: The Office of Governor Tina Kotek and Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) Public Health Division are seeking applicants for two positions on the state Public Health Advisory Board (PHAB).

• An expert in health equity
• An individual who represents a community-based organization serving an urban community

When: Due to the timing of application review, interviews and the Governor’s appointment process, the term for this position is scheduled to begin Jan. 1, 2027. The end dates for the positions vary, but terms may last a total of four years with the option to renew for a second term. Board members are appointed by the Governor.

About: Oregon's Public Health Advisory Board (PHAB) is a committee of the Oregon Health Policy Board (OHPB) focused on public health Oregon Revised Statutes: Chapter 431. It serves as an advisory body to the OHPB and OHA, with its recommendations most directly informing the OHA Public Health Division (PHD), to guide public health policy and priorities across the state, helping to ensure recommendations are grounded in community need and equitable practices.

PHAB is a 21-member board representing different parts of Oregon's public health system including local public health administrators, community-based organizations, tribal representatives, healthcare partners (CCO/non-CCO), academic partners, health equity and metrics experts and a member-at-large.

Time Commitment: PHAB meets on the second Thursday of each month from 3 - 5:30 p.m. PST. Members are expected to join at least one subcommittee or workgroup during their term. Most meetings are held virtually, with an in-person only retreat each year and the possibility of additional hybrid sessions. PHAB members are eligible for travel reimbursement.

Please consider the time and responsibilities required of members before you apply - contact PHAB staff if you have any questions or concerns.

For information and materials from previous PHAB meetings, visit the board’s website at http://www.healthoregon.org/phab.

Under Oregon Revised Statutes 292.495, board members may qualify to receive compensation for their service.

How to apply: If you are interested, complete the electronic application process by Oct. 23, 2026, at this link: https://oregon.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Boards/job/Oregon-Public-Health-Advisory-Board---Board-Member_REQ-192980

Applicants must provide:

• A resume
• A short personal biography
• A brief statement of interest, specifying the position sought by the applicant
• A brief statement on how the board can address equity
• A brief statement on the applicant’s understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion

Background: Learn about the application process at this link: https://www.oregon.gov/gov/Pages/board-list.aspx.

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

Support Services: Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services.

OHA provides free help.

Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

1. Sign language and spoken language interpreters
2. CART (live captions)
3. Written materials in other languages
4. Braille
5. Large print
6. Audio and other formats

Contact: Requests for help, information and questions can be sent to Veronica Herrera at 503-979-8498, PublicHealth.Policy@odhsoha.oregon.gov or 711 TTY.

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OHA Statement: Agency Not Moving Forward With Proposed Fee Increases For Psilocybin Licensees - 09/22/26

Recreational Use Advisory Issued For Powder Arm Of Brownlee Reservoir Sept. 21 - 09/21/26

September 21, 2026

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

Recreational use advisory issued for Powder Arm of Brownlee Reservoir Sept. 21

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use health advisory today for Powder Arm of Brownlee Reservoir due to the presence of a cyanotoxins above Recreational Use Value (RUVs).

A recreational use health precaution has been in place since July 14 due to the presence of cyanotoxins. The waterbody is in Baker County.

People should avoid swimming and other water activities with a high risk of swallowing water or inhaling water droplets in areas lake where blooms are present. Ingestion or inhalation of water is the exposure route of concern. Toxins are not absorbed through the skin. However, those with skin sensitivities may get a puffy red rash.

OHA’s RUVs are designed to protect the most vulnerable, including children, who have a higher activity level and are more likely to swallow water while recreating.

OHA encourages people to visit Powder Arm of Brownlee Reservoir and enjoy activities such as camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, bird watching, and motorized or non-motorized boating activities that have a low risk of swallowing or inhaling water droplets.

Drinking water

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

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

Symptoms for people, pets

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

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

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

Fishing

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

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

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Reminder: Virtual Media Briefing Today On Federal Changes - 09/21/26

September 21, 2026

Media Contact: Amy Bacher, amy.bacher2@oha.oregon.gov

Reminder: virtual media briefing today on federal changes

OHA will hold a media briefing today to outline federal changes and answer related questions

SALEM, OR – Beginning this month, about 600,000 Oregon Health Plan members will begin receiving notices about upcoming changes to the Oregon Health Plan (OHP / Medicaid). These updates are required under new federal mandates outlined in House Resolution 1, also known as HR1 or the Big Beautiful Bill, which states must follow to maintain federal funding.

One of the first changes will take effect January 1, 2027, when new work or activity rules begin for certain OHP members ages 19 to 64. While most adults with OHP who can work already do, some will need to provide documentation when they apply for or renew coverage once the rules are in place.

The notices going out this month are informational only and no action is required yet; however, OHA is urging members to keep their contact information up to date, so they don’t miss these notices or future updates. Members can do that by:

• Going to benefits.oregon.gov
• Calling 1-800-699-9075 (all relay calls welcome),
• Downloading the ONE mobile app, or
• Visiting a local Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) office

Community partners are encouraged to help spread the word about upcoming changes by sharing flyers, social media posts, and information available at: https://ohp.oregon.gov/toolkit.

Media are invited to an OHA virtual briefing today

OHA leaders will brief the media and answer questions about upcoming federal changes during a virtual session. Details about the briefing:

Date: Monday, September 21, 2026

Time: 11:00am – 11:30am

Location: Virtual, via Zoom

Meeting ID: 165 737 0403, Passcode: 932201, +16692545252,,1657370403#

Community partners can view the briefing via YouTube.

Oregon Prepares Medicaid Members For New Federal Rules, Calls On Community Partners To Help Keep People Covered - 09/18/26

September 18, 2026

Media Contact: Amy Bacher, amy.bacher2@oha.oregon.gov

Oregon prepares Medicaid members for new federal rules, calls on community partners to help keep people covered

OHA will hold a media briefing on Sept. 21 to outline federal changes and answer related questions

SALEM, OR – Beginning this month, about 600,000 Oregon Health Plan members will begin receiving notices about upcoming changes to the Oregon Health Plan (OHP / Medicaid). These updates are required under new federal mandates outlined in House Resolution 1, also known as HR1 or the Big Beautiful Bill, which states must follow to maintain federal funding.

One of the first changes will take effect January 1, 2027, when new work or activity rules begin for certain OHP members ages 19 to 64. While most adults with OHP who can work already do, some will need to provide documentation when they apply for or renew coverage once the rules are in place.

The notices going out this month are informational only and no action is required yet; however, OHA is urging members to keep their contact information up to date, so they don’t miss these notices or future updates. Members can do that by:

• Going to benefits.oregon.gov
• Calling 1-800-699-9075 (all relay calls welcome),
• Downloading the ONE mobile app, or
• Visiting a local Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) office

Community partners are encouraged to help spread the word about upcoming changes by sharing flyers, social media posts, and information available at: https://ohp.oregon.gov/toolkit.

Media are invited to an OHA virtual briefing on Monday, Sept. 21

OHA leaders will brief the media and answer questions about upcoming federal changes during a virtual session. Details about the briefing:

Date: Monday, September 21, 2026

Time: 11:00am – 11:30am

Location: Virtual, via Zoom

Meeting ID: 165 737 0403, Passcode: 932201, +16692545252,,1657370403#

Community partners can view the briefing via YouTube.
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OSH Junction City Apple Orchard Rooted In Community - 09/18/26

September 18, 2026

Media contact: Marsha Sills, marsha.sills@oha.oregon.gov, 971-240-3344

OSH Junction City apple orchard rooted in community

JUNCTION CITY – The small apple orchard planted on Oregon State Hospital (OSH) grounds more than a decade ago continues to bear fruit for the community with the recent harvest of around 5,000 pounds of apples to help support families in Lane County.

Patients and staff led the picking of the crop while local volunteers with Fern Ridge Connection Gleaners completed the harvest in a separate event. The harvest was split between Food for Lane County (FFLC) and the gleaners group, which serves about 140 families in the Fern Ridge and Veneta area.

“Food for Lane County has been our partner from the beginning – and they provide meaningful opportunities for our patients through their volunteer programs,” said Tom Anhalt, OSH Chief Experience Officer and Junction City Administrator.  “It takes coordination to make the harvest and patient engagement in the community to happen, and I’m grateful to our OSH staff for creating and strengthening these community relationships so our patients can grow and develop skills that will help them as they leave the hospital.” 

Michael and David were among a small group of OSH patients who helped with this year’s harvest.

“Coming out here, being able to be a part of the community – still even within these walls – is a good opportunity,” said Michael. 

David added, “I think everybody should give of their time.” 

FFLC helped fund and plant more than 200 dwarf Liberty and Empire trees when the Junction City campus opened in 2015. Three years later, patients, staff and community volunteers joined together for the first harvest. While the picking events have evolved into separate events for OSH patients and staff with volunteer groups completing the picking of the crop, the harvest remains rooted in community connection.

As FFLC’s food resource developer, Kara Smith connects partners – any food business, including farms and organizations like gleaner groups – with the food bank’s mission of feeding the hungry in the community.  

“Every little bit helps,” Kara Smith said. “We’re feeding right around 80,000 individuals every month in Lane County. Everything helps. Every piece is part of the big puzzle that helps to make sure our community has access to food. We’re grateful for the partnership and it’s awesome to see the collaboration from various parts of our community.” 

The OSH Junction City campus serves people who were admitted by the courts under a guilty except for insanity order – meaning the courts decided their mental illness was a factor in their crime. Staff begin working with patients at admission on a discharge plan that often includes volunteerism and engagement to help them prepare to reintegrate into the community. 

OSH Associate Director of Social Work Travis Smith (left) worked with community partners to ensure the harvest supported local families. OSH Treatment Services supported staff supported the event for patients like Jonathan (right) who wanted to give back to the community.

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Recreational Use Advisory Issued For Cullaby Lake Sept. 17 - 09/17/26

September 17, 2026

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

Recreational use advisory issued for Cullaby Lake Sept. 17

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use health advisory today for Cullaby Lake due to the presence of a cyanotoxins above recreational use values (RUVs). The lake is in Clatsop County.

People should avoid swimming and other water activities with a high risk of swallowing water or inhaling water droplets in areas of the lake where blooms are present. Ingestion or inhalation of water is the exposure route of concern. Toxins are not absorbed through the skin. However, those with skin sensitivities may get a puffy red rash.

OHA’s RUVs are designed to protect the most vulnerable, including children, who have a higher activity level and are more likely to swallow water while recreating.

OHA encourages people to visit Cullaby Lake and enjoy activities such as camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, bird watching, and motorized or non-motorized boating activities that have a low risk of swallowing or inhaling water droplets.

Drinking water

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

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

Symptoms for people, pets

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

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

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

Fishing

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

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

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