June 17, 2021

Media contacts:     Erica Heartquist, Oregon Health Authority, 503-871-8843, Erica.J.Heartquist@dhsoha.state.or.us

Commissioner Court Boice, Curry County, 541-247-3229, boicec@co.curry.or.us

Curry County to complete transfer of public health services to OHA July 1

OHA has provided some services since May 2 following county resolution

PORTLAND, Ore.—Curry County is expected to complete the transfer of its public health services to Oregon Health Authority on July 1, following approval of a resolution by the county Board of Commissioners in April to begin the process.

OHA will host a virtual town hall on Tuesday, June 22, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. so Curry County residents can get more information about the transfer and ask questions of a panel of OHA representatives. The meeting can be accessed at https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1605987595?pwd=ZjViYmszK1VEcHdOd2I3enlNSFg3QT09.

Since the county’s April decision to hand over its public health authority to OHA and terminate its public health provision agreements with the state, OHA began providing some services to county residents. As of May 2, OHA began providing a subset of statutorily required services, and beginning July 1, the remainder of those services will be provided directly by OHA. Those services will include:

• Monitoring communicable diseases and controlling outbreaks, including the COVID-19 pandemic response.
• Ensuring access to safe drinking water.
• Ensuring access to WIC services.
• Licensing and inspecting food, pool and lodging facilities.

In response to the county’s decision, the Public Health Division convened staff representatives from across the division to plan for and communicate about the transition, including sharing information with local partners, clients and the public.

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