June 21, 2021

Media contacts:     Jonathan Modie, Oregon Health Authority, 971-246-9139, PHD.Communications@state.or.us

OHA hosting virtual town hall Tuesday to discuss Curry County transfer of public health services

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority is hosting a virtual town hall on Tuesday, June 22, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. to share information and answer questions about the transfer of Curry County’s public health services to OHA.

A panel of OHA representatives will do brief presentations and then take residents’ questions. The meeting can be accessed via Zoom at https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1605987595?pwd=ZjViYmszK1VEcHdOd2I3enlNSFg3QT09. Residents can ask questions via the Zoom chat feature; those unable to use the chat feature can submit questions to orCOVID19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us.

Curry County is expected to complete the transfer of its public health services to OHA on July 1. The county Board of Commissioners approved a resolution in April to begin the transfer process.

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, including:

• 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.

For more information, visit https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/PROVIDERPARTNERRESOURCES/LOCALHEALTHDEPARTMENTRESOURCES/Pages/curry-County.aspx.

###

Everyone has a right to know about and use OHA programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters.
• Written materials in other languages.
• Braille
• Large print.
• Audio and other formats.

If you need help or have questions, please contact Cara Biddlecom: at 971-673-2284, 711 TTY, or cara.m.biddlecom@state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.