Category Healthcare
Fatal drug overdoses in Oregon reached record levels in 2023
Oregon Health Authority releases finalized drug overdose figures for last year, which show a trend of rising fatalities every year since 2019.
OHSU study sheds light on the role housing and other needs play in health care
A national survey of low-income households that receive Medicaid finds improved health outcomes when housing and food needs are met in clinic visits.
Salem Health asks judge to dismiss lawsuit claiming cardiology monopoly
Salem Health filed a motion to dismiss a $15 million lawsuit filed by Oregon Heart Center claiming that Salem Health violated state antitrust regulations. Salem Health argued that it’s increased cardiology care options available to consumers in the region.
Novel state benefits to help Salem-area people avoid homelessness
By offering help with rent and other benefits related to preventing homelessness, the Oregon Health Authority is expanding definitions of healthcare. Several Salem-area organizations received grants this month to expand their capacity to help those who are homeless or at risk of becoming so.
Oregon task force finds ways to prevent patients from boarding in hospitals
For more than a year, a state task force has tackled the problem of people stuck in hospitals with nowhere to go, taking up beds that others need.
Medicaid funding for addiction treatment has not slowed national overdose deaths, OHSU study finds
An Oregon Health & Science University study found states cannot slow the opioid crisis solely with more flexibility to use Medicaid funding for addiction treatment.
Oregon will get up to $40 million in a new opioid settlement with Kroger
Oregon will receive up to $40 million to fight and prevent drug addiction as part of a national opioid settlement with Kroger. Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum on Tuesday announced the deal, which is part of a $1.37 billion national settlement with the grocery chain…
Overdose deaths are down nationally, but up in many Western states
Alaska, Nevada, Washington and Oregon have moved into the top 10 for rate of overdose deaths since 2023, according to a Stateline analysis of federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.
COLUMN: Make sure to check Medicare Advantage plans during open enrollment
Jim Sellers, former Oregon journalist and state agency employee, writes a regular column to help thousands in Salem deal with the confusing world of Medicare and federal benefits. He's available to answer your questions.