Category City News
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’s first year of commercial air service brought $19 million to local economy, consultant says
Salem's first year of commercial air service brought roughly 55,000 passengers to Salem. But the city lost about $480,000 on airport operations because of increased staffing required.
Longtime Center for Hope and Safety director leaves legacy of stability and survivor-first leadership
Jayne Downing is retiring from the Center for Hope and Safety after 27 years serving survivors of domestic violence, abuse and stalking. Ashley Carson Cottingham, deputy director of the state’s Office of Long-Term Care Ombudsman, will take over her role in January.
Salem City Council votes to study property tax levy to fund parks, library, Center 50+
Salem city councilors directed city staff to move forward with a plan to put a five-year levy on the May 2025 ballot to help fund parks, the library and Center 50+. Councilors will discuss whether to ask voters for more money during a Jan. 21 work session.
Cities say they store property taken from homeless encampments. People rarely get their things back.
Storage programs are meant to protect people’s property rights and allow them to reclaim their possessions. But they rarely accomplish either objective, according to a ProPublica investigation of cities with the largest homeless populations.
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.
Bird flu is racing through farms, but Northwest states are rarely testing workers
Farmworker advocates and health experts say more robust monitoring is needed to prevent the spread of bird flu.
Despite poor polls, Salem council may explore property tax increase to fund library, parks
Salem city councilors on Monday will decide whether to ask city employees to study a property tax levy for the May 2025 ballot. If they move forward, the council would discuss the possibility in January.
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.