An Oregon study focused on rural residents found a promising method for eliminating hepatitis C, a common and potentially fatal disease that afflicts many drug users.
HEALTH CARE
5,000 Oregon nurses, doctors and others striking Friday at all Providence hospitals
A Providence strike beginning Friday is the largest by health workers in state history, and the first involving a doctor’s union.
Disability watchdog group seeks order to find Oregon in contempt of court
Disability Rights Oregon wants a court order that will hold Oregon State Hospital accountable for failing to admit patients from jails within seven days.
Two children died from the flu in Oregon over Christmas week
More than 470 people have been hospitalized with the flu this season in the Portland area, and two children in Oregon have died.
Thousands of Regence members to lose in-network care at Salem Health, insurer says
After months of stalled negotiations, insurance company Regence BlueCross BlueShield announced that effective Jan. 1, Salem Health providers and facilities will be out-of-network after a failure to reach a contract.
Salem Health absorbs Willamette Urology
According to Salem Health, Willamette Urology struggled to hire providers and approached the hospital system for support. Now Salem Health Urology, the clinic will keep the same providers and is hiring six additional positions.
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.
