Category HEALTH CARE

Oregon public health programs hit with $117 million in surprise federal cuts
An abrupt halt to federal grants worth $12 billion around the country has state and local agencies contemplating layoffs and cuts to programs combatting diseases such as tuberculous, mpox and the flu.

Number of people ending their lives under Death With Dignity Act declines
State data shows deaths under Oregon's assisted suicide law declined in 2024, even as prescriptions increased.

Judge rules Salem Health monopoly lawsuit can move forward
Oregon Heart Center’s lawsuit alleging that Salem Health is attempting to push it out of the market can move forward after a Marion County judge decided that some of its claims, if true, could show the hospital was building an unlawful monopoly.

COLUMN: The most common Medicare mistakes
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.

Family’s experience highlights mortality rate of Black babies as Oregon weighs ‘Momnibus’
Oregon’s “Momnibus” legislative package looks to improve outcomes through multiple supports, including expanding access to doulas.

Oregon’s largest union wants to assist caregivers—and grow its own ranks
Senate Bill 1138 would create a board to oversee working conditions in the direct care industry and give that board extraordinary authority.

Salem Health cancels patient appointments after Regence split
Sub: Patients with Regence insurance are being met with conflicting answers and told they can’t pay out of pocket for medical care with Salem Health providers as contention between the two health care entities continues.

Oregon budget writers plan to spend hundreds of millions more on health, social services
New spending on Medicaid is part of a routine “budget rebalance” which the Legislature does before the end of each budget cycle

New program will help people recover from opioid withdrawal, connect with treatment
Starting March 10, people in opioid withdrawal will have easier access to medication that treats their symptoms, which include physical pain, nausea and emotional distress. The aim is to help people who have just overdosed break the cycle of using again and make treatment easier.