On Tuesday, August 3, 2021, at 8:45 A.M., OSP Troopers responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-97 at milepost 73.  A Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV), operated by Ronald Sims (25) of Redmond, was northbound when a silver Dodge Pickup, operated by William Robinson (74) of Wasilla, Alaska, crossed into the northbound lanes for an unknown reason.  The two vehicles hit head-on.  Both individuals sustained fatal injuries. 

Highway 97 was closed for approximately 5 hours.

OSP was assisted by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County EMS, Shankio EMS, and the Oregon Department of Transportation. 

August 3, 2021

Contact: OHA External Relations, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 1,575 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 9 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — There are nine new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 2,872, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today. 

Oregon Health Authority reported 1,575 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 223,364.

Vaccinations in Oregon

Today, OHA reported that 5,066 new doses of COVID-19 vaccinations were added to the state immunization registry. Of this total, 2,659 doses were administered on Aug. 2 and 2,407 were administered on previous days but were entered into the vaccine registry on Aug. 2.

The seven-day running average is now 5,010 doses per day.

Oregon has now administered 2,669,852 first and second doses of Pfizer, 1,788,997 first and second doses of Moderna and 182,407 single doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines.

As of today, 2,498,256 people have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 2,316,952 people have completed a COVID-19 vaccine series.

Cumulative daily totals can take several days to finalize because providers have 72 hours to report doses administered and technical challenges have caused many providers to lag in their reporting. OHA has been providing technical support to vaccination sites to improve the timeliness of their data entry into the state’s ALERT Immunization Information System (IIS).

To date, 3,027,195 doses of Pfizer, 2,302,620 doses of Moderna and 299,100 doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered to sites across Oregon.

These data are preliminary and subject to change.

Updated vaccination data are provided on Oregon’s COVID-19 data dashboards and have been updated today.

 COVID-19 hospitalizations

The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across Oregon is 379, which is 39 more than yesterday. There are 119 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit (ICU) beds, which is 17 more than yesterday.

The total number of patients in hospital beds may fluctuate between report times. The numbers do not reflect admissions per day, nor the length of hospital stay. Staffing limitations are not captured in this data and may further limit bed capacity.

More information about hospital capacity can be found here.

Cases and deaths

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (21), Benton (21), Clackamas (96), Clatsop (19), Columbia (16), Coos (35), Crook (22), Curry (32), Deschutes (42), Douglas (83), Grant (2), Harney (2), Hood River (6), Jackson (253), Jefferson (4), Josephine (41), Klamath (27), Lane (127), Lincoln (11), Linn (43), Malheur (25), Marion (164), Morrow (5), Multnomah (116), Polk (39), Tillamook (9), Umatilla (96), Union (11), Wallowa (6), Wasco (11), Washington (160), Wheeler (4) and Yamhill (26). 

Oregon’s 2,864th COVID-19 death is a 71-year-old man from Douglas County who tested positive on Aug. 1 and died on Aug. 2 at his residence. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed. 

Oregon’s 2,865th COVID-19 death is a 78-year-old man from Douglas County who tested positive on July 30 and died on July 31 at his residence. He had underlying conditions. 

Oregon’s 2,866th COVID-19 death is a 78-year-old woman from Douglas County who tested positive on July 28 and died on Aug. 2 at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 2,867th COVID-19 death is a 70-year-old man from Douglas County who tested positive on July 9 and died on Aug. 1 at Mercy Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 2,868th COVID-19 death is a 43-year-old man from Jackson County who tested positive on July 18 and died on July 30 at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center. He had underlying conditions. 

Oregon’s 2,869th COVID-19 death is a 96-year-old man from Jackson County who tested positive on July 20 and died on Aug. 1 at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center. He had underlying conditions. 

Oregon’s 2,870th COVID-19 death is an 82-year-old woman from Josephine County who tested positive on July 26 and died on Aug. 2 at Asante Ashland Community Hospital. She had no underlying conditions. 

Oregon’s 2,871st COVID-19 death is a 100-year-old woman from Washington County who tested positive on Jan. 29 and died on March 20 at her residence. She had underlying conditions. 

Oregon’s 2,872nd COVID-19 death is a 69-year-old woman from Yamhill County who tested positive on July 25 and died on July 28 at Providence Portland Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.

OHA does not report the vaccination status of people in our daily update of COVID-19 related deaths. However, statewide data show that people who remain unvaccinated are at much greater risk of infection and severe illness.

In June, 92% of the 7,241 COVID-19 cases and 94% of the 63 COVID-19-associated deaths occurred in unvaccinated Oregonians. On the first Thursday of each month, OHA publishes an update on vaccine breakthrough cases identified in Oregon. The findings shared in our last report, from July 1, indicate that this number remains very small when compared to the more than 2.3 million people who have completed a COVID-19 vaccination series.

Oregon updates non-viable vaccine disclosure^1,2,3

OHA’s non-viable vaccine table has been moved to the Tableau dashboard. You can find that link to the weekly tab here. OHA reports updates on vaccines not being used each Tuesday in our daily media release.

¹Updated: 08/03/21 

²Data source: ALERT Immunization Information System (IIS)

³Data is preliminary and subject to change.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccinations  

To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine situation in Oregon, visit our webpage (English or Spanish), which has a breakdown of distribution and other information.

# # #

August 3, 2021

Media contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, PHD.Communications@state.or.us

Oregon Cannabis Commission's Patient Equity and Governance Frame Working Subcommittee meets via Zoom Aug. 10

What: A combined Zoom meeting for the Patient Equity and Governance Frame Working Subcommittees of the Oregon Cannabis Commission.

Agenda: TBD; the full agenda will be available at www.healthoregon.org/cannabiscommision. 

When: Tuesday, Aug. 10, 1-3 p.m.

Where: Zoom meeting. Members of the public may join remotely by phone at 1-669-254-5252; Meeting ID: 161 294 7458 Passcode: 409302

Background:The Oregon Cannabis Commission was established in the 2017 legislative session through HB 2198. The commission consists of the state health officer or designee and an eight member-panel appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the senate. The commission provides advice to the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission regarding Oregon Administrative Rules that govern medical cannabis as well as retail cannabis as it pertains to patients and caregivers.  Additionally, the commission is tasked with developing a long-term strategic plan for ensuring that cannabis will remain a therapeutic and affordable option for patients and monitoring federal laws, regulations, and policies regarding cannabis.

Visit www.Healthoregon.org/cannabiscommission for more information.

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use the Oregon Health Authority (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 material in other languages 
• Braille
• Large print 
• Audio and other formats 

If you need help or have questions, please contact Megan Lockwood at 971-673-0620, 711 TTY or .lockwood@dhsoha.state.or.us">megan.r.lockwood@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

PORTLAND, Ore.—A former marketing manager at Nike, Inc. was sentenced to more than two-and-a-half years in federal prison today for perpetrating a scheme to defraud his former employer and a childhood friend.

Errol Andam, 47, formerly of Beaverton, Oregon, was sentenced to 31 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release. Andam was also ordered to pay more than $1.6 million in restitution. The Internal Revenue Service had already seized $212,838 in criminally-derived proceeds from Andam, and those were forfeited as well.

According to court documents, from 2001 until his termination in 2018, Andam was employed by Nike at its headquarters in Beaverton. Most recently, Andam worked as a manager in the company’s North American Retail Brand Marketing division wherein he managed the design, build-out, and operation of “pop-up” retail venues, temporary Nike shops situated near and tailored to sports competitions and other special events around the U.S.

In the summer of 2016, Andam recruited a childhood friend to establish a company to design and build the pop-up venues as an independent contractor for Nike. Andam used his authority as a manager at Nike to ensure that his friend’s company was consistently awarded the contracts for these jobs. Though he had no formal role in his friend’s company, Andam assumed control of much of the company’s financial operations, managing financial accounts and issuing invoices to Nike.

To conceal his role in the scheme, Andam used an alter ego, “Frank Little,” to invoice Nike and manage the contract company’s account with Square, Inc., a California-based provider of mobile credit-card-processing services. In 2016, Andam also renewed the lapsed registration of an Oregon-based limited liability corporation (LLC) he owned so that he could use the defunct entity as a shell company to funnel the proceeds diverted from Nike and his friend’s company to accounts under his personal control.

Beginning in September 2016, Andam caused credit-card sales at various pop-up venues around the U.S. to be run through card readers associated with a Square account owned by his friend’s company. These proceeds were transferred to Square in California and then to Andam’s LLC bank account in Oregon. Andam represented to both Nike and his friend that the proceeds of these sales were credited against the total amount Nike owed to his friend’s company. In truth, Andam simply pocketed the proceeds and, as “Frank Little,” invoiced Nike for the full cost of the contracted services.

From September 2016 through December 2018, Andam diverted and embezzled nearly $1.5 million in Nike proceeds for his own use. In July 2018, Andam submitted a fake financial statement from his LLC in support of a residential mortgage loan application. The financial statement falsely reflected as revenue checks for $194,000 drawn on a bank account owned by his friend’s business. Andam forged his friend’s signature on one of the checks and withdrew much of that money without his friend’s knowledge.

On February 4, 2021, Andam was charged by criminal information with wire fraud, money laundering, and making false statements on a loan application. On April 12, 2021, he pleaded guilty to all three charges.

This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation and the FBI. It was prosecuted by Ryan W. Bounds, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

# # #

August 3, 2021

Media contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, PHD.Communications@state.or.us

Oregon Cannabis Commission's Health Equity Subcommittee meets via Zoom Aug. 10

What: A public Zoom meeting for the Health Equity Subcommittee of the Oregon Cannabis Commission.

Agenda: TBD; the full agenda will be available at www.healthoregon.org/cannabiscommision. 

When: Tuesday, Aug. 10, 10:30 a.m. to noon. 

Where: Zoom meeting. Members of the public may join remotely by phone at 1-669-254-5252; Meeting ID: 161 939 9263 Passcode: 556272

Background: The Oregon Cannabis Commission was established in the 2017 legislative session through HB 2198. The commission consists of the state health officer or designee and an eight member-panel appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the senate. The commission provides advice to the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission regarding Oregon Administrative Rules that govern medical cannabis as well as retail cannabis as it pertains to patients and caregivers.  Additionally, the commission is tasked with developing a long-term strategic plan for ensuring that cannabis will remain a therapeutic and affordable option for patients and monitoring federal laws, regulations, and policies regarding cannabis.

Visit www.Healthoregon.org/cannabiscommission for more information.

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use the Oregon Health Authority (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 material in other languages 
• Braille 
• Large print 
• Audio and other formats 

If you need help or have questions, please contact Megan Lockwood at 971-673-0620, 711 TTY or .lockwood@state.or.us">megan.r.lockwood@state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Aug. 3, 2021

Salem – Each of them has different educational goals, career plans, and dreams. All of them have endured the personal and financial hardships that result when a parent or spouse is lost to a workplace death or permanently disabled while on the job.

Seven Oregon high school graduates are recipients of the 2021 Workers’ Memorial Scholarship awards, the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) announced. The awards program helps finance higher education for family members of Oregon workers who have been fatally injured or permanently disabled on the job. 

“In the face of serious challenges, these students have shown a lot of heart and a lot of grit in staying focused on their educational pursuits,” said Oregon OSHA Administrator Michael Wood. “These awards represent an opportunity for us to help them as they continue moving forward on their respective paths.”

The Workers’ Memorial Scholarship is open to any high school graduate, graduating high school senior, GED recipient, or current college undergraduate or graduate student who is a dependent or spouse of an Oregon worker who has been fatally injured or permanently disabled while on the job.

This year’s recipients are:

Salma Anguiano, Hermiston

Anguiano is a 2018 graduate of Hermiston High School. She is studying American government and politics, and Chinese language and literature at Whitman College. 

Anguiano said she wants to “use my experience and background to influence equitable public policy that benefits individuals who come from marginalized backgrounds.”

A vehicle accident left her stepfather, who worked at a dairy farm, a quadriplegic. Anguiano is receiving a $4,000 award. 

Katy Molloy, Junction City

Molloy is a graduate of Junction City High School who holds degrees in accounting and criminal justice from Portland State University and Linn-Benton Community College, respectively. Currently, she is pursuing a law degree at the University of Oregon. 

She said she hopes to become a prosecutor after completing her law degree. “I would like to ensure that justice is applied equally to everyone, no matter what their personal circumstances may be.”

Molloy’s husband, a truck driver, died in an equipment accident in 2016. She is receiving a $3,000 award.

McKenzie Dodge, Mill City

A graduate of Santiam High School, Dodge will be a sophomore this fall studying nursing at Linfield University. Her degree plans include registered nursing and pediatric nursing.

Dodge is inspired to go into the pediatric nursing field “mostly because of my love for working with younger kids. I hope to be able to help children any way that I can and keep them happy and healthy.” 

Dodge’s father, a millwright, died in a lumber mill accident in 2014. She is receiving a $4,000 award.

Ginger Ewing, Bandon

Ewing, a graduate of Bandon High School, will be a junior at Linfield University this fall. She is pursuing coursework with the goal of becoming a registered nurse. 

“For a great part of my life, I have wanted to help people, even in the smallest way. I have come to find that throughout the experiences I have lived through and what life has presented me with, I want to help people in the medical field,” Ewing said. 

Ewing’s father, a cattle ranch worker, was fatally kicked in the head by a horse. She is receiving a $3,000 award. 

Alexis Grizzell, Beaverton

Grizzell, a graduate of Alpha Omega Academy in Rock Rapids, Iowa, is pursuing a bachelor of science degree in graphic design at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Fla. 

When she looks ahead to a potential career, Grizzell sees herself as a freelance photographer who incorporates her graphic design skills into her work.

“When it comes to my career, I see myself becoming a boss, a woman who is empowering not only herself with that everyday self-journey, but also others around her so they are realizing their own powers they have,” she said. 

Grizzell’s father, a satellite technician, died from a fall injury in 2009. She is receiving a $4,000 award.

Isaac Milner, Silverton

Milner is a graduate of Silverton High School. He will be a freshman this fall at Linfield University. 

Milner will pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in business, sales, distribution, and marketing, with a second major in Spanish language and literature.

Milner’s stepfather died in a car accident while traveling for work. He is receiving a $4,000 award.

Kira Feldman, Salem

Feldman is a graduate of Summit Learning Charter and will be a freshman this fall at the University of Oregon.

“Psychology is what I am truly passionate about. I’ve spent my whole life knowing I want to spend my life helping other people and I believe this field is incredibly important and affects everyone,” Feldman said.

Feldman’s plan is to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Oregon and continue on with her graduate work to achieve her Ph.D. or Psy.D. Feldman’s father died in a work accident when she was 7 years old. Feldman is receiving a $4,000 award.

Award recommendations are made by Oregon OSHA’s Safe Employment Education and Training Advisory Committee, an advisory group with members from business, organized labor, and government. Oregon OSHA presents the awards annually to help in the postsecondary education of spouses or children of permanently and totally disabled or fatally injured workers.

The 1991 Legislature established the Workers’ Memorial Scholarship at the request of the Oregon AFL-CIO, with support from Associated Oregon Industries.

###

Oregon OSHA, a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, enforces the state’s workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. For more information, visit Oregon OSHA. 

Unvaccinated Caregivers With Qualifying Medical Exemptions Subject to
Heightened Masking, Distancing, and Regular Testing Protocols

August 3, 2021– VANCOUVER, Wash. – PeaceHealth announced that starting August 31, 2021, all caregivers will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit a qualifying medical exemption. Unvaccinated individuals will be subject to regular COVID-19 testing, as well as additional masking, potential reassignment to non-patient care settings, and other safety protocols. The policy will apply to all caregivers, including providers, students, contractors, vendors, and volunteers.

“Though nearly 80% of PeaceHealth caregivers have already been vaccinated, the rise in hospitalizations in our communities is a stark reminder that we are facing a public health emergency and we must do more,” said Dr. Doug Koekkoek, PeaceHealth’s Chief Physician Executive. “We believe all healthcare workers who are medically able should get a COVID-19 vaccine to keep themselves, our patients, and our communities safe. Doing so is part of our Mission to promote personal and community health and our Vision to make sure that every person receives safe, compassionate care.” 

While the organization has had high rates of voluntary caregiver vaccination, after thoughtful deliberation and a formal ethical discernment, PeaceHealth joins many health systems across the country, and professional organizations including the Catholic Health Association, the American Hospital Association, the American Medical Association, the American Nurses Association, and others in ensuring public health by requiring vaccination. 

Bob K. Pelz, MD, PeaceHealth’s system medical director of Infection Prevention, noted that “New variants of COVID-19 pose a critical threat to those unable to be vaccinated, including children and the medically vulnerable. It is our moral obligation to first do no harm and act for the common good. COVID-19 vaccines are proven to be the best way to protect ourselves and reduce the likelihood of harming others.”

This new policy is a reflection of the organization’s shared commitment to ensure every patient receives safe care at PeaceHealth and is part of a multi-measured approach to protect caregivers and patients, along with the supply of personal protective equipment, routine testing, masking, social distancing, diligent hygiene, contact tracing and proper quarantining. 

Press briefing with PeaceHealth’s Chief Physician Executive Dr. Doug Koekkoek 
Date: Tuesday August 3, 2021
Time: 2:00 PM PDT
Please email: SWCommunications@peacehealth.org for the Zoom link. 

About PeaceHealth: PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a not-for-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. PeaceHealth has approximately 16,000 caregivers, a medical group practice with more than 1,200 providers and 10 medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Visit us online at peacehealth.org.

Welcome to the Oregon FBI’s Tech Tuesday segment. Today: Building a digital defense against ride share scams. 

Oregonians are reporting a new kind of scam to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center these days – and given the massive growth of ride share services in the past couple of years, it’s not surprising. 

Here’s one driver’s story. When he arrived at the pickup point, he received a call that he believed was from his company. The person on the other end told him he was a great driver and was receiving a $250 bonus. 

Using the driving app, the bad guy asked the driver to message him some personal info, including his sign-on information for the ride share app, his Social Security number, his debit card number, and his PIN number. The driver noticed almost immediately that the fraudster was attempting to drain money credited to his ride share account and his bank account. He realized the scam at this point and immediately started working with his bank to stop the transactions. 

How can you protect yourself? 

• Be wary of anyone offering you free money. If you work for a company such as one of the big ride share operations, they do not need you to give them your bank account info to pay you. They should already have it.
• If anyone asks you to give your login credentials to any of your work or personal accounts, don’t do it.
• If you feel as though you may have been scammed, be sure to notify your bank right away.

If you are the victim of an online fraud, you should also report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at  www.ic3.gov or call your FBI local office.   

###

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - The Douglas County Sheriff's Office has upgraded evacuation notices as a result of the Wildcat Fire burning off of Upper Cow Creek Road near Azalea. 

Based on information provided to the Sheriff's Office from U.S. Forest Service Fire Managers, the following homes are under a Level 3 “GO!” Evacuation Notice: 

• All homes on Upper Cow Creek Road with addresses starting at 20039 through 20700.

Level 3 “GO!” means: LEAVE IMMEDIATELY! Danger to your area is current or imminent and you should evacuate immediately. If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand that emergency services may not be able to assist you further. DO NOT delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home or any structure. THIS WILL BE THE LAST NOTICE YOU RECEIVE. 

The following homes are under a Level 2 “Be Set” Notice: 

• All homes on Upper Cow Creek Road with addresses starting at 18300-20000.

Level 2 “Be SET” means: YOU MUST PREPARE TO LEAVE AT A MOMENTS NOTICE. This level indicates there is significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntarily relocate to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, to be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice. Residents MAY have time to gather necessary items, but doing so is at their own risk. THIS MAY BE THE ONLY NOTICE YOU RECEIVE. Emergency services cannot guarantee that they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate.

Homeowners who evacuate are asked to email dcso.evacuations@co.douglas.or.us so additional resources and information may be provided.

Residents can opt in to receive emergency alerts based on their address by registering at www.dcso.com/alerts.

An interactive evacuation map can be found at www.dcso.com/evacuations. 

Information regarding the Wildcat Fire will be released by the U.S. Forest Service.

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - The Douglas County Sheriff's Office has upgraded evacuation notices as a result of the Wildcat Fire burning off of Upper Cow Creek Road near Azalea. 

Based on information provided to the Sheriff's Office from U.S. Forest Service Fire Managers, the following homes are under a Level 3 “GO!” Evacuation Notice: 

• All homes on Upper Cow Creek Road with addresses starting at 20039 through 20700.

Level 3 “GO!” means: LEAVE IMMEDIATELY! Danger to your area is current or imminent and you should evacuate immediately. If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand that emergency services may not be able to assist you further. DO NOT delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home or any structure. THIS WILL BE THE LAST NOTICE YOU RECEIVE. 

The following homes are under a Level 2 “Be Set” Notice: 

• All homes on Upper Cow Creek Road with addresses starting at 18300-20000.

Level 2 “Be SET” means: YOU MUST PREPARE TO LEAVE AT A MOMENTS NOTICE. This level indicates there is significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntarily relocate to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, to be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice. Residents MAY have time to gather necessary items, but doing so is at their own risk. THIS MAY BE THE ONLY NOTICE YOU RECEIVE. Emergency services cannot guarantee that they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate.

Homeowners who evacuate are asked to email dcso.evacuations@co.douglas.or.us so additional resources and information may be provided.

Residents can opt in to receive emergency alerts based on their address by registering at www.dcso.com/alerts.

An interactive evacuation map can be found at www.dcso.com/evacuations. 

Information regarding the Wildcat Fire will be released by the U.S. Forest Service.

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - The Douglas County Sheriff's Office has upgraded evacuation notices as a result of the Wildcat Fire burning off of Upper Cow Creek Road near Azalea. 

Based on information provided to the Sheriff's Office from U.S. Forest Service Fire Managers, the following homes are under a Level 3 “GO!” Evacuation Notice: 

• All homes on Upper Cow Creek Road with addresses starting at 20039 through 20700.

Level 3 “GO!” means: LEAVE IMMEDIATELY! Danger to your area is current or imminent and you should evacuate immediately. If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand that emergency services may not be able to assist you further. DO NOT delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home or any structure. THIS WILL BE THE LAST NOTICE YOU RECEIVE. 

The following homes are under a Level 2 “Be Set” Notice: 

• All homes on Upper Cow Creek Road with addresses starting at 18300-20000.

Level 2 “Be SET” means: YOU MUST PREPARE TO LEAVE AT A MOMENTS NOTICE. This level indicates there is significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntarily relocate to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, to be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice. Residents MAY have time to gather necessary items, but doing so is at their own risk. THIS MAY BE THE ONLY NOTICE YOU RECEIVE. Emergency services cannot guarantee that they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate.

Homeowners who evacuate are asked to email dcso.evacuations@co.douglas.or.us so additional resources and information may be provided.

Residents can opt in to receive emergency alerts based on their address by registering at www.dcso.com/alerts.

An interactive evacuation map can be found at www.dcso.com/evacuations. 

Information regarding the Wildcat Fire will be released by the U.S. Forest Service.

Aug. 3, 2021 - Salem, Ore. –  To family and friends, Zane Collins has always been lucky. “I’ve had friends jokingly tell me not get in a raffle or other drawings so they could win,” said Collins, of Brookings. And just when you think someone can be only so lucky, Collins wins the Lottery’s Win for Life game’s $1,000 a week for life top prize not once, but twice!

Collins plays Win for Life regularly. Part of his strategy is to buy two tickets with the same set of numbers for the top prize. “I thought that if I win once, it’s way better to win twice,” said Collins when he claimed his prizes at Lottery headquarters in Salem on July 29. 

With his double win, Collins becomes the Oregon Lottery’s 47^th Win for Life top prize winner since the game began in May 2009.

Collins, who plans to help his two daughters with their nursing school expenses, chose the annuity option for his two prizes. After taxes, he will receive two checks each year for as long he lives totaling nearly $70,000. 

The Oregon Lottery reminds players to always sign the back of their Lottery tickets, regardless of the game. In the event of winning a jackpot, they should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Prize winners of more than $50,000 are advised to contact the Lottery office and schedule an appointment to claim their prize.

The Lottery recently launched a new online appointment-based system to assist winners of prizes over $600 and below $50,000 to not only avoid large crowds, but also make the claim process faster and more efficient.

Players can go to Lottery’s website at www.oregonlottery.org to download a winner claim form and schedule a time to pick up their checks at either the Salem or Wilsonville prize payment locations. 

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned more than $13 billion for economic development, public education, Outdoor School, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org

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28 New Badges Embolden Girl Scouts to Navigate and Succeed in a Rapidly Changing World

Girl Scout badges for entrepreneurship, math in nature, and digital leadership build crucial skills and offer experiences that equip girls with the tools to build positive futures.

Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington Media Contact:
Sarah Shipe, Director of Communications | sshipe@girlscoutsosw.org | 503-930-5275

PORTLAND, OR (August 3, 2021)—Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington and Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) today announced 28 new badges focused on entrepreneurship, math in nature, and digital leadership that embolden girls to navigate a changing society and build the futures they want for themselves and the world. Amid seismic shifts in technology and culture brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Girl Scouts can now earn new badges—in addition to the hundreds of existing badges—that address girls’ evolving interests in ways that resonate with them. The badges also address some of parents’ top concerns for their children as they handle the increasingly digital world, helping girls develop an entrepreneurial mindset toward technology, learn STEM skills while exploring nature, and build confidence and safe practices online.

The new Girl Scout badges include:

• Math in Nature (grades K–5): Despite increased remote learning, not all learning happens indoors. This badge gets girls outdoors to explore and conserve the natural world as they learn math concepts. Activities include discovering shapes and patterns in natural objects, learning about symmetry and tessellation, and mastering time and measurement theories. Girl Scouts then use this background to design nectar feeders, trail maps, and other outdoor tools and essentials. Girls often receive the message that STEM isn’t for them, but they’re especially interested in STEM concepts when they’re linked to things that girls enjoy, such as outdoor time. Sponsored by Johnson & Johnson.
   
• Cookie Business (grades K–12): With businesses shifting their models and relying even more on technology, girls learn to think beyond the storefront. The new Cookie Business badges help girls think like entrepreneurs as they run their own cookie businesses and incorporate online sales via the Digital Cookie® platform. The badges progress from goal setting and effective sales-pitching in person and online to using market research, creating business plans, and implementing digital marketing campaigns. In light of the consumer trend to shop more online, including on the Digital Cookie platform, girls now have even more opportunities to experience digital sales and marketing.
   
• Digital Leadership (grades K–12): Digital well-being is not a just buzzword—it’s here to stay. Girl Scouts explore what a leader is, both online and in their everyday lives. They learn how to be online in a responsible and safe way, and dive into topics like managing your well-being online, how to balance your time on and offline, and how to deal with issues like misinformation, clickbait, and biases in advertising. Girl Scouts discover how people use technology to connect and lead, then use those skills to create impact and become digital activists themselves. While internet safety and well-being are among parents’ top concerns since the pandemic, many girls are already digital leaders who use technology to connect with others on social issues and causes they care about. These forward-thinking badges are designed to support and motivate girls as they navigate the digital world. Sponsored by Instagram.

“These exciting badges help girls explore their potential and build confidence as mathematicians, entrepreneurs and leaders in new ways,” said GSOSW CEO Karen Hill. “When girls can see math at work in the world around them, when they know how to approach a challenge with a plan, when they see technology as a tool for making a difference—there’s truly nothing they can’t accomplish.”

“Girl Scouts helps girls navigate our changing world and build the futures they want to see,” said GSUSA Interim CEO Judith Batty. “Through our new badge experiences, girls can conserve the natural world, run their own small business, create digital content that inspires others, and address online bullying. Girl Scouts has been a source of connection, support, and joy for girls throughout the pandemic, and is addressing current issues girls, parents, and caregivers care about.”

And through Girl Scouts at Home™, GSUSA has made free self-guided activities from select new and existing programming available online to the public. Members can additionally access a suite of Girl Scout programming online through the Volunteer Toolkit, including troop meeting plans, tips for volunteers, and other resources to help girls earn badges and awards.

To join or volunteer, visit girlscouts.org/join.

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About Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington
In partnership with more than 6,800 adult members, Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington prepares more than 11,500 girls in grades K-12 for a lifetime of leadership, adventure and success. GSOSW’s programs in civic engagement, financial literacy, the outdoors and STEM serve girls in 35 counties in Oregon, and Clark, Klickitat and Skamania counties in Southwest Washington. The Girl Scout mission is to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. For more information or to join Girl Scouts today, visit girlscoutsosw.org.

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August 3, 2021 - Oregon schools are reopening and students are returning. Many of those students are faced with undiagnosed vision issues that can negatively impact their learning. Those vision issues can be discovered and corrected through high quality school vision screenings. The Lions of Oregon and the Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation (OLSHF) are as focused as ever in their efforts to help young people become stronger readers who are more successful in school, and they have a fun way to help support that mission this summer with the 2021 Scramble for Sight Golf Classic!

Golfers all over Oregon are invited to register for the Scramble for Sight Golf Classic at links.olshf.org/qfp, then play at their community course during the week of September 10^th to September 19^th, 2021, donate at least $100 per player to OLSHF, post their 4-Man Scramble or individual 18-hole score and receive over $350 in “tee prizes” including a logo golf Puma vest, Bluetooth sports earbuds, Bridgestone golf balls and more!

Using the USGA Slope rating of each participating 18-hole golf course, team and individual winners in the following categories will win more great golf prizes like drivers, high-tech golf bags and more!

• Low Net Team and Individual
• Most money raised – Team and Individual
• High Net Score – Team and Individual
• Best Team and Individual Costumes

What golf formats are recognized? Virtually any! Real USGA courses, community courses, mini-golf, disc golf and even Wii Golf. Donate at least $100 and you don't even have to play any kind of golf to receive the tee prizes! Have fun and help children all over Oregon see to their best potential so they can learn to their potential! 

For the more ambitious golfers out there, there is OLSHF’s Pinehurst Flight which will take place at Langdon Farms Golf Course on Monday, September 13^th. The winners will be eligible for the Pinehurst National Tournament in North Carolina. All Pinehurst golfers must have a cumulative USGA index of 43.0 and the foursome registration fee is $800, register at links.olshf.org/qfp.

All proceeds from the OLSHF Scramble for Sight Golf Classic will benefit the 20/20 Vision School Vision Screening Program, providing the highest quality, safe and equitable school vision screening to 200,000 or more Oregon students during the 2021-2022 school year.

To register, go to links.olshf.org/qfp

About OLSHF & the Lions of Oregon 

We are the Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation (OLSHF), serving communities statewide. We are driven by a promise made to American author and deaf blind activist Helen Keller. In 1925, at an International Lions Convention, she challenged Lions to focus on preventable sight and hearing issues as their primary mission. Since our formation in 1959, we have endeavored to uphold this promise by creating programs in response to the need for sight and hearing assistance. We have built upon the promise made to Helen Keller by creating a continuum of care for people who lack access to vision and hearing services.

In partnership with the Lions Clubs of Oregon and community organizations, we serve people through critical sight saving surgeries and treatments; manufacturing new eyeglasses; helping people who can’t afford eyeglasses and hearing aids, and creating the most efficient and effective school vision screening program in the US. Our statewide programs serve children to the elderly, giving them much needed access to optical and hearing services. OLSHF’s 20/20 Vision School Vision Screening Program is slated to provide state-of-the-art, safe and equitable vision screening to 200,000 or more Oregon students this coming school year with referrals for underserved student families for low cost/no cost vision exams and eyeglasses. Learn more at www.olshf.org or www.facebook.com/olshf.

MD-36 Lions: Lions of Oregon & Northern California are a part of an international network of 1.4 million men and women in 200 countries and geographic areas who work together to answer the needs that challenge communities around the world. Lions are best known for working to end preventable blindness, the giving of eyeglasses and hearing aids for the needy and local service projects. http://www.md36lionsclubs.org/

About Lions Clubs International:
Lions Clubs International is the largest service club organization in the world. Our 1.4 million members in more than 46,000 clubs provide humanitarian service in more than 200 countries and geographical areas around the globe. Since 1917, Lions clubs have aided the blind and visually impaired, championed youth initiatives and strengthened communities through hands-on service and humanitarian projects. For more information about Lions Clubs International, visit www.lionsclubs.org.

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JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. – Firefighters across the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District continued to hold fire lines yesterday and make progress fires across the district. To date, 59 fires have been caused by lightning since Sunday night; of those, 11 fires are still active. The rest are extinguished and in patrol status.

The majority of these fires are located in high elevations on steep terrain, creating additional challenges and safety concerns for firefighters. These factors, along with multiple incidents across the district are slowing down typical containment times, however firefighters are continuing to make slow, steady progress on each incident; this is the best case scenario for as many incidents are active at the same time, with limited resources available. 

The following fires are the largest and most active across the district: 

• The Buck Rock Fire, located 5 miles north of Trail. It’s currently estimated to be 7 acres, 60% lined and 5% lined. Fire activity increased in the heat on Monday, and a spot fire was discovered up the hill of the main body of the fire. Through multiple helicopter water bucket drops, the spot fire was put out. Overnight, a 20-person hand crew, four engines and a water tender will remain on scene; these resources have a goal of lining the fire 100% by the morning shift change. 
• The Round Top Fire, located 10 miles northwest of Shady Cove. This fire is putting off a large amount of smoke, however it’s only estimated to be between 15-17 acres, and 75% lined. Fire activity increased during the day; Large Air Tanker (LAT) 103 and two Single Engine Air Tankers (SEAT’s) were able to do several retardant drops to help secure temporary lines in order to allow firefighters to reinforce them. Overnight, four engines and a water tender will remain on scene. Additional resources will replace them in the morning. 
• The North Fork Anderson Creek Fire, located on Anderson Butte near Talent. It’s estimated to be 2 acres. It’s currently 100% lined and 30% contained. Steep terrain is slowing firefighters down on this incident, however lines are holding. Overnight, two engines will continue mop-up work, with additional resources replacing them in the morning. 

Smoke from wildfires burning in Northern California was heavily present in Jackson and Josephine Counties today. Dispatch centers across the area received multiple calls regarding the hazy air; general smoke information can be found online at https://fire.airnow.gov/.

While firefighters are making excellent progress on multiple incidents, additional fires from this storm may continue to be found in the coming days and weeks. Please report fires by calling 911. 

Additional information about fire season is also available online on the SW Oregon District website, www.swofire.com,  their Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and their Twitter account, @swofire.

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - The Douglas County Sheriff's Office has issued Level 1 “Be Ready” evacuation advisory as a result of the Wildcat Fire burning off of Upper Cow Creek Road. 

Fire Managers with the U.S. Forest Service have notified the Sheriff's Office that the Wildcat Fire continues to burn and is moving toward some residential areas near Upper Cow Creek Road. Based on this information, the Sheriff's Office is instituting a Level 1 “Be Ready” advisory for the following residences: 

• All homes on Upper Cow Creek Road with addresses starting at 18300 through 20700. 

Level 1 “Be Ready” means: Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movement of persons with special needs, mobile property and (under certain circumstances) pets and livestock. If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel may contact you via an emergency notification system.

Residents can opt in to receive emergency alerts based on their address by registering at www.dcso.com/alerts.

An interactive evacuation map can be found at www.dcso.com/evacuations. 

Information regarding the Wildcat Fire will be released by the U.S. Forest Service.

At 1:32 p.m. on August 2, 2021, Roseburg Fire Department was dispatched to a residential structure fire at 2164 SE Douglas Avenue.  Douglas County Dispatch received multiple calls of smoke showing from the residence.  Dispatch then received notification that the resident was outside of the residential structure.

Firefighters arrived on scene to find a single family residence with heavy smoke showing from southwest corner of the structure.  Firefighters made an interior attack to extinguish the fire, conducted a primary and secondary search, secured utilities, and completed overhaul.  One adult resident and one dog who were displaced due to the fire. 

A total of 12 firefighters assisted with firefighting operations.  Other agencies assisting with the fire included Douglas County Fire District #2, Umpqua Valley Ambulance, Roseburg Police Department, Pacific Power, Avista Utilities.

The residence sustained structural and water damage.  The home is no longer habitable.  Fire investigators were on scene and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

The Roseburg Fire Department would like to remind everyone of the importance of working smoke alarms and ensuring you have the appropriate number of smoke alarms installed in the home.  Remember to make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside each sleeping area and in every bedroom.  The Roseburg Fire Department recommends encourages homeowners to consider a home fire sprinkler system for increased protection.

DOUGLAS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 2, 2021

Commissioners Mourn the Passing of Douglas County Surveyor Kris DeGroot

(Douglas County, Ore.)  The Douglas County Board of Commissioners are mourning the passing of Douglas County Surveyor, Kristian “Kris” DeGroot, who passed away unexpectedly this morning, Monday, August 2, 2021. The Commissioners, together with their families, would like to express their deep sadness and extend sincere condolences to Kris’s wife of 45 years, Kathleen, his children and grandchildren, his family, his friends, his church community, his staff and all of the employees here at the county. 

“Kris was a consummate professional.  He was a valued and important member of the County’s Elected Official Team, and was highly respected by his staff and colleagues here at the County.  As the liaison Commissioner for the Surveyor’s Office, I was honored to know and work with Kris for the last two and a half plus years. It is a heartbreaking loss for his family and our community, as well as an incredible loss for the County. Kris’s dedication to his job, and his wealth of knowledge in the surveying field will be very hard to replace,” commented Commissioner Tom Kress.

Kris has served as our Douglas County Surveyor, an elected position, since January 2015.   He first won his bid for office in 2014, and was re-elected in 2018.  He was two years and 8 months into his second four-year term as our County Surveyor.  As a part of his duties, Kris was the Department Head and managed the Douglas County Surveyor’s Office with four county employees.  A County Surveyor's duties are outlined in Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 209.070. These duties include keeping a fair and correct record of all land surveys made in the County, as well as working on the restoration, preservation, and documentation of land corners established by the federal government beginning in the 1850’s. 

Kris grew up in Douglas County, and graduated from Glide High School in 1969.  While he attended both Oregon State University (OSU) and the University of Oregon (U of O), he received his Bachelor of Science in Economics from the U of O in 1974.  Kris owned and operated BTS Engineering and Surveying in Roseburg for over 43 years. Early in his career, he worked at Coos, Curry, Douglas (CCD) Business Development Services as an Economic Analyst, and for Shaner Engineering of Roseburg as a Land Surveyor.   Kris was a member of the Oregon Professional Land Surveyors, a member of the Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon, and a member of National Society of Professional Surveyors.  Kris was very active in his church and loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren.  He will be greatly missed. 

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Contact Tamara Howell, Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist and Public Information Officer.  (541) 670-2804 cell - (541) 957-4896 office - tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

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Salem – Moving to increase protections for workers against the effects of climate change, Oregon OSHA is adopting two new and distinct emergency rules. One puts protections in place against the hazards of wildfire smoke. Another establishes safeguards against high heat in  employer-provided housing. 

The wildfire smoke rule encompasses a variety of exposure controls, training and information, and other measures. The heat rule applies to occupants of housing provided by employers. It requires access to cooling areas and other steps to minimize dangerous heat in housing units.

Both rules take effect Aug. 9 and remain in effect for 180 days. The rules reflect those provisions Oregon OSHA believes can be put in place immediately and are based largely on input from labor and employer stakeholders.

“These rules underscore our ongoing work to bolster Oregon’s ability to protect workers from extraordinary hazards that have been exacerbated by climate change,” said Andrew Stolfi, director of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, which includes Oregon OSHA. “Wildfire smoke and extreme heat continue to pose threats to our communities. Those threats are not going away. And that is why we must act.”

“These latest measures reflect our long-standing mission of advancing protections for all Oregon workers,” said Michael Wood, administrator for Oregon OSHA. “That mission is even more important now in light of the unprecedented challenges to worker safety.”

“We believe these rules provide better safeguards for workers,” Wood added, “and create greater clarity for employers as they move forward.”

The two temporary rules follow Oregon OSHA’s July 8 adoption of emergency requirements to prevent heat illness in outdoor and indoor workplaces. In addition to its enforcement tools, Oregon OSHA offers employers free consultations and expert advice to help comply with the requirements. Meanwhile, the division continues to develop a permanent wildfire smoke rule with an eye toward adoption this fall. Also, it is working on permanent protections involving housing provided by  employers.

Workers have a right to a safe and healthy workplace. That includes the right to raise concerns free from retaliation and to file a complaint with Oregon OSHA. Oregon OSHA encourages a careful reading of the temporary rule providing  protection from wildfire smoke – which includes protective measures for employer-provided housing – and of the temporary rule addressing high heat in employer-provided housing.  The following are summaries of each rule’s provisions:

Protection from wildfire smoke  

The wildfire smoke rule applies to employers whose employees are – or will be – exposed to wildfire smoke where the ambient air concentration for fine particulate matter (also known as PM2.5) is at or above an Air Quality Index (AQI) 101, which is unhealthy for sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include people with lung and heart problems; children younger than 18 and adults older than 65; pregnant women; and people with diabetes.

Workplaces and operations that are exempt from the rule include enclosed buildings in which the air is filtered by a mechanical ventilation system and enclosed vehicles in which the air is filtered by a cabin air filter. In both cases, doors and windows must be closed, except when it is necessary to enter or leave.

Information and training

• Beginning Aug. 16, 2021, employers must ensure workers who may be exposed to AQI 101 have been trained in a manner and language they understand.
• Such training must include the following topics: 
  • The potential health effects of wildfire smoke, including increased risk of health effects to sensitive groups 
  • The symptoms of exposure, including burning sensations in the eyes; runny nose, sore throat, cough, and difficulty breathing; and fatigue, headache, and chest pain
  • How employees can get the current and forecasted AQI level
  • How to operate and interpret any air quality monitoring device provided by the employer
  • The employer’s methods to protect workers from wildfire smoke
  • Emergency response procedures
  • The employee’s right to report health issues and obtain medical treatment without fear of retaliation
  • Two-way communication system for wildfire smoke hazards
  • The importance, limitations, and benefits of using filtering facepiece respirators when provided by the employer, and how to properly put them on

Communication system

• Before workers are exposed to an AQI 101, employers must develop and implement a system to communicate wildfire smoke hazards, including:
  • Notifying employees when the worksite’s ambient air concentration is at or above AQI 101
  • Giving notification when ambient air concentration is at or above an AQI 201, which involves very unhealthy  air quality with the risk of health effects increased for everyone.
  • Notifying employees when the ambient air concentration is at or above an AQI 500. 
  • Notifying employees when the ambient air concentration drops below levels requiring protective measures.

Exposure controls

• Whenever feasible, employers must use engineering or administrative controls to reduce employee exposure to less than AQI 201. Engineering controls include enclosed buildings or vehicles where the air can be adequately filtered. Administrative controls include relocating work to another outdoor location with better air quality or changing work schedules.
• Whenever employee exposure exceeds AQI 201, even after the use of engineering or administrative controls – or both – employers must ensure workers wear filtering facepiece respirators approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH). Such respirators include what is commonly known as an N95.
• Whenever employee exposure exceeds an AQI 101, employers must maintain an adequate supply of NIOSH-approved filtering facepiece respirators that effectively protect wearers. Such respirators must be provided at no cost and be readily available for voluntary use to all exposed workers at their request.
• For the 2021 season, KN95s previously approved under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s emergency use authorization can be substituted for NIOSH-approved filtering facepiece respirators for exposures below an AQI 499.  For exposures at AQI 500 and above,  NIOSH-approved filtering facepiece respirators must be used. 

Meanwhile, Oregon OSHA is coordinating with several partners on the distribution of respirators. That coordination includes working with the Oregon Department of Agriculture, the Oregon Home Builders Association, the Associated General Contractors Oregon Columbia Chapter, and Hoffman Construction.

Employer-provided housing heat rule

• Cooling areas. If rooms where people sleep are not able to maintain an indoor temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit or less, then employers must provide an area for occupants to cool off whenever the heat index outside the housing is at or above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooling areas – large enough to accommodate at least 50 percent of the occupants at any one time – can use a combination of these two approaches but employers are encouraged to provide at least some of the required space indoors:
  • Giving occupants continual access to one or more common rooms maintain at or below 78 degrees Fahrenheit (using air conditioners, evaporative coolers, air purifiers with coolers, or other reliable means).
  • Giving occupants continual access to outdoor rest areas, away from work areas or activities that could cause a hazard. Rest areas must be shaded; provide water misters, cooling vests, or equally effective means of relief; and provide adequate seating. 
• Minimizing heat in housing units. If rooms where people sleep are not able to maintain an indoor temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit or less, employers must take steps, including:
  • Maximizing the ability to keep housing cool by ensuring windows can be protected from direct sunlight during all hours of the day – through the use of artificial or natural shade – including coverings to deflect radiant heat from  the sun
  • Making fans available at no cost for any occupants who want to use them
• Temperature awareness. Employers must provide a thermometer that displays the temperature in both Fahrenheit and Celsius in each housing unit.
• In addition to training for employees and supervisors about the dangers of heat illness, employers must display the “Heat Risks in Housing” poster provided by Oregon OSHA so occupants can see it. The poster is available in both English and Spanish.
• Access to emergency services. Employers must ensure occupants have access to a working telephone to contact emergency services.

Consultation, technical advice, educational and other resources

Oregon OSHA offers free resources – involving no citations, no penalties, and no fault – to help employers comply with workplace health and safety requirements. They include:

Consultation services – Provides free help with safety and health programs, including how to control and eliminate hazards, and hands-on training

• Phone (toll-free in Oregon): 800-922-2689
• Field offices
• Online
• Email: consult.web@oregon.gov

Technical staff – Helps employers understand requirements and how to apply them to their worksites

• Phone (toll-free in Oregon): 800-922-2689
• Online
• Email: tech.web@oregon.gov

Also, the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, which includes Oregon OSHA, maintains the Multicultural Communications Program that provides outreach to communities with limited English proficiency. That outreach encompasses information about on-the-job safety and health. The program includes a toll-free phone number for Spanish-speaking Oregonians: 800-843-8086.

Oregon OSHA encourages workers to learn about their rights to raise safety concerns and to protect against retaliation.

The division offers a how-to video on the proper care and use of N95 respirators in Spanish and English. Other resources include:

• Oregon Smoke Information blog
• Oregon OSHA heat illness prevention A-to-Z topic page
• Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) wildfire response
• Oregon Health Authority (OHA) wildfires and smoke

Oregon OSHA, a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, enforces the state’s workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. For more information, visit Oregon OSHA.  

August 2, 2021

Contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, PHD.Communications@state.or.us

Advance Directive Adoption Committee meets Aug. 5

What: The Advance Directive Adoption Committee will hold a meeting.

Agenda: Discuss implementation of SB 199 and update Advance Directive User’s Guide.

When: Thursday, Aug. 5, from 2:30-4:30 pm. The meeting is open to the public. A public comment period will be held at the end of the meeting.

Where: Conference call: +1 971-277-2343; Conference ID: 128 040 470# 

Background: The Advance Directive Adoption Committee provides guidance to the Oregon Health Authority on necessary revisions to Oregon’s Advance Directive form. 

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Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (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 a.m.biddlecom@state.or.us">cara.m.biddlecom@state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

SPRINGFIELD, Ore. – Due to the increase in COVID-19 cases in our community, including the circulation of the highly contagious variants, PeaceHealth is temporarily restricting all visitor access, with some exceptions, at our four Lane County hospitals and our PeaceHealth Medical Group clinics. This change will take effect at noon, on Tuesday, Aug. 3. 

 The temporary restrictions will apply to the following medical centers: 

• PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend in Springfield 
• PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center, University District in Eugene 
• PeaceHealth Cottage Grove Community Medical Center 
• PeaceHealth Peace Harbor Medical Center in Florence 

 “We recognize the importance of having loved ones visit patients in our hospitals and made this decision only after careful consideration,” said Todd Salnas, chief executive of the PeaceHealth Oregon network. “Our priority is the health and safety of our patients, caregivers and community.”  

 PeaceHealth continues to follow CDC and state guidelines that include requiring all employees to wear appropriate personal protective equipment and masks, testing all admitted patients, restricting visitors and caring for COVID-19 patients on a dedicated unit. 

 “We urge all who are eligible to get vaccinated if they have not already done so,” said Dr. Jim McGovern, PeaceHealth Oregon’s chief medical officer. “We recommend that anyone who has questions or concerns about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine reach out to their healthcare provider.” 

  The following exceptions allow visitors on a case-by-case basis for patients who are not positive for or suspected to have COVID-19:  

• Two support persons for end-of-life patients  
• Two parents/legal guardians of a minor patient  
• One support person for Emergency Department patients  
• One support person for Labor and Delivery and Mom-Baby at Sacred Heart RiverBend and Peace Harbor Medical Center; may also have a certified doula or community midwife for labor and birth   
• Two parents of a NICU patient (Both parents must remain in the room for the duration of the visit.)  
• One support person to help a patient with mobility challenges or discharge instructions  

  Patients who have confirmed COVID-19 or are suspected to have COVID-19 may not receive visitors except as follows: 

• One visitor for patients receiving end-of-life care  
• One parent or legal guardian of a minor  
• One support person for labor and delivery  
• One visitor for patients with cognitive or physical disability who require assistance 

 We encourage loved ones to connect with patients through technology, such as cell phones, tablets and laptops. 

PeaceHealth Medical Group Clinics 

PeaceHealth Medical Group clinics will temporarily limit visitor access at its clinics except for visitors accompanying patients needing assistance. Examples of patients who may require assistance include children and patients with physical or cognitive impairments. In addition, visitors will be permitted in those clinical situations where a visitor will be integral to the decision making and information exchange process, for example, for Obstetrics, Palliative Care, Oncology and major procedural discussions.  

 We want to thank anyone affected by these restrictions for their understanding and help in keeping our patients, caregivers and communities safe and healthy. For more information about visitor restrictions and COVID-19 vaccines, including scheduling an appointment, please visit peacehealth.org/coronavirus. 

About PeaceHealth 

PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a not-for-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. PeaceHealth has approximately 16,000 caregivers, a group practice with more than 1,200 providers and 10 medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Visit us online at peacehealth.org. 

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August 2, 2021

Oregon reports 2,056 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 5 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — There are five new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 2,863, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today. 

Oregon Health Authority reported 2,056new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 221,799.

The 2,056 cases reported today include new infections recorded by counties for the 3-day period between Friday, July 30th and Sunday, Aug.1st. 

Final statewide incentive drawing winners announced

Here are the final statewide winners in the Take Your Shot, Oregon incentive drawings. This list includes the 36 individual county winners of the $10,000 prize and the four statewide Travel Oregon incentive drawings. The Oregon Health Authority congratulates the winners and thanks all Oregonians who’ve chosen to protect themselves and the people around them from COVID-19 by getting vaccinated. 

Vaccinations in Oregon

Today, OHA reported that 2,857 new doses of COVID-19 vaccinations were added to the state immunization registry. Of this total, 2,080 doses were administered on Aug. 1 and 777 were administered on previous days but were entered into the vaccine registry on Aug. 1.

The seven-day running average is now 4,938 doses per day.

Oregon has now administered 2,666,579 first and second doses of Pfizer, 1,787,728 first and second doses of Moderna and 182,009 single doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines.

As of today, 2,495,082 people have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 2,314,786 people have completed a COVID-19 vaccine series.

Cumulative daily totals can take several days to finalize because providers have 72 hours to report doses administered and technical challenges have caused many providers to lag in their reporting. OHA has been providing technical support to vaccination sites to improve the timeliness of their data entry into the state’s ALERT Immunization Information System (IIS).

To date, 3,024,045 doses of Pfizer, 2,302,340 doses of Moderna and 299,100 doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered to sites across Oregon.

These data are preliminary and subject to change.

Updated vaccination data are provided on Oregon’s COVID-19 data dashboards and have been updated today.

 COVID-19 hospitalizations

The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across Oregon is 340, which is 15 more than yesterday. There are 102 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit (ICU) beds, which is two more than yesterday.

The total number of patients in hospital beds may fluctuate between report times. The numbers do not reflect admissions per day, nor the length of hospital stay. Staffing limitations are not captured in this data and may further limit bed capacity.

More information about hospital capacity can be found here.

Cases and deaths

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (9), Benton (34), Clackamas (183), Clatsop (39), Columbia (21), Coos (23), Crook (11), Curry (33), Deschutes (105), Douglas (123), Harney (2), Hood River (13), Jackson (132), Jefferson (24), Josephine (116), Klamath (6), Lane (305), Lincoln (17), Linn (100), Malheur (8), Marion (85), Morrow (9), Multnomah (320), Polk (21), Tillamook (15), Umatilla (112), Union (41), Wallowa (1), Wasco (23), Washington (87), Wheeler (1), Yamhill (37). 

Oregon reports 1,055 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases on Friday, July 30: 549 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases on Saturday, July 31: and 452 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases on Sunday, Aug.1.

Oregon’s 2,859th COVID-19 death is a 59-year-old man from Lane County who tested positive on July 28 and died on July 29 at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at Riverbend. He had underlying conditions. 

Oregon’s 2,860th COVID-19 death is an 81-year-old woman from Jackson County who tested positive on July 21 and died on July 29 at her residence. She had underlying conditions. 

Oregon’s 2,861st COVID-19 death is a 71-year-old man from Douglas County who tested positive on July 19 and died on July 30 at Mercy Medical. He had underlying conditions. 

Oregon’s 2,862nd COVID-19 death is a 53-year-old man from Clackamas County who became symptomatic on July 22 and died on July 29. Location of death and presence of underlying conditions are being confirmed.

Oregon’s 2,863rd COVID-19 death is a 93-year-old woman from Baker County who tested positive on July 8 and died on July 29 at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center. She had underlying conditions. 

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccinations  

To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine situation in Oregon, visit our webpage (English or Spanish), which has a breakdown of distribution and other information.

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Aug. 2, 2021 (SALEM, ORE.)— Today the Oregon Employment Department, in partnership with WorkSource Oregon, launched two efforts to support Oregon’s economic recovery.

• Thirty-five WorkSource Oregon centers reopened for in-person services since closing April 7, 2020 due to the pandemic, and
• A refreshed WorkSource Oregon website was launched in English and Spanish. Google Translate is available on the website and nine additional languages will be added over the coming weeks.

“WorkSource Oregon helps people find jobs and businesses find talent and the reopening of local WorkSource Oregon centers is a major milestone in Oregon’s recovery from the pandemic. We are very happy to be open again and helping customers find work and explore their career options in person. The refreshed website will showcase the range of personalized, high-quality employment and training services that our skilled WorkSource staff can offer to job seekers and employers,” said Jim Pfarrer, director of Workforce Operations for the Oregon Employment Department.

To ensure the safety of our employees and visitors and prevent further spread of COVID-19, masks must be worn by all employees and customers.

For individuals interested in in-person help, center operating hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday. To reduce wait times, Oregonians are encouraged to first call their local WorkSource Oregon center and make an appointment for in-person services.

People also may continue seeking WorkSource Oregon job assistance virtually and by phone. All services are available to users at no cost because they are paid for by state and federal revenue

Services provided in these centers include:
●   Workforce development programs
●   One-on-one help from an employment specialist
●   Job matching
●   Workshops on resume writing, interviewing and other skill-building activities
●   Hiring events
●   Public computers
●   SNAP Training and Employment Program (STEP)
●   On-the-job training
●   Veterans Services

"We are thrilled to be welcoming Oregonians back into our WorkSource centers," said Karen Madden Humelbaugh, director of the Office of Workforce Investments at the Higher Education Coordinating Commission Office. "When you make an appointment and come into one of our locations, you can expect to be welcomed by a staff member and receive one-on-one service. We will listen to your needs and connect you to trainings, workshops, employers--whatever makes the most sense for you and your career goals.”

It is important for Oregonians to know that the look and feel of WorkSource Oregon has changed, meaning the logo and materials may look different. For people concerned about fraud, communications with this new logo are safe, as long as they come from the Employment Department or a WorkSource Oregon office. The website URL, worksourceoregon.org, also remains the same. 

The WorkSource Oregon centers’ reopening and website refresh dovetails with changes to work search requirements. As of the week of July 25-31, 2021, all people receiving Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits are required to report work search activity when they file a weekly claim. In addition, people receiving regular UI and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) must register through iMatchSkills and complete their Job Seeker profile. 
Two other work search requirements--being able and available for work-- are being phased in through Sept. 1, 2021. The Employment Department is closely monitoring how the ongoing pandemic may impact peoples’ ability to meet these requirements. 

Oregon has nine Local Workforce Areas that support locally-driven decisions and programs. WorkSource Oregon’s integrated one-stop service delivery provides a flexible, unified workforce education and training system that consistently exceeds customer expectations. Vocational rehabilitation and on the job training services are available.

For more information, visit WorkSourceOregon.org or a WorkSource partner.

2 de agosto de 2021 (SALEM, ORE.)— Hoy, el Departamento de Empleo de Oregon, en asociación con WorkSource Oregon, lanzó dos esfuerzos para apoyar la recuperación económica de Oregon.

• Treinta y cinco centros de WorkSource Oregon han reabierto para servicios en persona desde el cierre del 7 de abril de 2020 debido a la pandemia, y
• Se lanzó un sitio web actualizado de WorkSource Oregon en inglés y español. Google Translate está disponible en el sitio web y se agregarán nueve idiomas adicionales en las próximas semanas.

“WorkSource Oregon ayuda a las personas a encontrar trabajo y a las empresas a encontrar talento, y la reapertura de los centros locales de WorkSource Oregon es un hito importante en la recuperación de Oregon de la pandemia. Estamos muy contentos de estar abiertos nuevamente y ayudar a los clientes a encontrar trabajo y explorar sus opciones profesionales en persona. El sitio web actualizado mostrará la gama de servicios de capacitación y empleo personalizados y de alta calidad que nuestro personal calificado de WorkSource puede ofrecerle a quienes buscan empleo y a los empleadores”, dijo Jim Pfarrer, director de Operaciones de la Fuerza Laboral del Departamento de Empleo de Oregon.

Para garantizar la seguridad de nuestros empleados y visitantes y evitar una mayor propagación de COVID-19, todos los empleados y clientes deben usar cubre bocas.

Para las personas interesadas en la ayuda en persona, el horario de atención del centro es de 8:30 a. m. a 5 p. m., de lunes a viernes. Para reducir los tiempos de espera, se recomienda a los residentes de Oregon a que primero llamen a su centro local de WorkSource Oregon y hagan una cita para recibir servicios en persona.

Las personas también pueden continuar buscando asistencia laboral de WorkSource Oregon de manera virtual y por teléfono. Todos los servicios están disponibles para los usuarios sin costo alguno porque los pagan los ingresos estatales y federales.

Los servicios prestados en estos centros incluyen:
• Programas de desarrollo de la fuerza laboral
• Ayuda personalizada de un especialista en empleo.
• Encontrar trabajos
• Talleres sobre redacción de currículums, entrevistas y otras actividades de desarrollo  de habilidades.
• Eventos de contratación
• Computadoras públicas
• Programa de capacitación y empleo SNAP (STEP)
• Capacitación en el trabajo
• Servicios para veteranos

"Nos encanta recibir nuevamente a los habitantes de Oregón a nuestros centros WorkSource", dijo Karen Madden Humelbaugh, directora de la Oficina de Inversiones en la Fuerza Laboral en la Oficina de la Comisión Coordinadora de Educación Superior. "Cuando programe una cita y venga a una de nuestras ubicaciones, usted puede esperar ser recibido(a) por un miembro del personal y recibir un servicio personalizado. Escucharemos sus necesidades y le conectaremos con capacitaciones, talleres, empresas ... lo que tenga más sentido para usted y sus metas profesionales". 

Es importante que los residentes de Oregon sepan que la apariencia de WorkSource Oregon ha cambiado, lo que significa que el logotipo y los materiales pueden verse diferentes. Para las personas preocupadas por el fraude, las comunicaciones con este nuevo logotipo son seguras, siempre que provengan del Departamento de Empleo o de una oficina de WorkSource Oregon. La URL del sitio web, es.worksourceoregon.org, también sigue siendo el mismo. 

La reapertura de los centros WorkSource Oregon y la actualización del sitio web encajan con los cambios en los requisitos de búsqueda de trabajo. A partir de la semana del 25 al 31 de julio de 2021, todas las personas que reciben beneficios de desempleo deben informar la actividad de búsqueda de trabajo cuando presenten un reclamo semanal. Además, las personas que reciben el desempleo regular y la Compensación de Desempleo de Emergencia por la Pandemia (PEUC) deben registrarse a través de iMatchSkills y completar su perfil de solicitante de empleo. 

Otros dos requisitos de búsqueda de trabajo-- poder trabajar y estar disponible para trabajar, se están implementando gradualmente hasta el 1 de septiembre de 2021. El Departamento de Empleo está monitoreando de cerca cómo la pandemia puede afectar la capacidad de las personas para cumplir con estos requisitos. 

Oregon tiene nueve áreas de Workforce (Fuerza Laboral) Locales que apoyan las decisiones y los programas impulsados localmente. La prestación integral de servicios integrados de WorkSource Oregon proporciona un sistema de formación y educación de la fuerza laboral unificado y flexible que supera constantemente las expectativas del cliente. Se encuentran disponibles servicios de rehabilitación vocacional y capacitación en el trabajo.

Para mayor información visite es.worksourceoregon.org o un socio de WorkSource.
 

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WorkSource Oregon es una agencia/ programa que respeta la igualdad de oportunidades y provee empleo y servicios al público sin discriminar en base a raza, color, religión, sexo (incluyendo embarazo, parto, y condiciones médicas relacionadas, estereotipos sexuales, estado de transgénero, e identidad de género), orientación sexual, nacionalidad (incluyendo dominio limitado del inglés), edad, discapacidad, afiliación o creencia política, estado de ciudadanía,  estado civil o participación en cualquier programa o actividad que recibe asistencia financiera de WIOA Title I. WorkSource Oregon también provee empleo sin discriminar en base a estado de veterano o estado de víctima de violencia doméstica, abuso sexual, intimidación o acoso. Disponemos de los siguientes servicios a pedido y sin costo: Servicios o ayudas auxiliares, formatos alternos para personas con discapacidades y asistencia de idiomas para las personas con conocimiento limitado del inglés.  Para solicitar dichos servicios, contáctese con u centro local de WorkSource Oregon.

August 2, 2021

The next Housing Stability Council meeting will be on Friday, August 6, 2021 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The meeting will be held electronically due to the current COVID-19 health crisis. Please register for access link.

Webinar Meeting Only

Public register in advance for this webinar:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8w0JnFqlReaMDA7P6D3FdQ

AGENDA:

9:00: Meeting Called to Order - Roll Call 

9:05: Public Comment

9:15: Homeownership Division (pg. 01)

Emese Perfecto, Director, Homeownership

• Oregon Bond Loan Approvals: Kim Freeman, Single Family Program Manager
• Housing Assistance Fund (HAF): Ryan Vanden-Brink, Operations Policy Analyst

10:00: Affordable Rental Housing Division (pg. 49)

Julie Cody, Director, Affordable Rental Housing

• MF Housing Transactions:

1. St. Helens Affordable Housing: Brad Lawrence, Production Analyst & Casey Baumann, Production Manager  
2. 53^rd Flats: Tai Dunson-Strane, Production Analyst & Casey Baumann, Production Manager
3. Ontario Affordable Housing: Andrea Matthiessen, Senior HOME Program Analyst & Casey Baumann, Production Manager

• LIFT Multifamily Supplemental Funding Reservations: Becky Isom, Senior LIFT Program Analyst
•  Funding Gap Approval Delegation of Authority: Roberto Franco, Assistant Director of Development Resources & Production

11:15: Break

11:30: Housing Stabilization Division (pg.82)

Andrea Bell, Director, Housing Stabilization

• ERA Update:  Andrea Bell, Director of Housing Stabilization, Laura Lien, Assistant Director of Homeless Services, Sam Kenney, Senior Operations & Policy Analyst, Lauren Dressen, Rental Assistance Program Coordinator

12:00: Wildfire Update (pg. 87)

• Wildfire Recovery Funding and Programs: Julie Cody, Director, Affordable Rental Housing

12:30: Report of the Director (pg. 96)

• Quarterly SWHP update:  Sup Thanasombat, Senior Policy Advisor

12:50: Report of the Chair

1:00: Meeting Adjourned

Please click here to access the meeting materials packet.

Salem, Oregon – Eighty percent, or $655,500, of the $805,000 allocated to the Oregon Arts Commission through National Endowment for the Arts American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds will be used to increase FY2021 operating support grant awards for Oregon arts organizations of all budget sizes across the state, the Arts Commission announced today. The remaining $150,000 will augment an existing partnership with the Oregon Folklife Network to support the creation of new work by folk and traditional artists and cover program coordination costs.

“Unrestricted operating support is what arts organizations need most right now, to help them rebuild,” said Arts Commission Executive Director Brian Rogers, “We have hosted a number of listening sessions with arts organizations in recent weeks and that is the constant theme. We are grateful to the NEA for enabling us to allocate the funds in the way that is most meaningful to the statewide arts community.”

Two Arts Commission programs provide operating support; the Operating Support Program, for organizations with budgets over $150,000; and Small Operating Support, for organizations with budgets under $150,000. Operating Support grant awards will increase by a total of $558,500, with ARPA awards ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 depending on an organization’s fiscal size. Small Operating grant awards will increase by $97,000 – potentially allowing the individual grant awards to small arts organizations to double in size. 

The Folk and Traditional Arts Recovery Program, to be administered by the Oregon Folklife Network, will provide stipends of $5,000 artists for the creation of new work to 15 Oregon folk and traditional artists who use a range of art forms to represent and express Oregon’s diverse ethnic, sacred, occupational and regional cultural arts. Application details will be announced soon. 

“Our folk and traditional artists are critical keepers of our cultures,” said Rogers. “We recognized they had not yet been a focus of our relief funding programs and so enlisted the support of our partners at the Oregon Folklife Network to develop this initiative.”

Rogers added that he and other members of the Arts Commission team continue conversations with other funders to explore additional recovery funding for individual artists from all disciplines. 

Oregon Arts Commission

The Oregon Arts Commission provides leadership, funding and arts programs through its grants, special initiatives and services. Nine commissioners, appointed by the Governor, determine arts needs and establish policies for public support of the arts. The Arts Commission became part of Business Oregon (formerly Oregon Economic and Community Development Department) in 1993, in recognition of the expanding role the arts play in the broader social, economic and educational arenas of Oregon communities. In 2003, the Oregon legislature moved the operations of the Oregon Cultural Trust to the Arts Commission, streamlining operations and making use of the Commission’s expertise in grantmaking, arts and cultural information and community cultural development. 

The Arts Commission is supported with general funds appropriated by the Oregon legislature and with federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts as well as funds from the Oregon Cultural Trust. More information about the Oregon Arts Commission is available online at: www.oregonartscommission.org.

Oregon Folklife Network

The Oregon Folklife Network is the state of Oregon’s folk and traditional arts program. Administered by the Museum of Natural and Cultural History at the University of Oregon, OFN comprises a network of partners working to document, support, preserve, and celebrate the diversity of Oregon’s living cultural heritage. 

Today at 11:57, the Eugene Springfield Fire responded to a motorhome fire at 115 Highway 99 N in Eugene.  The smoke from the fire was seen from several miles away.  The fire spread to nearby grass and other vehicles.  No buildings were involved.  4 engines, 2 Battalion Chiefs, the Fire Marshal's office and the Eugene Police Department were involved in the incident.  There were no injuries reported and the fire was declared under control at 12:21.

For Immediate Release

Oregonians Urged to Sign Up for SOLVE’s Statewide 

Beach & Riverside Cleanup, September 25

Downloadable image file: Volunteers pose in front of a filled dumpster in Portland’s Central Eastside Industrial District.

Downloadable image file: Two volunteers haul marine debris and old fishing rope from D-River.

Portland, Ore., August 2^nd, 2021 – Come together with thousands of Oregonians on Saturday, September 25, for SOLVE’s Beach & Riverside Cleanup, in partnership with the Oregon Lottery. Volunteer registration is now live and all Oregonians, from Astoria to Brookings, Pendleton to Sunriver, are encouraged to sign up for this statewide cleanup event. 

For nearly four decades SOLVE has hosted the annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup. With the support of SOLVE, community leaders and partner organizations host restoration events, urban litter cleanup projects, and beach cleanups. Each volunteer project is aimed at caring for one of Oregon’s most precious resources, our water, from source to sea.

Increasingly, Oregonians are sounding the alarm to protect our freshwater. As more people become aware of the Western States drought crisis, more people want to step up and help where they can.

Removing invasive plant species, nurturing native plants, and collecting litter are all easy ways volunteers can create a huge positive impact on Oregon’s water quality.

Each piece of litter collected removes the possibility of it entering a nearby river, waterway, or storm drain, where it can eventually make its way to the sea and contribute to our global marine debris crisis. Invasive plant species crowd out native plants and typically have shallow roots, leading to increased erosion and poor water filtration. 

“Just as SOLVE has done for decades, the Oregon Lottery values Oregon’s diverse communities and our natural environment,” says Oregon Lottery Director Barry Pack. “By partnering with SOLVE for the Beach & Riverside Cleanup, we are able to give back to both. And as we like to say, ‘Together, we do good things.’”

Interested community members are encouraged to visit solveoregon.org to see a list of volunteer projects and sign up. All necessary tools and supplies will be provided. The Beach & Riverside Cleanup is a great way to bond with family members, coworkers, and neighbors, all while collectively giving back to some of Oregon’s most beautiful places. Join the action today at solveoregon.org.

About SOLVE
SOLVE is a statewide non-profit organization that brings Oregonians together to improve our environment and build a legacy of stewardship. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots group to a national model of volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains tens of thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas, and to build a legacy of stewardship for our state. Visit solveoregon.org for more information. 

####

Contact Info:
Larissa Gordon, SOLVE | 860-942-9108 | issa@solveoregon.org">larissa@solveoregon.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – MONDAY, AUGUST 2, 2021

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RECOVERY UPDATE

(Douglas County, Ore.) COVID-19 CASES CONTINUE TO SPIKE ALL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES 

As the highly contagious B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant fuels the surge of the fourth wave of the coronavirus pandemic in the United States, we see a sharp rise in daily COVID-19 cases in nearly every single state in the U.S.  According to the latest reports from the CDC and USAFacts, every state but Iowa, has shown an increase in their daily new COVID case counts compared to case counts reported in mid-June this year.  The seven-day averages of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people vary between Iowa’s low, with a rate of 1.5 cases per 100,000, to Louisiana’s high with more than 79.2 cases per 100,000 as of July 27, 2021.  The data also shows that six states have seen their number of positive COVID-19 cases shoot up more than 400% in recent weeks: Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee.  Currently, there are 15 states with a seven-day average case rate higher than the U.S. average, with around 18 cases per 100,000.  Those 15 states also had lower vaccination rates than the United States as a whole.  In Oregon, our surge of new COVID cases appears to be just behind the national trend. A few Oregon counties are reporting triple digit single day new case counts.  Click here to read more from OHA about the 1,076 new cases and 289 hospitalizations reported by OHA as of Friday in Oregon.  For the third time in a week, Douglas County surpassed our previous single day COVID case record (from Thursday, July 29, 2021, with 66 new positive test results and new presumptive cases), with 71 new positive test results and new presumptive cases reported on Saturday, July 31, 2021. 

The CDC encourages all citizens who have not chosen to get the COVID-19 vaccine to “Not Run Down the Shot Clock”.  According to their data, the highest spread of COVID cases, severe outcomes and deaths is happening in areas of the United States that have low COVID vaccination rates.  Although the COVID-19 vaccine is considered the most effective prevention measure for stopping the spread of COVID-19, vaccination rates across the United States continue to vary.  The data overwhelmingly illustrates that the three COVID vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations and death.  As expected with all vaccines, there will be some instances where fully vaccinated people can contract COVID-19 and may be contagious. As you know these are called “breakthrough cases.” The latest report from the CDC shows that symptomatic breakthrough COVID-19 infections are rare, expected and represent less than 1% those fully vaccinated in the United States.  As we have mentioned before, the surge of new cases comes at a time when we have more access and availability to COVID-19 vaccines in Douglas County than ever before.  The Douglas County Commissioners set a goal for vaccination accessibility in Douglas County in early January this year to have COVID vaccines available to every resident within 5 miles of their home.  We are happy to report that we achieved that goal. COVID-19 vaccines are here and available for those that are eligible and want to get them.  Again, as we have said since the beginning, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer our Douglas County Public Health Officer and our partners at DPHN and within our local medical communities continue to encourage our residents to be safe, protect those you love, take the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, stay home if you are sick and make the choice to get vaccinated.

COVID-19 RECOVERY WEEKEND RECAP FOR SATURDAY, JULY 31 AND SUNDAY, AUGUST 1, 2021: 

On Saturday, July 31, 2021, at 12:00 pm we had SIXTY-SEVEN (67) people with new positive test results and FOUR (4) new presumptives to report, bringing our total number of cases of people with positive test results and presumptives in Douglas County to 4,602.  We had TWENTY-FOUR (24) Douglas County COVID-19 patients hospitalized, nineteen locally and five out-of-the-area.  We are also sadly reporting another death of a Douglas County resident related to COVID-19. As of Saturday, DPHN was supporting 437 cases in isolation, 406 cases in quarantine for a total of 843 in isolation and quarantine.  

On Sunday, August 1, 2021, at 12:00 pm we had TWENTY-THREE (23) people with new positive test results and ONE (1) new presumptive to report, bringing our total number of cases of people with positive test results and presumptives in Douglas County to 4,626. We had TWENTY-TWO (22)Douglas County COVID-19 patients hospitalized, seventeen locally and five out-of-the-area.  We are also sadly reporting another death of a Douglas County resident related to COVID-19.  As of Sunday, DPHN was supporting 452 cases in isolation, 404 cases in quarantine for a total of 852 in isolation and quarantine.  

COVID-19 RECOVERY UPDATE FOR MONDAY, AUGUST 2, 2021: 

As of 12:00 pm today, Monday, August 2, 2021, there are THIRTY-EIGHT (38) people with new positive test results to report following our weekend recap listed above.  The total number of cases of people with positive test results and presumptives in Douglas County is now at 4,664. Currently, there are TWENTY-SEVEN (27) Douglas County COVID-19 patients that are being hospitalized, twenty-two locally and five out-of-the-area. We are also sadly reporting our third death over the weekend of a Douglas County resident related to COVID-19. 

COVID-19 RELATED DEATHS OF DOUGLAS COUNTY RESIDENTS

Our Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, has confirmed the death of three Douglas County residents related to the COVID-19 virus over the weekend. Our eighty-ninth COVID-19 related death is a 71-year-old man who was diagnosed with COVID-19 on Monday, July 19, 2021 and passed away on Friday, July 30, 2021. Our ninetieth COVID-19 related death is a 78-year-old man who was diagnosed with COVID-19 on Friday, July 30, 2021 and passed away on Saturday, July 31, 2021. Our ninety-first COVID-19 related death is a 70-year-old man who was diagnosed with COVID-19 on Saturday, July 10, 2021 and passed away on Sunday, August 1, 2021.  In the interest of privacy for the loved ones of these residents, no additional information will be released. Each death related to COVID-19 is painful for all Douglas County residents, and a sad reminder of the terrible impact COVID-19 has had in our local communities. The Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Dannenhoffer, DPHN and the DCCRT team extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to all family members, friends, relatives, co-workers and community members of those who have passed after contracting this deadly virus.

Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines people with positive test results and presumptives, as well as a breakout of those case numbers. There will be times when a presumptive will move to a positive test result, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted. 

LOCAL CONTACTS AND CASES BEING SUPPORTED IN ISOLATION AND QUARANTINE

Currently, DPHN is supporting 421 cases in isolation, as well as another 479 contacts in quarantine in Douglas County. Isolation is recommended for confirmed and presumptive cases, quarantine is recommended for contacts of confirmed or presumptive cases.  Currently, staff is supporting a total of 900 total contacts and cases in isolation or quarantine.  This number represents a snapshot of the significant amount of work being done locally to help control the spread of COVID.

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RECOVERY UPDATE

Reminder, we are publishing our Douglas County COVID-19 Recovery Updates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.  We will continue to report and recap daily numbers in each of our updates for the days that we do not publish a local COVID-19 Recovery Update. Our next COVID-19 Update will be on Wednesday, August 4, 2021.

AVIVA WILL BE OFFERING COVID VACCINES AT THE DOUGLAS COUNTY FAIR 

Shared from Aviva Health.  Aviva Health is pleased to announce that one of two Mobile Medical Units (MMU’s) assigned to Aviva Health by the Douglas County Board of Commissioners during the COVID-19 pandemic will be at Douglas County Fair, Wednesday, August 4 to Saturday, August 7, 2021, from open to close. Aviva Health staff will be on hand to help fairgoers sign up for the Oregon Health Plan (OHP), assist existing OHP members to establish with a local provider, and provide FREE COVID-19 Vaccinations. Additionally, Aviva Health will hand out a variety of giveaways and informational literature on programs and services offered by the Douglas County based Federally Qualified Health Center. Be sure to stop by the MMU, located just passed the entrance at the front of the Swine (Pig) Building during your visit to the fair to learn more about Aviva Health and health resources it offers the community. 

DOUGLAS COUNTY TIGER TEAM HOSTING FREE POP-UP COVID-19 VACCINATION CLINICS 

The Douglas County Tiger Team continues to bring free COVID-19 vaccines directly to all areas of Douglas County in our mobile medical vans (MMV) via their pop-up vaccine clinics.  The Douglas County Board of Commissioners, who have led the charge for our Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team efforts since the beginning, have coordinated with DPHN to organize our local Tiger Team to manage our vaccine outreach efforts through ‘pop-up’ vaccine clinics. 

The clinics are currently open to anyone 18 years of age and older, and preregistration is not necessary.  

THIS WEEK, THE DOUGLAS COUNTY TIGER TEAM WILL BE AT THE DOUGLAS COUNTY FAIR HOSTING A FREE POP VACCINE CLINIC:

• Wednesday, August 4, 2021: Clinic will be at the Douglas County Fair located at the Dougals County Fairgrounds at 2110 SW Frear Street in Roseburg from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.
• Thursday, August 5, 2021: Clinic will be at the Douglas County Fair located at the Douglas County Fairgrounds at 2110 SW Frear Street in Roseburg from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.
• Friday, August 6, 2021: Clinic will be at the Douglas County Fair located at the Douglas County Fairgrounds at 2110 SW Frear Street in Roseburg from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.
• Saturday, August 7, 2021: Clinic will be at the Douglas County Fair located at the Douglas County Fairgrounds at 2110 SW Frear Street in Roseburg from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.

For the latest list of upcoming Tiger Team clinics, log onto the DPHN website at https://douglaspublichealthnetwork.org/ and select the link for the Tiger Team schedules.  Our Tiger Team coordinates with Umpqua Valley Ambulance to bring a certified vaccinator and a medical assistant to each clinic.  If you are interested in having the Douglas County Tiger Team come to your area or event to provide a free pop-up vaccine clinic or if you have any questions about our Douglas County Tiger Teams, please call (541) 670-3110 or our local COVID-19 Hotline at (541) 464-6550. 

AVIVA HAS A DEDICATED FREE COVID-19 VACCINATION CLINIC SITE IN ROSEBURG 

Shared from Aviva Health.  Aviva Health has a dedicated COVID-19 vaccination clinic site at 4221 NE Stephens Street, Suite 101 in Roseburg, just across the street from its main Roseburg Clinic location near Costco and offers free COVID-19 vaccines by appointment.   The COVID-19 vaccination clinic is e open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and is open for residents ages 12 and older.  To schedule an appointment please call (541) 672-9596. 

COVID-19 VACCINE ELIGIBILITY OPEN FOR EVERYONE 12 YEARS OLD AND OLDER

According to the CDC, State of Oregon and OHA, ALL residents ages 12 years old and older are eligible to get the COVID-19 Vaccine. According to Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer, “We have plenty of vaccines available, they are safe, they are effective and they are available to anyone 12 and above who wants one.” 

1. 🔍 Log onto: http://DougCoVaccine.com.
2. 📞 Call our Douglas County COVID-19 Hotline at (541) 464-6550 
3. 📞 Call and set up an appointment with your primary health care provider, ask for a referral to another health care provider or Call and set up an appointment with a local pharmacy.
4. Go to one of our vaccination clinics offered in Douglas County with our Tiger Team or through Aviva Health. 
5. If you are a member of the Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribe of Indians, please contact to set up an appointment at (541) 672-9405 or log onto https://www.cowcreek-nsn.gov/public-health/. 
6. The Roseburg VA Health Care System is setting up appointments for veterans to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.  For more information, call the Roseburg VAMC at (541) 440-1000 or log onto https://www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/.

IF YOU ARE HAVING DIFFICULTIES SCHEDULING A VACCINE APPOINTMENT, HELP IS AVAILABLE 

Not everyone is able to use the internet, a tablet, a computer or a smart phone to schedule a COVID vaccine appointment.  If you or someone you know needs to schedule an appointment for the COVID vaccine, and do not have access to the internet, you can call one of the numbers below to get help scheduling an appointment.

• Call our Douglas County COVID-19 Hotline at (541) 464-6550.
• Coastal Residents can call the Lower Umpqua Hospital District COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center at (541) 271-2175.
• U.S. Veterans can call the Roseburg VA Health Care Center at (541) 440-1000.
• Members of the Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribe of Indians can call (541) 672-9405.
• Seniors can call Douglas County Senior Services at (541) 440-3677.

GETTING YOUR SECOND DOSE OF THE COVID-19 VACCINE IS IMPORTANT

Please know that as a part of vaccine efficacy, it is vitally important to for those residents who have received their first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, to make sure that you get your second dose of the vaccine to complete the vaccination.  By getting both shots, it will provide better immunity and help to protect yourself and those around you that you love.  If you have already received your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, here are a few answers to questions about your second dose.

• You can expect to get your second dose about 4-6 weeks after the first dose. 
• You should have received a vaccination card when you received your first dose that details the brand of vaccine, its lot number, and the date the vaccine was administered.  This card is for your records only, and is not official proof that you have received the vaccine. Proof of your vaccination rests with the State Alert System, which is accessible by medical facilities. 
• You should get your second dose from the same provider or organization from which you received your first. 
• You will be notified by the provider that gave you your first dose, about where/when to get your second dose.
• I got a first vaccine out of the area; can I get my second vaccine in Douglas County?  The second vaccine dose is “paired” to the first dose, and your second dose will be sent to wherever you got your first dose.  Therefore, except in rare circumstances, you will need to return to where you got your first dose.
• If you have questions, please contact the provider or organization where you received your first dose.

COVID-19 FACEBOOK LIVE WITH DR. BOB 

As a part of our COVID-19 Recovery Phase, DPHN will continue to host our COVID-19 Facebook Live events once a week, on Tuesday evenings at 6:00 pm. The next Facebook Live event featuring Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer will be Tuesday, August 3, at 6:00 pm.  You can submit your questions during our live show or in advance at: ookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org">Facebookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org. Dr. Bob and the DPHN team will do their best to respond to as many questions as they can during the Facebook event.  The Facebook Events are hosted by DPHN on the DPHN Facebook page.

STATE AND FEDERAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

It is important to understand that Federal and State Government and their agencies are the ones that set policy and issue the guidelines for a state of emergency like the pandemic. Locally, we are following the recommended guidance issued by the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA).  If you have questions about the current guidelines or the recommendations, please contact the CDC or OHA directly for more information. OHA posts their daily updates at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. Please do not call 911, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or Douglas County Offices to report issues with the State of Oregon, OHA or the Governor’s orders.  

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM

The Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team (DCCRT) was established on March 12, 2020 and redirected on Wednesday, July 7, 2021.  It was created by the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, as an emergency response body to bring together community partners in order to cooperatively focus efforts, address issues, mobilize resources, develop programs and strategic plans, and effectively communicate our efforts to residents in response to the world-wide coronavirus pandemic on a local level.  For 470 days, the DCCRT worked as a unified team, and now we have shifted our focus to local COVID-19 Recovery efforts.  The shift to the recovery phase is a natural progression in the emergency response process and also means we are not ending our COVID-19 efforts.  As the established Public Health Authority for Douglas County, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners will continue to oversee, contract with, fund and support Douglas Public Health Network (DPHN) for as long as necessary for our COVID-19 Recovery Response.  If needs or circumstances arise that necessitate us to reestablish the DCCRT, we are prepared to do so immediately.

ACCESS TO LOCAL COVID-19 RESOURCES

Local Online Access to Updates

Stay up to date with accurate and local COVID-19 information in Douglas County by visiting the Douglas County Government website or DCGOV Facebook page or the DPHN website or DPHN Facebook page.  

Free Local e-Newsletter Subscription

You can also sign up for the Douglas County e-Newsletter that publishes and sends out the update to our subscription base free. You can sign up for the Douglas County e-Newsletter at www.co.douglas.or.us. 

Douglas County COVID-19 Hotline (541) 464-6550

Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners and DPHN continue to offer a local resource hotline for Douglas County residents for COVID-19. The hotline provides answer to frequently asked questions, basic information and referrals to resources and services. Our local hotline number is (541) 464-6550 and is staffed from 8 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week.

Aviva Health Offers Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions Webpage

Aviva Health has created an online FAQ page to answer questions related to COVID-19 regarding availability and scheduling. Log onto https://aviva.health/covid-19-vaccine-faqs/

COVID Vaccine Call Center at Lower Umpqua Hospital District in Reedsport

Lower Umpqua Hospital District has a COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center for COVID-19 vaccine information in the Reedsport, Douglas County Coastal area. Call (541) 271-2175, Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm.

Please note that for residents that are ages 12 to 14, this will require a parent or guardian to accompany them and give written consent for the vaccine. Written consent can also be obtained in advance. Under Oregon law, minors 15 years of age and older may consent to medical treatment, including vaccinations, when provided by a physician, physician assistant, naturopath, nurse practitioner, dentist or optometrist, or other professionals operating under the license of these providers; however, families are encouraged to make decisions about vaccinations together.

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Contact Tamara Howell, Douglas County Public Information Officer & Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist – Phone: (541) 670-2804 – Cell: (541) 957-4896 – Email: tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us 

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network – Phone: (541) 817-6552 – Cell - (541) 440-3571 – Email: vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (August 2, 2021) – An estimated 50 fires have been reported following thunderstorms that passed though the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District on Sunday afternoon. Firefighters, dispatchers and detection specialists worked through the night to locate and extinguish fires. Approximately 50 fires were reported from Sunday afternoon into Monday morning; of those, 35 fires were confirmed as active. Of those 35, 20 have been put out, and 15 are in various stages of response; the majority are 100% lined and are currently in mop-up operations. 

Private contract resources have been brought on to bolster firefighters, tree fallers and water tenders on active fires. This will also free up our district resources to respond to new fire starts as they are discovered throughout the day. 

On the Medford unit, the two largest fires are both estimated to be 3.5 acres each. The North Fork Anderson Creek Fire, located on Anderson Butte outside of Talent is 100% lined and 5% contained. The Buck Rock Fire, located 5 miles north of Trail, is 30% lined and 5% contained. On the Grants Pass unit, the largest fire our resources responded to is the Bear Camp Road Fire; it’s estimated to be 4-5 acres. This fire is burning on U.S. Forest Service Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest land, however, ODF responded as mutual aid due to close proximity to our protected area. The second largest incident in Josephine County is the Placer Road Fire located southwest of King Mountain at 1.5 acres. It is 100% 

lined and mopped up at this time. In the same area, the Oxyoke Fire near Hugo was extinguished as well; it was caught by ODF and Rural Metro Fire resources overnight at just over half an acre. This is the only fire that was burning near homes. 

At this time, there are currently no homes threatened, despite the large amount of fires burning on the landscape. A reconnaissance flight was sent out at 8:30 a.m. to fly over current incidents and look for new reports of smoke; new fires will likely emerge throughout the day as temperatures heat up. Residents in areas where lightning struck should report any smoke by calling 9-1-1. 

Fire season updates are available online on our website, www.swofire.com,  our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our Twitter account, @swofire. 

ROSEBURG, Ore. - One man was shot and another arrested following a disturbance in the 4000-block of Grange Road Sunday morning.

Shortly before 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 1, 2021, 9-1-1 dispatchers received a report of a disturbance where someone had been shot. As deputies responded a citizen called 9-1-1 to report a male burying items in the ground near where the shooting took place.

The victim, 43 year-old James Edward Strayer of Roseburg, was transported to Mercy Medical Center by ambulance for a gunshot wound to the side. Detectives later learned Strayer was in stable condition.

Deputies located the suspect, 63 year-old Roseburg man John Dewayne Armstrong, shortly after the shooting and took him into custody. Armstrong was interviewed by Detectives and later lodged at the Douglas County Jail for Attempted Murder in the Second Degree and Assault in the First Degree.

Anyone with information which may help investigators, is asked to contact the Douglas County Sheriff's Office Detective's Division at 541-440-4458 or email dcso.pio@co.douglas.or.us

The pedestrian is identified as John Sebourn (49) of Roseburg. 

On Sunday, August 1, 2021 at approximately 1:10 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a vehicle collision on Interstate 5 near milepost 125. 

Preliminary investigation revealed that an adult male was crossing the northbound lanes of I-5, from the west to east, and was struck by a Buick Enclave, operated by Eric Ortiz (47) of Vacaville, CA. and a Honda Odyssey, operated by Katrina Davis (31) of Roseburg. 

The pedestrian sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.  The name will be released when appropriate. 

OSP was assisted by Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Roseburg Police Department, Roseburg Fire Department & EMS and ODOT.  

At 1:00 p.m. on August 1^st, 2021, a 911 caller reported a serious motor vehicle crash on Waypark Drive NE east of Howell Prairie Road NE in northern Marion County. When first responders arrived at the scene, they located a 2019 Chevrolet Corvette which had collided with a 2005 Ford Explorer.  Tragically the passenger in the Chevrolet Corvette did not survive the crash.  Both drivers sustained what are believed to be minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital.

The driver of the Corvette has been identified as Georgi Cam (52) of Aurora.  The deceased passenger has been identified as Erofei Cam (57) of Gervais.  Curtis Chaudoin (56) of Woodburn has been identified as the driver of the Ford Explorer.

Investigators from the Marion County multi-agency Crash Team responded to process the scene.  Crash investigators determined the Chevrolet Corvette was traveling eastbound prior to colliding with the westbound Ford Explorer.  Due to this being an ongoing investigation, no additional information is available for release at this time.

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Keizer Police Department, Marion County District Attorney’s Office, Marion County Public Works, Mt. Angel Fire District, and Woodburn Ambulance during this response.

On Sunday, August 1, 2021 at approximately 2:39 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 20 near milepost 244.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Suzuki Grand Vitara, operated by Monique Alires (22) of Ontario, was eastbound when it lost control and rolled multiple times.

Alires was transported to the hospital with injuries.

Passenger, Lewis Whipple Jr. (23) of Ontario, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. 

Oregon State Police was assisted by the Malheur County Sheriff's Office and ODOT.  

On Saturday, July 31, 2021 at approximately 1:03 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle collision on Hwy 6 near mile post 30.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Ford F350 pickup, operated by Gary Thornock (50) of Provo, Utah, was eastbound when it crossed into the westbound lane and struck a GMC Sierra pickup operated by Jason Pierce (43) of Fairview, OR. 

Jason Pierce and a juvenile passenger sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased.

The other two passengers of the GMC, Kathryn Pierce (34) and a juvenile, were transported to Portland area hospitals with serious injuries.  

Thornock and two juvenile passengers were not transported for injuries.  The other juvenile passenger was transported to the hospital with injuries.

OSP was assisted by Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office, Tillamook Fire and Rescue and ODOT.

(Salem) – Desde el comienzo del período de inscripción especial debido a COVID-19, más de 16.500 habitantes de Oregon se han inscrito para cobertura a través del Mercado. El período de inscripción especial debido a COVID-19 está abierto para todas las personas que reúnen los requisitos para comprar y termina el 15 de agosto, 2021.

• Se ha determinado que más del 78% de habitantes de Oregon son elegibles para recibir ayuda financiera a través del Mercado.
• Los habitantes de Oregon están recibiendo un promedio de 400 dólares al mes en créditos fiscales para reducir su prima mensual.
• Los beneficiarios de los beneficios del seguro de desempleo en Oregon pueden obtener cobertura para seguro de salud por un costo tan bajo como 1 dólar al mes, incluso si sólo recibieron beneficios durante una semana en el 2021.

El Mercado de Seguros Médicos de Oregon anima a todas las personas que no tienen seguro médico a explorar sus opciones de cobertura y ver cuánto pueden obtener en ahorros adicionales. Cualquier persona que no esté actualmente inscrita en una cobertura médica puede solicitar e inscribirse antes del 15 de agosto para obtener cobertura con estos ahorros adicionales para el resto del 2021.

Los afiliados inscritos en el Mercado pueden entrar en su cuenta de HealthCare.gov e informar que recibieron beneficios de desempleo en el 2021 para aprovechar estos ahorros adicionales. Estos ahorros se agregan a cualquier ahorro adicional que haya estado disponible desde el 1 de abril, 2021 bajo el Plan de Rescate Americano.

El Mercado de Seguros Médicos de Oregon ofrece un resumen de los planes y ahorros a los habitantes de Oregon que reúnen los requisitos. La herramienta está disponible en OregonHealthCare.gov/WindowShop, y está actualizada para calcular correctamente los ahorros adicionales disponibles para las personas que compran a través del Mercado.

Para encontrar la solicitud correcta o para encontrar ayuda de un agente de seguros u organización comunitaria para completar la solicitud e inscribirse visite CuidadoDeSalud.Oregon.gov o llame al 855-268-3767. Los agentes de seguros y los socios comunitarios proporcionan asistencia local y personalizada sin costo. Esta ayuda está disponible virtualmente, por teléfono y en persona siguiendo los protocolos de seguridad.

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El Mercado de Seguros Médicos de Oregon, una parte del gobierno estatal, ayuda a las personas a conseguir seguro médico cuando no tienen cobertura a través de su trabajo, y no califican para el Plan de Salud de Oregon u otro programa. El Mercado es el socio al nivel estatal a CuidadoDeSalud.gov. Para obtener más información, visite CuidadoDeSalud.Oregon.gov.

(Salem) – Since the beginning of the COVID-19 special enrollment period, more than 16,500 Oregonians have enrolled in health coverage through the Marketplace. The COVID-19 special enrollment period ends Aug. 15, 2021, and is open to all people who qualify to shop.

• More than 78 percent of Oregonians have been determined to be eligible for financial help through the Marketplace.
• Oregonians are receiving an average of $400 per month in premium tax credits to reduce their monthly premium.
• Recipients of unemployment insurance benefits in Oregon can get coverage for as low as $1 per month, even if they only got benefits for one week in 2021.

The Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace encourages all people who are uninsured to explore their health coverage options and to see how much in additional savings they can now get. Anyone not currently enrolled in health coverage can apply and enroll before Aug. 15 to get health coverage with these extra savings for the rest of 2021.

Current Marketplace enrollees can log in to their HealthCare.gov account and report that they received unemployment during 2021 to take advantage of these additional savings. These savings are in addition to any additional savings that have been available since April 1, 2021, under the American Rescue Plan.

The Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace offers a quick snapshot of the plans and savings to eligible Oregonians. The tool, available at OregonHealthCare.gov/WindowShop, and has been updated to correctly calculate additional savings now available to people shopping through the Marketplace.

Start at OregonHealthCare.gov to get to the right application or to find an insurance agent or community partner organization to help complete the application and enroll. Insurance agents and community partners provide local, one-on-one assistance at no charge. This help is available virtually, on the phone, and in person following safety protocols.

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The Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, a part of state government, helps people get health insurance when they do not have job-based coverage, and do not qualify for the Oregon Health Plan or another program. The Marketplace is the state-level partner to HealthCare.gov. For more information, go to OregonHealthCare.gov.

LCSO Case #21-4121

On 07/23/21 the Lane County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of N. Morningstar Rd. and Enterprise Rd. in Pleasant Hill after receiving reports that shots had been fired.  A silver Volkswagen Golf and a 2001 Silver Mitsubishi car were observed fleeing the area moments later. 

On 07/31/21 at around 8:30am a Trooper with the Oregon State Police spotted a vehicle matching the  description of the Mitsubishi and attempted to initiate a traffic stop.  The Mitsubishi backed into the Trooper’s vehicle then fled at a high rate of speed.  Troopers and Deputies pursued the vehicle and spike strips were successfully deployed as the vehicle was driving on Interstate 5.  The vehicle eventually came to a stop and the occupants were taken into custody. 

During the chase the occupants of the Mitsubishi discarded a firearm out the window.  This firearm was recovered shortly thereafter.  Also at one point the vehicle struck the front end of a Lane County Sheriff’s patrol vehicle. 

No one reported injuries during today’s incident.

39 year old Jennifer Lynn  Robertson was identified as the driver of the Mitsubishi.  She faces charges from both today’s and last week’s incidents including:  Criminal Conspiracy, Hit and Run, Reckless Endangering, Reckless Driving, Attempt to Elude, Escape in the 3rd Degree, interfering with Police, Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Attempted Assault in the 1st Degree.  She will be lodged at the Lane County Jail.

38 year old Jesse Johnson was identified as the passenger of the Mitsubishi today.  He will be lodged at the Lane County Jail on charges related to both today’s and last week’s incidents including:  Reckless Endangering, Interfering with Police, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Criminal Conspiracy, Menacing, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Attempted Assault in the 1st Degree and Offensive Littering.    

Regarding the original shots fired incident, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office would like to speak with the occupant or occupants of a silver Volkswagen Golf that was in the area of N. Morningstar Rd. and Enterprise Rd. on 07/23/21 at around 8:30pm.  We are hoping to make contact with a person by the name of ‘Ryder’ or ‘Dillon’ and any additional witnesses that may have information about the shooting. 

The Volkswagen Golf depicted in the related surveillance video is seen driving across the frame from right to left.    

Please contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150 opt. 1 if you have any information. 

21-4243

A family member reported to the Lane County Sheriff’s Office that on 07/29/21, 71 year old Ronald Kenneth Aduddel had left his residence in the 87000blk of Hwy. 101 near Florence and did not return as anticipated.  He was last seen on that date at about 12:00pm.

Aduddel is described as a white male adult standing approximately 6’00” and weighing approximately 220lbs.  He has gray hair, green eyes and a white mustache.  He is believed to be driving a newer blue ford F-350 crew cab pickup bearing OR Plate #437MEU

Aduddel recently suffered a stroke and may potentially suffer from memory problems.  Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150 opt. 1.

At approximately 1:47 p.m. on July 30^th, 2021, a 911 caller reported a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle on Silverton Road NE west of Lancaster Drive NE.  When first responders arrived at the scene they located a 33-year-old female with serious injuries.  The female was transported to an area hospital by ambulance where she remains in critical condition.

The driver of the vehicle involved, David Smith (84) of Salem remained at the scene.  Deputies determined the driver was going west on Silverton Road NE in a 2010 Dodge Ram when the pedestrian stepped into the lane of travel a few hundred feet west of Lancaster Drive.

The Marion County multi-agency Crash team was called out to investigate the collision.  The westbound lanes of Silverton Road were closed until just before 4:00 p.m. while crash investigators processed the scene.  The investigation into the collision is ongoing; no additional information is available for release at this time. 

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Keizer Police Department, Marion County District Attorney’s Office, Marion County Fire District #1 and Marion County Public Works during this response.

The below are being identified as involved with the Officer Involved Shooting / Fatal Hit and Run incident in Keizer on July 28, 2021.

The pedestrian, Becky Dietzel (64) of Salem.

The six Keizer Police Officers:

Sergeant Kevin DeMarco with Keizer Police Department 14 years.    

Officer Scott Keniston with Keizer Police Department 14 years.       

Officer Michael Kowash with Keizer Police Department 3 years.    

Officer Jeremy Darst with Keizer Police Department 3 years.    

Officer Chad Fahey with Keizer Police Department 3 years.

Officer Cody Stupfel with Keizer Police Department 1 year.

The suspect, Sean Beck (47) of Oympia WA. is still being treated at the hospital.

On Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at approximately 8:40 P.M., Keizer Police Department Officers responded to a suspicious vehicle call behind a business at the corner of River Rd. and Dearborn Rd.  

Officers contacted two adult males near the vehicle, which was determined to be stolen.   One of the males exchanged gunfire with officers and then fled in the vehicle. The other male stayed at the scene and was cooperative.  

The male that fled went southbound on River Rd.  The vehicle struck a pedestrian which was crossing the street near the intersection of River Rd. and Cummings Lane.  The pedestrian sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Keizer Officers, with the assistance of Salem Police Department Officers, were able to get the vehicle stopped near the intersection of Cherry Ave. and Salem Parkway.  After a short standoff the suspect surrendered and was taken into custody.  

He was transported to Salem Hospital with several gunshot wounds.

Six Keizer Police Officers have been determined to be involved officers and per standard procedure have been placed on administrative leave.

Per Senate Bill 111 protocol the Marion County District Attorney’s Office has requested Oregon State Police to lead the investigation into the officer involved shooting and the pedestrian fatality.

No further information is available for release at this time and names will be released when appropriate.

Refer to original release from Keizer Police Department below.

OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING

News Release from Keizer Police Dept.
Posted on FlashAlert: July 28th, 2021 11:28 PM

On July 28, 2021, at approximately 2042 hours, Keizer police officers responded to a call of a suspicious vehicle in the area of River Rd N and Dearborn Ave N.  During the contact, there was an officer involved shooting, pursuit and hit and run crash.  The suspect is in custody and there is no danger to the public.  We will be providing further details as we are able.

July 30, 2021

Contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, PHD.Communications@state.or.us

Recreational use advisory issued for Eagle Ridge Park on Upper Klamath Lake July 30

PORTLAND, Ore. Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use health advisory today for Eagle Ridge Park on Upper Klamath Lake due to the presence of a cyanobacteria bloom and cyanotoxins above recreational use values for human exposure. The lake is in Klamath County. 

People should avoid swimming and high-speed water activities, such as water skiing or power boating, in areas of the lake where blooms are as the major route of exposure in ingestion of water. Toxins are not absorbed through the skin. However, if you have skin sensitivities you may get a puffy red rash. 

You are encouraged to visit Eagle Ridge Park and enjoy activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, and bird watching. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray. Sprays could lead to the risk of inhaling cyanotoxins.

Drinking water

Drinking water directly from areas of the lake affected by a bloom is especially dangerous. Toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating water with camping-style filters. Contact campground management or the local health department with questions about water available at nearby campgrounds or day use areas. 

Not all private treatment systems are effective at removing cyanotoxins. If you do not use a well or public water system and draw in-home water directly from an affected area you are advised to use an alternative water source. 

Children and pets

Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size and level of activity. Dogs can get extremely ill and even die within minutes to hours of exposure to cyanotoxins by drinking the water, licking their fur, or eating the toxins from floating mats or dried crust along the shore. This is regardless of a recreational use health advisory in place. 

Be aware that dogs can become ill and die from water intoxication after drinking excessive amounts of water while swimming or fetching objects for long periods of time. Intoxication is a potentially fatal disturbance in brain function resulting from an imbalance of electrolytes in the body. Water intoxication and heat stroke can cause similar symptoms as exposure to cyanotoxins.

Symptoms

Exposure to cyanotoxins can be serious and cause a range of symptoms. Symptoms may be similar to food poisoning such as stomach cramping, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may also be more serious, such as numbness, tingling, dizziness and shortness of breath. These symptoms may require medical attention. Dogs can experience weakness, difficulty walking, seizures, lethargy, loss of appetite and more. If your dog exhibits symptoms veterinary treatment should be sought as quickly as possible.

Fishing

Fish caught from areas where cyanobacteria blooms are present may pose unknown health risks. Fat, skin and organs should be removed before cooking or freezing. Toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues. Fillets should also be rinsed with clean water.

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0482.

Learn more here. 

July 30, 2021

Contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, PHD.Communications@state.or.us

Be aware of cyanobacteria blooms as extreme heat continues

High temperatures create potential for cyanotoxins in water 

PORTLAND, Ore.—With the extreme heat continuing in the Northwest and more people seeking relief in the many waterbodies around the state, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reminds people heading outdoors to be on the look-out for cyanobacteria blooms that can produce toxins when recreating in Oregon lakes, rivers and reservoirs.

Cyanobacteria are beneficial bacteria found in all freshwater worldwide. Under the right conditions—when sunlight, heat, water temperature, nutrients and water chemistry are ideal—cyanobacteria can multiply into blooms in any water body. Many blooms are harmless, but some can produce cyanotoxins that make people and animals sick.

People should avoid swimming, high-speed water activities, such as water skiing or power boating, and other water activities where incidental ingestion may occur in areas where you believe a cyanobacteria bloom is present. Ingestion is the major route of exposure. Toxins are not absorbed through the skin. However, if you have skin sensitivities you may get a puffy red rash. 

Drinking water

Drinking water directly from areas affected by a bloom is especially dangerous. Toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating water with camping-style filters. Contact campground management or the local health department with questions about water available at nearby campgrounds or day use areas. 

Not all private treatment systems are effective at removing cyanotoxins. If you do not use a well or public water system and draw in-home water directly from an affected area you are advised to use an alternative water source. 

Children and pets

Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size and level of activity. Dogs can get extremely ill and even die within minutes to hours of exposure to cyanotoxins by drinking the water, licking their fur, or eating the toxins from floating mats or dried crust along the shore. This is regardless of a recreational use health advisory in place. 

Be aware that dogs can become ill and die from water intoxication after drinking excessive amounts of water while swimming or fetching objects for long periods of time. Intoxication is a potentially fatal disturbance in brain function resulting from an imbalance of electrolytes in the body. Water intoxication and heat stroke can cause similar symptoms as exposure to cyanotoxins.

Symptoms

Exposure to cyanotoxins can be serious and cause a range of symptoms. Symptoms may be similar to food poisoning such as stomach cramping, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may also be more serious, such as numbness, tingling, dizziness and shortness of breath. These symptoms may require medical attention. Dogs can experience weakness, difficulty walking, seizures, lethargy, loss of appetite and more. If your dog exhibits symptoms veterinary treatment should be sought as quickly as possible.

Fishing

Fish caught from areas where cyanobacteria blooms are present may pose unknown health risks. Fat, skin and organs should be removed before cooking or freezing. Toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues. Fillets should also be rinsed with clean water.

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0482.

Learn more here. 

Springfield, OR.  Eugene Springfield Fire responded to a reported mobile home fire in the Country Manor Mobile Home Park located at 4475 Daisy St in Springfield Friday afternoon.  Arriving crews found a fire burning inside the home with all occupants accounted for.  Crews extinguished the fire and checked for any victims or pets.  The cause is under investigation and there were no reported injuries to occupants or Firefighters. 

Scoring criteria for two recreation grant programs that fund local park development projects is the topic of an upcoming public meeting hosted by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). 

Past and current members of the grant advisory committees for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and the Local Government Grant Program (LGGP) will meet with OPRD staff 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Aug. 5 via web conference. The meeting is being held to discuss adjustments to LWCF and LGGP project scoring criteria and clarify existing scoring criteria.

The meeting is open to the public, but there will not be time for public comments. Register online to watch the meeting live: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8OfOD-q5TFyF3AQNGgdxMA  

OPRD administers both grant programs. An assistance program of the National Park Service, the LWCF program provides matching funds to state and local governments for acquiring and developing public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. Since 1964, this national grant has awarded more than $75 million for Oregon recreational areas and facilities.

LGGP has provides grant assistance for public park and outdoor recreation areas and facilities. The program was established in 1998 under the Parks and Natural Resources Fund and is funded by a portion of Oregon Lottery dollars. The program has awarded more than $96 million in grant funding. 

For more information. contact Nohemi Enciso, LWCF Program Coordinator, at 503-480-9092 or Nohemi.enciso@oregon.gov, or visit the LWCF web page and the LGGP web page on the OPRD website. 

July 30, 2021

Oregon reports 1,076 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 3 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — There are three new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 2,858, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today. 

Oregon Health Authority reported 1,076 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 219,755.

Dr. Sidelinger available to discuss COVID-19 modeling today at 3:30 p.m.

State Public Health Officer and Epidemiologist Dr. Dean Sidelinger will be available to answer questions about today’s COVID-10 modeling report today at 3:30 p.m.

Interested media can join via this Zoom link: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1610683029?pwd=cEZyeUMzOVZYMmpMTmRIVzVzekFnUT09

Newest COVID-19 modeling report shows sharply higher increases in daily cases and hospitalizations

Today, OHA released its latest COVID-19 forecast, which projects sharply higher COVID-19 associated hospitalizations and daily cases through Aug. 17.

According to the model, the effective reproduction rate – the expected number of secondary cases that a single case generates – was estimated at 1.58 through July 14, more than double the 0.74 reported through mid-June.

At that same level of transmission, over the next two weeks, daily cases would continue to rapidly increase to 390 cases per 100,000 people, or an estimated 1,170 daily cases and 95 new hospitalizations per day. 

According to the report, “Vaccine immunity is helping prevent further spread of COVID-19.” By removing people with immunity from the model calculations, the rate of average rate of infection projects to 3.18 over the same time period. 

Also, according to the report, even if the Delta variant grew to comprise 95% of new cases, the adoption of protective measures such as wearing masks and avoiding large gatherings, would curb the projected increase in hospitalizations and daily cases. 

“Today’s modeling report, although sobering, confirms the importance of protecting ourselves and others by getting vaccinated against COVID-19,” Sidelinger said. 

“By vaccinating more people, we can more quickly drive down hospitalizations and new cases,” he said.

Vaccinations in Oregon

Today, OHA reported that 6,702 new doses of COVID-19 vaccinations were added to the state immunization registry. Of this total, 3,404 doses were administered on July 29 and 3,298 were administered on previous days but were entered into the vaccine registry on July 29.

The seven-day running average is now 4,697 doses per day.

Oregon has now administered 2,656,887 first and second doses of Pfizer, 1,784,178 first and second doses of Moderna and 181,017 single doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines.

As of today, 2,486,197 people have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 2,308,566 people have completed a COVID-19 vaccine series.

Cumulative daily totals can take several days to finalize because providers have 72 hours to report doses administered and technical challenges have caused many providers to lag in their reporting. OHA has been providing technical support to vaccination sites to improve the timeliness of their data entry into the state’s ALERT Immunization Information System (IIS).

To date, 3,019,095 doses of Pfizer, 2,299,680 doses of Moderna and 299,100 doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered to sites across Oregon.

These data are preliminary and subject to change.

Updated vaccination data are provided on Oregon’s COVID-19 data dashboards and have been updated today.

COVID-19 hospitalizations

The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across Oregon is 298, which is 13 more than yesterday. There are 97 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit (ICU) beds, which is 13 more than yesterday.

The total number of patients in hospital beds may fluctuate between report times. The numbers do not reflect admissions per day, nor the length of hospital stay. Staffing limitations are not captured in this data and may further limit bed capacity.

More information about hospital capacity can be found here.

OHA working with county, state and Tribal public officials on outbreak linked to recent music festival

OHA is investigating a COVID-19 outbreak associated with the Pendleton Whisky Music Fest held in Pendleton on July 10. 

Cases have been identified among residents of Umatilla, Morrow, Union and Wallowa counties, and Washington state. 

OHA is working with local, state and Tribal public health partners to identify other cases in people who may have attended the music festival. As of today, OHA is aware of 58 COVID-19 cases in people who attended the event. 

This outbreak is the first one of its size and scope to be traced to an outdoor entertainment event since the lifting of statewide COVID-19 prevention measures at the end of June. 

The outbreak highlights the importance of protective actions Oregonians can take to limit the spread of and their potential exposure to COVID-19, including wearing masks and getting vaccinated with any of the authorized vaccines that are widely available in every Oregon county.

In Oregon this month, OHA has recorded a large increase in COVID-19 cases. That rise is linked to the spread of the Delta variant, which now accounts for 80% of Oregon’s of new cases.

In response to the resurgence of COVID-19 in Oregon, OHA recommended this week that all persons, regardless of their vaccination status, wear a mask indoors in public spaces. OHA also encourages all Oregonians to consider masking if they plan to attend crowded outdoor events like fairs, sporting events, outdoor theater performances, rodeos or concerts, especially if they are at higher risk for complications from COVID-19 or live with individuals who are unvaccinated or at higher risk for complications from COVID-19.

To learn more about the rise of cases throughout Oregon, driven by the prevalence of the Delta variant identified among new infections, see a rebroadcast of OHA’s Facebook Live conversation yesterday with two of our senior health advisors, Drs. Paul Cieslak and Tom Jeanne.

Cases and deaths

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (22), Benton (21), Clackamas (77), Clatsop (13), Columbia (6), Coos (15), Crook (7), Curry (12), Deschutes (40), Douglas (57), Grant (1),  Harney (2), Hood River (9), Jackson (188), Jefferson (6), Josephine (33), Klamath (3), Lane (81), Lincoln (9), Linn (29), Malheur (5), Marion (46), Morrow (7), Multnomah (134), Polk (20), Sherman (1), Tillamook (13), Umatilla (82), Union (22), Wallowa (10), Wasco (15), Washington (76), Wheeler (2) and Yamhill (12). 

Oregon’s 2,856th COVID-19 death is a 61-year-old man from Marion County who tested positive on July 11 and died on July 21 at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center. He had underlying conditions. 

Oregon’s 2,857th COVID-19 death is an 83-year-old man from Jackson County who tested positive on July 12 and died on July 28 at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center. He had underlying conditions. 

Oregon’s 2,858th COVID-19 death is an 85-year-old woman from Clackamas County who tested positive on July 19 and died on July 20 at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.

OHA does not report the vaccination status of people in our daily update of COVID-19 related deaths. However, statewide data show that people who remain unvaccinated are at much greater risk of infection and severe illness.

In June, 92% of the 7,241 COVID-19 cases and 94% of the 63 COVID-19-associated deaths occurred in unvaccinated Oregonians. On the first Thursday of each month, OHA publishes an update on vaccine breakthrough cases identified in Oregon. The findings shared in our last report, from July 1, indicate that this number remains very small when compared to the more than 2.3 million people who have completed a COVID-19 vaccination series.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccinations  

To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine situation in Oregon, visit our webpage (English or Spanish), which has a breakdown of distribution and other information.

# # #

HINES, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management Burns District announced today plans to conduct a helicopter gather of wild horses within and immediately adjacent to the Stinkingwater Herd Management Area beginning in mid-August 2021. The gather is being conducted to remove approximately 390 excess wild horses.

The Wild-Free Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971 gives BLM the direction for protecting and overseeing wild horses and burros on public lands. In managing these animals, the BLM works to maintain a thriving ecological balance that supports healthy horses on healthy rangelands.

The Stinkingwater HMA is located approximately 25 air miles east of Burns, Oregon, in Harney County. The Appropriate Management Level – the number of horses the range can sustainably support in conjunction with other animals and resource uses – for this area is 40 to 80 horses and the current population is approximately 449.

Animals gathered from the range will be transported to Oregon’s Off-Range Wild Horse and Burro Corrals in Hines. Here, about 30 horses will be selected for return to the HMA, 18 of which will be mares treated with GonaCon-Equine contraceptive and then released. The remaining horses will be prepared for adoption or sale into private care or long-term holding in Midwestern states.

The public is welcome to observe the gather. Details will be provided on the 2021 Stinkingwater Wild Horse Gather web page at: https://go.usa.gov/xFkdZ .

Supporting National Environmental Policy Act documents for this gather are available on the BLM’s ePlanning web site at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/71905 .

The gather will likely last 1 to 2 weeks, though exact start and end dates will be determined by the contractor’s availability.

For more information, contact Tara Thissell at tthissell@blm.gov or (541) 573-4519.

BLM 

This year, we invite everyone to reimagine your public lands as we celebrate 75 years of the BLM’s stewardship and service to the American people. The BLM manages approximately 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The agency’s mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

UPDATE

60 year old Ronald Charles Hartsfield has been identified as the driver of the dark maroon Nissan sedan involved in the fatal traffic crash on 07/29/21 on Marcola Rd.  Hartsfield, a Westfir resident, died at the scene.  Anyone with information about this case that has not yet spoken to investigators is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150 opt. 1. 

UPDATE

Marcola Rd. near Pico Ln. is expected to be opening soon.

LCSO Case #21-4229

On 07/29/21 at approximately 1:15pm, Lane County Sheriff’s Deputies along with paramedics from Mohawk Valley Fire responded to Marcola Rd. near Pico St. regarding a head-on crash between two vehicles.  The driver of one of the involved vehicles did not survive.  His name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Preliminary investigation reveals that a dark maroon sedan was driving southbound on Marcola Rd. when for an unknown reason it crossed into the oncoming northbound lane.  A white Ford truck towing a travel trailer was traveling northbound and the vehicles collided.  Medics attempted to perform emergency life-saving procedures on one of the drivers, however he did not survive.

The occupants of the other vehicle were transported to an area hospital with what is believed to be minor injuries. 

Marcola Rd. near Pico Ln. is going to be closed to traffic in both directions for the next couple of hours.  Alternate routes through the area include Sunderman Rd. and Hill Rd.

Dr. Sidelinger available to discuss COVID-19 modeling today at 3:30 p.m.

Oregon State Public Health Officer and Epidemiologist Dr. Dean Sidelinger will be available to answer questions about today’s COVID-10 modeling report today at 3:30 p.m.

Interested media can join via this Zoom link: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1610683029?pwd=cEZyeUMzOVZYMmpMTmRIVzVzekFnUT09

UPDATE 07/30/21

On Friday July 30th, 2021 shortly after 10:00am the Lane County Sheriff’s Office along with local fire authorities were advised that a citizen located a deceased person in the water of Fall Creek Reservoir.  Sheriff’s Office personnel responded and confirmed the body to be that of missing kayaker, Glenn Hornsby.  Hornsby, a 53 year old Eugene resident, was reported missing on Monday July 30th.  His kayak and vehicle were in the Fall Creek area that same night.   

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is working with the Lane County Medical Examiner’s Office to determine a cause of death.  At this time there are no indications of foul play.  

LCSO Case #21-4167

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help with information regarding missing 53 year old Glenn Hornsby.  Hornsby went Kayaking at Fall Creek Reservoir on Monday, July 26th at about 9:00am.  He spoke to friends at about 11:30am and stated he would be home soon.  When Hornsby didn’t return home family responded to the area and found Hornsby’s vehicle along Big Fall Creek Rd. 

Lane County Sheriff Search and Rescue personnel responded and located Hornsby’s kayak upside down and his dog nearby. 

Horsnby (depicted on the left) is described as a white male adult standing approximately 6’00” and weighing approximately 205lbs.  He has gray hair and blue eyes.  He was last seen wearing an army green shirt and gray or black shorts. 

Anyone with information to Hornsby’s whereabouts or may have seen him on Monday, July 26th is asked to call the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150 opt. 1. 

DOUGLAS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RECOVERY UPDATE

(Douglas County, Ore.)  DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 DATA OVERVIEW

We have been asked a lot of questions about our local COVID-19 statistics and data, so Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer and the Epidemiology Team at DPHN dove into our local data, and provided us with an overview of their findings. The main areas of interest were around vaccination rates, breakthrough cases, hospitalizations and deaths. So, as promised, here is an overview of our local data to date.

Douglas County Vaccination Rate

As of Tuesday, July 27, 2021, 56% or 53,176 Douglas County residents age 16 and above had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. We continue to make vaccines available to all areas of Douglas County, and we continue to add residents to our vaccine database every week.  In fact, last week we added 382 residents to the vaccine list in Douglas County.  The number of residents that chose to get the COVID-19 vaccine last week is up 63% from the previous week.  As we have stated before, there are a number of vaccine doses given to Douglas County residents that are still not being attributed to our numbers on the State and Federal level.  So, the rate provided above also includes our best estimate of vaccine doses (based on information shared with us) given at the Roseburg VA and Cow Creek Tribal events, as well as doses received in other states, that have not been added to the OHA or the CDC’s counts.  The overall vaccination rate is still low and not where we want to be in order to be effective in combating the future spread and continued mutations of the virus.

The CDC website reports that 50% of residents in Douglas County are fully vaccinated.  We understand that the variance in reporting is confusing, but the good news is that our numbers and the CDC numbers for vaccines administered are starting to converge, so we are confident that our accurate numbers will be reflected very soon at all levels.   Also, we would like to note that our vaccine series completion rate of 97.7%, is among one of the highest in the nation. 

Douglas County Breakthrough and Unvaccinated Case Rates

Since January 1, 2021, Douglas County has reported 2,997 new cases of residents with positive test results of COVID-19. Of those cases since January 1, 2021, 2,909 were individuals who were not vaccinated, which represents 97% of our new cases.  Thus, 88 or 3% of our new COVID-19 cases were identified as breakthrough cases. We are classifying a breakthrough case as a case were a fully vaccinated person tests positive for COVID-19.  The main cause of new cases still remains exposure and contraction to the virus while traveling to and from other states, especially while traveling to those areas that are considered ‘hot spots’ for COVID-19 variants like the Alpha and Delta mutations. Another issue that our epi teams are seeing is the prevalence of individuals who are choosing to go to work, visit friends and family or visit businesses when they are sick.  Again, we encourage you to please stay home if you are sick or asked to isolate or quarantine from others. 

Local Hospitalizations, Variants and Deaths 

Since January 1, 2021, 248 of the 2,997 total new positive local COVID-19 cases were hospitalized with complications related to contracting the COVID-19 virus.  238 or 96% of the hospitalized cases were unvaccinated. Which means that 10 or 4% of the hospitalized cases were breakthrough COVID-19 cases. 

Our local breakthrough cases ranged in age from 18 years to 91 years of age with an average age of 56 years old. Of those cases, 9 were positive for variants of concern: 6 were positive for B.1.1.7 (Alpha), one was the P.1 (Gamma) variant, one was the B.1.429 (Epsilon) variant, and one the B.1.526 (Lota). Unfortunately, DPHN is currently not able to sequence all cases, so this data represents the confirmed variant cases that we have verified in our county.  It is important to note that in the United States, laboratories currently do not have the resources or capacity to sequence every COVID-19 positive specimen, so our data represents a sampling of what we have seen in Douglas County. We only send test samples to sequence when we see specific indicators that someone might have been exposed to a variant. 

With the introduction and apparent increased spread efficiency of the COVID-19 Delta variant mutation in the United States, the Epidemiology Team at DPHN is expecting to see higher numbers of breakthrough cases, as they have seen happening worldwide.  However, the good news is that the COVID-19 vaccines are still showing to be the most effective prevention measure for slowing the spread and contracting COVID-19, being hospitalized for COVID-19 or dying from COVID-19 infection, even with the newer variants.

Sadly, since our very first case was announced in March 2020, 88 Douglas County residents have passed away with complications related to the COVID-19 virus.  Since, January 1, 2021, we have reported 48 deaths related to COVID-19. Of those deaths only one was a breakthrough case.  Each death related to COVID-19 is painful for all Douglas County residents, and a sad reminder of the terrible impact COVID-19 has had in our local communities. 

We hope that you have found our data overview helpful in understanding the latest impact of the COVID-19 virus in Douglas County.  Our plan is to periodically provide our readers with an overview of our data and statistics in our future updates. 

THE SURGE OF NEW COVID CASES CONTINUES TO PLAGUE OREGON

States and counties across the United States and in Oregon continue to reel from the influx of new cases and increased hospitalizations from the latest COVID-19 surge.  A few Oregon counties are still reporting triple digit single day new case counts.  Click here to read more from OHA about the 1,026 new cases and 285 hospitalizations reported by OHA yesterday in Oregon.  For the second time this week, Douglas County surpassed our previous single day COVID case record (from July 27, 2021, with 58 new positive test and presumptive cases), with 66 new positive test and presumptive cases reported on Thursday, July 29, 2021.  And again, we sadly, also surpassed our highest single day record for hospitalizations, from July 28, 2021 with 24 residents hospitalized, to yesterday, July 29, 2021, with 25 Douglas County residents being hospitalized with issues related to contracting the COVID-19 virus.  We also wanted to note that 24 of the 25 hospitalized patients are not vaccinated. 

The surge of new cases comes at a time when we have more access and availability to COVID-19 vaccines in Douglas County than ever before.  The Douglas County Commissioners set a goal for vaccination accessibility in Douglas County in early January this year to have COVID vaccines available to every resident within 5 miles of their home.  We are happy to report that we have achieved that goal.  COVID-19 vaccines are here and available for those that are eligible and want to get them.  Again, as we have said since the beginning, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer our Douglas County Public Health Officer and our partners at DPHN and within our local medical communities continue to encourage our residents to be safe, protect your families, take the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, stay home if you are sick and make the choice to get vaccinated.

COVID-19 RECOVERY RECAP FOR THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021: 

On Thursday, July 29, 2021, at 2:00 pm we had SIXTY-ONE (61) people with new positive test results and FIVE (5) new presumptives to report, bringing our total number of cases of people with positive test results and presumptives in Douglas County to 4,489.  We had TWENTY-FIVE (25) Douglas County COVID-19 patients hospitalized, twenty-one locally and four out-of-the-area.  Also, DPHN was supporting 340 cases in isolation, 339 cases in quarantine for a total of 679 in isolation and quarantine.  

COVID-19 RECOVERY UPDATE FOR FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021: 

As of 12:00 pm today, Friday, July 30, 2021, there are THIRTY-EIGHT (38) people with new positive test results and FOUR (4) new presumptives to report following our Thursday recap listed above.  The total number of cases of people with positive test results and presumptives in Douglas County is now at 4,531. Currently, there are TWENTY-FOUR (24) Douglas County COVID-19 patients that are being hospitalized, twenty locally and four out-of-the-area.

COVID-19 RELATED DEATH OF A DOUGLAS COUNTY RESIDENT

Our Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, has confirmed the death of a Douglas County resident related to the COVID-19 virus. Our eighty-eighth COVID-19 related death is a 63-year-old woman who was diagnosed with COVID-19 on Thursday, July 15, 2021 and passed away on Tuesday, July 27, 2021. In the interest of privacy for the loved ones of this resident, no additional information will be released. Each death related to COVID-19 is painful for all Douglas County residents, and a sad reminder of the terrible impact COVID-19 has had in our local communities. The Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Dannenhoffer, DPHN and the DCCRT team extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to all family members, friends, relatives, co-workers and community members of those who have passed after contracting this deadly virus.

Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines people with positive test results and presumptives, as well as a breakout of those case numbers. There will be times when a presumptive will move to a positive test result, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted. 

LOCAL CONTACTS AND CASES BEING SUPPORTED IN ISOLATION AND QUARANTINE

Currently, DPHN is supporting 371 cases in isolation, as well as another 365 contacts in quarantine in Douglas County. Isolation is recommended for confirmed and presumptive cases, quarantine is recommended for contacts of confirmed or presumptive cases.  Currently, staff is supporting a total of 736 total contacts and cases in isolation or quarantine.  This number represents a snapshot of the significant amount of work being done locally to help control the spread of COVID.

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RECOVERY UPDATE

Reminder, we are publishing our Douglas County COVID-19 Recovery Updates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.  We will continue to report and recap daily numbers in each of our updates for the days that we do not publish a local COVID-19 Recovery Update. Our next COVID-19 Update will be on Monday, August 2, 2021.

AVIVA WILL BE OFFERING COVID VACCINES AT THE DOUGLAS COUNTY FAIR 

Shared from Aviva Health.  Aviva Health is pleased to announce that one of two Mobile Medical Units (MMU’s) assigned to Aviva Health by the Douglas County Board of Commissioners during the COVID-19 pandemic will be at Douglas County Fair, Wednesday, August 4 to Saturday, August 7, 2021, from open to close. Aviva Health staff will be on hand to help fairgoers sign up for the Oregon Health Plan (OHP), assist existing OHP members to establish with a local provider, and provide FREE COVID-19 Vaccinations. Additionally, Aviva Health will hand out a variety of giveaways and informational literature on programs and services offered by the Douglas County based Federally Qualified Health Center. Be sure to stop by the MMU, located just passed the entrance at the front of the Swine (Pig) Building during your visit to the fair to learn more about Aviva Health and health resources it offers the community. 

DOUGLAS COUNTY TIGER TEAM HOSTING FREE POP-UP COVID-19 VACCINATION CLINICS 

The Douglas County Tiger Team continues to bring free COVID-19 vaccines directly to all areas of Douglas County in our mobile medical vans (MMV) via their pop-up vaccine clinics.  The Douglas County Board of Commissioners, who have led the charge for our Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team efforts since the beginning, have coordinated with DPHN to organize our local Tiger Team to manage our vaccine outreach efforts through ‘pop-up’ vaccine clinics. 

The clinics are currently open to anyone 18 years of age and older, and preregistration is not necessary.  For the latest list of upcoming Tiger Team clinics, log onto the DPHN website at https://douglaspublichealthnetwork.org/ and select the link for the Tiger Team schedules.  Look for the Douglas County Tiger Team at local events and festivals and around our communities offering information and access to vaccinations.  Our Tiger Team coordinates with Umpqua Valley Ambulance to bring a certified vaccinator and a medical assistant to each clinic.  If you are interested in having the Douglas County Tiger Team come to your area or event to provide a free pop-up vaccine clinic or if you have any questions about our Douglas County Tiger Teams, please call (541) 670-3110 or our local COVID-19 Hotline at (541) 464-6550. 

AVIVA HAS A DEDICATED FREE COVID-19 VACCINATION CLINIC SITE IN ROSEBURG 

Shared from Aviva Health.  Aviva Health has a dedicated COVID-19 vaccination clinic site at 4221 NE Stephens Street, Suite 101 in Roseburg, just across the street from its main Roseburg Clinic location near Costco and offers free COVID-19 vaccines by appointment.   The COVID-19 vaccination clinic is e open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and is open for residents ages 12 and older.  To schedule an appointment please call (541) 672-9596. 

COVID-19 VACCINE ELIGIBILITY OPEN FOR EVERYONE 12 YEARS OLD AND OLDER

According to the CDC, State of Oregon and OHA, ALL residents ages 12 years old and older are eligible to get the COVID-19 Vaccine. According to Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer, “We have plenty of vaccines available, they are safe, they are effective and they are available to anyone 12 and above who wants one.” 

1. 🔍 Log onto: http://DougCoVaccine.com.
2. 📞 Call our Douglas County COVID-19 Hotline at (541) 464-6550
3. 📞 Call and set up an appointment with your primary health care provider, ask for a referral to another health care provider or Call and set up an appointment with a local pharmacy.
4. Go to one of our vaccination clinics offered in Douglas County with our Tiger Team or through Aviva Health.
5. If you are a member of the Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribe of Indians, please contact to set up an appointment at (541) 672-9405 or log onto https://www.cowcreek-nsn.gov/public-health/.
6. The Roseburg VA Health Care System is setting up appointments for veterans to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.  For more information, call the Roseburg VAMC at (541) 440-1000 or log onto https://www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/.

IF YOU ARE HAVING DIFFICULTIES SCHEDULING A VACCINE APPOINTMENT, HELP IS AVAILABLE 

Not everyone is able to use the internet, a tablet, a computer or a smart phone to schedule a COVID vaccine appointment.  If you or someone you know needs to schedule an appointment for the COVID vaccine, and do not have access to the internet, you can call one of the numbers below to get help scheduling an appointment.

• Call our Douglas County COVID-19 Hotline at (541) 464-6550.
• Coastal Residents can call the Lower Umpqua Hospital District COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center at (541) 271-2175.
• U.S. Veterans can call the Roseburg VA Health Care Center at (541) 440-1000.
• Members of the Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribe of Indians can call (541) 672-9405.
• Seniors can call Douglas County Senior Services at (541) 440-3677.

GETTING YOUR SECOND DOSE OF THE COVID-19 VACCINE IS IMPORTANT

Please know that as a part of vaccine efficacy, it is vitally important to for those residents who have received their first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, to make sure that you get your second dose of the vaccine to complete the vaccination.  By getting both shots, it will provide better immunity and help to protect yourself and those around you that you love.  If you have already received your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, here are a few answers to questions about your second dose.

• You can expect to get your second dose about 4-6 weeks after the first dose.
• You should have received a vaccination card when you received your first dose that details the brand of vaccine, its lot number, and the date the vaccine was administered.  This card is for your records only, and is not official proof that you have received the vaccine. Proof of your vaccination rests with the State Alert System, which is accessible by medical facilities.
• You should get your second dose from the same provider or organization from which you received your first.
• You will be notified by the provider that gave you your first dose, about where/when to get your second dose.
• I got a first vaccine out of the area; can I get my second vaccine in Douglas County?  The second vaccine dose is “paired” to the first dose, and your second dose will be sent to wherever you got your first dose.  Therefore, except in rare circumstances, you will need to return to where you got your first dose.
• If you have questions, please contact the provider or organization where you received your first dose.

COVID-19 FACEBOOK LIVE WITH DR. BOB 

As a part of our COVID-19 Recovery Phase, DPHN will continue to host our COVID-19 Facebook Live events once a week, on Tuesday evenings at 6:00 pm. The next Facebook Live event featuring Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer will be Tuesday, August 3, at 6:00 pm.  You can submit your questions during our live show or in advance at: ookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org">Facebookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org. Dr. Bob and the DPHN team will do their best to respond to as many questions as they can during the Facebook event.  The Facebook Events are hosted by DPHN on the DPHN Facebook page.

STATE AND FEDERAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

It is important to understand that Federal and State Government and their agencies are the ones that set policy and issue the guidelines for a state of emergency like the pandemic. Locally, we are following the recommended guidance issued by the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA).  If you have questions about the current guidelines or the recommendations, please contact the CDC or OHA directly for more information. OHA posts their daily updates at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. Please do not call 911, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or Douglas County Offices to report issues with the State of Oregon, OHA or the Governor’s orders.  

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM

The Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team (DCCRT) was established on March 12, 2020 and redirected on Wednesday, July 7, 2021.  It was created by the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, as an emergency response body to bring together community partners in order to cooperatively focus efforts, address issues, mobilize resources, develop programs and strategic plans, and effectively communicate our efforts to residents in response to the world-wide coronavirus pandemic on a local level.  For 470 days, the DCCRT worked as a unified team, and now we have shifted our focus to local COVID-19 Recovery efforts.  The shift to the recovery phase is a natural progression in the emergency response process and also means we are not ending our COVID-19 efforts.  As the established Public Health Authority for Douglas County, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners will continue to oversee, contract with, fund and support Douglas Public Health Network (DPHN) for as long as necessary for our COVID-19 Recovery Response.  If needs or circumstances arise that necessitate us to reestablish the DCCRT, we are prepared to do so immediately.

ACCESS TO LOCAL COVID-19 RESOURCES

Local Online Access to Updates

Stay up to date with accurate and local COVID-19 information in Douglas County by visiting the Douglas County Government website or DCGOV Facebook page or the DPHN website or DPHN Facebook page.  

Free Local e-Newsletter Subscription

You can also sign up for the Douglas County e-Newsletter that publishes and sends out the update to our subscription base free. You can sign up for the Douglas County e-Newsletter at www.co.douglas.or.us. 

Douglas County COVID-19 Hotline (541) 464-6550

Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners and DPHN continue to offer a local resource hotline for Douglas County residents for COVID-19. The hotline provides answer to frequently asked questions, basic information and referrals to resources and services. Our local hotline number is (541) 464-6550 and is staffed from 8 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week.

Aviva Health Offers Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions Webpage

Aviva Health has created an online FAQ page to answer questions related to COVID-19 regarding availability and scheduling. Log onto https://aviva.health/covid-19-vaccine-faqs/

COVID Vaccine Call Center at Lower Umpqua Hospital District in Reedsport

Lower Umpqua Hospital District has a COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center for COVID-19 vaccine information in the Reedsport, Douglas County Coastal area. Call (541) 271-2175, Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm.

Please note that for residents that are ages 12 to 14, this will require a parent or guardian to accompany them and give written consent for the vaccine. Written consent can also be obtained in advance. Under Oregon law, minors 15 years of age and older may consent to medical treatment, including vaccinations, when provided by a physician, physician assistant, naturopath, nurse practitioner, dentist or optometrist, or other professionals operating under the license of these providers; however, families are encouraged to make decisions about vaccinations together.

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Contact Tamara Howell, Douglas County Public Information Officer & Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist – Phone: (541) 670-2804 – Cell: (541) 957-4896 – Email: tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us 

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network – Phone: (541) 817-6552 – Cell - (541) 440-3571 – Email: vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

July 30, 2021

Media contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, PHD.Communications@state.or.us

Psilocybin shows promise as mental health therapy, report finds

Advisory board’s comprehensive review of literature an important step

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board have reached a milestone in the effort to build the nation’s first state psilocybin therapy program.

The Board, a governor-appointed advisory body created by the passage of Ballot Measure 109 in November 2020, completed the report summary and findings showing that the active ingredient in psychedelic mushrooms holds promise as an option to address mental health issues.

OHA published the Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board Rapid Evidence Review and Recommendations today. Among the findings: that high-quality phase 1 and 2 clinical trials suggest that “psilocybin is efficacious in reducing depression and anxiety.”

Tom Eckert, who chairs the Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board, said the board is “laser-focused” on developing recommendations to inform the eventual launch of the country's first statewide psilocybin therapy and wellness program. 

“Science is fundamental, so organizing the scientific literature relating to psilocybin was a first priority,” he said. “This comprehensive review will put us on solid ground moving forward."

The report explains that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has designated psilocybin a breakthrough therapy for treatment of depression, indicating that preliminary clinical evidence suggests it may represent a significant improvement over existing therapies.

“Initial research also suggests that psilocybin may be efficacious in reducing problematic alcohol and tobacco use,” the report continues. “Across studies, psilocybin increases spiritual well-being which may mediate other observed benefits. Study participants also commonly rate their psilocybin experiences as highly meaningful.”

Angie Allbee, manager of the Psilocybin Services Section at the OHA Public Health Division, thanked the board for its “tremendous work in delivering findings and recommendations to OHA for this review.” 

“Making this information available to the public is a significant step forward, as the findings and recommendations will help OHA implement a comprehensive regulatory framework that will provide safe and effective psilocybin services,” she said. 

The Oregon Psilocybin Services Section will eventually license and regulate the manufacturing, transportation, delivery, sale and purchase of psilocybin products, as well as the provision of psilocybin services.

OHA will continue to work with the advisory board on recommendations for draft rulemaking throughout the remainder of the development period, which concludes on Dec. 31, 2022. 

For more information about the Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board and the Oregon Psilocybin Services Act, visit http://healthoregon.org/psilocybin.

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Pacific Power media hotline:                               

503-813-6018                                                      

Be prepared as more heat headed to Northwest

Temperatures are forecast to reach triple digits again, but you can stay cool, use less energy and save money with these tips from Pacific Power

PORTLAND, Ore. –July 30, 2021—With  a new heat wave hitting the region, Pacific Power wants to remind customers how to beat the heat, use less energy and save money. 

Be air conditioner smart

• Set your thermostat at 78 degrees. Cooling your house below that temperature can increase your air conditioning bill as much as 8 percent. 
• Don’t turn off the air conditioner when you’re gone; instead set it at 85 degrees. That setting allows your air conditioner to use less electricity to cool the house than if the air conditioning has been off all day.
• Use a smart or programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature around your schedule. Set it to start bringing your home’s temperature from 85 degrees down to 78 degrees no more than 30 minutes before you get home. 

Don’t let the sun shine in

• On warm days, close blinds and drapes, especially in south-facing windows which allow in the most heat.

Open windows and circulate cool air

• Open windows in evening and early morning to let in cool air. 
• Use fans to bring in and circulate cool air. Ceiling and window fans use much less electricity than air conditioning. Running an air conditioner in fan-only mode can also be effective as outside temperatures drop. 

Reduce the heat inside

• Use heat-producing appliances like ovens, dishwashers and dryers in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler. 
• Use a microwave, slow cooker or toaster oven. A toaster oven uses one-third to one-half as much energy as a regular oven and releases less heat into the home. 
• Turn off heat-generating devices when not in use, including lamps, televisions and computers. 

Be safe. With sweltering temperatures, you need to protect yourself. Drink plenty of water and stay out of the sun as much as possible. Also check on any neighbors who may have limited contact with others and may need a fan or other assistance.

Heat waves are something the region experiences each year. From a power supply perspective, we do not anticipate heat-related service interruptions during this current heat wave. In addition to regular maintenance and equipment upgrades, Pacific Power, as part of PacifiCorp, can access a diverse mix of available energy resources – solar, wind, hydro and thermal – which is key to fulfilling our promise of reliability and stability. 

The company owns and operates over 16,500 miles of high-voltage transmission across 10 states. That reach is essential in accessing available energy and delivering it to our customers. Still, extreme weather--either summer heat or winter storms--has the potential to produce localized outages. So we’re closely monitoring the system and will respond promptly if an outage of any nature occurs. 

If you are concerned about your power bill, call us now. We can set up a payment plan or refer you to local agencies for bill assistance. Call us any time at 1-888-221-7070.

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ABOUT PACIFIC POWER

Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 783,000 customers in 
243 communities across Oregon, Washington and California. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, serving nearly two million customers in six western states as the largest regulated utility owner of wind power in the West. For more information, visit www.pacificpower.net.

July 30, 2021

Contact: OHA External Relations, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board, Research Subcommittee meets Aug. 26

What: A public meeting of the Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board, Research Subcommittee.

Agenda: TBD 

When: Thursday, Aug. 26, 1-2:30 p.m. 

Where: Via Zoom Meeting: 

https://www.zoomgov.com/j/16018821728

Meeting ID: 160 1882 1728

Background: Established by Ballot Measure 109 (2020), the Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board makes recommendations to OHA on available scientific studies and research on the safety and efficacy of psilocybin in treating mental health conditions, and makes recommendations on the requirements, specifications and guidelines for providing psilocybin services in Oregon.

The Board will also develop a long-term strategic plan for ensuring that psilocybin services will become and remain a safe, accessible and affordable therapeutic option for all persons 21 years of age and older in this state for whom psilocybin may be appropriate; and monitor and study federal laws, regulations and policies regarding psilocybin.

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Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (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 Nic Riley at 971-673-0404, 711 TTY, or iley@dhsoha.state.gov">nic.riley@dhsoha.state.gov, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

On Thursday, July 29, 2021 at approximately 10:43 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle collision on Hwy 99E at Boones Ferry Rd.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Hyundai Santa Fe, operated by Jose Sandoval Flores (40) of Woodburn, was northbound on Hwy 99E and turned left, onto Boones Ferry Rd, into the path of a southbound Harley Davidson motorcycle operated by Jerald Stewart (64) of Salem. 

Stewart sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Flores was not injured.

OSP was assisted by Woodburn Fire Department, Woodburn Ambulance, and ODOT.

On Thursday, July 29, 2021 at approximately 12:45 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 97 near mile post 104.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Chevrolet Impala, operated by Charles Carroll (51) of Madras, was northbound when it left the roadway, lost control, and entered the southbound lane colliding with a Mazda CX-5 operated by Greg Rockwell (70) of Bothell, WA.

Carroll was transported by air ambulance to the hospital.

Passenger in the Chevrolet, Donna Reynaga (52) of Ontario, CA. sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Rockwell and passenger, Colleen Donahue (62) of Bothell, WA. were both transported to the hospital with injuries.

OSP was assisted by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Jefferson County EMS, and ODOT.

With the current and forecasted heat in Oregon, the Office of the State Fire Marshal is suspending their enforcement of the regulations that prohibit the self-serve of gasoline at retail gasoline service stations. Governor Brown’s Office approved the suspension of the regulations. The suspension is in place for 24 hours, until 11:59 pm on Friday, July 30th, 2021.

With the hot incoming weather, the Oregon Office of the State Fire Marshal acknowledges employees working outside. For businesses who choose to continue to provide full service, our Office encourages them to provide water and cool areas to keep employees safe. 

This suspension of the self-service regulations does not affect areas of the state or timeframes that are already authorized for self-service refueling under Oregon law. Information about the rules suspension for self-service gasoline can be found on the OSFM website.

On Thursday, July 29, 2021 at approximately 2:19 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 6 near mile post 5.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Saturn Ion, operated by Richard Rose (41) of Portland, was westbound when it crossed into the eastbound lane and collided with a Kenworth semi-truck operated by Robert Kiser (51) of Tillamook.

Rose was transported to Tillamook Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. 

Kiser was not transported for injuries.

OSP was assisted by Tillamook Ambulance, Tillamook Fire Department, Tillamook County Sheriff's Office, Tillamook Police Department, and ODOT. 

Aumsville, Oregon – The Aumsville Corn Festival, a long-standing Oregon event, marks its upcoming 53^rd year with an Oregon Heritage Tradition designation by the Oregon Heritage Commission. 

The Corn Festival is the 26^th event in Oregon to be designated an Oregon Heritage Tradition. Other Oregon Heritage Traditions include the Great Oregon Steam -up in Brooks, Oregon State Fair, Medford’s Pear Blossom Festival, the Pendleton Round-Up, and the Woodburn Fiesta Mexicana. 

“The designation recognizes those traditions that have been ongoing for 50 years or more and that add to the livability and identity of the state,” said Katie Henry, Oregon Heritage Commission Coordinator. “The Aumsville Corn Festival preserves the agricultural heritage of the area in a time where agriculture is evolving and diversifying. It’s a great family event that has opportunities for all that attend, from the community and tourists to the area.”

The festival began in 1968 with a group of Aumsville residents who organized a corn feed at the local park. In 1969 they added a parade, sack races and other games, and gave away hot buttered corn. These elements still remain with the addition of selling additional corn, adding booth and entertainment, contests, and more. The event is free to attend and attendance is estimated by how many pounds of corn is sold/given away each year. The corn is locally grown with the city contracting with a farmer in January to grow corn specifically for the festival in August. 

The city was still able to keep the tradition going last summer during the pandemic by having drive through corn giveaways. This year they plan to proceed with events on August 21 and you can find the schedule of events by visiting https://www.aumsville.us/events/page/corn-festival-information.

An Oregon Heritage Tradition must have been in continuous operation for more than 50 years, demonstrate a public profile and reputation that distinguishes it from more routine events, and add to the livability and identity of the state. A list of Tradition designations is available at http://www.oregon.gov/oprd/HCD/OHC/pages/oht.aspx.

A Commissioner will be presenting the designation to the Aumsville City Council on August 9. The Oregon Heritage Commission coordinates efforts to solve statewide heritage issues through grants, education, and advocacy, and also promotes heritage tourism efforts. Learn more about the Commission and its efforts by visiting www.oregonheritage.org.

July 29, 2021

Contact: OHA External Relations, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 1,026 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 6 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — There are six new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 2,855, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 1,026 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 218,689.

Vaccinations in Oregon

Today, OHA reported that 7,180 new doses of COVID-19 vaccinations were added to the state immunization registry. Of this total, 3,292 doses were administered on July 28 and 3,888 were administered on previous days but were entered into the vaccine registry on July 28.

The seven-day running average is now 4,635 doses per day.

Oregon has now administered 2,652,653 first and second doses of Pfizer, 1,782,367 first and second doses of Moderna and 180,441 single doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines.

As of today, 2,482,028 people have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 2,305,579 people have completed a COVID-19 vaccine series.

Cumulative daily totals can take several days to finalize because providers have 72 hours to report doses administered and technical challenges have caused many providers to lag in their reporting. OHA has been providing technical support to vaccination sites to improve the timeliness of their data entry into the state’s ALERT Immunization Information System (IIS).

To date, 3,013,695 doses of Pfizer, 2,298,280 doses of Moderna and 299,100 doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered to sites across Oregon.

These data are preliminary and subject to change.

Updated vaccination data are provided on Oregon’s COVID-19 data dashboards and have been updated today.

COVID-19 hospitalizations

The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across Oregon is 285, which is 11 more than yesterday. There are 84 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit (ICU) beds, which is two fewer than yesterday.

The total number of patients in hospital beds may fluctuate between report times. The numbers do not reflect admissions per day, nor the length of hospital stay. Staffing limitations are not captured in this data and may further limit bed capacity.

More information about hospital capacity can be found here.

Scholarship winner Laney: ‘It’s a pretty big deal to me’

Take Your Shot, Oregon incentive winner Laney got vaccinated to be better protected against COVID-19 and to protect her friends and the community.

She plans to use her $100,000 Oregon College Savings Plan scholarship to make a lifelong dream come true.

Watch Laney’s story here.

Cases and deaths

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (11), Benton (17), Clackamas (69), Clatsop (18), Columbia (5), Coos (20), Crook (7), Curry (11), Deschutes (36), Douglas (54), Gilliam (2), Grant (3),  Harney (3), Hood River (4), Jackson (111), Jefferson (4), Josephine (35), Klamath (17), Lane (93), Lincoln (4), Linn (46), Malheur (7), Marion (66), Morrow (6), Multnomah (95), Polk (24), Sherman (5), Tillamook (8), Umatilla (110), Union (21), Wallowa (3), Wasco (27), Washington (60), Wheeler (4) and Yamhill (20).

Oregon’s 2,850th death is an 80-year-old man from Jackson County who tested positive on July 21 and died on July 27 at his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 2,851st death is an 83-year-old man from Jackson County who tested positive on July 16 and died on July 28 at his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 2,852nd death is a 63-year-old woman from Douglas County who tested positive on July 15 and died on July 27 at Peacehealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at Riverbend. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 2,853rd death is a 48-year-old man from Marion County who tested positive on Sept. 14, 2020 and died on Sept. 21, 2020 at Integris Baptist Medical Center. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 2,854th death is a 67-year-old woman from Marion County who tested positive on July 11 and died on July 25 at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 2,855th death is an 85-year-old woman from Linn County who tested positive on July 12 and died on July 24 at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccinations  

To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine situation in Oregon, visit our webpage (English or Spanish), which has a breakdown of distribution and other information.

# # #

Linn County Sheriff Jim Yon reports the search for the missing climber on Mount Jefferson has been suspended. A significant amount of resources have tirelessly worked to locate Steven Van Pelt, 33, of Salem who fell last Friday while descending Mount Jefferson.

Resources, to include six mountain rescue teams, took great risk searching for Van Pelt over the last several days among the extreme mountainous terrain with glacier drifts, falling rocks and debris. Resources have been exhausted and the risk of continuing would jeopardize additional lives.  Linn County Sheriff’s Office have been in close contact with Van Pelt’s family who are aware of the decision.

Linn County Sheriff’s Office were assisted by Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Corvallis Mountain Rescue, Eugene Mountain Rescue, Deschutes Mountain Rescue, Portland Mountain Rescue, Hood River Mountain Rescue, Oregon Emergency Management, United States Army National Guard, Air Force Reserve (304th), LifeFlight, Idanha Fire Department, Detroit Fire Department, Amateur Radio Emergency Services and United States Forest Service. 

Please see attached.

EUGENE, Ore.—A Lane County, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine in Springfield, Oregon.

Delfino Angel Davila-Tamayo, 27, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, in April 2018, Davila-Tamayo was identified as a supplier of methamphetamine in the Springfield area. The next month, Davila-Tamayo sold an informant four pounds of methamphetamine. He was arrested the following day when he went to collect payment from the informant.

Investigators searched Davila-Tamayo’s residence and located a .45 caliber pistol, ammunition, drug packaging materials, and scales. He admitted to selling methamphetamine and carrying the pistol for protection.

After his arrest, Davila-Tamayo was granted pre-trial release and fled. After being on the run for more than a year, he was located and arrested a second time.

On October 16, 2019, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a three-count indictment charging Davila-Tamayo with distribution of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

On April 28, 2021, Davila-Tamayo pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine. As part of his plea agreement, Davila-Tamayo agreed to voluntarily abandon the .45 caliber pistol and ammunition seized by law enforcement.

Acting U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Springfield Police Department. It was prosecuted by Jeffrey S. Sweet, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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July 29, 2021

Contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, PHD.Communications@state.or.us

Public Health Advisory Board meets Aug. 19

What: The Public Health Advisory Board will hold a meeting.

Agenda: Approve July meeting minutes; discuss PHAB subcommittees; discuss equity training; PHAB member discussion.

When: Thursday, Aug. 19, 2-3:30 p.m. The meeting is open to the public. A public comment period will be held at the end of the meeting. 

Where: Zoom conference call:

(669) 254-5252, participant code 1609889971#. 

Background: Oregon’s Public Health Advisory Board provides guidance for Oregon’s governmental public health system and oversees the implementation of public health modernization and Oregon’s State Health Improvement Plan. 

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Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (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 a.m.biddlecom@state.or.us">cara.m.biddlecom@state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

July 29, 2021

Media contact: Aria Seligmann, 503-910-9239, i.l.seligmann@dhsoha.state.or.us">ari.l.seligmann@dhsoha.state.or.us

Measure 110 Oversight and Accountability Council continues meeting weekly in August

What: Public meetings of the Drug Treatment and Recovery Act (Measure 110) Oversight and Accountability Council. 

When: Wednesdays from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. 

Where: Virtual. YouTube link with live captions (English and Spanish). 

Aug. 4 – https://youtu.be/fRmBb6Rdeyo

Aug. 11 – https://youtu.be/ZFLzeWEkQgA

Aug. 18 – https://youtu.be/qekoDyI9jAI

Aug. 25 - https://youtu.be/snU-HPBJOb4

Agenda: The council will continue its discussion on rules and implementation processes.

Purpose: The Drug Treatment and Recovery Act (Measure 110) Oversight and Accountability Council oversees the establishment of Behavioral Health Resource Networks (formerly Addiction Recovery Centers) throughout Oregon. The OAC will hold regular meetings to accomplish the necessary steps to fund and set up the centers. 

Read more about the OAC. Read more about Measure 110. 

Questions? Contact e110@dhsoha.state.or.us">OHA.Measure110@dhsoha.state.or.us

Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (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 Brandy L. Hemsley at 971-239-2942, 711 TTY or RANDY.L.HEMSLEY@dhsoha.state.or.us">brandy.l.hemsley@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

July 29, 2021

Contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, PHD.Communications@dhsoha.state.or.us

PartnerSHIP meets Aug. 2 via Zoom

What: The PartnerSHIP, tasked with steering implementation of the 2020-2024 State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP), is meeting.

Agenda: The committee will finalize their charter, learn about Healthier Together Oregon priority areas and strategies, and plan for their first in-person meeting happening in September.

When: Monday, Aug. 2, 1-3 p.m. This meeting is open to the public. 

Where: Zoom: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1609047098?pwd=UGd2aGcyNXBSblZRejc5ZktUNFpvUT09

Dial by your location

        +1 669 254 5252 US (San Jose)

        +1 646 828 7666 US (New York)

Meeting ID: 160 904 7098

Passcode: 806191

Background: Oregon’s State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP), Healthier Together Oregon (HTO), identifies interventions and strategies to address health related priorities in our state. The SHIP serves as a basis for taking collective action with cross-sector partners to advance health equity.  The SHIP will be based off of findings from the State Health Assessment. 

• Health departments develop and implement a health improvement plan at least once every five years. 
• The Public Health Division is using the Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP) framework, widely used by CCOs and local health departments. The MAPP framework uses six phases. The SHA is developed over the first three phases, while the SHIP is developed and implemented over the second three phases. 
• Information about the PartnerSHIP can be found at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/ABOUT/Pages/partnership-committee.aspx

Program contact: Christy Hudson, 971-678-4347, isty.j.hudson@state.or.us">Christy.j.hudson@state.or.us

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Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (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 Heather Owens at 971-291-2568, .r.owens@dhsoha.state.or.us">Heather.r.owens@dhsoha.state.or.us.

29 de Julio de 2021

Contacto para medios: Delia Hernández, 503-422-7179, PHD.Communications@dhsoha.state.or.us.

PartnerSHIP se reúne el 2 de agosto vía Zoom

Asunto: El reformado equipo de Socios Comunitarios, encargado de dirigir la aplicación del Plan Estatal de Mejora de la Salud (SHIP) 2020-2024, se reunirá.

Agenda: El comité finalizará su carta, aprenderá sobre las áreas y estrategias de prioridad de Healthier Together Oregon, y planeará su primera reunión en persona en septiembre.

Cuándo: Lunes, 2 de Augusto de 1:00pm a 3:00pm. Esta reunión estará disponible al público en general. 

https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1609047098?pwd=UGd2aGcyNXBSblZRejc5ZktUNFpvUT09

Números por ubicación:

        +1 669 254 5252 US (San José)

        +1 646 828 7666 US (New York)

ID de la reunión: 160 904 7098

Contraseña: 806191

Antecedentes: El Plan Estatal de Mejora de la Salud de Oregon (SHIP, por sus siglas en inglés), Healthier Together Oregon (HTO, por sus siglas en inglés),  identifica intervenciones y estrategias para abordar las prioridades relacionadas con la salud en el estado. El SHIP sirve como base para emprender acciones colectivas con socios intersectoriales para mejorar la salud de las personas en Oregón. El SHIP se basa en los resultados de la Evaluación de Salud del Estado.

• Los departamentos de salud desarrollan e implementan un plan de mejoramiento de la salud al menos una vez cada cinco años.
• La División de Salud Pública está utilizando el marco de movilización para la acción a través de la planificación y las asociaciones (MAPP), ampliamente utilizado por la CCO's y los departamentos locales de salud. El marco MAPP utiliza seis fases. El SHA se desarrolla en las tres primeras fases, mientras que el SHIP se desarrolla e implementa en las segundas tres fases. 
• Puede encontrar más información sobre PartnerSHIP en: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/ABOUT/Pages/partnership-committee.aspx

Contacto del programa: Christy Hudson, teléfono: 971-678-4347, isty.j.hudson@state.or.us">christy.j.hudson@state.or.us

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Todos tienen derecho a conocer y utilizar los programas y servicios de Oregon Health Authority (OHA, por sus siglas en inglés). OHA brinda ayuda gratuita. Algunos ejemplos de la ayuda gratuita que puede proporcionar la OHA son: 

• Intérpretes de lenguaje de señas y lenguaje hablado

•          Materiales escritos en otros idiomas.

•          Braille

•          Letra grande

•          Audio y otros formatos

Si necesita ayuda o tiene preguntas, comuníquese con Heather Owens al 971-291-2568, .r.owens@dhsoha.state.or.us">Heather.r.owens@dhsoha.state.or.us.

Middle Market optimism surges +24 points over pre-pandemic levels: more than 70% of companies embrace continued adaptation with “significant” changes to strategy and operations anticipated

Roughly 50% plan to invest in real estate, acquisitions or other expansion in year ahead 

PORTLAND, Ore., July 29, 2021 – Umpqua Bank, a subsidiary of Umpqua Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: UMPQ), today released its annual 2021 Business Barometer, an in-depth study into the mood, mindset, and strategic priorities of nearly 1,200 leaders at small and middle market companies across the United States. Despite the heavy toll businesses nationwide faced last year, optimism has now surged past pre-pandemic levels, and many companies report being well positioned for growth in the year ahead.

In addition to reporting transformational shifts in operations and strategy over the last year, middle market companies, in particular, are embracing the expectation of continued challenges and the need for ongoing adaptation. And while growth is expected among both small and middle market companies, intense disruptions related to supply chains and competition for workplace talent pose considerable challenges.

“Businesses of all sizes made significant changes over the past year in response to the pandemic. As a result of increased efficiencies and diversification, many have emerged more optimistic and poised for growth as the economic recovery continues,” said Richard Cabrera, EVP and Head of Middle Market Banking at Umpqua Bank. “Leaders have realized their organizations’ capacity to pivot and adapt, and the pandemic has challenged them to think more strategically and in greater detail about their larger purpose and value to the marketplace. This bodes well for the immediate future and will also make them better prepared to adapt to the next disruption.”

Together, small and middle market companies serve as bellwethers for the economy. Middle market businesses alone account for $6 trillion of the U.S. private-sector GDP and provide 44 million jobs. The strength and resiliency of these businesses are critical to economic well being and recovery. 

Key findings and highlights from Umpqua Bank’s fourth annual survey include:

“Significant Changes” Made in 2020 Represent Transformational Shifts

Not surprisingly, most businesses have made major strategic adjustments in response to the pandemic. Nearly all middle market companies (96%) and most small businesses (65%) say they’ve made “significant changes” to multiple areas, including supply chains, staffing models, company culture and vision, brick-and-mortar operations, and products and services. These changes, however, reflect more than temporary pivots to survive. According to the report, about half of those surveyed, including 71% of middle market companies, expect to keep most or all of the changes made. 

Surging Optimism Paves Way for Growth

Positivity around the current state of the economy has roughly doubled since last year, with expectations for overall economic improvement and business growth accelerating past levels recorded in previous Umpqua middle market research. A majority of middle market (55%) and small (52%) businesses expect economic conditions to improve and for revenue to increase (62% of middle market and 53% of small businesses). 

A renewed sense of optimism, and most likely delayed plans from 2020, have middle market companies thinking about growth and expansion in the year ahead. More than half (52%) are considering acquiring another business, up from roughly one-third reporting such interest in 2019 and 2020. Another 56% expect to finance expansion plans. 

The state of the commercial real estate sector may also be less dire than commonly assumed, as 47% of middle market companies are looking to expand their real estate footprint. That figure is most pronounced within the manufacturing, and finance and insurance industries.

Leaders Embrace a Mindset of Continuous Change & Evolution
Despite reporting massive strategic shifts in response to the pandemic a year ago, more changes are coming in a competitive, dynamic post-pandemic economy. Roughly three-quarters or more of middle market businesses expect to continue making significant changes to products and services (75%). They also anticipate substantial changes to their pricing models (75%); another 81% are likely to digitize new areas of their business to become more efficient, while 79% will continue automating repetitive manual tasks.

“Over the past several years, disruptions—whether macro-economic, geopolitical, or technological—have become a constant reality, and none has been more impactful than the pandemic,” said Cabrera. “The data mirrors what we see on the ground with our customers—businesses are starting to accept this reality. While the last year has been difficult, many businesses have tapped into strategic and creative energy that’s changing their mindset from one of resistance to embracing the need for continual change.”

Despite accelerating optimism and plans for growth, businesses face economic headwinds that will continue to challenge their capabilities and need for strategic support from various partners. These include:

Talent Dislocation and Lack of Skilled Workers 

Most middle market businesses (55%) and 41% of small businesses are having trouble finding qualified employees. Companies cite the inability to engage qualified talent and a shortage of skilled candidates as the top staffing challenges; respondents from construction, retail and manufacturing businesses are most likely to have trouble finding qualified employees.

While businesses are offering enhanced incentives, including finding creative ways to support working parents (71% of middle market companies), operating short-handed has a ripple effect across their bottom line and the economy. Higher labor costs, increased delays with goods and costly workforce inefficiencies are cited as the most significant impacts. The inability to pursue new opportunities also ranks exceptionally high for small businesses. 

Supply Chain Disruptions

As companies are working to adapt and grow to meet increasing consumer demand for goods, many are still feeling the effects of the pandemic on the global supply chain, with 88% of businesses citing difficulty sourcing goods in the past 12 months. The most common supply chain difficulties companies have faced include:

• Being unable to purchase the goods in a timely manner needed to run their business (23% of small businesses and 29% of middle market companies)
• Facing longer delays to receive goods (59%)
• Experiencing an increase in the price of goods (76%)

To read the survey in full, visit www.umpquabank.com/business-barometer-survey-report.

Survey Methodology 

The Umpqua Bank 2021 Business Baramoter, conducted annually, surveyed 1,196 owners, executives, and financial decision-makers from U.S. small and middle market companies. The online survey was conducted in partnership with DHM Research, a public policy and business research firm, and targeted leaders at companies with $500,000 to $500 million in annual revenue. The survey has a 2.8% margin of error and was fielded from May 24 – June 4, 2021. 

About Umpqua Bank
Umpqua Bank, headquartered in Roseburg, Ore., is a subsidiary of Umpqua Holdings Corporation, and has locations across Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California and Nevada. Umpqua Bank has been recognized for its innovative customer experience and banking strategy by national publications including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, BusinessWeek, Fast Company and CNBC. The company has been recognized for eight years in a row on FORTUNE magazine's list of the country's "100 Best Companies to Work For," and was recently named by The Portland Business Journal the Most Admired Financial Services Company in Oregon for the sixteenth consecutive year. In addition to its retail banking presence, Umpqua Bank also owns Financial Pacific Leasing, Inc., a nationally recognized commercial finance company that provides equipment leases to businesses. 

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon is in the grip of a deepening drought ranked as severe to exceptional in more than half the state. Our yard and street trees are particularly hard hit by the prolonged dryness. That’s why Trees for Life Oregon and Oregon Community Trees have again declared the last week in July and the last week in August as Soak It Week. Oregonians are reminded that to keep their street and yard trees healthy, give them a good, slow soaking in their root zone.

“Unlike a lawn, trees are a long-term investment well worth the water needed to get them through our dry summers,” according to Kristin Ramstad, ODF’s Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Program Manager. “People enjoy multiple benefits from healthy, mature trees. They not only clean the air and reduce noise pollution, they also keep things cooler through shade and releasing water from their leaves into the air.  There are also mental health and social benefits, such as improved focus and less stress.”

Deciduous trees under three years need weekly watering in Oregon from the time they leaf out until they’re leaves turn in the fall. The recommended amount is about 15 gallons. Young evergreens need watering once winter rains end and until fall rains return. 

If you’re lucky enough to have a drought-tolerant Oregon white oak that may be all the watering you need to do. But most other species of trees still benefit after they are three years old from a good soaking every other week until they are established (typically at about 10 years). After a tree is established, it benefits from deep watering once a month during the dry months of July and August (hence Soak It Week). 

Oregon Community Trees President Samantha Wolf says, “Well-watered trees grow faster and are less likely to suffer scorching of their leaves and premature leaf drop. So watering gives you a better-looking tree over time than ones that struggle through our increasingly dry summers.” 

Learn more about tree watering at https://arbordayblog.org/treecare/how-to-properly-water-your-trees/

  TIP OF THE WEEK

Date:  July 29, 2021     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:      Sheriff Curtis Landers

                   541-265-0654

                   s@co.lincoln.or.us">lcsheriff@co.lincoln.or.us

IDENTITY THEFT

Identity theft continues to be a growing problem costing us billions of dollars every year in personal losses, investigations, and increased financial institution fees.

Criminals can obtain personal information from doctors, lawyers, schools, health insurance carriers, the Post Office and even your own home. "Dumpster divers" pick up information you may have thrown away, such as utility bills, credit card slips, magazines, credit card solicitations, and other documents. Thieves will even take mail out of your mailbox before you have a chance to pick it up.

• Do not throw anything away that contains your name and address. You should shred all documents, including pre-approved credit applications received in your name, insurance forms, bank checks and statements you are discarding, and other financial information. Magazine and newspaper labels with your name and address should be shredded as well. A micro-cut shredder is best, but for those with strip shredders, adding water to the strips of paper in a plastic bag and mixing it up will damage the paper and prevent anyone from taping the strips together.

• Pick up your mail as soon as possible from your mailbox. If you are going to be out of town, have the post office hold your mail until you return.

• Do not put your social security number on your checks or your credit receipts. If a business requests your social security number, give them an alternate number and explain why. If a government agency requests your social security number, there should be a privacy notice accompanying the request. 

• Make a list of all your credit card and bank account numbers with customer service phone numbers and keep it in a secure place. 

• When you order new credit cards in the mail or previous ones have expired, watch the calendar to make sure you get the card within the appropriate time. If you have not received the card within that time, call the credit card grantor immediately to find out if the card has been sent. If you do not receive the card, check to make sure a change of address was not filed. 

• Pay attention to your billing cycles. Follow up with creditors if bills do not arrive on time. A missing credit card bill could mean an identity thief has taken over your credit card account and changed your billing address.

• Reconcile all of your bank accounts and regularly check your accounts online to confirm account activity. You are able to obtain a free credit check from each of the three credit bureau service each year: Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian.  An easy way to accomplish this is to go online to www.annualcreditreport.com.

Please guard your identity. It could take years to recover from just one incident of identity theft.

For more tips and other information, visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and Like us of Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff – Oregon.

Temperatures likely to reach upper-90s Thursday and Friday, which can be dangerous for vulnerable community members 

Lane County, OR--Temperatures in Lane County on Thursday (7/29) and Friday (7/30) are forecasted to reach the high-90’s, prompting Lane County Public Health to remind residents to be aware of the signs of heat related illness and to stay safe by staying cool. 
 

For an updated heat-related resources and places to cool off, please visit: http://lanecountyor.gov/cooling

REMEMBER:   Those at greatest risk for heat-related illness include young children; adults 65 and older; athletes; and people with chronic illness or who are overweight, work outdoors, or have a low income.

The best way to protect yourself from the harmful effects of excessive heat is to stay cool, stay hydrated and stay informed. 

-Wear light colored clothing and use sunscreen. 

-Schedule outdoor activities during cooler times of the day — like in the morning or evening. 

-Drink plenty of fluids. 

-Avoid alcoholic and sugary drinks. 

-Stay informed of the weather and watch the Heat Index to help you identify the most dangerous periods during the heat wave.

Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion: 

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, sweating stops, and the body can’t cool down. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.

Warning Signs of Heat Stroke:

-Very high body temperature (104°F or more)

-Red, hotskin

-Rapid and strong pulse

-Possible-unconsciousness

 If you see any of these signs, it could be a life-threatening emergency. Call 911 and then begin first aid for heat stroke.

Do the following:

-Move the person to a cooler place, such as a shady or air-conditioned space.

-Reduce the person’s body temperature by using cool cloths, a garden hose or even a cool shower.

-Do NOT give fluids.

-Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101–102°F.

If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for more instructions.

Heat Exhaustion:

Heat exhaustion is a milder illness that can develop after prolonged exposure to high temperatures. This is particularly true if fluids are not being replaced fast enough or when you are not drinking the right kinds of fluids.

The warning signs include the following:

-Heavy sweating

-Weakness

-Fast, weak pulse

-Cold, pale and clammy skin

-Fainting

-Nausea or vomiting 

If you or someone you know is experiencing heat exhaustion:

-Move to a cooler location.

-Lie down and loosen your clothing.

-Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of your body as possible.

-Sip water.

-If you have vomited and it continues, immediately seek medical attention.

Keeping Your Home Cool:

If you have an air conditioner, make sure it is installed and working. Set air conditioners to the setting most comfortable to you, preferably between 72°F and 79°F. Block the sun by using awnings or closing curtains and blinds during the day. Avoid using a fan as your main cooling source — especially when it is 90°F or more.

If you don’t have a place that is cool during the hottest parts of the day, LCPH recommends visiting a place that has air conditioning, e.g., a library, community center or shopping center, or a park with plenty of shade and/or a water feature, like a splash pad. For a complete list of places to cool down around Lane County, please see below: 

Eugene

The Downtown Library is a designated cooling site and is open s://0">noon-8 p.m. on Thursday and s://1">10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Both Sheldon and Bethel branches are open s://3">10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Regular services are available.

Hilyard Community Center: is a designated cooling site and is open s://6">9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Because of ongoing programming, there is a limited capacity in the lobby.

Community Centers are open for regular hours:

Amazon and Petersen Barn: community centers s://8">9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Hilyard Community Center: s://9">9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.Monday-Friday.

Sheldon Community Center: s://10">8 a.m. - 6 p.m.Monday-Friday. 

Campbell Community Center: s://11">8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.



Springfield

Springfield City Hall: s://12">225 5th St, s://13">8 a.m.-5 p.m. Water misters beneath are available below City Hall and SUB’s water bottle filling station is available as well. 

Bob Keefer Center: s://14/1">250 S. 32nd St., Springfield open s://15">8 a.m.-5 p.m. s://16">Monday-Friday. Lobby is available for free drop-in use.

Willamalane Adult Activity Center: s://17/1">215 W. C St., Springfield open s://18">8 a.m.-4 p.m.s://19">Monday-Friday. Lobby is available for free drop-in use.

Cottage Grove

TBA

Veneta

Veneta Community Pool: 25190 E Broadway Ave,9 am- 5 pm

Oakridge

City Hall, 48318 E 1st St, 9 AM- 5 PM

On Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at approximately 7:20 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 101 near milepost 196. 

Preliminary investigation revealed a Ford Contour, operated by Rhonda Wild (51) of Fresno, CA. was northbound in the southbound lane when it collided with a southbound Nissan Titan, pulling a boat, operated by Jason Smith (46) of Prineville.

Wild and Smith sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased.

Two passengers from the Nissan, Heidi Smith (47) of Prineville and a juvenile, were transported to the Florence Hospital with injuries.  

OSP was assisted by the Lane County Sheriff's Office, EMS, and ODOT.

TUALATIN – The annual economic impact to the State of Oregon from fourteen of its nonprofit, independent colleges and universities is $1.58 billion, according to a just completed study that used FY18 data. 

“The nonprofit, independent higher education sector is a key driver in Oregon’s economy,” said Brent Wilder, President of the Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities (The Alliance). “Collectively, our member institutions are economic engines in this state, serving as magnets attracting students and their families, alumni and tourists who spend money locally yet use minimal municipal services. Our members are large employers in their communities and collectively employ over 7,000 people statewide.” 

Among the findings, fourteen independent nonprofit colleges and universities in Oregon: 

• generated a total impact on the Oregon economy of $1.58 billion representing a direct economic impact of $1.04 billion in direct institutional spending for employee spending, university purchases, capital expenditures, student, visitor, and alumni spending, as well as another nearly $543 million in induced spending.
• created 13,637 jobs in Oregon in 2018 because of the economic activity generated by the sector.
• contributed over $1.2 billion in alumni earnings to Oregon’s economy, which generated significant taxes and spending on the local level.
• are magnets for students and visitors who spent nearly $304 million.
• resulted in a cost savings of over $207 million to the state of Oregon in 2019.

“Oregon’s independent, nonprofit colleges and universities are hubs of commerce for the communities and regions that we call home. We offer world-class education to students from across the nation and globe, preparing our students to meet the needs of employers and our state’s economy,” said President Miles K. Davis of Linfield University and chair of The Alliance. “Our campuses are talent centers where knowledge is produced, where science is advanced, and where the arts contribute to the vibrancy of our cultural communities.” 

The study was conducted by Mark Gius, Ph.D., Professor of Economics at Quinnipiac University and The Alliance member institutions that are included in the study are as follows: Bushnell University, Corban University, George Fox University, Lewis & Clark College, Linfield University, Multnomah University, National University of Natural Medicine, Pacific Northwest College of Art (now a part of Willamette University), Pacific University, University of Portland, University of Western States, Warner Pacific University, Western Seminary, and Willamette University. For detailed information on the data and an explanation of Dr. Gius’s process, please visit OAICU’s 2018-2019 Economic Impact Report.

The Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities (“The Alliance”) is comprised of 13 private, nonprofit, independent colleges and universities in the state of Oregon. These institutions deliver high-quality experiential learning with high-impact teaching strategies. The Alliance is the collective voice of Oregon's independent, nonprofit higher education sector. For more information, visit www.oaicu.org

Oregonians advised to prepare for potential triple-digit temperatures through the weekend

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Office of Emergency Management (OEM) today submitted to the Governor’s Office an After-Action Review of the June 2021 excessive heat event. The AAR assesses government efforts to prevent and prepare for extreme weather events and outlines recommendations for immediate and future implementation. 

Governor Kate Brown directed OEM to lead the expedited review following the excessive heat that occurred June 25 to June 30, 2021, in which at least 83 Oregonians tragically lost their lives to heat-related illness. With potential triple-digit temperatures expected again this weekend, OEM is working with local emergency management partners and fellow state agencies to immediately implement recommendations from the report to help ensure Oregonians are prepared for the extreme heat.

The AAR analyzed collaborative actions by federal, state, tribal, local agencies and non-profit organizations to respond to the unprecedented heat event. Topline results found that partners moved quickly to assess regional needs and align outreach to provide information and resources to their communities on how to stay safe.

“While these efforts undoubtedly saved lives, it is unacceptable that so many were unable to access the available resources,” said OEM Director Andrew Phelps. “Oregon lives were lost to the heat, highlighting gaps where improvements are needed to reduce the impact of future extreme weather events. We’re calling on state, local and regional governments, community organizations and the public to pull together and prepare for the hot summer months ahead -- and the inevitable effects of our changing climate.”

The review presents 16 recommendations for immediate and long-term implementation. The state is working swiftly with partners to implement immediate recommendations; four of which have already been put into action. Those include:

• Increased and earlier health information sharing with local leadership.
• Ensuring 211 is resourced to provide 24/7 coverage to respond to inquiries and requests for assistance.
• Ongoing conversations with local partners to waive public transit fares during extreme heat events.
• Prioritizing the importance of readiness for Oregonians and communicating the importance of checking on neighbors, relatives and coworkers.

Long-term recommendations advise governments to prepare for future climate-driven events by identifying communities in need, enhancing early communication around the risks of extreme weather and implementing infrastructure-level policy changes to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Rachael Banks, Oregon’s Public Health Director, said OHA is looking at innovative approaches to help Oregonians protect themselves during extreme weather conditions like excessive heat, including working on new strategies that will make existing housing healthier and safer.

“Simple steps such as weatherizing a home can help keep cool temperatures in and hot temperatures out. Such improvements can also help people avoid wildfire smoke that has become a common part of our summers.”

The Excessive Heat After-Action Review can be found by following this link.

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You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille, or a format you prefer. For assistance, call 971-719-1183 or email language@oem.or.us. We accept all relay calls, or you can dial 711. 

Weekly COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations rise, deaths fall

The Oregon Health Authority’s COVID-19 Weekly Report, released today, shows an increase in daily cases and hospitalizations and a decline in COVID-19 related deaths. 

OHA reported 3,098 new daily cases of COVID-19 during the week of Monday, July 19, through Sunday, July 25. That represents a 53% rise over the previous week.

New COVID-19 related hospitalizations rose to 146, up from 123 the previous week.

There were 12 reported COVID-19 related deaths, down from 29 reported the previous week.

There were 54,566 tests for COVID-19 for the week of July 18 through July 24. Reported cases increased despite a 12% decrease in testing, while test positivity rose from 4.2% to 5.0%.

As of July 27, 2,477,608 Oregonians — 58.1% of the state’s total population — had received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

Case rates have generally been higher in counties with lower COVID-19 vaccination rates. During the week of July 18–25, the 10 counties with case rates in excess of 100 per 100,000 had population vaccination rates below 50%.

Today’s COVID-19 Weekly Outbreak Report shows 28 active COVID-19 outbreaks in senior living communities and congregate living settings, with three or more confirmed cases and one or more COVID-19 related deaths.

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(Salem) – A medida que aumentan las temperaturas en los próximos días, Oregon OSHA les recuerda a los empleadores sus nuevas obligaciones bajo una regla de prevención de enfermedades de emergencia por calor. Al mismo tiempo, los trabajadores tienen derecho a un lugar de trabajo seguro y saludable, incluido el derecho a plantear preocupaciones de seguridad a sus empleadores sin temor a represalias.

Oregon OSHA ofrece asesoría gratuita y recursos educativos para ayudar a los empleadores a cumplir con la regla, que entró en vigor inmediatamente cuando fue adoptada el 8 de julio. Si los empleadores se niegan a abordar las preocupaciones planteadas por los trabajadores, los trabajadores pueden presentar una queja ante Oregon OSHA. Es contra la ley castigar a un trabajador por plantear problemas de salud y seguridad en el trabajo.

La regla temporal de emergencia de Oregon OSHA permanecerá en vigencia hasta el 3 de enero del 2022, o hasta que sea reemplazada por una regla permanente de prevención de enfermedades causadas por el calor, que se espera ocurra a finales de este año. La regla de emergencia temporal se aplica a cualquier lugar de trabajo, al aire libre y en interiores, donde los peligros del calor son causados por el clima. Los requisitos incluyen acceso ampliado a sombra y agua fría; descansos regulares para refrescarse; capacitación; comunicación; y planificación de emergencias.
La división ofrece hojas de datos en inglés y español que describen los requisitos clave de la regla. Además, la división ha publicado un nuevo documento de preguntas y respuestas, en inglés y español, para ayudar a comprender la regla.
Bajo un nuevo programa de énfasis, Oregon OSHA ha aumentado su presencia de vigilancia en temas de enfermedades causadas por el calor con más inspectores en el campo durante los días calurosos.
Se alienta a los empleadores a usar recursos gratuitos, ahora disponibles en Oregon OSHA y que involucran no culpa, sin citaciones y sin sanciones, para ayudar con el cumplimiento de los requisitos:

Servicios de asesoría: brinda ayuda gratuita con programas de seguridad y salud, que incluyen cómo controlar y eliminar peligros, y capacitación práctica.
• Teléfono (gratuito en Oregon):): 800-922-2689
• Oficinas de campo
• En línea
• Correo electrónico: consult.web@oregon.gov
Personal técnico: ayuda a los empleadores a comprender los requisitos y cómo aplicarlos en sus lugares de trabajo
• Teléfono (gratuito en Oregon):): 800-922-2689
• En línea
• Correo electrónico: tech.web@oregon.gov

Además, una lista de recursos educativos estatales y nacionales sobre la prevención de enfermedades causadas por el calor está disponible como parte de comunicaciones anteriores emitidas por Oregon OSHA, tanto en inglés como en español.

Además, el Departamento de Servicios para Consumidores y Negocios de Oregon, que incluye Oregon OSHA, mantiene el Programa de Comunicaciones Multiculturales que brinda alcance a las comunidades con dominio limitado del inglés. Ese alcance abarca información sobre la seguridad y la salud en el trabajo. El programa incluye un número de teléfono gratuito para los oregonianos de habla hispana: 800-843-8086.

Los trabajadores pueden presentar una queja ante Oregon OSHA utilizando el formulario de notificación de peligros en línea de la división, disponible en español e inglés. La lista de oficinas de campo está disponible en la página "Presentar una queja" de la división. La división anima a los trabajadores a aprender sobre sus derechos para plantear preocupaciones de seguridad y para protegerse contra represalias.

Según los requisitos de emergencia temporal, los empleadores deben tomar medidas específicas cuando el índice de calor alcanza o excede los 80 grados Fahrenheit, lo que incluye proporcionar suficiente sombra y un suministro adecuado de agua potable. Cuando el índice de calor excede los 90 grados Fahrenheit, los empleadores deben seguir todas las reglas en el umbral de 80 grados y tomar más medidas. Esas medidas incluyen comunicación y observación, descansos regulares para enfriarse, planificación de emergencias y adaptación gradual de los empleados al calor.
Los documentos de las reglas de emergencia están disponibles para su revisión de las siguientes maneras:

• Página de reglas adoptadas por Oregon OSHA: Seguridad y salud ocupacional de Oregón: Reglas adoptadas: Elaboración de reglas: Estado de Oregón

• Reglas temporales para abordar la exposición de los empleados a altas temperaturas ambientales: Reglas temporales para abordar la exposición de los empleados a altas temperaturas ambientales (oregon.gov)

• Texto de las reglas adoptadas: Texto de las reglas temporales para abordar la exposición de los empleados a altas temperaturas ambientales (oregon.gov)

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Oregon OSHA, es una división del Departamento de Servicios para Consumidores y Negocios, hace cumplir las reglas de salud y seguridad en el lugar de trabajo del estado y trabaja para mejorar la seguridad y salud en el lugar de trabajo para todos los trabajadores de Oregon. Para obtener más información, visite osha.oregon.gov.

El Departamento de Servicios para Consumidores y Negocios es la agencia reguladora y de protección al consumidor más grande de Oregon. Para obtener más información, visite www.oregon.gov/dcbs/.

July 28, 2021 (Salem, OR)-- Ayer, la Gobernadora Kate Brown firmó el Proyecto de Ley 3389 de la Cámara de Representantes, que proporciona reducción y aplazamiento de impuestos del seguro de desempleo (UI) de 2021 para las empresas que califiquen. El programa de reducción fiscal fue desarrollado en colaboración por el Departamento de Empleo de Oregon, la gobernadora Brown y la Legislatura del Estado de Oregon como respuesta a la pandemia de COVID-19, que ha tenido un impacto significativo en muchas empresas.

"No hay duda de que el pilar económico de Oregon, nuestras pequeñas empresas, así como los trabajadores de Oregon empleados en esas empresas, se vieron profundamente afectados por la pandemia", dijo la gobernadora Brown. “Pero a través de estos tiempos difíciles, hemos visto a los habitantes de Oregon responder con creatividad y fortaleza. Ahora que abrimos el siguiente capítulo de la pandemia y buscamos la recuperación económica, el proyecto de ley HB 3389 brindará cierto alivio a las empresas y, al mismo tiempo, garantizará que podamos continuar brindando beneficios de desempleo a todos los habitantes de Oregon que los necesiten."

El Plan de alivio de impuestos sobre la nómina de UI proporciona tres cosas:

1. Para el año tributario de UI 2021, los empleadores elegibles pueden diferir un tercio de su obligación tributaria de UI hasta el 30 de junio de 2022 y evitar los intereses y multas asociados
2. Se puede perdonar hasta el 100% de los impuestos de UI diferibles de 2021, en función de cuánto aumentó la tasa de UI de un empleador de 2020 a 2021
3. La calificación de experiencia fiscal de un empleador desde 2022 hasta 2024 se reducirá a la tasa de experiencia de UI de 2020 que tenía el empleador antes de la pandemia. Las tasas impositivas pueden fluctuar de 2022 a 2024 debido a cambios en el programa de impuestos; sin embargo, la tasa del empleador se basará en su calificación de experiencia antes de la pandemia

La cantidad de impuestos de UI de 2021 que los empleadores pueden aplazar o perdonar depende de cuánto aumentó su tasa de UI de 2020 a 2021.

• Un aumento de 0.5% a 1% en las tasas de impuestos del UI solo será elegible para aplazamiento
• Si la tasa de impuestos aumentó más de 1% punto porcentual y no más de 1.5% puntos porcentuales serán elegibles para la condonación del 50% de sus impuestos diferibles del UI
• La tasa impositiva aumentó más de 1.5 puntos porcentuales y no más de 2.0 puntos porcentuales serán elegibles para la condonación del 75% de sus impuestos diferibles del UI 
• La tasa impositiva aumentada en más de 2.0 puntos de porcentuales será elegible para la condonación del 100% de sus impuestos de UI diferibles

Los empleadores deben cumplir con todas las condiciones siguientes para ser elegibles para el aplazamiento y la condonación de impuestos del UI:

1. A partir del 1 de enero de 2021, haya pagado todas las contribuciones tributarias de UI pendientes y las responsabilidades relacionadas, incluidas las determinadas en un plan de pago aceptado por el director del Departamento de Empleo de Oregon
2. Presente todos los informes de nómina requeridos para 2021 a tiempo, Y 
3. Pague todas las obligaciones tributarias a tiempo para 2021 que no se difieran ni condonen

No existe una solicitud para el Plan de alivio de impuestos sobre la nómina del seguro de desempleo. El Departamento de Empleo inscribirá automáticamente a los empleadores elegibles en el plan y se comunicará con los empleadores durante el año fiscal del UI 2021 con actualizaciones o cambios en el estado o los requisitos de elegibilidad.

La participación en la parte de aplazamiento de este plan de ayuda podría afectar negativamente el crédito del impuesto federal por desempleo de un empleador. Es posible que algunos empleadores no puedan acceder al crédito completo para el impuesto estatal por desempleo pagado en su Formulario 940 del IRS (Declaración federal de impuestos por desempleo) si pagan los impuestos estatales por desempleo después de la fecha de vencimiento del Formulario federal 940. Para información adicional por favor visite irs.gov/instructions/i940.

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Programa de igualdad de oportunidades: ayudas y servicios auxiliares disponibles a pedido para personas con discapacidades. Contacto: (503) 947-1794. Para las personas sordas o con problemas de audición, llame al 711 Telecommunications Relay Services.

CORRECTION: This press release is revised to correct todays’ reported number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across Oregon. The correct number is 274.

July 28, 2021

Oregon reports 804 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 6 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — There are six new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 2,849, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today. 

Oregon Health Authority reported 804 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 217,690.

Vaccinations in Oregon

Today, OHA reported that 5,499 new doses of COVID-19 vaccinations were added to the state immunization registry. Of this total, 2,981 doses were administered on July 27 and 2,518 were administered on previous days but were entered into the vaccine registry on July 27.

The seven-day running average is now 4,610 doses per day.

Oregon has now administered 2,647,798 first and second doses of Pfizer, 1,780,671 first and second doses of Moderna and 179,885 single doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines.

As of today, 2,477,608 people have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 2,302,395 people have completed a COVID-19 vaccine series.

Cumulative daily totals can take several days to finalize because providers have 72 hours to report doses administered and technical challenges have caused many providers to lag in their reporting. OHA has been providing technical support to vaccination sites to improve the timeliness of their data entry into the state’s ALERT Immunization Information System (IIS).

To date, 3,010,095 doses of Pfizer, 2,288,400 doses of Moderna and 299,100 doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered to sites across Oregon.

These data are preliminary and subject to change.

Updated vaccination data are provided on Oregon’s COVID-19 data dashboards and have been updated today.

COVID-19 hospitalizations

The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across Oregon is 274, which is 15 more than yesterday. There are 86 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit (ICU) beds, which is nine more than yesterday.

The total number of patients in hospital beds may fluctuate between report times. The numbers do not reflect admissions per day, nor the length of hospital stay. Staffing limitations are not captured in this data and may further limit bed capacity.

More information about hospital capacity can be found here.

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (19), Benton (13), Clackamas (44), Clatsop (8), Columbia (10), Coos (8), Crook (6), Curry (5), Deschutes (43), Douglas (50), Grant (1),  Harney (2), Hood River (2), Jackson (91), Jefferson (7), Josephine (54), Lane (67), Lincoln (5), Linn (38), Malheur (7), Marion (59), Morrow (4), Multnomah (80), Polk (12), Sherman (4), Tillamook (3), Umatilla (55), Union (19), Wallowa (7), Wasco (5), Washington (59), Wheeler (1), Yamhill (16).

Oregon’s 2,844th COVID-19 death is an 81-year-old woman from Lane County who tested positive on June 26 and died on July 25 at Peacehealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at Riverbend. She had underlying conditions. 

Oregon’s 2,845th COVID-19 death is a 95-year-old woman from Jackson County who tested positive on June 5 and died on June 18 at Providence Medford Medical Center. She had underlying conditions. 

Oregon’s 2,846th COVID-19 death is a 99-year-old woman from Jackson County who tested positive on May 7 and died on July 6 at her residence. She had underlying conditions. 

Oregon’s 2,847th COVID-19 death is a 37-year-old woman from Washington County who tested positive on July 25 and died on July 25 at her residence. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed. 

Oregon’s 2,848th COVID-19 death is a 33-year-old man from Umatilla County who tested positive on July 24 and died on July 24 at Kadlec Regional Medical Center. He had underlying conditions. 

Oregon’s 2,849th COVID-19 death is a 90-year-old woman from Umatilla county who tested positive on July 23 and died on July 27. Location of death and presence of underlying conditions are being confirmed. 

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccinations  

To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine situation in Oregon, visit our webpage (English or Spanish), which has a breakdown of distribution and other information.

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The Lane Education Service District Board of Directors will meet on Tuesday, August 3, 2021, 6:00 p.m.  The meeting will be conducted in person with a remote viewing option available.  Lane Education Service District is located at 1200 Highway 99 North, Eugene.  The agenda will be available online at www.lesd.k12.or.us.

DOUGLAS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - JULY 28, 2021

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RECOVERY UPDATE

(Douglas County, Ore.)  The bottom line for the future of COVID is that “This virus primarily exists among the unvaccinated, and as long as the coronavirus continues to circulate, with or without causing illness, it will continue to mutate, including into new variants that may be even harder to control. This is the biggest reason why it is so important to get vaccinated, as it aids in controlling the spread and the severity of the virus,” stated Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer.  

DATA SHOWS THAT BREAKTHROUGH CASES ARE RARE 

A breakthrough case is when some who has been fully vaccinated gets infected with COVID despite being fully vaccinated. However, breakthrough cases are infrequent, and fully vaccinated people continue to be well protected against severe disease and death, even with the Delta variant.  The latest report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that symptomatic breakthrough COVID-19 infections rare, expected and represent only about 0.098% of those fully vaccinated in the United States. 

“No vaccine can provide 100% protection, but the data overwhelmingly illustrates that the three COVID vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations and death,” commented Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer. “The risk of getting seriously ill from COVID for fully vaccinated people is so low that it doesn’t make any sense why anyone who is able, would choose not to get vaccinated.  The occurrence of breakthrough cases is expected and, at this point, is not even anywhere close to a level that should raise any concerns about the performance and efficacy of the three available COVID vaccines.”

When you review the new data and statistics from the CDC, experts say it is clear that the risk of getting severely ill from COVID-19 after receiving a vaccine is incredibly low.  And, although reports of breakthrough COVID-19 cases happening among fully vaccinated Americans are being sensationalized by the media, as the country is reeling from a new surge in COVID cases, the new report from the CDC shows just how rare these breakthrough infections are, and further shows that the overwhelming majority of those becoming seriously ill with COVID-19 are the unvaccinated. 

“Yes, there are breakthrough cases, which is expected with any vaccine, and they can raise concern around the vaccine, but when put in the larger context of how many people have been vaccinated and the sheer volume of cases in the unvaccinated population, we recognize that the vaccines are working and how rare breakthroughs actually are,” said Dr. John Brownstein, the chief innovation officer at Boston Children's Hospital in a recent interview. 

The CDC reported that over 156 million Americans, 18 years of age and older have been fully vaccinated, nationwide and there were approximately 153,000 symptomatic breakthrough cases estimated to have occurred as of July 20, 2021, representing approximately 0.098% of those fully vaccinated. The estimates from the CDC do not include asymptomatic breakthrough infections.

Coronavirus cases are now at their highest point since early May, according to CDC data, with the U.S. average nearly quadrupling since June to 47,000 new cases a day, largely driven by the highly infectious Delta variant, which now accounts for more than 83% of new cases nationwide. COVID-related hospitalizations have also increased, with more than 27,000 patients hospitalized around the country, though that number is still significantly lower than in January 2021, when over 125,000 patients were receiving COVID care in hospitals.  According to the CDC, severe breakthrough infections remain super rare, and nearly all of the hospitalized COVID patients, an average 97% are unvaccinated.

Locally our epidemiology teams at DPHN have been reviewing our local data for breakthrough cases, hospitalizations and deaths, and are working with our Douglas County Commissioners and Dr. Dannenhoffer, on how we will be reporting these statistics in our updates moving forward. Please look for the first report of their findings for this data in our Friday, July 30. 2021, COVID-19 Recovery Update. 

A TSUNAMI OF NEW COVID CASES HITTING OREGON

Over the last few days, the United States and numerous counties in Oregon experienced an unprecedented surge in new COVID cases and hospitalizations, with some Oregon counties hitting triple digit single day new case counts.  Click here to read more from OHA about the 1,032 new cases reported yesterday in Oregon.  Yesterday, Douglas County surpassed our previous single day COVID case count from February 11, 2021 with 44 new cases, with 56 new positive test results and 2 new presumptives totaling 58 news cases.  We sadly, also surpassed our highest single day record for hospitalizations, from December 10, 2020 with 21 residents hospitalized, to today with 24 Douglas County residents being hospitalized with issues related to contracting the COVID-19 virus.  It’s also important to note that of the 24 hospitalized patients, 23 were unvaccinated.  This comes at a time when we have more access and availability to COVID-19 vaccines in Douglas County than ever before. The Douglas County Commissioners set a goal for vaccination accessibility in Douglas County in early January this year to have COVID vaccines available to every resident within 5 miles of their home.  We are happy to report that we have achieved that goal.  Again, as we have said since the beginning, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer our Douglas County Public Health Officer and our partners at DPHN and within our local medical community continue to encourage our residents to be safe, protect your families, take the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, stay home if you are sick and make the choice to get vaccinated.

COVID-19 RECOVERY RECAP FOR TUESDAY, JULY 27, 2021: 

On Tuesday, July 27, 2021, at noon we had FIFTY-SIX (56) people with new positive test results and TWO (2) new presumptives to report, bringing our total number of cases of people with positive test results and presumptives in Douglas County to 4,377.  We had NINETEEN (19) Douglas County COVID-19 patients hospitalized, fifteen locally and four out-of-the-area.  Also, DPHN was supporting 250 cases in isolation, 214 cases in quarantine for a total of 464 in isolation and quarantine. 

COVID-19 RECOVERY UPDATE FOR WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 2021: 

As of 12:00 pm today, Wednesday, July 28, 2021, there are FORTY-ONE (41) people with new positive test results and FIVE (5) new presumptives to report following our Tuesday recap listed above.  The total number of cases of people with positive test results and presumptives in Douglas County is now at 4,423. Currently, there are TWENTY-FOUR (24) Douglas County COVID-19 patients that are being hospitalized, twenty locally and four out-of-the-area.

Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines people with positive test results and presumptives, as well as a breakout of those case numbers. There will be times when a presumptive will move to a positive test result, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted. 

LOCAL CONTACTS AND CASES BEING SUPPORTED IN ISOLATION AND QUARANTINE

Currently, DPHN is supporting 287 cases in isolation, as well as another 272 contacts in quarantine in Douglas County. Isolation is recommended for confirmed and presumptive cases, quarantine is recommended for contacts of confirmed or presumptive cases.  Currently, staff is supporting a total of 559 total contacts and cases in isolation or quarantine.  This number represents a snapshot of the significant amount of work being done locally to help control the spread of COVID.

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RECOVERY UPDATE

Reminder, we are publishing our Douglas County COVID-19 Recovery Updates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.  We will continue to report and recap daily numbers in each of our updates for the days that we do not publish a local COVID-19 Recovery Update. Our next COVID-19 Update will be on Friday, July 30, 2021.

DOUGLAS COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT NO. 2 SENDS LETTER OF THANKS TO THE COMMISSIONERS

Dear Douglas County Board of Commissioners, The Douglas County Fire District Board of Directors would like to thank you for providing a $15,000 grant to the Fire District so that we can purchase an enclosed trailer to be setup for both mass casualty or pandemic events. Unfortunately, our County has experienced both in recent history and having the ability to have a mobile platform available to bring a large quantity of required supplies to assist with the care and treatment of citizens effected by either a mass casualty or pandemic event will be a tremendous asset to the community. 

This purchase would not have been possible without the generous grant provide by the Commissioners and the County. The Fire District Board looks forward to continuing and improving our relationships. As we are all aware no one has the capacity, skills, knowledge, or finances to tackle everything on their own and it is only through strong and open partnerships that we can all work to make our County a better and safer place for everyone. The Board of Directors would again like to express thanks for the generous grant you have provided for the trailer as well as all the other times the County has been able to assist with funding through means that the Fire District would otherwise not have available to them.

TIPS FOR STAYING GROUNDED IN UNCERTAIN TIMES 

Shared from OHA.  As you have probably noticed, COVID-19 cases in Oregon are on the rise. This difficult news may bring about feelings of frustration or sadness. Last fall, OHA shared this video that offers some actionable tips for grounding yourself in uncertain times from a former OHA Senior Health Advisor, Dr. Jon Betlinski. This may be a helpful resource during this time of uncertainty.  The video is a clip from a past OHA Facebook Live event focused on mental health. You can also view the full Q&A in English here and in Spanish here. 

AVIVA WILL OFFERING COVID VACCINES AT THE DOUGLAS COUNTY FAIR 

Shared from Aviva Health.  Aviva Health is pleased to announce that one of two Mobile Medical Units (MMU’s) assigned to Aviva Health by the Douglas County Board of Commissioners during the COVID-19 pandemic will be at Douglas County Fair, August 3 to August 7, 2021, from open to close. Aviva Health staff will be on hand to help fairgoers sign up for the Oregon Health Plan (OHP), assist existing OHP members to establish with a local provider, and provide FREE COVID-19 Vaccinations. Additionally, Aviva Health will hand out a variety of giveaways and informational literature on programs and services offered by the Douglas County based Federally Qualified Health Center. Be sure to stop by the MMU, located just passed the entrance at the front of the Swine (Pig) Building during your visit to the fair to learn more about Aviva Health and health resources it offers the community. 

DOUGLAS COUNTY TIGER TEAM HOSTING FREE POP-UP COVID-19 VACCINATION CLINICS 

The Douglas County Tiger Team continues to bring free COVID-19 vaccines directly to all areas of Douglas County in our mobile medical vans (MMV) via their pop-up vaccine clinics.  The Douglas County Board of Commissioners, who have led the charge for our Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team efforts since the beginning, have coordinated with DPHN to organize our local Tiger Team to manage our vaccine outreach efforts through ‘pop-up’ vaccine clinics. 

The Douglas County Tiger Team will be hosting FREE POP UP COVID VACCINE CLINICS at the locations listed below.  The clinics are currently open to anyone 18 years of age and older, and preregistration is not necessary:

• Wednesday, July 28, 2021: Roseburg and surrounding area.  Clinic will be at the Sherm’s Thunderbird Market located at 2553 NW Stewart Parkway in Roseburg from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
• Thursday, July 29, 2021: Roseburg and surrounding area.  Clinic will be at the Douglas County Jail located at the Douglas County Courthouse at 1036 SE Douglas Avenue in Roseburg from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. 
• The Tiger Team will also be conducting Homebound vaccine visits to residents that are unable to leave their home.

Look for the Douglas County Tiger Team at local events and festivals and around our communities offering information and access to vaccinations. Our Tiger Team coordinates with Umpqua Valley Ambulance to bring a certified vaccinator and a medical assistant to each clinic.  If you are interested in having the Douglas County Tiger Team come to your area or event to provide a free pop-up vaccine clinic or if you have any questions about our Douglas County Tiger Teams, please call (541) 670-3110 or our local COVID-19 Hotline at (541) 464-6550. 

AVIVA HAS A DEDICATED FREE COVID-19 VACCINATION CLINIC SITE IN ROSEBURG 

Shared from Aviva Health.  Aviva Health has a dedicated COVID-19 vaccination clinic site at 4221 NE Stephens Street, Suite 101 in Roseburg, just across the street from its main Roseburg Clinic location near Costco and offers free COVID-19 vaccines by appointment.   The COVID-19 vaccination clinic is e open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and is open for residents ages 12 and older.  To schedule an appointment please call (541) 672-9596. 

COVID-19 VACCINE ELIGIBILITY OPEN FOR EVERYONE 12 YEARS OLD AND OLDER

According to the CDC, State of Oregon and OHA, ALL residents ages 12 years old and older are eligible to get the COVID-19 Vaccine. According to Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer, “We have plenty of vaccines available, they are safe, they are effective and they are available to anyone 12 and above who want it.” 

1. 🔍 Log onto: http://DougCoVaccine.com.
2. 📞 Call our Douglas County COVID-19 Hotline at (541) 464-6550 
3. 📞 Call and set up an appointment with your primary health care provider, ask for a referral to another health care provider or Call and set up an appointment with a local pharmacy.
4. Go to one of our vaccination clinics offered in Douglas County with our Tiger Team or through Aviva Health. 
5. If you are a member of the Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribe of Indians, please contact to set up an appointment at (541) 672-9405 or log onto https://www.cowcreek-nsn.gov/public-health/. 
6. The Roseburg VA Health Care System is setting up appointments for veterans to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.  For more information, call the Roseburg VAMC at (541) 440-1000 or log onto https://www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/.

IF YOU ARE HAVING DIFFICULTIES SCHEDULING A VACCINE APPOINTMENT, HELP IS AVAILABLE 

Not everyone is able to use the internet, a tablet, a computer or a smart phone to schedule a COVID vaccine appointment.  If you or someone you know needs to schedule an appointment for the COVID vaccine, and do not have access to the internet, you can call one of the numbers below to get help scheduling an appointment.

• Call our Douglas County COVID-19 Hotline at (541) 464-6550.
• Coastal Residents can call the Lower Umpqua Hospital District COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center at (541) 271-2175.
• U.S. Veterans can call the Roseburg VA Health Care Center at (541) 440-1000.
• Members of the Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribe of Indians can call (541) 672-9405.
• Seniors can call Douglas County Senior Services at (541) 440-3677.

GETTING YOUR SECOND DOSE OF THE COVID-19 VACCINE IS IMPORTANT  

Please know that as a part of vaccine efficacy, it is vitally important to for those residents who have received their first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, to make sure that you get your second dose of the vaccine to complete the vaccination.  By getting both shots, it will provide better immunity and help to protect yourself and those around you that you love.  If you have already received your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, here are a few answers to questions about your second dose.

• You can expect to get your second dose about 4-6 weeks after the first dose. 
• You should have received a vaccination card when you received your first dose that details the brand of vaccine, its lot number, and the date the vaccine was administered.  This card is for your records only, and is not official proof that you have received the vaccine. Proof of your vaccination rests with the State Alert System, which is accessible by medical facilities. 
• You should get your second dose from the same provider or organization from which you received your first. 
• You will be notified by the provider that gave you your first dose, about where/when to get your second dose.
• I got a first vaccine out of the area; can I get my second vaccine in Douglas County?  The second vaccine dose is “paired” to the first dose, and your second dose will be sent to wherever you got your first dose.  Therefore, except in rare circumstances, you will need to return to where you got your first dose.
• If you have questions, please contact the provider or organization where you received your first dose.

COVID-19 FACEBOOK LIVE WITH DR. BOB 

As a part of our COVID-19 Recovery Phase, DPHN will continue to host our COVID-19 Facebook Live events once a week, on Tuesday evenings at 6:00 pm. The next Facebook Live event featuring Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer will be Tuesday, August 3, at 6:00 pm.  You can submit your questions during our live show or in advance at: ookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org">Facebookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org. Dr. Bob and the DPHN team will do their best to respond to as many questions as they can during the Facebook event.  The Facebook Events are hosted by DPHN on the DPHN Facebook page.

STATE AND FEDERAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

It is important to understand that Federal and State Government and their agencies are the ones that set policy and issue the guidelines for a state of emergency like the pandemic. Locally, we are following the recommended guidance issued by the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA).  If you have questions about the current guidelines or the recommendations, please contact the CDC or OHA directly for more information. OHA posts their daily updates at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. Please do not call 911, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or Douglas County Offices to report issues with the State of Oregon, OHA or the Governor’s orders.  

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM

The Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team (DCCRT) was established on March 12, 2020 and redirected on Wednesday, July 7, 2021.  It was created by the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, as an emergency response body to bring together community partners in order to cooperatively focus efforts, address issues, mobilize resources, develop programs and strategic plans, and effectively communicate our efforts to residents in response to the world-wide coronavirus pandemic on a local level.  For 470 days, the DCCRT worked as a unified team, and now we have shifted our focus to local COVID-19 Recovery efforts.  The shift to the recovery phase is a natural progression in the emergency response process and also means we are not ending our COVID-19 efforts.  As the established Public Health Authority for Douglas County, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners will continue to oversee, contract with, fund and support Douglas Public Health Network (DPHN) for as long as necessary for our COVID-19 Recovery Response.  If needs or circumstances arise that necessitate us to reestablish the DCCRT, we are prepared to do so immediately.

ACCESS TO LOCAL COVID-19 RESOURCES

Local Online Access to Updates

Stay up to date with accurate and local COVID-19 information in Douglas County by visiting the Douglas County Government website or DCGOV Facebook page or the DPHN website or DPHN Facebook page.  

Free Local e-Newsletter Subscription

You can also sign up for the Douglas County e-Newsletter that publishes and sends out the update to our subscription base free. You can sign up for the Douglas County e-Newsletter at www.co.douglas.or.us. 

Douglas County COVID-19 Hotline (541) 464-6550

Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners and DPHN continue to offer a local resource hotline for Douglas County residents for COVID-19. The hotline provides answer to frequently asked questions, basic information and referrals to resources and services. Our local hotline number is (541) 464-6550 and is staffed from 8 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week.

Aviva Health Offers Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions Webpage

Aviva Health has created an online FAQ page to answer questions related to COVID-19 regarding availability and scheduling. Log onto https://aviva.health/covid-19-vaccine-faqs/

COVID Vaccine Call Center at Lower Umpqua Hospital District in Reedsport

Lower Umpqua Hospital District has a COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center for COVID-19 vaccine information in the Reedsport, Douglas County Coastal area. Call (541) 271-2175, Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm.

Please note that for residents that are ages 12 to 14, this will require a parent or guardian to accompany them and give written consent for the vaccine. Written consent can also be obtained in advance. Under Oregon law, minors 15 years of age and older may consent to medical treatment, including vaccinations, when provided by a physician, physician assistant, naturopath, nurse practitioner, dentist or optometrist, or other professionals operating under the license of these providers; however, families are encouraged to make decisions about vaccinations together.

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Contact Tamara Howell, Douglas County Public Information Officer & Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist – Phone: (541) 670-2804 – Cell: (541) 957-4896 – Email: tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us 

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network – Phone: (541) 817-6552 – Cell - (541) 440-3571 – Email: vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Mexican National who jointly operated Tienda Mexicana González Bros., a small convenience store and market in Southeast Portland, was sentenced to federal prison today for using the business and its money transmission licenses to launder millions of dollars in drug proceeds on behalf of a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization operating in the Portland Metropolitan Area.

Jesus González Vazquez, 37, of Jalisco, Mexico, was sentenced to 132 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release.

“Money launderers who help drug trafficking organizations transfer their illegal proceeds are equally culpable for the path of destruction caused by illegal drugs. While drug trafficking organizations can quickly replace low-level couriers and dealers when they are arrested by law enforcement, it’s much harder for these organizations to quickly replace savvy, large volume money launderers like Mr. González Vazquez and his brother Mr. Romo. Mr. González Vazquez’s prosecution and lengthy prison sentence will challenge this organization’s ability to profit from their crimes and sends a strong message that money laundering is a serious crime with significant consequences,” said Scott Erik Asphaug, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

“Drug cartels thrive on their lust for money and power,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “Operating under the guise of a small convenience store, Vazquez funneled millions of drug profits back to Mexico. This sentence is a successful step towards removing the ability of the cartels to collect their profits from the poison they inject into our communities.”

“This case highlights the importance of teaming with our federal and local partners in order to address these and other related large-scale issues,” said Interim Chief Claudio Grandjean of the Gresham Police Department. “The opioid crisis is ravaging so many in our communities across the region and across the country. I’m proud of the part the Gresham Police Department was able to play in holding those accountable who seek to profit from others’ misery.”

According to court documents, beginning in 2018, two men, Samuel Diaz and Faustino Monroy, organized, led, and ran a drug trafficking organization, based in Mexico, responsible for trafficking hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine and heroin into Oregon for distribution. Diaz and Monroy worked closely with two associates, Edgar Omar Quiroz and Gerson Fernando Martinez-Cruz, who ran a Portland distribution cell. At its peak, Quiroz and Martinez-Cruz’s cell was responsible for distributing as much as 77 pounds of methamphetamine and 55 pounds of heroin weekly in and around Portland.

The organization’s numerous sources of supply would import large quantities of illegal drugs that were taken to stash houses throughout the metro area where they were processed and prepared for sale. A large network of local drug dealers would then distribute user quantities of each drug. The organization would routinely change stash locations, rotate vehicles and phones, and pay individual couriers to take time off to avoid detection by law enforcement.

In approximately 2011, González Vazquez moved to Oregon and began working with his co-defendant and brother, Juan Antonio Romo, 46, also of Jalisco, at the González Bros. market. During this time, the market was an authorized agent for Sigue Corporation; Servicio UniTeller, Inc.; and Continental Exchange Solutions/Ria Financial, three large money services businesses known primarily for international money wires. Between January 2015 and October 2019, the majority of money transfers initiated at the market were conducted by González Vazquez and Romo.

On a continuing basis, González Vazquez and Romo would receive the proceeds of the Diaz-Monroy organization’s illegal drug sales in the form of bulk cash delivered by couriers to the González Bros. market. González Vazquez and Romo would wire the money to various DTO contacts throughout Mexico, structuring the transfers into multiple smaller transactions to avoid detection by the money services businesses or financial regulators. According to the government’s evidence, between January 2015 and October 2019, González Vazquez and Romo laundered at least $19 million dollars in drug proceeds from the market.

In addition to laundering the DTO’s proceeds, González Vazquez also performed other illegal functions for the organization, including facilitating the purchase of weapons in the U.S. to smuggle to Mexico, facilitating large drug transactions, assisting the escape of a fugitive to Mexico, assisting various drug dealers obtain false driver’s licenses, and helping DTO associates illegally enter the U.S.

In October 2019, González Vazquez and many of his co-defendants were arrested as part of a coordinated, multi-agency law enforcement operation. Investigators executed federal search warrants at more than a dozen locations throughout the Portland area, seizing 22 pounds of methamphetamine, quantities of heroin and cocaine, and seven firearms. González Vazquez and his co-defendants arrested as part of the takedown joined several others already in state custody on related charges. In total, law enforcement seized 51 firearms, including assault rifles, shotguns, and handguns, from defendants affiliated with the Diaz-Monroy drug trafficking organization.

On October 24, 2019, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 61-count superseding indictment charging González Vazquez and 41 others for their roles in the drug trafficking and money laundering conspiracy.

On March 24, 2021, González Vazquez pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit money laundering.

During his sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge Michael H. Simon ordered González Vazquez to forfeit all assets seized by law enforcement during the investigation, including body armor, firearms, magazines, several dozen cell phones, and more than $250,000 in criminally-derived proceeds seized by law enforcement.

González Vazquez is the twentieth defendant sentenced for his role in the conspiracy. Defendants have been sentenced to as much as 235 months in prison. 24 defendants are awaiting sentencing and one is pending trial. Diaz, Monroy, and several other defendants are fugitives believed to be in Mexico.

Acting U.S. Attorney Asphaug, Special Agent in Charge Hammer, and Interim Chief Grandjean made the announcement.

This case was investigated by HSI Portland and the Gresham Police Department with assistance from the FBI; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Oregon State Police; Portland Police Bureau; and the Multnomah, Clackamas, and Clark County Sheriff’s Offices. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of the Justice Department’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program, the centerpiece of the department’s strategy for reducing the availability of drugs in the U.S. OCDETF was established in 1982 to mount a comprehensive attack on drug trafficking by disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in coordination with state and local law enforcement.

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Ask anyone about communing in the outdoors, whether hiking, biking, fishing, boating, camping or just “being,” and many will share a long list of benefits to their mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. But what many people may not be aware of are the wide range of recreational benefits offered through state agency programs and organizations that serve veterans, active military, and persons with physical limitations.

The Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB), in partnership with the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs Oregon (ODVA), Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD), and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), are joining forces to raise awareness for veterans and persons with disabilities around different outdoor adventures in the state to uncover some of the lesser-known water recreation opportunities in the outdoors that aid in the healing process. These agencies are committed to working together to help remove barriers and improve information sharing to better connect people to the water so healing can happen.

Through the end of the year, the agencies will highlight various opportunities to get out on the water to boat, fish, and enjoy other forms of outdoor recreation. Additional outreach will include blogs/vlogs highlighting personal stories, agency license/pass discounts, grant opportunities, interactive maps of ADA facilities, and trip planning tips. Information is shared on ODVA’s Recreation page. People are invited to also subscribe to ODVA’s email distribution list for benefit and program information.

“We are excited about this partnership to build awareness of the many recreation benefits and opportunities available to Oregon veterans to enjoy our beautiful state,” said ODVA Director Kelly Fitzpatrick. “The mental and physical healing that is experienced by being in the outdoors, is so important to the overall recovery and well-being of so many of our state’s veterans who have served our nation.”

Visit ODVA’s recreation page to learn more about programs and benefits.

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#H2O4Heroes

July 28, 2021

Oregon reports 804 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 6 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — There are six new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 2,849, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today. 

Oregon Health Authority reported 804 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 217,690.

Vaccinations in Oregon

Today, OHA reported that 5,499 new doses of COVID-19 vaccinations were added to the state immunization registry. Of this total, 2,981 doses were administered on July 27 and 2,518 were administered on previous days but were entered into the vaccine registry on July 27.

The seven-day running average is now 4,610 doses per day.

Oregon has now administered 2,647,798 first and second doses of Pfizer, 1,780,671 first and second doses of Moderna and 179,885 single doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines.

As of today, 2,477,608 people have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 2,302,395 people have completed a COVID-19 vaccine series.

Cumulative daily totals can take several days to finalize because providers have 72 hours to report doses administered and technical challenges have caused many providers to lag in their reporting. OHA has been providing technical support to vaccination sites to improve the timeliness of their data entry into the state’s ALERT Immunization Information System (IIS).

To date, 3,010,095 doses of Pfizer, 2,288,400 doses of Moderna and 299,100 doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered to sites across Oregon.

These data are preliminary and subject to change.

Updated vaccination data are provided on Oregon’s COVID-19 data dashboards and have been updated today.

COVID-19 hospitalizations

The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across Oregon is 274, which is 15 more than yesterday. There are 86 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit (ICU) beds, which is nine more than yesterday.

The total number of patients in hospital beds may fluctuate between report times. The numbers do not reflect admissions per day, nor the length of hospital stay. Staffing limitations are not captured in this data and may further limit bed capacity.

More information about hospital capacity can be found here.

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (19), Benton (13), Clackamas (44), Clatsop (8), Columbia (10), Coos (8), Crook (6), Curry (5), Deschutes (43), Douglas (50), Grant (1),  Harney (2), Hood River (2), Jackson (91), Jefferson (7), Josephine (54), Lane (67), Lincoln (5), Linn (38), Malheur (7), Marion (59), Morrow (4), Multnomah (80), Polk (12), Sherman (4), Tillamook (3), Umatilla (55), Union (19), Wallowa (7), Wasco (5), Washington (59), Wheeler (1), Yamhill (16).

Oregon’s 2,844th COVID-19 death is an 81-year-old woman from Lane County who tested positive on June 26 and died on July 25 at Peacehealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at Riverbend. She had underlying conditions. 

Oregon’s 2,845th COVID-19 death is a 95-year-old woman from Jackson County who tested positive on June 5 and died on June 18 at Providence Medford Medical Center. She had underlying conditions. 

Oregon’s 2,846th COVID-19 death is a 99-year-old woman from Jackson County who tested positive on May 7 and died on July 6 at her residence. She had underlying conditions. 

Oregon’s 2,847th COVID-19 death is a 37-year-old woman from Washington County who tested positive on July 25 and died on July 25 at her residence. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed. 

Oregon’s 2,848th COVID-19 death is a 33-year-old man from Umatilla County who tested positive on July 24 and died on July 24 at Kadlec Regional Medical Center. He had underlying conditions. 

Oregon’s 2,849th COVID-19 death is a 90-year-old woman from Umatilla county who tested positive on July 23 and died on July 27. Location of death and presence of underlying conditions are being confirmed. 

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccinations  

To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine situation in Oregon, visit our webpage (English or Spanish), which has a breakdown of distribution and other information.

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PR 11-21                                                                     

BONNEVILLE POWER ADMINISTRATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, July 28, 2021
CONTACT: Doug Johnson, 503-713-7658, or Maryam Habibi, 971-226-6073
or 503-230-5131

BPA lowers average power rates for fiscal years 2022-2023
BPA sets rates for power and transmission and makes changes to its tariff 
that will enable a future decision on potentially joining an energy imbalance market 

 

Portland, Oregon – The Bonneville Power Administration will decrease power rates by an average of 2.5% and slashed its proposed transmission rate increase in half to an average of 6.1%. The new rates were announced as BPA released the final record of decision for its BP-22 power and transmission rate case as well as the TC-22 tariff proceeding.

The TC-22 tariff proceeding adopted new language in BPA’s open access transmission tariff that will enable the power marketer to participate in the Western Energy Imbalance Market if BPA chooses to do so. The decision of whether to join the Western EIM is a separate process outside of the TC-22 proceeding and is anticipated to be made by the end of the fiscal year.

Under the settlement adopted by the BP-22 Record of Decision, the firm power tier 1 rates will decrease by 2.5% for fiscal years 2022 and 2023. Looking back over the previous decade, BP-22 will cap a 10-year period during which BPA’s power rate trajectory increased by less than 2 percent annually, which is in line with historical inflation rates. 

“Rates that have matched inflation – not just in a single rate case, but over a sustained period – is proof of BPA’s commitment to bending the cost curve and driving down rate pressures on our power rates,” said BPA Administrator John Hairston. “Today’s announcement demonstrates we are financially strong, competitive and responsive to our customers’ needs.” 

With Transmission, the settlement provided for a 6.1% average effective rate increase across the rate period – a number roughly half of what was proposed in the BP-22 Initial Proposal.

“We’ve landed in a spot where BPA will be able to continue to keep its transmission commitments and re-invest in the value of BPA’s transmission infrastructure in a fiscally sound and responsible manner,” Hairston said.

Beyond rates, the BP-22 Record of Decision also establishes revenue financing for up to $40 million for both the Power and Transmission business lines. This financing will allow BPA to issue less debt and decrease upward rate pressures in subsequent rate cases. The ROD also established the implementation of the Short-Distance Discount in the point-to-point Transmission rate and addressed the equitable treatment of fish and wildlife costs.

As part of the settlement, BPA has committed to holding workshops on various topics of interest to customers, including revenue financing, EIM costs and benefits, balancing services, the Eastern Intertie, and transmission losses.

TC-22 changes to tariff enable potential EIM participation

The TC-22 tariff proceeding updated language in BPA’s tariff, including addressing the terms and conditions that will apply to transmission service if BPA decides to participate in the Western Energy Imbalance Market. The adoption of this language enables the potential participation of BPA in the Western EIM without committing BPA to that path.  

The TC-22 proceeding also addressed Southern Intertie studies, transmission planning process, real power loss return, the removal of an exception for designation of Seller’s Choice agreements, ministerial edits to service agreement templates, generator interconnection procedures and requirements, and credit standards.

“We appreciate the work customers and stakeholders did with us during the tariff case,” said Hairston. “Confronting and solving these issues demonstrates that BPA, its customers and the region benefit from a tariff designed by the Northwest for the Northwest.”

The changes captured by the final RODs for BP-22 and TC-22 will be effective October 1. Specific to rates, BPA will file the case with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, requesting interim approval to start on that date while awaiting final FERC approval. 

BPA initiated both the BP-22 power and transmission rate case and the TC-22 proceeding in December 2020. The final RODs as well as Information on meetings and publications are available on the BP-22 rate case website and the TC-22 proceeding website.

About BPA

The Bonneville Power Administration, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is a nonprofit federal power marketer that sells wholesale, carbon-free hydropower from 31 federal dams in the Columbia River Basin. It also markets the output of the region’s only nuclear plant. BPA delivers this power to more than 140 Northwest electric utilities, serving millions of consumers and businesses in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, western Montana and parts of California, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming. BPA also owns and operates more than 15,000 circuit miles of high-voltage power lines and 261 substations, and provides transmission service to more than 300 customers. In all, BPA provides nearly a third of the power generated in the Northwest. To mitigate the impacts of the federal dams, BPA implements a fish and wildlife program that includes working with its partners to make the federal dams safer for fish passage. It also pursues cost-effective energy savings and operational solutions that help maintain safe, affordable, reliable electric power for the Northwest. www.bpa.gov 

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Salem, Ore.— The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) will hold a press conference at 4 p.m. today, July 28, to discuss the forecasted heat for this weekend and actions Oregonians can take now to stay safe. Findings and recommendations from the expedited After Action Review (AAR) from the June 2021 excessive heat event will also be addressed. 

OEM will be joined by subject matter experts from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS).

OEM is using a Zoom-based platform for the press conference. Members of the media who are interested in attending should email public.info@mil.state.or.us>">Public.Info@mil.state.or.us no later than 3:00 p.m. today. Members of the media will then be sent a link to register for the press conference; upon registering, a meeting ID will be provided. 

The press conference will also be live streamed on the OEM YouTube channel and recorded. Members of the media are asked to log in a few minutes early to allow time to individually grant permissions to record.

Contact Info: Public.Info@mil.state.or.us

SPRINGFIELD, Ore. – We are pleased to share that James McGovern, MD, PeaceHealth Oregon network’s vice president of medical affairs, has been named medical chief medical officer (CMO) for the network and Melissa Edwards, MD, system medical director of PeaceHealth’s Women’s Health service line and CMO for Women’s Care, has been named surgical CMO for the network.

Dr. McGovern stepped into the interim CMO role on Jan. 1, 2021 following the retirement of PeaceHealth Oregon Network CMO and System Chief Clinical Officer Andrea Halliday, MD. 

Dr. McGovern is a seasoned physician leader with training and experience in Lean process improvement. He previously served for 14 years in various leadership roles, most recently as system vice president of medical affairs, at ThedaCare in Wisconsin. Dr. McGovern graduated from the Medical College of Wisconsin.

A board-certified gynecologist, Dr. Edwards has a breadth and depth of experience in practice management, EMR implementation, accreditation, peer review, quality and safety, care transformation and clinical integration. Dr. Edwards has served in her chief medical officer role at Women’s Care since 2011 and also serves on the PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Community Health Board and is chair of Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend’s GYN department. She earned her medical degree from Oregon Health & Science University in Portland.

In their CMO roles, Drs. McGovern and Edwards will lead quality, patient safety and patient experience initiatives in collaboration with the medical staff, network leaders and other key stakeholders.

About PeaceHealth: PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a not-for-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. PeaceHealth has more than 15,000 caregivers, a group practice with more than 1,200 providers and 10 medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Visit us online at peacehealth.org.

UPDATE 07/28/21

The Lane County Sheriff's Office would like to thank the community for their overwhelming support.  A GoFundMe account has been created to assist Deputy Couch's young son and for her memorial arrangements.  If you would like to donate please visit the following link: 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-family-of-deputy-courtney-couch?utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer&fbclid=IwAR0t2wCWu_eb0y29S8JuOFLBa4bCX41CMteO_G0DVoIOWXCmer9bXTZH9rQ

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of Deputy Courtney Couch (Anderson). On Sunday July 25th, Deputy Couch, a deputy with the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, was recreating with her family on Foster Reservoir when she accidentally drowned. She was paddle boarding and attempting to help a young child when she fell in the water and did not resurface. Bystanders found her and brought her to the surface and into the hands of Linn County Sheriff’s deputies and paramedics. Life-saving procedures were quickly given, but tragically she did not survive. Courtney was a veteran of the United States Army and had been a deputy with the Lane County Sheriff’s Office for seven years. She served in a multitude of assignments including Corrections Security, Court Transport and Patrol. Despite her professional successes, Courtney’s number one priority was raising her young son. Courtney has many friends and family that are devastated by her loss. Courtney was a very loved member of the Sheriff’s Office family. Her sudden and tragic death has knocked the wind out of us. Please keep your thoughts and prayers with Courtney and her family following this heartbreaking tragedy.

The Oregon State Marine Board will be partnering with 32 county sheriff’s offices and the Oregon State Police, looking for expired motorboat boat registrations as part of a targeted annual “Operation Ship Shape” exercise, August 7 and 8. 

If you own a motorboat in Oregon, it’s time to check your “OR” numbers on the front of your boat (bow) and make sure you’ve applied your current registration decals. The OR numbers are a boat’s license plate and registration decals are the tags that tell marine officers if your boat is legally registered and to whom it belongs, similar to motor vehicles. Registrations are valid for two calendar years.

“Oregon’s recreational boating infrastructure is funded entirely by boaters, so it’s really important for every boater out there to be currently registered,” says Randy Henry, Boating Safety Program Manager for the Marine Board. “On August 7 and 8, we’re checking everyone whose decals are expired or numbers are unreadable.”

The Marine Board is funded by registration, title fees, and marine fuel taxes paid by motorized boaters. No lottery, general fund tax dollars or local facility parking fees are used to fund agency programs. These fees go back to boaters in the form of boat ramps, docks, trailered parking spaces, restrooms, construction and maintenance, and for boating safety -marine law enforcement services.

“Any boat that is powered by a motor – electric, gas, diesel or steam, and all sailboats 12 feet and longer -must be currently registered when on the water, even when docked or moored,” said Henry. This includes drift boats, inflatable rafts, stand up paddleboards or float tubes with an electric motor. Henry added, “Each boat registration brings in additional funds from motorboat fuel tax and federal boating dollars. Registering a 16-foot boat provides $100.20 of funding, but results in additional matching funds of nearly $190, so this registration fee results in $267 of revenue available to fund facilities and marine enforcement.”

Henry reminds boaters that if they’ve just purchased their boat or are in the process of registering it, be sure to carry the temporary registration and present it to marine officers, just like vehicle registration.

Boaters can renew their motorboat registration online or by visiting their local registration agent. Boaters can print a temporary permit after successfully completing their transaction online. A registration agent will issue a temporary permit for an additional fee. If you need assistance renewing online, please contact the Marine Board at ine.board@oregon.gov">marine.board@oregon.gov or 503-378-8587.

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July 28, 2021 (Salem, OR)-- Yesterday Governor Kate Brown signed into law House Bill 3389, which provides UI tax relief and deferral for 2021 unemployment insurance (UI) payroll taxes to qualifying businesses. The tax relief program was collaboratively developed by the Oregon Employment Department, Gov. Brown, and the Oregon State Legislature as a response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has had a significant impact on many businesses. 

“There is no question that Oregon’s economic backbone, our small businesses—as well as the hardworking Oregonians employed at those businesses—were deeply impacted by the pandemic,” said Governor Brown. “But through these challenging times, we’ve seen Oregonians respond with creativity and resilience. As we’ve entered the next chapter of the pandemic and look to economic recovery, HB 3389 should provide some relief for businesses, while at the same time ensuring we can continue to provide unemployment insurance benefits to all Oregonians who need them.”

The UI Payroll Tax Relief Plan provide three things:

1. For UI tax year 2021, eligible employers can defer one-third of their UI tax liability until June 30, 2022, and avoid any associated interest and penalties
2. Up to 100% of deferrable 2021 UI taxes may be forgiven, based on how much an employer’s UI tax rate increased from 2020 to 2021
3. An employer’s tax experience rating from 2022 through 2024 will be rolled back to the employer’s pre-pandemic 2020 UI experience rate. Tax rates may fluctuate from 2022 to 2024 due to tax schedule changes, however, the employer’s rate will be based on their experience rating prior to the pandemic

The amount of 2021 UI taxes that employers are eligible to defer or have forgiven depends on how much their UI tax rate increased from 2020 to 2021:

• 0.5% to 1% increase in UI tax rates will be eligible for deferral only
• Tax rate increased more than 1.0 percentage point and not more than 1.5 percentage points will be eligible for 50% of their deferrable UI taxes forgiven
• Tax rate increased more than 1.5 percentage points and not more than 2.0 percentage points will be eligible for 75% of their deferrable UI taxes forgiven
• Tax rate increased more than 2.0 parentage points will be eligible for 100% of their deferrable UI taxes forgiven

Employers must meet all of the following conditions to be eligible for UI tax deferral and forgiveness:

1. As of Jan. 1, 2021, have paid all outstanding UI tax contributions and related liabilities, including those determined in a payment plan accepted by the director of the Oregon Employment Department
2. File all required payroll reports for 2021 on time, AND
3. Pay all tax liabilities on time for 2021 that are not deferred or forgiven

There is no application for the UI Payroll Tax Relief Plan. The Employment Department will automatically enroll eligible employers into the plan and will contact employers throughout the 2021 UI tax year with updates or changes to eligibility status or requirements. 

Participation in the deferral portion of this relief plan could negatively affect an employers’ Federal Unemployment Tax credit. Some employers may be unable to access the full credit for state unemployment tax paid on their IRS Form 940 (Federal Unemployment Tax Return) if they pay state unemployment taxes after the Federal Form 940 due date. For additional information, please visit irs.gov/instructions/i940.

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Equal Opportunity program — auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Contact: (503) 947-1794. For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, call 711 Telecommunications Relay Services.

(Salem) – As temperatures rise in the days ahead, Oregon OSHA is reminding employers of their new obligations under an emergency heat illness prevention rule. At the same time, workers have a right to a safe and healthy workplace, including the right to raise safety concerns with their employers free from retaliation.

Oregon OSHA offers free consultation and educational resources to help employers comply with the rule, which took effect immediately when it was adopted July 8. If employers refuse to address concerns raised by workers, then workers may file a complaint with Oregon OSHA. It is against the law to punish a worker for raising on-the-job health and safety concerns.

Oregon OSHA’s emergency temporary rule remains in effect until Jan. 3, 2022, or until it is replaced sooner by a permanent heat illness prevention rule, which is expected to occur later this year. The temporary emergency rule applies to any workplace – outdoors and indoors – where heat dangers are caused by the weather. The requirements include expanded access to shade and cool water; regular cool-down breaks; training; communication; and emergency planning. 

The division offers fact sheets in English and Spanish that outline the rule’s key requirements. Also, the division has published a new question-and-answer document – in English and Spanish – to help with understanding the rule.

Under a new emphasis program, Oregon OSHA has boosted its enforcement presence around heat illness issues with more inspectors in the field during hot days. 

Employers are encouraged to use free resources – available now from Oregon OSHA and involving no fault, no citations, and no penalties – for help with meeting requirements:

Consultation services – Provides free help with safety and health programs, including how to control and eliminate hazards, and hands-on training

• Phone (toll-free in Oregon): 800-922-2689
• Field offices
• Online
• Email: consult.web@oregon.gov

Technical staff – Helps employers understand requirements and how to apply them to their worksites

• Phone (toll-free in Oregon): 800-922-2689
• Online
• Email: tech.web@oregon.gov

Moreover, a list of state and national educational resources about preventing heat illness is available as part of previous communications issued by Oregon OSHA, in both English and Spanish. 

Also, the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, which includes Oregon OSHA, maintains the Multicultural Communications Program that provides outreach to communities with limited English proficiency. That outreach encompasses information about on-the-job safety and health. The program includes a toll-free phone number for Spanish-speaking Oregonians: 800-843-8086.

Workers may file a complaint with Oregon OSHA using the division’s online hazard reporting form, available in Spanish and English. A list of field offices is available on the division’s “File a complaint” page. The division encourages workers to learn about their rights to raise safety concerns and to protect against retaliation. 

Under the temporary emergency requirements, employers are required to take specific steps when the heat index reaches or exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit, including providing sufficient shade and an adequate supply of drinking water. When the heat index exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit, employers are required to follow all of the rules at the 80-degree threshold and to take more measures. Those measures include communication and observation, regular cool-down breaks, emergency planning, and gradual adaptation of employees to the heat.

The emergency rule documents are available for review in the following ways:

• Oregon OSHA’s Adopted Rules page: Oregon Occupational Safety and Health : Adopted Rules : Rulemaking : State of Oregon
• Temporary Rules to Address Employee Exposure to High Ambient Temperatures: Temporary Rules to Address Employee Exposure to High Ambient Temperatures (oregon.gov)
• Text of adopted rules: Text of Temporary Rules to Address Employee Exposure to High Ambient Temperatures (oregon.gov)

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Oregon OSHA, a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, enforces the state's workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. For more information, go to osha.oregon.gov.

The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon's largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, go to www.oregon.gov/dcbs/.  

At approximately 6:05pm today authorities received the report of a non-responsive person in the Willamette River near the Ferry St. bridge.  Lane County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue personnel and deputies responded along with the Eugene Police Department and Eugene/Springfield Fire Department.  The person was located and determined to be deceased.  This incident is under active investigation and not many details are yet available.  At this time there has been no obvious indication of foul play.  Updates will be provided as they become available.  Anyone with information that has not yet spoken to investigators is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150 opt. 1.