On Wednesday morning 11/23/2022 at 09:23 am, Douglas County Fire District No.2 was dispatched to a reported vehicle rollover on I-5 mile post 132 northbound. First arriving crews reported the vehicle was laying on its side with one patient inside the vehicle and extrication would be needed. 

Fire crews stabilized the vehicle and removed the roof with hydraulic tools and safely extricated the female patient. The patient was transported to Mercy Medical Center in Roseburg.

DCFD No.2 responded to this incident with 2 fire engines, 1 ambulance, and 1 command unit. They were assisted by OSP and ODOT.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - A Roseburg man was stabbed during a disturbance Tuesday morning. 

911 Dispatchers received a call on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, shortly after midnight of a male who had been stabbed while engaged in a physical altercation at a residence in the 3000-block of Joseph Street in Roseburg. The caller reported the suspect had left on foot. 

Deputies and officers from Roseburg Police Department responded along with fire and EMS personnel. The victim, 51-year-old Raymond Latre of Roseburg, was found to have sustained a stab wound to the lower abdomen by an individual known to him. Latre was transported by ambulance to Mercy Medical Center where he underwent emergency surgery. Latre is currently in stable condition. 

There is no ongoing threat to public safety and the investigation is ongoing at this time. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Douglas County Sheriff's Office at (541) 440-4471, referencing case #22-4870.

Deputies are seeking information regarding a vehicle that was abandoned at the Walton Post Office on Hwy. 126W on or around Monday 11/21/22.

The vehicle is a dark gray or blue GMC Envoy SUV bearing OR Plate #682JKZ.

Anyone with information about this vehicle is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff's Office tip line at 541-682-4167.

On Sunday 11/20/22, Lane County Sheriff's Deputies responded to the area of Wacker Point Rd. northwest of Noti after receiving reports that a hunter had located a deceased person in the woods. Wacker Point Rd. is located north of Hwy. 126 and is also known as the BLM 17-7-22 Rd.

Deputies responded and identified the deceased person to be a white male in his 30's. His identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

If you have any information about this case or traveled on Wacker Point Rd. on Friday 11/18/22 through Sunday 11/20/22, please contact the Lane County Sheriff's Office tip line at 541-682-4167.

Warrant Service-

On 11/23/22 at approximately 10:45am deputies from the Lane County Sheriff’s Office learned that 39-year-old Justin Martinez was at an apartment in the 1700blk of 43rd St. in Florence.  Martinez had confirmed warrants for his arrest out of the Oregon State Parole Board and Florence Municipal Court.

Due to information that Martinez may have been armed, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team responded to execute the warrant.  Martinez initially refused to exit the apartment, but eventually surrendered shortly prior to 3:30pm and was taken into custody without incident.

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Oregon State Police and Florence Police Department for their assistance with this investigation.

On November 22, 2022 just prior to 5:45am, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of a head-on traffic crash on Prairie Rd. near Maxwell Rd. in Eugene.  Medics responded and determined that the driver of one of the involved vehicles, 23-year old Eddie Lloyd Jenks of Fall Creek, had died. 

Preliminary investigation revealed that the1999 Pontiac Sunfire driven by Jenks had been traveling southbound on Prairie Rd. when it failed to negotiate a curve.  The Sunfire crossed into the oncoming northbound lane where it struck a 2010 Ford F150 pickup driven by 58-year old Harvey James Arnold of Eugene. 

Evidence at the scene indicated that Jenks was not wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash. 

TIP OF THE WEEK

Date:          November 23, 2022                      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:      Sheriff Curtis Landers

                   541-265-0652

                   clanders@co.lincoln.or.us

Driving Drowsy

It is very important to stay alert while driving at all times, but especially during this time of year since weather conditions can rapidly become hazardous.  Here are several safety tips to keep in mind before hitting the road.  

Feeling sleepy is especially dangerous when you are driving.  Sleepiness slows your reaction time, decreases awareness, and impairs your judgment just like drugs or alcohol. People who are very sleepy behave in similar ways to people who are drunk. The impact that this has on traffic safety should not be underestimated.

 To remain alert and avoid drowsiness:

• Getting plenty of sleep (at least six hours) the night before a long trip
• Traveling at times when you are normally awake, and staying overnight rather than driving straight through
• Scheduling a break every two hours or every 100 miles
• Stop driving if you become sleepy; someone who is tired could fall asleep at any time – fatigue impacts reaction time, judgment, and vision, causing people who are very sleepy to behave in similar ways to those who are drunk
• Not planning to work all day and then drive all night
• Drink a caffeinated beverage. Since it takes about 30 minutes for caffeine to enter the bloodstream, find a safe place to take a 20-30 minute nap while you’re waiting for the caffeine to take effect
• Avoid sleepy times of day. Take a mid-afternoon nap and find a place to sleep between midnight and 6 a.m.
• Traveling with an awake passenger.

You are too tired to drive if you’re experiencing any or all of the following:

• Having trouble keeping your eyes open and focused
• The inability to keep your head up
• Daydreaming or having wandering, disconnected thoughts
• Drifting from your lane or off the road or tailgating
• Yawning frequently or rubbing your eyes repeatedly
• Missing signs or driving past your intended exit
• Feeling irritable and restless
• Being unable to remember how far you have traveled or what you have recently passed.

For more information and tips, visit our web site at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and Like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.

Marion County Sheriff’s Office is releasing the following information pursuant to ORS 163A.215, which authorizes Community Corrections to inform the public when the release of information will enhance public safety and protection.

The individual who appears on this notification has been convicted of a sex offense that requires registration with the Sheriff’s Office. Additionally, this person’s criminal history places them in a classification level which reflects the potential to re-offend. This notification is not intended to increase fear; rather, it is our belief that an informed public is a safer public.

NAME: Sergio Javier Reyes

SID#: 21457053

DOB:  01/04/1995

CURRENT AGE: 27

RACE: H                                   SEX: M

HEIGHT: 5' 03''                        WEIGHT: 170 lbs

HAIR: BLK                                EYES: BRO

RESIDENCE: 3274 COLSON COURT SE, SALEM, OR 97302

Sergio Javier Reyes is on Post-Prison Supervision for the crime (s) of:  Public Indecency and Driving Intoxicated 

This person was granted Supervision on:  05/05/2022

Supervision expiration date is:  10/12/2026

Special restrictions include:                [X] No contact with minors     [X] No alcohol

On Monday, November 21, 2022 at approximately 9:18 AM, Oregon State Police Troopers  responded to a suspicious object found by Oregon Department of Corrections cleanup crew on northbound Interstate 5 near milepost 260.

OSP Troopers with the Salem Area Command took possession of a small backpack that contained a human skull. 

The skull was transported to the  Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office who will continue to investigate the identity of the skull. The skull had no identifiable features, but was most likely that of a female in her late 30’s to 40’s. 

No further information is available at this time. 

On Sunday, November 20, 2022 at approximately 6:09 PM, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 58, 25 miles east of Oakridge at milepost 61.

Preliminary investigation revealed a westbound Honda Accord, operated by Amber Shaleene Gonzalez Riddle (26) of Portland, crossed into the oncoming eastbound lane and collided with a Toyota Rav 4, operated by Debra Diane Baker (66) of Sunriver. The Toyota caught fire and became fully engulfed after the occupants were removed. 

Gonzalez Riddle and passengers, Geavony Amor Ferreira (23) of Portland and a 3-year-old female were transported to an area hospital with injuries. An additional passenger, a 5-year-old female sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. Baker and her passenger, John Baker (67) of Sunriver, were transported to an area hospital with injuries. 

Hwy 58 was affected for approximately 6 hours while the OSP Collision Reconstruction Unit investigated the scene. This is an active investigation and updates will be provided when available. 

OSP was assisted by Oakridge Fire Department, Central Cascade Fire Department, Oakridge Police Department and ODOT. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: November 24, 2022

Public appeal for help locating missing, endangered Salem teen

Update 11/25/2022 | 12:00 p.m.

Missing teenage, Kaylee Lien Brooks, was located early this morning by the Grants Pass Police Department. 

Our thanks to the agency for their work to locate Kaylee and efforts to reunite her with her family.

# # #

Originally published 11/24/2022 | 11:45 p.m.

Salem, Ore. — The Salem Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a Salem teenager reported missing today, November 24, 2022, shortly before 6:00 a.m.

Kaylee Lien Brooks, age 17, is described as follows:

• 5 ft. 3” in. in height
• Brown eyes
• Blonde hair
• Thin build

She was last seen wearing a green or gray hooded-sweatshirt, dark-colored pants, white and black sneakers. 

Kaylee left her residence in south Salem driving a 2017, white, four-door Toyota Camry with Oregon license plate 263-JSW. She was last known to be in the Josephine County area.

The teen, who is intellectually delayed, also requires medication; however, she did not take it with her.

If anyone sees Kaylee and or the vehicle she is driving, please call your local police department immediately. Refer to Salem Police case number 22-26066.

# # # 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: November 23, 2022

Woman struck, killed by passenger train

Salem, Ore. — Salem Police officers responded to the 1800 block of Bill Frey DR NE yesterday, November 22, shortly after 6:00 p.m., on the call of a person struck by a passenger train traveling through the city.

Patrol officers learned the Amtrak engineer sounded the horn when a woman was spotted sitting on the tracks. The woman, identified as Judith Araceli Mojica Abarca of Salem, stood up, however, not in sufficient time to avoid being struck by the fast-moving train. 

The 47-year-old Abarca was pronounced deceased at the scene.

# # # 

SPRINGFIELD, Ore. – Every year since 1979, dedicated PeaceHealth caregivers have organized a collection drive to provide all the ingredients for a full Thanksgiving dinner for hundreds of families facing financial, medical or other challenges. It is a months-long, PeaceHealth Mission-inspired effort that demands hundreds of volunteer hours and thousands of donated dollars. The project is one of PeaceHealth’s most cherished traditions in Lane County. 

This year PeaceHealth will give away 800 Thanksgiving Baskets to families who have been referred by caregivers, charitable organizations and community members. 

On Tuesday, Nov. 22, these local families, who have been notified in advance, will receive all the items for their Thanksgiving feast, including a turkey, stuffing and gravy mixes, canned yams, cranberries, other fruits and vegetables and a pumpkin pie.

Distribution will take place outside the surgery entrance at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend. 

“Rain or shine it’s a bright, happy day,” said Tina Noland, who has volunteered with the program for the past 14 years. She is a supply chain manager for the PeaceHealth Oregon network. “The families are so grateful, and many caregivers donate and volunteer year after year because it feels good to work together to help our community.”

Ever since the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace arrived in Eugene in 1936 to operate Sacred Heart Hospital, PeaceHealth employees have dedicated their time to helping the hungry and those less fortunate during the holiday season. The tradition of providing meals at Thanksgiving began in 1979, and the effort has grown from providing 50 baskets to 800 this year. 

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 900 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.

Triple Your Impact: Pacific Power Will Match Your Contribution to Oregon Energy Fund 2-for-1

PORTLAND, Ore —Nov. 21, 2022-- Helping your neighbors and their families stay warm just got easier. Pacific Power will match every dollar you donate to the Oregon Energy Fund with $2 more.

Pacific Power customers who receive their bills by mail will find it includes an Oregon Energy Fund contribution envelope in November. Customers who pay their bills electronically can send a check or enroll in the fixed donation program. 

This program allows customers to donate any dollar amount, starting at $1 per month, which is then incorporated into their monthly bill. Fixed donations will also be matched 2-for-1 by Pacific Power. To enroll in the fixed donation program call Pacific Power toll-free at 1-888-221-7070.

Donations may be tax-deductible and are forwarded directly to the Oregon Energy Fund, which verifies eligibility and allocates funds to those in need. All funds donated are used to assist families in need from the same county in which the donor resides.

“Pacific Power’s commitment to our mission of supporting household stability is bolstered by compassion, collaboration, and innovation,” said Brian Allbritton, executive director of the Oregon Energy Fund. “Studies have shown that more than a quarter of Oregonians struggle to pay their bills each year. Pacific Power’s partnership helps ensure that our neighbors don’t have to sacrifice food, rent, medicine, or childcare to keep the lights on.”

Last year, donations from Pacific Power’s customers, employees, and the company helped 721 households in need throughout Oregon. These households included 672 children, 253 seniors, and 221 people with disabilities. This year, Pacific Power will match up to $144,000 in donations.

Customers who need bill assistance themselves can talk with Pacific Power representatives who can help with payment plans that work for their individual needs and direct them to agencies that may be able to help. Pacific Power's customer service number is 1-888-221-7070.

About Pacific Power

Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 764,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company supplies customers with electricity from a diverse portfolio of generating plants including hydroelectric, thermal, wind, geothermal and solar resources. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with 2 million customers in six western states. For more information, visit www.pacificpower.net.

News from the Northwest Power and Conservation Council
November 22, 2022

 
A (Lot of) Work in Progress
https://www.nwcouncil.org/news/2022/11/21/a-lot-of-work-in-progress
See the latest on updated modeling, preliminary results of the 2027 Resource Adequacy Assessment, and emerging technologies around the region.
 
Double-crested Cormorants Relocating Upriver Increases Predation of Salmon
https://www.nwcouncil.org/news/2022/11/21/double-crested-cormorants-relocating-upriver-increases-predation-of-salmon
Avian predation – hungry birds feeding on endangered salmon – is identified in the Council’s fish and wildlife program as a serious concern, and the program supports managing the impact of predators on juvenile salmon and steelhead

Next Council Meeting: December 13-14 (Webinar)

The next meeting of the Advisory Committee to the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs will be held Wednesday, December 7, 2022, via Zoom. The Zoom room will open at 9 a.m., but the meeting does not officially begin until 9:30 a.m.

The committee is made up of veterans appointed by the governor to provide counsel on veteran issues and represent veteran concerns across Oregon. Its nine members serve in a vital advisory role to the director and staff of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

ODVA’s Reports to the Advisory Committee are available to the public on the ODVA website: https://issuu.com/odva/stacks/38107bb40c054695831edf5634865ca4

This meeting is being held virtually due to travel and gathering size restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic. The public is invited to attend.

To attend:

You will need to pre-register using this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZctceuprT4iG9RuNrFZImfstIxavCPoN5CM

 Pre-registration is required. Once pre-registered, you will receive the meeting link.

Join by Zoom via Telephone: Dial 1 (253) 215-8782. When prompted, enter the meeting ID: 830 6213 5810# and password/participant ID: 277996#

You will be prompted to state your name. State your first and last name.

Meeting focus: Veteran Houselessness

Town Hall:

There will be a Town Hall at the end of the business meeting in which we invite you to ask questions of the committee and director. This time is set aside for individuals to bring up broader veteran community issues. Members of the community are also invited to submit written public comments to the Committee at the following email address: vaac@odva.state.or.us

More information can be found online at www.oregon.gov/odva/Pages/advisory.aspx or to contact the Advisory Committee, please email vaac@odva.state.or.us. 

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Phoenyx Cannon, age 15, a child in foster care who went missing from Gresham on Nov. 12. She is believed to be in danger.

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Phoenyx and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see her.

Phoenyx is suspected to be in the Portland metro area. She is known to spend time at the unhoused encampments in Southeast Portland, the downtown Portland area and around SE 82nd and Stark. She also frequently spends time at the Gateway Transit Center in Portland and in Beaverton.

Name: Phoenyx Cannon
Pronouns: she/her
Date of birth: May 1, 2007 
Height: 5-foot-8
Weight: 200 pounds 
Hair: Brown
Eye color: Brown 
Other identifying information: Phoenyx has long brown hair. 
Portland Police Bureau report number #2242304
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #1465625

A small number of children in foster care may be in significant danger when they run away or have gone missing. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and ensure their safety. Media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).  This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. 

###

Lo que debe saber

• La mayoría de los habitantes de Oregon que reciben beneficios de alimentos de SNAP continuarán recibiendo los beneficios adicionales temporales de emergencia en Diciembre
• Aproximadamente 426,000 hogares que reciben SNAP recibirán aproximadamente $70 millones en beneficios de alimentos adicionales además de sus beneficios regulares de SNAP
• Estos beneficios de emergencia son un apoyo temporal que Oregon puede dar debido a la emergencia de salud pública federal por el COVID-19
• Encuentre recursos para cubrir sus necesidades básicas: marque al 2-1-1 o envíe un mensaje de texto con su código postal al 898-21, www.211info.org 
• Centro de ayuda para el COVID-19 del Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Oregon

(Salem) – La mayoría de los habitantes de Oregon que reciben beneficios de alimentos del Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria (SNAP) recibirán pagos de emergencia en Diciembre.

El gobierno federal ha aprobado pagos de emergencia todos los meses desde marzo del 2020. Esto da a los beneficiarios de SNAP apoyo adicional durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Estos beneficios de emergencia son un apoyo temporal que Oregon puede dar debido a la emergencia de salud pública federal por el COVID-19.

Debido a que el gobierno federal aprobó estos beneficios de emergencia para Diciembre, Oregon también podrá darlos en Enero del 2023. Sin embargo, se espera que los beneficios de emergencia terminen cuando la emergencia de salud pública federal llegue a su fin.

En Diciembre, aproximadamente 426,000 hogares que reciben SNAP recibirán aproximadamente $70 millones en beneficios de alimentos adicionales además de sus beneficios regulares de SNAP.

“Sabemos que muchos dependen de estos beneficios adicionales de alimentos de emergencia para tener suficientes alimentos saludables para ellos y sus familias”, dijo Jana McLellan, Directora Interina de los Programas de Autosuficiencia del Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Oregon (ODHS). “También sabemos que muchos habitantes de Oregon todavía tienen dificultades para cubrir sus necesidades básicas y los alentamos a que se comuniquen con nuestros socios en el 211, el Banco de Alimentos de Oregon y su Agencia de Acción Comunitaria local para recibir apoyo durante este momento difícil”.

Los hogares que actualmente reciben SNAP recibirán el pago de emergencia el 13 de Diciembre. Los hogares que no recibieron beneficios en ese primer depósito mensual recibirán el pago de emergencia el 30 de Diciembre o el 4 de Enero del 2023.

Las personas que reciben SNAP no tienen que tomar ninguna acción para recibir estos beneficios adicionales ya que se depositarán directamente en sus tarjetas EBT.

Más información sobre los pagos de emergencia en https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/ASSISTANCE/FOOD-BENEFITS/Pages/Emergency-Allotments.aspx.

Si tiene preguntas sobre sus beneficios de alimentos de SNAP comuníquese con el Centro de Servicio al Cliente de ONE al 1-800-699-9075.

Si su hogar recibe SNAP y sus ingresos o la cantidad de personas que viven en su hogar ha cambiado, eso podría afectar sus beneficios. Es importante asegurar que ODHS tenga su información más reciente.

Puede notificar cualquier cambio en sus ingresos o en su hogar de muchas maneras:

• En línea: ONE.Oregon.gov
• Por correo: ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309
• Por fax: 503-378-5628
• Por teléfono: 1-800-699-9075 or TTY 711

Recursos para ayudar a cubrir sus necesidades básicas

• Encuentre una despensa de alimentos: foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org
• Infórmese sobre programas del gobierno y recursos en la comunidad para adultos mayores y personas con discapacidades: Conexión para Recursos de Envejecimiento y Discapacidad de Oregon al 1-855-673-2372 o www.adrcoforegon.org.
• Marque 2-1-1, mande un mesaje de texto con su código postal al 898-211, www.211info.org 
• Encuentre recursos locales y apoyo comunicándose con su Agencia de Acción Comunitaria local: www.caporegon.org/find-services/ 
• Centro de ayuda para el COVID-19 del Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Oregon

Administrado por ODHS, SNAP es un programa federal que brinda asistencia de alimentos a aproximadamente 1 millón de familias y personas elegibles de bajos ingresos en Oregon, incluyendo muchos adultos mayores y personas con discapacidades. Los habitantes de Oregon que lo necesiten pueden pedir beneficios como SNAP, cuidado infantil, asistencia en efectivo y Medicaid. Obtenga más información en https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/benefits/Pages/index.aspx.

Para información sobre recursos locales en su área, como alimentos o refugio, llame al 2-1-1 o comuníquese con la Conexión para Recursos de Envejecimiento y Discapacidad (ADRC por sus siglas en inglés) del estado al 1-855-ORE-ADRC o al 1-855-673-2372 .

###

Need to know

• Most Oregonians who receive SNAP benefits will continue to receive temporarily increased emergency food benefits in December
• Approximately 426,000 SNAP households will receive approximately $70 million in extra food benefits in addition to their regular SNAP benefits
• These emergency benefits are a temporary support that Oregon can provide because of the federal COVID-19 public health emergency
• Find resources to meet your basic needs: Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org
• Oregon Department of Human Services COVID-19 help center

(Salem) – Most Oregonians who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will receive emergency allotments in December.

The federal government has approved emergency allotments every month since March 2020. This gives SNAP recipients additional support during the COVID-19 pandemic. These emergency benefits are a temporary support that Oregon can provide because of the federal COVID-19 public health emergency.

Because the federal government approved these emergency benefits for December, Oregon will also be able to issue them in January 2023. However, the emergency benefits are expected to end when the federal public health emergency ends.

In December, approximately 426,000 SNAP households will receive approximately $70 million in extra food benefits in addition to their regular SNAP benefits.

“We know that many rely on these additional emergency food benefits to get enough healthy food for themselves and their families,” said Jana McLellan, interim director of the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Self-Sufficiency Programs. “The holiday season can also bring additional stress and worry for many Oregonians who are still struggling to meet their basic needs and we encourage them to contact our partners at 211, the Oregon Food Bank and their local Community Action Agency for support during this difficult time.”

Current SNAP households will receive emergency allotments on Dec. 13. Emergency allotments will be issued Dec. 30 or Jan. 4, 2023 for households who did not receive benefits in the first monthly issuance.

SNAP recipients do not have to take any action to receive these supplemental benefits as they will be issued directly on their EBT cards. 

More information about emergency allotments is available at https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/ASSISTANCE/FOOD-BENEFITS/Pages/Emergency-Allotments.aspx.

Questions about your SNAP benefits should be directed to the ONE Customer Service Center at 1-800-699-9075.

If your household receives SNAP and your income or the number of people in your household has changed, it could impact your benefits. It is important to make sure ODHS has the most up-to-date information. 

You can report any changes to your income or household in many ways: 

• Online at: ONE.Oregon.gov
• By mail at: ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309
• By fax at: 503-378-5628
• By phone at: 1-800-699-9075 or TTY 711

Resources to help meet basic needs

• Find a food pantry: foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org
• Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or www.adrcoforegon.org.
• Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org
• Find local resources and support by contacting your local Community Action Agency: www.caporegon.org/find-services/
• Oregon Department of Human Services COVID-19 help center 

Administered by ODHS, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1 million eligible, low-income families and individuals in Oregon, including many older adults and people with disabilities. Oregonians in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP, child care, cash assistance and Medicaid. Learn more at https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/benefits/Pages/index.aspx . For local resources in your area, such as food or shelter, please call 2-1-1 or reach out to the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) at 1-855-ORE-ADRC or 1-855-673-2372.

###

SALEM – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) reminds Oregon investors to diversify investments and be informed of the risks in investing in largely unregulated products such as cryptocurrency.   

Some of these financial product offerings are registered and licensed with DFR as money transmitters or securities offerings. The division has investigated several cryptocurrency companies and continues to monitor the market.

“It is important to know the risks involved with cryptocurrency or any investment opportunities,” said TK Keen, administrator for DFR. “No investment opportunities are risk free, and you should always do your homework on where you are sending your money. This is especially true when cryptocurrency is involved.”

The recent news of the bankruptcy of FTX, the third largest cryptocurrency exchange in the world, which left approximately 1 million customers and investors facing total losses in the billions, should serve as a warning to anyone investing in cryptocurrency. 

“Investing in cryptocurrency is extremely risky given what’s going on right now,” Keen said. “It’s important to not invest more than you can afford to lose or put all of your assets in one bucket.”

Cryptocurrency accounts are not generally insured by the FDIC, which recently issued a fact sheet clarifying when an account is considered insured.

DFR encourages Oregonians to follow these tips when it comes to digital currency and nonfungible tokens (NFTs), which are often linked to digital works of art, photos, or videos:

• Carefully research these types of investments. Many of these “investment opportunities” are speculative in nature. Before engaging in a transaction, make sure that you understand what you are purchasing, the value of the item purchased, the reason for the valuation, and how easy it is to sell the investment if you want to get out your money.
• Use a digital currency exchange that is licensed with the state to transmit cryptocurrency to someone else. Oregon law requires companies that transfer digital currency from one person to another to be licensed as money transmitters. Digital currency exchange companies that purchase or sell cryptocurrency from their own inventories are not required to be licensed.
• Do not spend money you need. The volatility of the digital currency and NFT markets means that you should not purchase cryptocurrency with money that is needed for essential purposes such as food, housing, and gas.

The division originally put out a press release on Jan. 20 warning of the risks of these types of investments.

Anyone who has questions about these platforms or believes they may have been defrauded, should contact the division’s advocates at 866-814-9710 (toll-free).

About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and www.dcbs.oregon.gov.

Nov. 22, 2022

Salem – Oregon’s workers’ compensation rates remain among the lowest in the nation, according to an analysis released today by the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS). This reflects the state’s ongoing success in making workplaces safer and keeping costs under control.

The biennial study ranks all 50 states and Washington, D.C., based on premium rates that were in effect Jan. 1, 2022.

Oregon had the 10th least expensive rates in 2022. Oregon fell in the rankings by four spots from the 2020 survey, despite having a lower premium index rate, because rates in other states dropped a few pennies more. Oregon’s index rate is 93 cents per $100 of payroll, down from $1.00 from 2020. 

DCBS announced in September that Oregon workers’ compensation rates would decline further – an average 3.2 percent – in 2023. Workers’ compensation pays injured workers for lost wages and medical care for job-related injuries.

In recent years, rates have dropped all over the country, which has led to a compression of the scores in the survey. The premium index rates are bunched up at the low end, so that small changes in the index rates can lead to big jumps in the ranking.

In 2020, Oregon was sixth least expensive. In 2022, that spot is held by Kentucky. However, there is just a 7-cent difference per $100 of payroll between the two (93 cents for Oregon and 86 cents for Kentucky).

“This study is an important tool for the workers’ compensation systems throughout the U.S.,” said DCBS Director Andrew Stolfi. “It shows how strong the Oregon workers’ compensation system has become since the survey’s inception in 1986. As an agency, we work hard to keep workplace injuries low and benefits robust and are glad to see insurance costs for employers continue to fall.”

The study shows New Jersey had the most expensive rates, followed by Hawaii and California. Meanwhile, North Dakota had the least expensive rates. In the Northwest, Washington’s rates were the 24th most expensive and Idaho was the 16th most expensive.

Oregon researchers also compared each state’s rates to the national median (the 26th ranked state) rate of $1.27 per $100 of payroll. Oregon’s rate of 93 cents is 73 percent of the median, its second-lowest recorded level.

To produce a valid comparison of states, which have various mixes of industries, the study calculates rates for each state using the same mix of the 50 industries with the highest workers’ compensation claims costs in Oregon.

Oregon has conducted these studies in even-numbered years since 1986, when Oregon’s rates were among the highest in the nation. The department reports the results to the Oregon Legislature as a performance measure. Oregon’s relatively low rate today underscores the success of the state’s workers’ compensation system reforms and its improvements in workplace safety and health.

Oregon has long taken a comprehensive approach to making workplaces safer, keeping business costs low, and providing strong worker benefits. This approach includes enforcing requirements that employers carry insurance for their workers, keeping medical costs under control, and helping injured workers return to work sooner and minimize the impact on their wages.

It also includes efforts to prevent on-the-job injuries by enforcing workplace safety and health rules and advising employers about how to improve worker safety and health.

The study can be found at https://www.oregon.gov/dcbs/reports/Documents/general/prem-rpt/22-2083.pdf.

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The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dcbs.oregon.gov. 

November 23, 2022

Media Contact: Erica Heartquist, 503-871-8843, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Health experts ask people to take action to lower risk for children as RSV, flu cases push hospitals to brink

Health officials issue call to action to protect kids ahead of post-holiday surge in serious respiratory illnesses that will worsen pediatric ICU bed shortages

PORTLAND, Ore. – State health officials are asking people to take immediate, urgent action to protect children and ensure there are pediatric intensive care beds available in Oregon hospitals to treat any child or youth with a serious illness or injury. Oregon health officials expect respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases to peak after the Thanksgiving holiday, which will further strain pediatric hospital intensive care units in the Portland area that are already at their limit.

In response to Oregon’s acute shortage of pediatric intensive care beds, state health officials recommend that people:

• Stay home when sick.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with the inside of your elbow, or with a tissue that you immediately throw away after use.
• Clean and disinfect all high-touch surfaces, including doorknobs, faucets, chairs, countertops and tables.
• Regularly wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer, especially after coughing or sneezing into a tissue.
• Get a flu shot and stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations, including new bivalent boosters. There is no vaccine for RSV.
• Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces.

The recommendations come as at least two Portland-area hospitals – Doernbecher Children’s Hospital at Oregon Health & Science University and Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center – notified OHA they have enacted crisis standards of care for their pediatric intensive care units. Crisis care standards allow hospitals to adjust their staffing to help treat as many critically ill children in the state as possible.

Patrick Allen, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) said, “Oregon children’s hospitals are pushed to the limit. If you have young children and they get sick, there may not be a hospital bed for them. Our recommendations are a call to action for Oregonians to help slow the spread of respiratory disease and make sure no child’s life is put at risk because every pediatric ICU bed in our state is full with another seriously ill kid.”

“Multiple respiratory infections circulating in our community are of great concern to all of us in health care, says Providence St. Vincent Medical Center’s Genevieve Buser, MDCM, a pediatric infectious disease specialist. “Children have been especially hard hit, and we are caring for unprecedented numbers of very sick young people in our hospitals, immediate care facilities, and clinics. Right now, more than half of our kids sick enough to be hospitalized have RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), and almost all of those are babies less than 6 months of age. It causes babies to need oxygen to breathe, and even stop breathing.”

Dr. Buser added that since the Oregon region is in a crisis for critical pediatric hospital beds, “we should do what we can as a community to slow transmission to our most vulnerable neighbors,” including getting COVID and flu vaccinations. “Older adults, too--especially those with chronic lung disease--can become very ill with RSV, in addition to COVID and flu.”

State health officials are working with hospitals to bring additional nurses into Oregon from out of state. OHA officials also are pursuing health care volunteers through Serv-OR, the state’s emergency volunteer registry. In addition, OHA is providing hospitals with recent legislatively appropriated funds to aid staffing.

Parents of children younger than 5, especially newborns to 6-month-olds, are especially advised to take precautions that keep their children safe and help to limit the spread of RSV and influenza in coming weeks. Young children, as well as older adults – people 65 and older – are at higher risk of severe illness from these respiratory viruses, including hospitalization and death.

Data showing that the RSV hospitalization rate for children quadrupled between Oct. 29 and Nov. 19, from 2.7 to 10.8 children per 100,000 population. RSV hospitalizations are expected to rise further over the next few weeks.

Hospitalizations are also being fueled by a rapid increase in influenza cases around the state. According to OHA’s weekly Flu Bites influenza surveillance report, the percentage of positive influenza tests has doubled each week since mid-October – it was 1% the week ending Oct. 22, 2% on Oct. 29, 4.5% on Nov. 5, 9.3% on Nov. 12 and 16.4% on Nov. 19.

A 5% positivity rate for influenza tests is considered a threshold for significant influenza circulation.

RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, such as runny nose, coughing and sneezing. Most infections go away on their own in a week or two. Almost all children will have had an RSV infection by their second birthday.

People experiencing mild RSV symptoms should:

• Stay home from work or school, and avoid indoor and outdoor holiday gatherings and events.
• Manage fever and pain with over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers.
• Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
• Make sure to talk to your health care provider before giving your child over-the-counter cold medicines which are typically not indicated for this age group.

While cold-like symptoms are more typical of RSV infections, some children can experience severe symptoms requiring immediate care. Parents should call their pediatrician or seek care right away if child has any of the following symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing or increased work of breathing.
• Symptoms of dehydration, or fewer than one wet diaper every eight hours.
• Gray or blue color to tongue, lips or skin.
• Decreased activity and alertness.

Some children with RSV may be at increased risk of developing a bacterial infection, such as an ear infection. Call your pediatrician if your child has:

• Symptoms that worsen or do not start to improve after seven days.
• A fever of 100.4°F or higher if they are younger than 3 months old (12 weeks).
• A fever that rises above 104°F repeatedly for a child of any age.
• Poor sleep or fussiness, chest pain, ear tugging or ear drainage.

For more information about RSV, visit OHA’s RSV page. Information about influenza is available at OHA’s Flu Prevention page.

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November 22, 2022

Media Contact: Liz Gharst, 971-666-2476,

eth.a.gharst@dhsoha.state.or.us">elizabeth.a.gharst@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon Resource Allocation Advisory Committee meets Nov. 29, via Zoom

Purpose: Oregon Resource Allocation Advisory Committee (ORAAC) meeting. Meeting materials are posted to the ORAAC website. https://www.oregon.gov/oha/Pages/Resource-Allocation-Advisory-Committee.aspx

When: November 29, 1pm to 3pm

Agenda: Welcome, Public Comment, Triage in Crisis Care Guidelines October Discussion, Community Impact, Triage Discussion, Triage Teams, Subcommittees

Members of the public are welcome to participate in public comment from 1:10 PM – 1:20 PM. Time for public comment is limited. For instructions on how to provide public comment, please visit: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/Documents/ORAAC-Public-Comment-Process.pdf. To sign up to provide comment, please complete the survey: https://forms.office.com/g/pa7vuTXZHf

Virtual Meeting: The ORAAC meetings are held by Zoom.

Join meeting by computer or video link:

https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1608827349?pwd=UmE4T20zZXRzWURGeTJWUHdIYzJsZz09

Join meeting by phone: Phone # 669-254-5252

Meeting ID: 160 882 7349

Passcode: 689337

Questions: Lisa Bui, oha.resourceallocation@odhsoha.oregon.gov or contact by phone at 503-576-9321.

Everyone is welcome to the meetings. For questions about accessibility or to request an accommodation, please call 971-304-6236 or write esourceallocation@odhsoha.oregon.gov">oha.resourceallocation@odhsoha.oregon.gov. 

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:

• CART (live captions)
• Sign language and spoken language interpreters
• Written material in other languages
• Braille
• Large print
• Audio and other formats

Requests should be made at least 48 hours prior to the event. Documents can be provided upon request in an alternate format for individuals with disabilities or in a language other than English for people with limited English skills. To request a document in another format or language, please call 971-304-6236 or esourceallocation@odhsoha.oregon.gov">oha.resourceallocation@odhsoha.oregon.gov

November 21, 2022

Contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Nurse Staffing Advisory Board’s Rules Review Committee meets virtually Nov. 29

What: The Nurse Staffing Advisory Board’s Rules Review Committee is holding its second meeting.  

Agenda: Introductions and review the committee agenda; highlight discussion from previous meeting; review nurse staffing rule and statute language; continue discussion on nurse staffing posting and record requirements; begin discussion on nurse staffing committee requirements; summarize action items and next steps.

The agenda and committee documents are available at www.healthoregon.org/nursestaffing.

When: Nov. 29, 9:30-11 a.m.

Where: Register to receive meeting login information at https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIsf-qrqDMtEm5zVYhxO9dAaJ1yt55j4-c.

Background: The Nurse Staffing Advisory Board advises Oregon Health Authority on the administration of Oregon’s nurse staffing laws; identifies trends, opportunities and concerns related to nurse staffing; makes recommendations to OHA based on those trends, opportunities and concerns; and reviews the enforcement powers and processes under Oregon’s nurse staffing laws.

Program contact: Kimberly Voelker; ox.nursestaffing@odhsoha.oregon.gov">Mailbox.nursestaffing@odhsoha.oregon.gov

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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 Kimberly Voelker, MPH at 971-803-0914, 711 TTY or erly.n.voelker@dhsoha.state.or.us">kimberly.n.voelker@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

November 21, 2022

Contact: Liz Gharst, 971.666.2476, eth.a.gharst@dhsoha.state.or.us">elizabeth.a.gharst@dhsoha.state.or.us (media inquiries)

Kiari Chao, 503.931.3053, i.chao@dhsoha.state.or.us">kiari.chao@dhsoha.state.or.us (meeting information or accommodation)

Michelle Hatfield, 503.551.3881, michelle.m.hatfield@dhsoha.state.or.us (meeting information or accommodation)

CCO Health IT Advisory Group (HITAG) to meet November 28

What: The regular public meeting of Health Information Technology Advisory Group.

When: November 28, 1pm to 3pm

Where: By webinar and conference line only. The public may join remotely through a webinar and conference line:

• Join the webinar at https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1619542823?pwd=am5jenlzMmo5RUlzL2N4Z2pnblphdz09
• Conference line: 669-254-5252, Meeting ID: 161 954 2823, Password: 135 862

Agenda: Welcome, Introductions & Agenda Review (1:00-1:05); Announcements & roadmap Meeting Follow-up (1:05-1:15); 2022 HIT Roadmap Summary: Supporting Electronic Health Record (HER) Adoption (1:15-1:55); HER Data Collection Strategies (1:55-2:05); 2023 HIT Roadmap Template (2:05-2:35); HIT Data Reporting (2:35-2:45); Other HIT Updates (2:45-2:50); Public Comment (2:50-2:55); Meeting Wrap-up (2:55-3:00)

For more information, please visit the committee's website at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HPA/OHIT/Pages/HITAG.aspx.

# # #

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:

• CART (live captions)
• 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 OHIT.Info@dhsoha.state.or.us or call 503.373.7859 at least 48 hours before the meeting. OHA will make every effort to provide services for requests made closer to the meeting.

The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries (OCHC) is seeking two new members, one for the position representing Southern Oregon and one representing the Willamette Valley. 

The Commission is seeking a member with knowledge related to, or interest in:

• cemeteries;
• historic preservation;
• genealogy;
• cultural and burial practices of ethnic groups found in Oregon;
• landscape and native plants; and
• history.

In particular the commission is seeking at least one person who works with a cemetery actively doing burials. 

The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries is comprised of seven citizens. It is empowered by the Legislature to maintain a listing of all historic cemeteries in Oregon, make recommendations for funding, seek legislative appropriations for historic cemeteries, and assist in the coordination of restoration, renovation and maintenance of historic cemeteries statewide. The commission has developed many online resources, offers workshops, and promotes the value of historic cemeteries through storytelling.

The group meets four times per year in different locations around the state and online. There may be an occasional additional meeting for extra projects, programs, and grant selection. Commissioners are also asked to provide informal meetings in their regions or work on other projects outside of meeting time. Travel costs are reimbursed. 

To apply, send a letter of interest and resume to commission coordinator Kuri Gill at i.Gill@oprd.oregon.gov">Kuri.Gill@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-986-0685. Please include your reasons for wanting to serve on the commission, any skills or knowledge you will bring to its work, and ideas or goals you have for your participation. Please submit your information before January 9, 2023. 

More information about the Historic Cemeteries program is available online at www.oregonheritage.org.

Salem, OR - The Department of Administrative Services alongside commissioned BBC Research & Consulting (BBC), will be hosting six stakeholder engagement sessions in early December to provide information about Oregon’s disparity study, to seek feedback and be available for questions. These meetings will provide information about the project team, the purpose of the study, the project approach, and how business owners and stakeholders can participate directly in the study. The project team will also answer any questions attendees have regarding the study. In addition, attendees will have an opportunity to share any comments or insights about working with the state. This feedback will be integrated into the analysis and report. 

What is the disparity study?

The Department of Administrative Services commissioned BBC Research & Consulting to conduct a disparity study, which will examine contracting by state government agencies. The study will seek information about businesses that are owned by people of color, women and service-disabled veterans. The project team will assess whether there are disparities between contracts and procurements awarded and the availability of those types of businesses for the work requested. The study will also assess marketplace conditions for businesses owned by people of color, women and service-disabled veterans throughout Oregon to determine whether any barriers make it more difficult for those businesses to compete for or perform state work. 

Sessions

Stakeholder engagement sessions will take place in early December, with two sessions a day over the course of three days. Public participation and feedback are crucial to a successful study, please join any of the following sessions:

“We highly encourage anyone interested in state contracting or procurement to participate in these engagement sessions,” said Christopher D. Wilson, Disparity Study Manager. “We hope to hear about all experiences, your insights will help the state better encourage the participation of small businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, person of color-owned businesses, and woman-owned businesses in state work.”

The disparity study began in October 2022, and the project team expects to submit a draft report to the state in June 2023 and a final report in August 2023.

For more information about the upcoming engagement meetings or to request translation services, please visit the study webpage: https://oregon.gov/das/pages/disparity-study.aspx or e-mail egondisparity@bbcresearch.com">oregondisparity@bbcresearch.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 22, 2022

Commissioners Honor the Medlers as Senior Volunteers of the Month

            (Douglas County, Ore.)  Douglas County Commissioners Tim Freeman, Chris Boice and Tom Kress, along with our Douglas County Senior Services Department are honored to announce that Tom & Tina Medler were awarded the  Douglas County Senior Services Volunteers of the Month award for October 2022. Commissioner Tom Kress was honored to present the couple with the award at the Bistro Sixty Senior Dining Site in Sutherlin, which is located inside the Sutherlin Senior Center at 202 East Central in Sutherlin.

“The vitality our volunteers bring to our Bistro Sixty Dining Sites is unmatched in Tom & Tina Medler! It is really something to watch them engage with the guests. Volunteers like them are what makes our programs run so smoothly,” remarked Commissioner Tom Kress, liaison Commissioner to Douglas County Senior Services.

            Douglas County Lead Food Service Worker at the Sutherlin Senior Dining Site, Victoria Kietzman nominated the Medlers for the award.  She said, “Tom & Tina are the foundation of Bistro Sixty in Sutherlin. They are passionate about their duties and fulfill them with kindness and a smile. They’ve done every single job, including driving for our Meals on Wheels program. The best part of how they serve is the time they take sitting and visiting with those who dine with us.”

Tom & Tina Medler have volunteered at Bistro Sixty Sutherlin for 18 of the 19 years they’ve lived in Douglas County. Tom spent 42 years as an industrial engineer and Tina was an interior designer for 20 years, but now they spend their time visiting their seven children and their many grandchildren and great-grandchildren all over the United States. When not volunteering at Bistro Sixty, their church, or the Elks Lodge, they’re traveling worldwide. The couple has been married for 61 years and they love to dance and play cards.   

Tina stated, “We’ve been volunteering since we were in our 20s when we belonged to the Jaycees. We volunteer because we receive so much more than we give!”

            Our Bistro Sixty Senior Dining Sites prepare meals on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at our seven rural dining site locations in Glide, Glendale, Reedsport, Riddle, Sutherlin, Winston, and Yoncalla. Senior Services staff know there are others in our communities who could benefit from their Meals on Wheels delivery program and/or meals at their Bistro Sixty Senior Dining Sites.  If residents know of friends or family who are unable to drive, need assistance with daily living activities, would benefit from hot meal delivery, or need other assistance, they are encouraged to call the Aging & Disabilities Resource Connection in the Douglas County Senior Services Department at (541) 440-3677 or by sending an email to c@co.douglas.or.us">adrc@co.douglas.or.us. 

            Douglas County’s seven rural Senior Dining Sites and Meals on Wheels programs are managed by Douglas County Senior Services Department staff but are successful because of the dedication of volunteers like Tom & Tina. To get involved with Douglas County Bistro Sixty Senior Dining Sites and Meals on Wheels programs or to learn more about volunteer opportunities, contact Darla Hilburn at the Douglas County Senior Services Department via email at ur@co.douglas.or.us">dahilbur@co.douglas.or.usor by calling (541) 440-3677. Thank you, Tom & Tina! 

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Media Contact:     Tamara Howell, Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist, Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Kellie Trenkle, Public Affairs Specialist, Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 440-4493| Email: kellie@co.douglas.or.us 

Photos: © K Trenkle/Douglas County.  Individual photos available upon request

EUGENE, OR— Lane County Public Health (LCPH) today announced that 4 news cases of Monkeypox have been identified in Lane County residents. These are the first cases news cases of Monkeypox to be identified since September 12th. 

“We have been very fortunate that we have not seen more Monkeypox in our community,” said Lane County Senior Public Health Officer, Dr. Patrick Luedtke. “However, these latest cases clearly demonstrate that it is still present and infecting people, highlighting the need for continued awareness and preventative practices.” 

LCPH Communicable Disease program is conducting case investigations to identify additional individuals who may have been exposed. To date, no epidemiological link between the cases has been identified, indicating a continued presence of Monkeypox in Lane County. 

Monkeypox symptoms usually start within 3 weeks of exposure to the virus. If someone has flu-like symptoms, they will usually develop a rash 1-4 days later.

A person with monkeypox can spread it to others from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. Some people have been found to have infection but no symptoms. To date, however, there is no evidence that monkeypox spreads from people with no symptoms. 

People with monkeypox get a rash that may be located on or near the genitals or anus and could be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth. The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing. The rash can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy. 

Other symptoms of monkeypox can include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Exhaustion
• Muscle aches and backache
• Headache
• Respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)

   An individual may experience all or only a few symptoms

• Sometimes, people have flu-like symptoms before the rash.
• Some people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms.
• Others only experience a rash.

   If you have a new or unexplained rash or other symptoms...

• Avoid close contact, including sex or being intimate with anyone, until you have been checked out by a healthcare provider.
• If you don’t have a provider or health insurance, call LCPH at 541-682-4041
• When you see a healthcare provider, wear a mask, and remind them that this virus is circulating in the area.

                                                                                  ###

Last week, nearly 70 emergency responders from across Lane County attended the Integrated Emergency Management Course (IEMC), an extensive week-long training at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland. 

“Building relationships before a disaster is key in preparing for and responding to a disaster. This training was an incredible opportunity to bring many of our emergency response partners together to focus on how we work together and what resources we can bring to bear to respond to an event such as a Cascadia Earthquake,” said Lane County Emergency Manager Patence Winningham. “We were fortunate to be selected by FEMA to do this training – only a handful of communities are invited each year.”

The training, which was specific to Lane County, helped participating agencies build the awareness, leadership and communication skills needed to respond to a complex event. It combined classroom lectures and discussions with small-group planning sessions and an immersive exercise designed to increase the coordination among responders and their agencies. The immersive exercise included elements of flooding, dam failure, hazardous materials and more. 

The training was provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which also provided lodging and airfare for participants. 

Participating agencies include: Lane County Government, Lane County Sheriff’s Office, City of Eugene, City of Springfield, City of Veneta, Eugene Police Department, Springfield Police Department, Red Cross, Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB), Junction City, Junction City Police Department, Siuslaw Valley Fire & Rescue, PeaceHealth, Oregon Department of Emergency Management, Office of the State Fire Marshal, Oregon Health Authority, Oregon Department of Human Services, Community Organizations Active in Disaster, Rainbow Water District, Central Aid Agency, and Greenhill Humane Society. 

About the National Emergency Training Center

The Emergency Management Institute (EMI) is one of the primary training activities of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Within FEMA, EMI is part of the National Preparedness Directorate's National Training and Education Division. EMI is collocated with the National Fire Academy and both deliver training at the National Emergency Training Center (NETC) in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

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On November 21, 2022, a Marion County Grand Jury unanimously found that Salem Police Corporal Joshua Buker was justified in using deadly physical force against Vincent Nesbitt, DOB: 10/6/2003, Daren Shelton-Olson, DOB: 7/24/2003, and an unknown third suspect on November 12, 2022, when he returned fire after being shot at, during the pursuit of robbery suspects.

The incident began at approximately 6:26 pm on November 12, 2022, when a woman reported two males had attempted to rob her of her vehicle near 17^th St SE and Hines St SE. The victim also reported she believed one of the males was armed with a firearm. After receiving this report, Salem Police officers immediately began searching the area for the suspects. An officer noticed a vehicle around 18^th St NE and Center St NE that contained two visible persons who appeared to match the description given by the victim of the suspects who had attempted rob her.[1] Police ran the license plate of the vehicle the suspects were in an armed carjacking on November 9, 2022. Officers attempted to stop the stolen vehicle, but the driver fled, and the pursuit was terminated due to safety concerns. 

Although the pursuit was discontinued, Officers continued to look for the stolen vehicle and located it a short time later. Officers again attempted to stop the stolen vehicle, but the driver fled, and a new pursuit began. The stolen vehicle eventually stopped at the intersection of 14^th St NE and B St NE, and all three occupants fled on foot. 

Corporal Joshua Buker ran after the suspects and yelled for them to “stop” and “get on the ground” however, the suspects continued running. During this chase, one of the suspects shot at Corporal Buker, who then returned fire. No one was injured during the shooting. A firearm was located on the scene and Nesbitt and Shelton-Olson were taken into custody. A search was conducted that evening to locate the third person, but they were not located. The investigation is ongoing in to identifying and locating the third person. 

The same grand jury that found Corporal Buker’s actions to be justified, also indicted the two suspects who were arrested at the scene. 

Daren Shelton-Olsen has been charged with Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle. He will be arraigned on the Indictment on November 28, 2022, at 8:30am at the Marion County Circuit Court Annex. 

Vincent Nesbitt has been charged with the attempted murder and attempted assault of Corporal Buker. His charges are as follows:

1. Attempted Murder in the First Degree with a Firearm
2.  Attempted Assault in the First Degree with a Firearm
3. Unlawful Use of a Weapon with a Firearm 
4. Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle

He will be arraigned on the Indictment on November 28, 2022, at 8:30am at the Marion County Circuit Court Annex. 

As this is an open criminal prosecution, no further information will be released. 

[1] Though only two suspects were visible at this time, when they were finally stopped, three suspects fled from the vehicle.

BEND, OR — In the depth of winter, a deep layer of snow quiets the High Desert’s forests. But under the surface, a secret world comes to life. A new High Desert Museum exhibit dives into the snow, where voles, shrews, insects and porcupines build a matrix of tunnels to survive the winter and hide from the predators that lurk just above the surface. 

Under the Snow opens at the Museum on Saturday, December 17, 2022. The original exhibit explores the “subnivium” environment, what scientists call this seasonal habitat. In the subnivium, the temperature stays a toasty 32-degrees Fahrenheit, which protects plants and animals from the winter’s frigid temperatures. 

“As snow blankets the Cascade Mountain Range, we all anticipate the season of snow play,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “Under the Snow reveals an entire world that thrives in the High Desert right under our feet.”

Using interactive graphics, visitors will meet the species that depend on the subnivium environment, including a resilient mammal named Pika, an observant owl called Great Gray and a fruiting fungus known as Fuzzy Foot. These individuals will talk about life in the snow, including their favorite spots to cache food, the best moments to hunt and their favorite types of snowfall.

Warming air temperatures across the High Desert are causing drastic changes to the subnivium world. Under the Snow also explores how reduced snowfall and rain-on-snow events are threatening the habitat on which thousands of plants and animals depend.

“The exhibit’s interactive elements are going to offer an engaging experience that transports people into this hidden winter world,” said Donald M. Kerr Curator of Natural History Hayley Brazier. “Under the Snow will encourage people to consider the snow as a source of habitat when they’re out on the slopes or just driving over the mountain pass.” 

Under the Snow (highdesertmuseum.org/under-the-snow) is offered in both Spanish and English and will be on display through May 7, 2023. The exhibit is made possible by Avion Water Company and KTVZ/KFXO with support from 1859 Oregon’s Magazine, 104.1 FM and the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM:

THE HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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This holiday season, donate financially or give blood to help those facing future crises

PORTLAND, ORE (November 21, 2022) — 2022 has been a year of crisis for families in Oregon, SW Washington and around the world — from extreme climate disasters to the conflict in Ukraine to the first-ever national American Red Cross blood crisis.

“Whether a crisis is felt by an entire community or a single person, it turns lives upside down — especially for the most vulnerable,” Priscilla Fuentes, CEO, Red Cross Cascades Region, said. “This holiday season, join us to provide help and hope for people in need during future emergencies by making a financial donation or by giving blood or platelets.”

On Giving Tuesday and during the holidays, visit redcross.org to make a financial donation or an appointment to give blood or platelets for patients in the U.S. Individuals can also register for volunteer opportunities in their area.

RESPONDING TO DISASTERS OF ALL SIZES This year’s extreme disasters in the U.S. are clear examples of the increasing frequency and intensity of the climate crisis. So far in 2022, 15 billion-dollar disasters have upended lives across the country — more than twice the number of billion-dollar disasters that struck annually two decades ago.

For these and tens of thousands of other disasters in the Cascades Region and across the country, Red Cross volunteers have worked 24/7 to provide shelter, food and care — including sending nearly 100 volunteers and staff to Florida after Hurricane Ian.

In Oregon and Southwest Washington, Red Cross volunteers have also provided relief and comfort after home fires and other local disasters to help ensure no one faces a crisis of any size alone. Our local volunteers have responded to 10% more home fires year over year.

HELPING FAMILIES DISPLACED BY THE CONFLICT IN UKRAINE Internationally, the conflict in Ukraine has forced millions of people to flee for their lives. With such vast needs and no end in sight, the global Red Cross network’s response on the ground spans more than a dozen neighboring countries to deliver food, shelter, medical care, emotional support and other critical aid for displaced families.

The American Red Cross has contributed more than $63 million — plus dozens of international crisis responders — to the global Red Cross network response. Overall, this year, as part of the world’s largest humanitarian network, the American Red Cross provided humanitarian aid in more than 108 countries. Here in the Cascades Region, Red Cross international efforts included Youth Action Clubs and activities focusing on International Humanitarian Law with over 450 participants, International Humanitarian Law classes, panels, and discussions with over 100 participants, and working to restore contact for over 5 families separated by war, or natural disaster.

PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR PERSONAL EMERGENCIES In the Cascades Region, Red Cross workers have helped people through personal emergencies too, in fact, our volunteers have responded to 10% more home fires year over year.

OVERCOMING THE FIRST-EVER RED CROSS BLOOD CRISIS In January 2022, the Red Cross experienced its worst national blood shortage in over a decade due to ongoing collection challenges and varied hospital demand during the pandemic. Patients in need of lifesaving blood transfusions relied on an outpouring of support from hundreds of thousands of generous blood donors to overcome the crisis.

Beyond national headlines, the need for blood is constant. One in 7 patients entering a hospital will need a blood transfusion. As seasonal illness and the threat of winter weather ramp up this holiday season, make a donation appointment and be a lifeline for car accident victims, parents with complicated childbirths, individuals battling cancer and people with sickle cell disease. 

More than 21,200 blood donation appointments are available in the Cascades Region through the end of 2022.  Book a time to give at RedCrossBlood.org. As a thank-you, all those that come to give Nov. 23-27 will get an exclusive Red Cross beanie, while supplies last. Thanks to our partners at Amazon, all donors who come to give blood Nov. 28-Dec. 15 will receive a $10 Gift card by email. 

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Nov. 21-Dec. 15 

November 23

Zion Lutheran Church, 301 S River St., Newberg, OR, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

St Nicholas Orthodox Church, 2210 SW Dolph Court, Portland, OR, 12:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Newberg Zion Lutheran Church, 301 South River Street, Newberg, OR, 9:00 a.m.  – 2:00 p.m.

November 25

East Side Athletic Club, 9100 SE Sunnyside Road Clackamas, OR, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Hillsdale Library, 1525 SW Sunset Blvd, Portland, OR, 12:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.

November 26

St Helens Recreation Center, 1810 Old Portland Rd, St Helens, OR, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

November 28

Happy Valley Community, 10601 SE 129th Avenue, Happy Valley, OR, 12:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Canby Ohana Christian Church,  2180 NE Territorial Rd, Canby, OR, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

November 30

Lincoln Memorial Park, 11801 SE Mt Scott Blvd, Happy Valley, OR, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Charbonneau County Club, 32000 SW Charbonneau Dr, Wilsonville, OR, 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

United Methodist Church Tigard, 9845 SW Walnut Pl, Tigard, OR, 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

December 7

Linfield University, Riley Campus Center, 2 Campus Dr., McMinnville, OR, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

City of Newberg Public Safety Building, 401 E 3rd St Newberg, OR, 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Visit RedCrossBlood.org and put in your zip code to find a donation site near you. 

Click here for b-roll of people giving blood.

Oregon and Washington still require face masks be worn at all blood drives and donation sites.

Visithttps://rdcrss.org/3gYR6UA for more information about how Red Cross Cascades Region helped people in Oregon and Southwest Washington in 2022.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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Terms apply. Visit rcblood.org/together.

Portland, OR — When the Jantzen Beach Amusement Park opened on Hayden Island on May 26, 1928, it was termed the “Coney Island of the West,” At 123 acres, “Portland’s Million-Dollar Playground” was the largest amusement park in the United States at the time. The opening weekend of the park drew 40,000 people who enjoyed a variety of rides and attractions, including a roller coaster and four swimming pools. 

However, perhaps the most iconic feature of the park was the Jantzen Beach Carousel. Added to the park in July of that year, this impressive four-abreast carousel built by C. W. Parker was originally designed for the J. A. Ellis Amusement Company for installation on the pier in Venice, California. Measuring more than 66 feet in diameter and standing nearly three stories high, the carousel featured 72 beautifully hand-carved horses. Today, it is the last Parker Superior Park Model carousel known to exist.

When the amusement park was demolished in 1970 to make way for a shopping center, the carousel became the centerpiece of the mall, drawing delighted children and adults for the next 40 years. However, as the character of the shopping center changed to make room for more “big box” stores, the pavilion that sheltered the carousel was torn down and its fate seemed uncertain. While it might have been sold off piecemeal, fortune shined on the carousel’s future when the owners of the Jantzen Beach Center donated the carousel to Restore Oregon, a statewide, nonprofit historic preservation organization, where it has been carefully stored since 2017. 

OHS, in partnership with Restore Oregon, is now very proud to present a vibrant multimedia exhibition curated by Barnett & Solomon. The Odyssey of the Historic Jantzen Beach Carousel, on view now through April 30, 2023, shares the fascinating history of the park and features four of the carousel’s beautiful horses — two of them fully restored and on display for the first time in over a decade. Visitors will also enjoy historical photographs, objects, videos, and a gallery of stunning hand-printed silver gelatin photographs by architect and heritage documentarian, Harley Cowan.

“Restore Oregon is delighted to have participated in the creation of this exhibition over the past two years, and to have loaned many of the historic photographs and objects that help tell the 100-year story of the Jantzen Beach Carousel,” said Stephanie Brown, Jantzen Beach Carousel Project Manager at Restore Oregon. “We are equally thrilled to share a behind-the-scenes look at the historic preservation process, and to celebrate the work of our talented team of artisans. Our hope is that all who visit this exhibition, whether they already love the Jantzen Beach Carousel or are discovering it for the first time, will enjoy this chance to learn about its history, craftsmanship, and the special place it holds in the hearts of generations of Pacific Northwesterners.”

The Oregon Historical Society’s museum is open seven days a week, Monday–Saturday 10am–5pm and Sunday 12pm–5pm. Admission is $10, with discounts for students, seniors, teachers, and youth. Admission is free every day for OHS members and Multnomah County residents.

About the Oregon Historical Society

For more than a century, the Oregon Historical Society has served as the state’s collective memory, preserving a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platforms & website (ohs.org), educational programming, and historical journal make Oregon’s history open and accessible to all. We exist because history is powerful, and because a history as deep and rich as Oregon’s cannot be contained within a single story or point of view. 

Download press images of participating attractions here. 

Portland, OR — Fourteen regional attractions have partnered to offer reciprocal admission to their members in 2023. This coming year, the program is excited to expand to now include Five Oaks Museum in Hillsboro and Hallie Ford Museum of Art in Salem. This reciprocal admission program, which had been running for six years, was created as a way to show appreciation for each attraction’s loyal members as well as highlight the important role that cultural organizations play in their communities.

From January through December 2023, membership to one of the participating organizations is your key to free admission for a member and three guests of any age to a different attraction each month.

Memberships provide critical funding that allows each participating organization to further its mission. Join one (or more!) of the participating organizations to show your support for these immersive educational institutions. Or, purchase a gift membership as the perfect holiday gift!

Mark your calendar for the 2023 reciprocal admission schedule and some of the highlights visitors can expect from participating attractions. Offer applies to all membership levels. Valid proof of membership and photo ID required. 

2023 Reciprocal Admission Program:

January: Oregon Zoo (oregonzoo.org)

February: Columbia River Maritime Museum (crmm.org)

What's On View? Shipwrecks!, the Museum’s newest exhibit exploring the causes and consequences of these events, is now open! The Lightship Columbia is open daily — step aboard and see what life was like on a floating lighthouse. Sea Lions — Life By a Whisker, narrated by award-winning actor Sam Neill, debuts in the 3D theater on March 1, 2023 — the ONLY place to see this epic quest of sea lion pup Otto in Oregon or Washington.

March TWO ATTRACTIONS TO VISIT!

Deepwood Museum & Gardens (deepwoodmuseum.org) 

Hallie Ford Museum of Art (willamette.edu/arts/hfma) 

What’s On View? As one of the finest academic art museums in the Northwest, the museum features works by Pacific Northwest and Native American artists and includes a diverse collection of traditional European, American, and Asian art, as well as artifacts that date from antiquity. Changing exhibitions for the month of March include Rita Robillard: Time and Place (through March 25) and Hidden Histories: Ancient Art from the Permanent Collections (through April 22).

April: World Forestry Center (worldforestry.org)

What's On View? Two new exhibits explore pressing issues facing our forests and our communities. Rethinking Fire explores wildfire through the intersection of science and art. Artworks by Arizona-based Bryan David Griffith investigates the complex issue of wildfire using evocative forms and natural materials. The Future of Forests is a free community-engagement exhibit that asks visitors to think about their own connection to forests and solicits feedback on World Forestry Center’s vision for the future.

May: Architectural Heritage Center (visitahc.org)

What's On View? Visit Old Friends, New Acquaintances: Artifacts from the AHC Collections, an exhibit that presents never-before-seen parts of the AHC collection. View some longtime artifacts from the collections and some new acquisitions, including terra cotta lettering from the old Portland Union Stockyards, a grotesque creature that once adorned a downtown building, a railroad freight depot blueprint, and more. Also on view is an exhibit on the history and architecture of the Central Eastside neighborhood. Watch the AHC website for other rotating exhibits.

June: Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education (ojmche.org)

July: Oregon Historical Society (ohs.org)

What's On View? The Oregon Historical Society turns 125 in 2023, and to commemorate this milestone, has created an original exhibition, Our Unfinished Past: The Oregon Historical Society at 125. This immersive exhibition explores the people, events, and stories that have shaped the institution, reflecting on OHS’s complex history and its mission to be the collective memory of Oregon. OHS is also excited to host So Ready for Laughter: The Legacy of Bob Hope, on loan from the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. Whether you have always been here or are new to the state, everyone will learn something about the complex history of Oregon in OHS’s powerful, interactive cornerstone exhibition, Experience Oregon.

August: Five Oaks Museum (fiveoaksmuseum.org)

Five Oaks Museum is presenting Replenish the Root: Six Centuries of Gathering under the Oaks, an exhibition co-curated by Mariah Berlanga-Shevchuk and Victoria Sundell, that tells the multilayered story of the Five Oaks Historic Site, a grove of five Oregon white oaks in the Tualatin Valley who have borne witness to centuries of community and environmental changes. Through objects, photographs, and art, the exhibition invites visitors to learn about the people who have gathered in this place for over 600 years and their communal relationship with Oregon white oak savannas. When we understand our intersecting histories, we have the opportunity to connect with each other as well as the land we share.

September: Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals (ricenorthwestmuseum.org) 

What's On View? Housing a world-class collection of rocks and minerals, the Rice Museum is recognized as the finest in the Pacific Northwest and one of the best in the nation. Its educational programs include organized school field trips as well as ongoing educational outreach throughout the community at large. The Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its unique architectural style and its use of natural stone and extraordinary native Oregon woodwork throughout the building.

October: Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum (evergreenmuseum.org)

What's On View? Soar through decades of aerospace innovation at Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum. Discover more than 150 aircraft, spacecraft, and exhibits that tell the story of flight and space exploration with unique historic artifacts, including American aviation icon the Hughes Flying Boat Spruce Goose, SR-71 Blackbird, and the Titan II Space Launch Vehicle with its original launch room. Come soar with the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum and experience the innovation taking place on the Evergreen Campus. 

November: Oregon Coast Aquarium (aquarium.org)

What's On View? The Oregon Coast Aquarium is a journey from seafloor to shore, where visitors can witness the underwater ballets of seals, sea lions, and sea otters; shake hands with moon jellies; and encounter near-360 degree views of wolf eels, sharks, and more. Find yourself surrounded by puffins in the seabird aviary — the largest of its kind in North America, or peruse Passages of the Deep: an underwater tunnel snaking through three ocean habitats. Complete with a new outdoor amphitheater and nature play area, the Aquarium is a fantastic way for families to get the most out of the coast. 

December TWO ATTRACTIONS TO VISIT!

Clark County Historical Museum (cchmuseum.org)

Lan Su Chinese Garden (lansugarden.org)

Download press images of participating attractions here. 

About the Portland Attractions Marketing Alliance

The Portland Attractions Marketing Alliance (PAMA) is a professional organization consisting of marketing representatives from major attractions in Portland and beyond the metro area. The group meets bi-monthly and explores partnership opportunities, ideas for cross-promotion, and collaboration with Travel Portland.

Additional media resources: A video statement from Tamie Cline, Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) President and a registered nurse at Good Shepherd Medical Center in Hermiston, OR, is available for download here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/0aoxb9fwi8otkuk17cra8/h?dl=0&rlkey=7j2skonsl0e8i3dupaqln87ar

(Portland, Ore) - Respiratory infections and other illnesses—including the flu, RSV, and COVID-19—are on the rise in Oregon. Governor Kate Brown declared a public health emergency because “the statewide pediatric hospitalization rate has more than tripled and is likely to exceed its previously recorded weekly hospitalization rate imminently,” according to the Governor’s office. Across the state, hospitals are implementing “crisis standards of care” and nurses and other frontline health care workers are experiencing an influx of patients rivaling that of the worst days of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

That's why nurses are asking everyone to do their part to keep themselves, their families, and their communities safe.  

Regularly washing hands, wearing a mask, keeping your hands away from your face, disinfecting frequently used surfaces, getting a flu shot and other vaccines, avoiding large gatherings, asking friends and family who are sick to stay away from gatherings, and staying home when you get sick, can all help slow the spread of these illnesses. Parents and family members of infants should avoid frequent visitors and crowds.  

If you or a family member are experiencing mild symptoms, ONA is urging Oregonians to contact their primary care provider or an advice line first, before going to the emergency room. For those with severe symptoms, the emergency room is always the right choice.  

Hospitals must also take steps to ensure that their nursing staff and other frontline health care workers are supported during this challenging time. 

ONA is calling on hospitals to immediately hire traveling nurses. Oregon’s hospitals can, and should, hire these travelers now because the nationwide demand for travelers will only increase in the coming days and weeks.  

Health systems across the state should try everything they can to keep patients out of hospital beds, including by delaying all elective surgeries. They should also give more incentives for nurses who agree to work extra shifts, relieve nurses of non-nursing duties by hiring more support staff, incentivize more staff for pediatric outpatient clinics and urgent care clinics, increase advice line staff, and do more patient education on when to visit the ER.  

Everyone at ONA believes that patients, frontline health care workers, and all Oregonians deserve a happy and healthy holiday season.  

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) is the state’s largest and most influential nursing organization. We are a professional association and labor union which represents more than 15,000 nurses and allied health workers throughout the state. ONA’s mission is to advocate for nursing, quality health care and healthy communities. For more information visit: www.OregonRN.org. 

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