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Click image to watch Youth Advisory Council video.
When it comes to how Oregon schools, students and their extended communities recover from the widespread disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s only fitting that the group most impacted have a seat at the table – the students.
The Statewide Youth Advisory Council (YAC) formed in 2022, and one of the first things the council did was advise OHA on how to spend $1 million in COVID-19 Recovery Funds for schools. The members also advised Oregon Department of Education on Opioid Use and Overdose Prevention classroom instruction. When Beaverton International School hosted a conversation with federal officials on nutrition and food access, YAC members shared thoughts.
The above video, produced by YAC members, is called “How Adults Can Work Well with Youth.”
“A lot of the programs in place for youth and younger people are made and facilitated by adults only, without any youth experience or input. I believe that’s not the best way to serve youth.” – YAC member
Twenty-six youth from 11 counties across Oregon are on the council. The members come from communities most impacted by health inequities, including youth of color, youth from tribal communities, youth with disabilities, youth experiencing housing instability, youth from immigrant communities, and youth who are LGTBQ2SIA+.
The next recruitment for YAC begins in June. Keep an eye on this website for updated information and application instructions. If you have questions about YAC, email adolescent.program@odhsoha.oregon.gov.
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In celebration of National Volunteer Week, OHA’s Public Health Division recognizes the outstanding contributions that AmeriCorps VISTA members make throughout their year of service to a healthier and more equitable Oregon. In 2023, OHA AmeriCorps VISTA members served over 29,000 hours.
For the past 15 years, OHA has partnered with the AmeriCorps VISTA National Service Program to reduce poverty in Oregon. AmeriCorps VISTA members across the state serve their communities by providing organizations with indirect volunteer services rather than engaging in direct public service. Our members can be found working behind the scenes to develop curriculum, improve processes, and expand the reach of their service site’s connections and services.
To OHA’s AmeriCorps VISTA members:
Thank you for being part of the effort to elevate community voices to improve our health systems. As a volunteer in Oregon, you embody the shared values of service and responsibility.
Thank you for your dedication to a better, more equitable future.
To learn more, visit the OHA AmeriCorps VISTA Partnership Project webpage.
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Health notes |
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Nearly 82% of Oregon Health Plan (OHP/Medicaid) members are keeping health coverage since the state began reviewing eligibility last year. This puts Oregon in the top three states for people keeping Medicaid benefits after the COVID-19 public health emergency ended in April 2023.
More than 90% of the 1.5 million OHP members have completed the renewal process, with most of the remaining renewals starting this summer. Renewal letters will be sent to members between June and September. These letters explain whether members need to provide additional information or take action to keep coverage. Members will have 90 days to respond, and 60 days’ advance notice before any termination or reduction in benefits. The final responses would be due in December 2024, and the final ending of benefits will happen in February 2025.
If you’re 65 or older and losing OHP coverage and would like help understanding Medicare options, visit this webpage to learn more and connect with a counselor at the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program (SHIBA), or call SHIBA at 800-722-4134.
Between 2015 and 2022, the amount of money Oregonians with commercial or Medicare Advantage health insurance paid out-of-pocket for their health care increased 17%. This includes deductibles, copays and co-insurance costs.
An OHA report shows the increases were driving primarily by rising deductibles in the commercial market, and rising co-insurance for prescription drugs in Medicare Advantage plans. Commercial deductibles rose the most between 2015 and 2022—by nearly 32%.
“Too many Oregonians are struggling to afford their health care, even as more than 95% of people in the state now have health coverage,” said OHA Director Dr. Sejal Hathi. “Health insurance should open the door to care, but instead, we know that even moderate increases in cost sharing can thwart access for those who need it most. OHA will continue to work both to rein in health care costs and to protect and expand access to care.”
You can review the report’s findings in this interactive data dashboard.
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OHA answers your questions |
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Questions are answered by experts at OHA and other state agencies or community partners.
Q: I plan to get the additional COVID vaccine authorized for those of us 65 and over in July or August because I am leaving for Europe the first part of September, and I want to be more protected when I’m traveling. I’ve had all other allowable COVID vaccinations, so this will be my seventh. Might there be a new formulation by then, and if so, should I therefore wait until about two weeks before I depart in case I can get the latest version of the vaccine? – Elizabeth Salem
A: There might be a new updated vaccine by then, but all we know right now is the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) advisory committee will meet May 16 and is expected to make recommendations for the formulation of a 2024-2025 season COVID-19 vaccine. Although we can’t predict when it will be ready for the public, last year the updated COVID-19 vaccine became available in mid-September.
COVID-19 rates have been falling since January, and most people think they will pick up again in the fall and winter. But COVID-19 transmission is still active (though slow), and it’s not like the flu or RSV which trickle to a crawl during the warmer months. Because you have not yet received the 2nd dose of the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine released last fall that is recommended for people 65 and over, we suggest getting that now to protect yourself while waiting for the next updated vaccine. If you can get the next updated vaccine at least a week before you depart for Europe, that would be the best-case scenario. If the updated vaccine isn’t ready by then, at least you’ll have strong protection this summer that should carry you through the trip better than if you skip the 2nd dose.
Q: I was surprised to see your newsletter indicated Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid/OHP) could help with colorectal cancer screening. My wife is 63 and is enrolled in Yamhill Coordinated Care (YCCO) as her CCO (coordinated care organization). Her PCP and her gastroenterologist requested she do the Cologuard test. But YCCO said they would not pay for that. Is the newsletter wrong? – Jon, McMinnville
A: Oregon Health Plan covers colorectal cancer screenings in the form of colonoscopies, but it does not cover at-home screening products such as Cologuard. However, when you are enrolled in a CCO, as 90% of OHP members are, that CCO may choose (or not) to cover additional types of care, treatment and procedures at its own expense, which could include alternative colorectal cancer screening options. We recommend your wife ask her providers (and YCCO) about her screening options that are covered.
If you have questions about health topics in Oregon, submit your question here. Although we are unable to answer every question, we try to address those of interest to a broad audience. Please understand that we are unable to provide specific medical advice for personal medical conditions.
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If you need mental health support for any reason, help is out there.
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