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In this issue: |
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If you could watch a short video about a particular health topic, what would it be?
Maybe you want to know more about how vaccines work? Or maybe you want to learn the science behind wastewater surveillance and its benefits to public health? Or, what do Oregon’s ticks look like?
Our videography team is geared up and ready to create educational (and not boring!) videos about health issues that the people of Oregon want to better understand.
There are a multitude of topics OHA has expertise on, and we invite you to explore our entire website to see what subjects fall under our umbrella. You might be surprised by what you find!
Other examples might include wildfire smoke risks and safety, drug and alcohol use disorders (as well as treatment and recovery), disease prevention such as cancers or STDs, radon testing, disaster preparedness, or a behind-the-scenes look at how we monitor the water quality at Oregon’s beaches, lakes and rivers.
For the more bureaucratically minded, we can also explain some of Oregon’s laws surrounding health care policy, including Oregon Health Plan (OHP/Medicaid) and its benefits, Measure 110 or the state’s psilocybin services program.
Thank you in advance for any and all suggetions!
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We know that many of you are wondering about how actions taken the federal level are going to affect your health care, your livelihood, and your lives.
While we can’t predict exactly how each of you may be impacted, we want to remind all people in Oregon about OHA’s federal response webpage—a place where we share what we do know. We have a dedicated team actively monitoring policy changes, and when we learn new information we’ll post it there as quickly as possible.
You can reach our federal response page by clicking or scanning the QR code to the right. ▶▶
This newsletter also contains a permanent bright orange banner (near the bottom) linked to that page, and when you receive the newsletter each week, give it a click and see what’s new, if anything. You can also bookmark the link and check it at your convenience.
In the meantime, we hope everyone out there is having a safe, healthy and happy summer.
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Health notes |
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“People are so generous, and we are grateful for the support!” – Lenette McClellan, OSH Volunteer Services Coordinator
The Summer Sunshine Drive at Oregon State Hospital (OSH) is winding down, and your generosity so far has meant the world to patients and hospital staff!
If you haven’t had a chance to donate and would like to, the drive runs through the end of August, and the items most needed at this time are:
- backpacks and duffle bags
- art supplies
- stuffed animals
- blankets
- new or gently worn clothing
These supplies play a critical role for the recovery and well-being of OSH patients, offering them comfort, engagement, and supporting them during their stay and beyond.
Ways to donate:
- Visit OSH’s Summer Sunshine Drive Amazon Wish List page and order items to be sent directly to the hospital.
- Drop off new or gently used items in-person at either campus’ reception in Salem (2600 Center Street NE) or Junction City (29398 Recovery Way), Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Money donations via Amazon gift cards, checks or cash can be dropped off in-person at either campus or mailed to: OSH Volunteer Services; 2600 Center Street NE; Salem, OR 97301. Any funds not spent this summer will be used for the 2025 Caring Tree Project, ensuring every patient receives a gift during the holiday season.
If you need a receipt for the tax-deductible donation or would like to arrange pick-up of bulk or large items, email OSHVolunteer.Services@odhsoha.oregon.gov or call (503) 890-1369.
Thank you! ❤
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OHA answers your questions |
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Questions are answered by experts at OHA, other state agencies or community partners.
Q: I'm 81 and will be traveling in late September. Will updated COVID and flu vaccines be available this fall and, if so, when? I would like to be vaccinated before I leave. – Florence, Ashland
A: Florence, we expect you will be able to receive an updated flu vaccine in time for your trip in late September. Supplies are being delivered to providers and pharmacies as we speak, and we recommend calling ahead to confirm availability. Regarding COVID-19 vaccines, we still don't know what will be available, or when. We understand the current uncertainty surrounding this is frustrating, but rest assured we'll share any news on that front with the public as soon as we get word.
This relatively new vaccine search tool may be helpful—allowing people to search pharmacies near them for 18 different vaccines, including COVID-19, flu, RSV, shingles, HPV, etc. At this time, all available COVID-19 vaccines contain the 2024-2025 formula.
Note: Being 65 or older, you are eligible for a second dose of the 2024-2025 COVID vaccine. If you are moderately to severely immunocompromised, you are eligible to receive additional doses beyond that, at least two months apart, after discussing it with your provider. Learn more here.
Q: I am inquiring about microdosing psilocybin. I have Complex PTSD and have battled depression for decades, and I’m on Social Security disability as a result. – Charles, Oregon City
A: Charles, we are sorry to hear about your struggles with PTSD. If you would like seek psilocybin treatment in Oregon, check out the Access Psilocybin Services page on our website for more information. There you will find information about psilocybin services, including eligibility and costs, as well as steps for accessing treatment—the first being to contact a licensed psilocybin service center to ask about scheduling, how it works, prices, etc. There are currently 24 licensed psilocybin service centers throughout Oregon. Service centers offer different options to clients, including individual sessions and/or group sessions, lower dose (microdose) and/or higher dose sessions, and some even offer outdoor sessions. You can search this online directory of Oregon's licensed service centers to find one near you. By law we are not permitted to publish addresses, but we encourage you to call the phone numbers and/or click on the websites to see where they are located.
You can also check out this printable two-page fact sheet for an overview of Oregon Psilocybin Services (OPS). More information can be found on the OPS homepage.
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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