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In this issue: |
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At Oregon Health Authority (OHA), we recognize that recovery is not just an individual journey – it is a community commitment. Recovery means hope. It means the opportunity to rebuild, reconnect, and reclaim one’s life with dignity and support. As we reflect during Recovery Month, we reaffirm our belief that recovery is possible for everyone, and that it thrives in environments where people are seen, heard, and supported.
As we look forward, OHA remains dedicated to building a behavioral health system that centers lived experience, people, relationships, and equity. Let’s continue to champion peer voices, deepen our connections, and grow a continuum of care that makes recovery not only possible, but sustainable for every Oregonian.
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People in recovery from substance use disorders (SUDs) or mental health conditions are supported by therapists, counselors, social workers, psychiatrists and other trained professionals.
They can also get “shared understanding and empowerment” from peer support specialists. Peer support specialists have similar lived experiences with the people they support. They serve as role models that validate and empower the people they serve.
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) offers certification for people interested in becoming a peer support specialist. Learn more on OHA’s Peer Support Specialist webpage.
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Dawn breaks over the mountain.
Faint light makes it its way across the sky
My sleepy eyes open to the morning sun
A new day is about to begin.
Bright sun shines through the window
Rays of warmth touch my skin.
I am awake, not only out of bed,
but awake to all the possibilities this day holds.
All the days before this have lost their importance.
They do not exist, they are behind me.
This day, today is the day I live for the only day that matters.
The past has no hold on me.
I have broken the chains that held me down for so long.
A new life, a new woman is emerging.
Opening like the first flowers of spring.
Vibrant with life, reaching to embrace the sun.
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Health notes |
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Oregon Health Authority is aware that in response to recent federal policy changes and lack of federal guidance, some pharmacies are limiting appointments for the new COVID-19 vaccines.
The new COVID-19 vaccine was approved on August 27, 2025, but national advisors are still finalizing guidance on who should get it and how. Until that guidance is published, pharmacies in Oregon need a clinician’s prescription to give the vaccine. This delay is causing confusion and disruption in access at local pharmacies.
Due to these circumstances, there are two ways to receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine:
- By provider prescription, fulfilled by a pharmacist.
- At your health care provider’s office.
Read Frequently Asked Questions: COVID Vaccine Access for more information.
In July, roofing renovations to Slow Pour Coffee and Bar in the Sellwood neighborhood of Portland may have exposed people to asbestos. Due to the length of exposure, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) officials don’t think it posed a significant health risk.
In August, the building owner offered the cafe’s furniture and other belongings for free to the community. These items may have been exposed to asbestos. If you took any of them, find resources to remove them quickly and safely in a Multnomah County news release. For health questions about asbestos, email OHA at ehap.info@odhsoha.oregon.gov or call 971-673-0440.
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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 am 70 and generally in good health, except that I’ve had chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) off and on for years. Three years ago I got COVID. It led to a prolonged case of CFS (or possibly long COVID). I'm still frequently tired. Doctor checkups haven't found any abnormalities in my labs. I'm wondering if it's a good idea to get another COVID shot as my immune system may already be over-stimulated. I'm finding it hard to make an informed decision accessing the risks.– Dan, Yachats
A: Dan, we’re sorry to hear about your struggles with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). A recent RECOVER study suggests that a COVID-19 infection may lead to development of CFS in people with no history of it. We can’t say for sure if your COVID-19 infection worsened your existing CFS, or if you’re experiencing long COVID-related fatigue. But we can point to research that suggests COVID-19 vaccination may actually improve the symptoms of long COVID:
Current studies suggest that covid-19 vaccines might have protective and therapeutic effects on long covid. More robust comparative observational studies and trials are needed, however, to clearly determine the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing and treating long covid. (Read full text here.)
We recommend consulting with your provider if you’re concerned about any vaccination. But rest assured there has been no reputable research or evidence suggesting that COVID-19 vaccination could lead to CFS or the worsening of existing CFS. Another case of COVID-19, however, especially a severe case and given your history, could pose significant risk to your health and wellbeing.
Q: Can Oregon Health Authority help communities set up a system, maybe like SHIBA (Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance) before the tax cut bill impacts Medicaid coverage to help people who qualify for Oregon Health Plan (OHP) complete the new proof-of-work or disability paperwork so no one who meets the criteria is denied health insurance just because of the paperwork burden? If OHP must send a letter telling them they are losing coverage, could it provide contact information for these groups? Hospitals would probably come out ahead if they hired someone to help people navigate enrollment in OHP and SSI in coordination with these groups. Maybe nonprofits have some online volunteer work that people with physical or transportation limitations could perform to make sure that they continue to qualify for OHP. Could OHP include information on such options also? – Mabel, Bend
A: Thank you for providing ideas! Nonprofits and health care providers can certify staff as community partner application assisters to assist members with Oregon Health Plan (OHP/Medicaid) enrollment paperwork, similar to SHIBA's work for Medicare members. OHA oversees a Community Partner Network with 1,700+ certified assisters at 300+ organizations across Oregon doing this work. Information about how to find a community partner is included in eligibility notices. If a member has received partner help before, the partner's contact information is included, too. You can find organizations near you here.
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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