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To contact me, please click here: Sen.DebPatterson@oregonlegislature.gov
On August 28, 1963, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., speaking on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, delivered a powerful message, which became known as his, “I Have a Dream” speech. One of his most memorable statements is this: “I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”
It’s sad that this statement, far too often, is still a distant dream, more than 50 years later. We have seen this play out on the national stage in a stark manner just this week alone.
I recently returned from the 2024 conference of the National Association of State Health Policy, this year held in Nashville, Tennessee. Our states have so many issues in common related to healthcare: a shortage of healthcare providers, controlling the costs of providing care, meeting behavioral health needs, particularly for children and older adults, to name just a few.
An additional common thread across the nation are the disparities found in access to care for people of color. Racial disparities in healthcare are real, such as the difference in outcomes for maternal and child health.
Rural Americans, however, regardless of race or ethnicity, also often face challenges in accessing care, from a shortage of providers to difficulty in accessing transportation to reach a doctor or hospital.
Vast numbers of women across the country have a difficult time finding obstetricians and gynecologists. Many live in states where they no longer have access to needed reproductive healthcare services, such as IVF, or abortions.
Older adults in Oregon and elsewhere face a real shortage of geriatricians who understand the unique healthcare needs of those in their senior years, and those needing long-term care often find themselves having to navigate a maze of expensive options. Many have trouble finding a doctor who will take Medicare.
What is truly clear is that we are all in this together. Whatever our race, gender, age, or healthcare condition, we all deserve quality healthcare we can afford, along with the other things needed for quality of life.
I’m committed to continuing to work to help improve that access for all. Thanks for joining me in this work.
Sincerely yours,
Deb
Oregon Hunger Task Force
This year, one of my key priorities has been working with the Oregon Hunger Task Force to reduce hunger in our communities. The work of the Task Force includes
- Researching and raising awareness about the extent of hunger in Oregon,
- Coordinating food and nutrition services across the state, and
- Making recommendations for government action to alleviate hunger.
The Task Force is developing a Roadmap to End Hunger and they are conducting a Community Survey to inform this work. If you would like to provide feedback about eliminating hunger in our communities, please click here.
The Oregon Hunger Task Force will also be presenting to the Legislature on September 23 about their work, the current status of hunger in Oregon, and recommendations for legislative action. Any member of the public is welcome to attend, and meeting information and a livestream link will be available on the Oregon Legislative Information System.
You can learn more about the Oregon Hunger Task Force by visiting oregonhungertaskforce.org.
Summer EBT Deadline Extended to September 30
The application deadline for the new Summer EBT program has been extended to midnight on September 30, 2024. The program offers $120 per child to help cover grocery costs when school food programs are not as easy to access. Eligible families should act now.
Thousands of families may be unaware that they qualify for this essential benefit. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) urge families to check their eligibility and apply before the extended deadline. Remember, once benefits are received, they must be used within 122 days.
Most eligible children received their benefits automatically on June 28, 2024, if their households:
- Participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Participate in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Are Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) members in households with incomes under 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level
Children in foster care also automatically received Summer EBT.
However, families who did not receive benefits automatically, particularly those with children enrolled in a school during the 2023-2024 school year who were eligible for the National School Lunch or Breakfast Programs, should still apply to determine their eligibility.
Families are encouraged to visit sebt.oregon.gov or contact the Summer EBT Call Center to verify their eligibility and apply.
Act now and don't let this opportunity pass by. Make sure your family receives the assistance it deserves by applying for Summer EBT before Sept. 30, 2024.
To learn more:
- Call 833-ORE-SEBT (833-673-7328). The call center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
- Visit sebt.oregon.gov.
Join Oregon's Health Care Workforce Committee
Oregon’s Health Care Workforce Committee (HCWF Committee) is recruiting candidates to fill multiple open positions including:
- At least three voting members
- Up to two non-voting student members
Individuals from all areas of the state are encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates are committed to eliminating inequities and will contribute to Oregon’s efforts to expand and diversify the health care workforce through their:
- Lived experiences in the health care system
- Cross-cultural experience and experience addressing health equity
- Familiarity in behavioral health, allied health, primary care, or oral health
OHA is accepting applications through close of business Friday, October 4, 2024. To apply, fill out the application by the deadline. To learn more about serving on the committee, you access the English announcement here and the Spanish announcement here.
Everyone has a right to know about and participate in Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Committees. If you need this information in an alternate format (such as Braille, large print, audio, video or other formats) or in another language, or would like to request interpretation service, please contact Jessica Malstrom at jessica.malstrom@oha.oregon.gov, (541) 975-3759.
HERC Disability Health Advisory Panel
The Health Evidence Review Commission staff will have a new advisory panel related to disability health beginning 2025. The purpose of this advisory panel is to improve HERC research practices when considering treatments and services related to disability health and chronic diseases.
To apply to serve on this advisory panel, complete the DHAP membership application.
HERC staff will prioritize recruitment of Oregon Health Plan members with disabilities and chronic illnesses. Please consider applying if you are:
- A person living with a disability or chronic illness
- A parent of a minor with disabilities
- A caregiver to a person with disabilities
- A health care provider caring for individuals with disabilities
- A representative of a patient advocacy organization
- A representative of a health plan that provides services for OHP members
Accommodations and assistance
If you need assistance, please call Jessica Malstrom at (541) 975-3759 or email HERC.Info@oha.oregon.gov.
For people who speak a language other than English or people with disabilities, we can provide free help. All relay calls are accepted.
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1710
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-411, Salem, OR, 97301
Email: Sen.DebPatterson@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/patterson
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