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To contact me, please click here: Sen.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Friends and Neighbors,
Stay Up to Date on Fall Vaccines
 The West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) has released updated recommendations for the 2025–26 respiratory virus season. Here’s what Oregonians need to know:
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COVID-19 Vaccines
- The updated COVID-19 vaccines are available to anyone, 6 months of age and older, who wants them —just as they have been during recent respiratory seasons.
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Influenza Vaccine
- The WCHA endorses the ACIP’s current universal recommendation for the influenza vaccine. All people 6 months of age and older should receive an updated influenza vaccine. These recommendations are unchanged from last year.
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RSV Vaccine
- The WCHA endorses the ACIP’s current recommendations for RSV immunization products. Please see the FAQ for the WCHA specific recommendations.
For help finding a provider, call 211 Info, and for vaccine locations visit VaccineFinder.org. You can also read the WCHA FAQ for the Public for details.
Upcoming Events
Save the Date! Town Hall with Senator Lisa Reynolds and Reps Mari Watanabe and Nathan Sosa. Thursday, October 2nd. 5:30-7:00PM at PCC Rock Creek. Register to attend at this link here.
Listen. Learn. Act.
Resources for Families Facing ICE Arrests
Oregon families deserve to know their rights and where to turn for help. Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield has expanded the resources available to support immigrants and others impacted by ICE actions.
The updated toolkit includes guidance on what to do if a loved one is arrested by ICE, how to locate someone in detention, and where to find legal assistance. You can access these resources through the Oregon DOJ website and the National Immigration Law Center.
Out and About in Senate District 15
Honoring Former Congresswoman Elizabeth Furse
This past weekend, I gathered with community members at Helvetia Vineyards and Winery to honor the life and legacy of former Congresswoman Elizabeth Furse. The event featured delicious salmon, dancing, and drumming led by Wilbur Slockish, a Klickitat tribal leader, and his family.
A dedicated group is now planning and fundraising for Elizabeth’s Garden, a beautification project at the 1st Avenue USPS office. Thank you to Nancy Nichols for her leadership and to all the volunteers who are helping bring this vision to life.
Ribbon Cutting For The Technology Innovation Space at Portland Community College’s Willow Creek Opportunity Center.
Last Friday, we celebrated the opening of the Technology Innovation Space at PCC Willow Creek, featuring a Teaching Cleanroom, Semiconducting Lab, and AI Lab. Thanks to HB 4154, Oregon is preparing students, career changers, and underrepresented communities for high-demand jobs in semiconductors and advanced manufacturing. This investment strengthens families, communities, and our state’s global competitiveness. Learn more here.
In The News
PCC unveils state-of-the-art teaching cleanroom at Willow Creek, PCC News, James Hill, September 2025.
“Oregon’s future depends on the strength of our economic resilience and workforce,” said State Sen. Janeen Sollman. “Portland Community College’s new Technology Innovation Spaces are exactly the kind of investment that keeps Oregon competitive, prepares students for high-demand careers, and strengthens our economy for years to come.”
Portland Community College expands learning, training with Hillsboro ‘Technology Innovation Spaces’, Hillsboro News Times, Nick LaMora, September 16, 2025.
With technology reshaping industries at a rapid pace, Portland Community College is opening doors to the next generation of learning — and the workforce of the future.
PCC opens cutting-edge cleanroom to boost semiconductor workforce skills, Katu News, Deb Knapp, September 16, 2025.
A new high-tech transformation in education happening at Portland Community College (PCC) could shape the future of Oregon's workforce.
Intern Corner
The Immigrant Community
Last Saturday, I performed with my mariachi group, Mariachi Tradición, at the Portland Center Stage for an event called The Immigrant Story Live. 4 different immigrants went on stage and shared stories of how immigrating or having immigrant parents impacted their lives. And I’ll be honest, during the multiple hours of rehearsing in those upcoming weeks, it was a little hard to care. With the current political climate of the different sides being hostile to each other, people being killed for their political opinions, and the kidnapping of thousands of supposedly illegal immigrants, it was hard to find hope. I knew that this was an important event, but I was ultimately wondering what difference would be made if the people who needed to hear these stories the most weren’t there to hear.
When we arrived at PCS, we were immediately welcomed and brought to our spaces. The workers took our silly pictures, and offered water and snacks. And the story tellers were very kind to one another. They applauded one another when no one would know that they hadn’t, and supported each other when it was too hard to speak. They even offered me a seat to sit and watch, because “you shouldn’t have to stand the whole thing”, when I was just lurking on the side. Private dressing rooms were offered to us, just so we wouldn’t have to wait for the bathroom. As we walked to the stage to perform, a chorus of “break a leg” followed, and praise followed the performance afterwards. Everyone there was so kind when they didn’t have to be. Easily, they could’ve ignored us, or they could’ve left as soon as they weren’t needed. It was that kindness that made everything feel hopeful again. That we as people were still capable of being kind to each other for no other reason than to support and uplift one another.
At this point in time, there’s still so much tension amongst the people. We’re all scared, we all have our own opinion that isn’t being thoughtfully considered, and it feels like a spiral of more bad news. But remembering that within our communities we still have each other, and knowing that there are still strangers who care, it made everything a little less scary, and I think that we should strive to support each other, especially now.
~Audrey P.
Community Outreach
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Shared from Hillsboro School District
 Each September, we come together as a community to raise awareness, spread hope, and take meaningful steps toward preventing suicide. Suicidal thoughts can impact anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background, yet too often the topic is surrounded by silence and stigma.
At HSD, we believe suicide is preventable, and together we can make a difference.
We are proud that every school counselor and administrator in our district has received in-depth training in suicide prevention best practices. Age-appropriate mental health and suicide awareness lessons are provided to students at all levels, and our counselors and Mental Health Care Coordination team are here to identify, support, and connect students who may be struggling. In addition, we promote regular community training opportunities so staff, families, and community members can join us in building a stronger safety net of support.
We encourage you to explore the resources shared this month to learn the warning signs of suicide: https://tinyurl.com/3fpe39vc and how to respond with care. By using the Ask, Care, Tell (ACT) model, we can all play a part in supporting someone who may be at risk:
- ASK direct, caring questions
- Show we CARE by listening with empathy and without judgment
- TELL a counselor, administrator, or another trusted adult who can help connect them to support
If you have questions about connecting a student with help, please reach out to your school counselor or building administrator. And remember, anyone in emotional distress can call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, to connect immediately with trained support. Together, we can foster a culture of openness, compassion, and hope.
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Mes para la Prevención y Concientización sobre el Suicidio
Cada mes de septiembre, nos reunimos como comunidad para crear conciencia, difundir esperanza y tomar medidas significativas para prevenir el suicidio. Los pensamientos suicidas pueden afectar a cualquier persona, sin importar su edad, género u origen; sin embargo, con demasiada frecuencia, el tema está rodeado de silencio y estigma.
En HSD, creemos que el suicidio se puede prevenir y juntos podemos marcar la diferencia.
Nos enorgullece que cada consejero escolar y administrador de nuestro distrito haya recibido una capacitación exhaustiva sobre las mejores prácticas para la prevención del suicidio. Se ofrecen lecciones apropiadas para cada grado sobre salud mental y concientización sobre el suicidio a estudiantes de todos los niveles; además, nuestros consejeros escolares y el equipo de Coordinación de Atención de Salud Mental están aquí para identificar, apoyar y conectar con recursos a los estudiantes que puedan estar enfrentando dificultades. También promovemos oportunidades frecuentes de capacitación comunitaria para que las familias, los miembros del personal y la comunidad puedan acompañarnos en el desarrollo de una red de apoyo más sólida.
Lo exhortamos a explorar los recursos compartidos este mes para aprender a reconocer las señales de advertencia del suicidio (https://tinyurl.com/4mr4mwwe) y aprender cómo responder adecuadamente. Al utilizar el modelo Actuar, Cuidar, Tomar acción (ACT), todos podemos desempeñar un papel importante en el apoyo a alguien que pueda estar en riesgo:
- ACTUAR y preguntar de manera directa y afectuosa
- CUIDAR, mostrando que nos importa al escuchar con empatía y sin juzgar
- TOMAR ACCIÓN y hablar con un consejero escolar, un administrador u otro adulto de confianza que pueda ayudar a conectar a la persona con el apoyo necesario
Si tiene preguntas sobre cómo conectar a un estudiante con los recursos de apoyo, por favor comuníquese con el consejero escolar o con el administrador del plantel. Y recuerde, cualquier persona que esté atravesando una crisis emocional puede llamar o enviar un mensaje de texto al 988, la Línea de Prevención del Suicidio y Crisis, para recibir apoyo inmediato de profesionales capacitados. Juntos, podemos fomentar una cultura de apertura, compasión y esperanza.
Additional Resources for Suicide Prevention
Oregon Crisis Resources (by County)
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
24 hours a day / 7 days a week
988
24/7 Suicide and Crisis Chat Line
En español: 988
TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889)
YouthLine
Offers teen to teen crisis help with both a phone line and a texting support line through Lines for Life.
Teens respond from 4:00 to 10:00 PM Monday through Friday
24 hours a day / 7 days a week
Call 1-877-968-8491
Text teen2teen to 839863
Veterans Crisis Line
Confidential help for veterans and their families.
Call 988 and Press 1
Text to 838255
24/7 Veterans Suicide and Crisis Chat Line
Trans Lifeline
A trans-led organization that offers direct service, material support, advocacy, and education.
Peer support hotline available 7 am to 1 am PST
1-877-565-8860
The Trevor Project
For lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people.
24 hours a day / 7 days a week
1-866-488-7386
Friends For Survival, Inc.
National support for survivors of suicide.
1-916-392-0664
Crisis Text Line
Text OREGON to 741741 - 24 hours a day / 7 days a week
Hillsboro to Host Job & Resource Career Expo to Connect Jobseekers & Employers
Shared from City of Hillsboro
Free event supports recently laid-off workers and veterans; open to all jobseekers
Post Date: 09/14/2025
Local employers, community partners, and industry groups are coming together to host a Job & Resource Career Expo on Wednesday, September 24, in a collaborative effort to keep Oregon’s talent in the region,
Job & Resource Career Expo
Wednesday, September 24, 2025 | 10 am – 3 pm
Wingspan Conference Center, 801 NE 34th Avenue, Hillsboro
Register Here!
Please note participant registration is highly encouraged, however it is not required.
This event is free and open to all jobseekers, including recently laid-off workers, veterans returning from active duty, and highly skilled professionals. There is no cost to attend or participate in any workshops, panels, or services. Parking is also free, and the Wingspan Event Center is conveniently located on the TriMet MAX Blue & Red Lines.
Find more info here.
Hillsboro's Harvest Festival
Shared from City of Hillsboro
Date:
September 20, 2025, 12 to 7 pm
Location:
Jerry Willey Plaza at Orenco Station
943 NE Orenco Station Loop
Hillsboro, Oregon 97124
This free event features vendors and artisans from event partner Hillsboro Tuesday Night Market, a beer garden by Golden Valley Brewery, a kids activity corner, and live music all day long! Masskrugstemmen” beer stein holding contest at 3:30 pm. Contest entry is $22 and may be purchased onsite — no advance sales.
61st Annual Forest Grove Corn Roast - Saturday, September 20th
Additional Resources
Senate District 15 – Event Calendars
Federal Delegation Links
Education Links
Food and Housing Assistance
Immigration Resources
Be good to yourself and each other. ❤
Onward & Upward,
 Senate District 15 lies on Kalapuya land. The Atfalati were the northernmost band of the Kalapuya that lived along the Tualatin River in present day Washington County. Many of the Atfalati descendants are members of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon today. The Indigenous Peoples of this land experienced a painful history of colonial violence, sickness and removal from their land. The Atfalati are the foundation of Oregon's past and we must honor them well into our future.
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1715
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, S-207, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Sen.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/sollman
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