Ben Botkin

SHUTTERSTOCK

Influential Foster Youth Forum Calls For Sweeping Changes To Address Racism, Mental Health Issues

Ideas from foster children themselves will play a "key role" in transforming the child welfare system, one official said.

Aug 31, 2020
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LEGACY EMANUEL MEDICAL CENTER

State Fines Legacy Nearly $26,000 For Environmental Violation

The fine, the third highest environmental penalty in Oregon in July, stems from an old underground tank that lacked a permit.

Aug 26, 2020
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The Oregon Health Authority in Salem. | OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY

Oregon Health Authority Prepares For Potential 20% Budget Cut

The agency is bracing for the next two-year budget, which will be determined by lawmakers next year.

Aug 25, 2020
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Gov. Kate Brown displaying a mask at a May 7, 2020 news conference. | SCREENGRAB VIA YOUTUBE/OREGONIAN/OREGONLIVE

Gov. Brown: COVID-19 Cases Have To Drop For Classes To Reopen

The state could face more restrictions if communities do not quell infection rates.

Aug 21, 2020

Vaping appears to be on the rise. | KRISTIAN FODEN-VENCIL/OPB

Governor's Group Recommends Ban On Vaping Products, Flavored E-Cigarettes

The Oregon Health Authority tracked 23 vaping-related lung injuries across the state by mid-March.

Aug 20, 2020

Trillium's offices in Eugene. | CHRISTIAN WIHTOL/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon Health Authority Approves Trillium’s Portland-Area Medicaid Application With Caveats

Trillium can start to enroll Oregon Health Plan members in those regions on Sept. 1 but will have to beef up its behavioral health care provider network and meet equity requirements.

Aug 18, 2020
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Shutterstock

Ballot Measure Stresses Treatment, Not Jail Time For Drug Possession

Measure 110 would eliminate criminal convictions for low-level drug possession while setting up a system focused on recovery programs.

Aug 17, 2020
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SHUTTERSTOCK

Hospital Systems Support Tobacco Tax Measure

The measure would add $2 to a pack of cigarettes in Oregon, which has the lowest cigarette taxes on the West Coast. It would also tax vaping products.

Aug 13, 2020
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Oregon State Capitol in Salem. | COURTESY OF OREGON LEGISLATURE

Lawmakers Revise Budget But Cuts Not As Deep As Feared

Lawmakers who worked to plug the budget hole took a nip-and-tuck approach rather than slash and burn. Still, advocates are worried about behavioral health care funding.

Aug 10, 2020
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