Ben Botkin

Governor Orders One-Week Pause In Advancing Reopening Plans

Gov. Kate Brown said her decision is a cautionary “yellow light” to keep the state from moving forward too quickly in reopening.

Jun 12, 2020

Former state Rep. Rachel Prusak, D-Tualatin/West Linn introduced the bill launching a "bridge health plan" to help people making up to 200% of poverty level. Shown, she talks during a virtual Oregon Health Forum panel in 2020. | BEN BOTKIN/THE LUND REPORT

Panel: Telehealth Use Has Expanded But Access Remains A Problem

Homeless and impoverished people often lack mobile devices, and patients in rural and frontier areas of Oregon have poor or no broadband access.

Jun 10, 2020
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Health care workers at Providence Health wearing 3D printed face shields manufactured and donated by local makers. | COURTESY OF MAKERFORCE/PORTLAND 3D PRINTING LAB

Chief Medical Officers Praise ‘Fearlessness,’ Preparation During Pandemic

Jun 9, 2020

Most Oregon Counties Could Enter Next Reopening Phase By Friday

Thirty-one Oregon counties are expected to move into the next phase of reopening, where they could stay for some time. Multnomah County hopes to enter Phase 1 a week from Friday.

Jun 3, 2020

Experts Differ On How To Fix Mental Health Care In Oregon

Oregon’s mental health system is in a crisis. But should the state focus on preventive care? Provide more therapy sessions? Add hospital beds?

May 29, 2020
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COURTESY OF OREGON'S U.S. SEN. RON WYDEN

Complaints Prompt Wyden To Seek A Federal Investigation Of Mental Health Care

“We have to fight to get any money from them, and it can take years sometimes. It’s just become a huge problem.”

May 28, 2020
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The Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 incident team works Tuesday on tracking cases. | JONATHAN HOUSE/PAMPLIN MEDIA

Recovery From COVID-19 Could Last A Decade

Oregon has learned some lessons from the pandemic but a full recovery will take years, according to public health officials and emergency planners testifying Wednesday..

May 27, 2020
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The Oregon Health Authority in Salem. | OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY

Oregon’s Behavioral Health System Faces Deep Challenges After Pandemic

May 26, 2020
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Hospitals Not ‘Out Of The Woods,” Supplies Of Protective Gear Down

“Some providers have to reuse masks for up to a week at a time, and we have even heard of physicians sterilizing their N95s in a crock pot,” Dr. Chris Strear, president-elect of the Oregon Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians told lawmakers. “These standards are not safe.”

May 22, 2020
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