Jake Thomas

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Bill seeking universal health care in Oregon gets first look

The legislation would create a state board charged with coming up with a plan for single-payer health care in Oregon.

Feb 14, 2023
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Dr. Mary Afsari-Howard, an OBGYN, speaks at a rally on Feb. 13, 2023, seeking to pressure Legacy Health to reverse its decision to close its Mount Hood Family Birth Center in Gresham. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Rally sounds alarm over closure of Legacy birth clinic in Gresham

Legacy Health says it doesn't make financial sense to keep Mount Hood Family Birth Center open, but critics say its closure could put expectant mothers in danger.

Feb 14, 2023
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GERD ALTMANN/PIXABAY

COVID, flu and RSV trends moving in right direction, state official says

Many hospitals remain near their capacity, but the Oregon Health Authority has signaled that if trends hold they’ll drop a pandemic-era requirement around masks. 

Feb 9, 2023

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Understaffing concerns have helped fuel nurse union rallies such as the one outside Providence Health's Oregon headquarters in Portland on January 20, 2023. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Stressed and overworked, nurses want strict hospital staffing requirements

A union representing Oregon nurses says staff-to-patient ratios will halt nurses from fleeing the profession, while hospitals worry about fewer beds for patients.

Feb 9, 2023
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Oregon hospitals back bill to compensate them for patients with nowhere to go

Patients are increasingly stuck in hospitals due to shortages at long-term care facilities. Hospitals want the state to staunch their red ink.

Feb 7, 2023
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YEONHEE LEE/PIXABAY

Legislation seeks stable funding for new 988 crisis hotline

The bill would establish a new cell phone tax to fund a hotline that advocates and lawmakers say is key to rebuilding Oregon’s mental health services. 

Feb 7, 2023
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OREGON HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN SALEM./PHOTOATELIER/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Bills seek $185 million for local public health and behavioral health workers

Despite previous funding approved by the Oregon Legislature, proponents say the spending is needed to shore up a workforce teetering on collapse. 

Feb 2, 2023
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Peer support specialists working for Malheur County offered Narcan, an overdose-reversing drug, to people stopping by a day shelter in Ontario on Oct. 13, 2022. | KYLE GREEN/THE LUND REPORT

Legislation to slow opioid overdoses draws broad support

Proponents showed up in force to support legislation that would clear legal hurdles preventing wider distribution of naloxone, an opioid overdose-reversing drug.

Jan 31, 2023
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Emily Savage and Michael Daher, who manage Myrtle Drugs in Myrtle Creek, told the House Behavioral Health and Health Care Committee during an online hearing on Jan. 24, 2023, that pharmacy benefit managers' business practices are destabilizing independent pharmacies. | SCREENGRABS VIA OLIS.OREGONLEGISLATURE.GOV/THE LUND REPORT

Drug supply companies squeezing pharmacies out of existence, Oregon lawmakers warn

Seven bills, featuring bipartisan support, aim to clamp down on pharmacy benefit managers.

Jan 26, 2023
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Understaffing concerns have helped fuel nurse union rallies such as the one outside Providence Health's Oregon headquarters in Portland on January 20, 2023. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Nurses union holds rally pressuring Providence on pay, staffing

Providence defends wages, commitment to fair labor contracts despite nurse shortages. 

Jan 20, 2023