The Lund Report

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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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From left, Cheryle A. Kennedy, Chairwoman for the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde; Kelly Rowe, Health and Wellness Director for the Tribe; and Multnomah County Commissioner Diane Rosenbaum cut the ribbon at the grand opening of Great Circle Recovery at 3580 SE 82nd Ave. in Portland on Feb. 6, 2023. | EMILY GREEN/THE LUND REPORT

New clinic in Portland poised to treat fentanyl addiction in youths and adults

Unlike most providers, Great Circle Recovery’s opioid treatment program will offer methadone to youths, which can better treat fentanyl withdrawal.

Feb 7, 2023
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SHUTTERSTOCK

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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SHUTTERSTOCK

Some hospitals allowed secrecy around ‘crisis’ care standards, others aren’t

Depending on which regulation they cite, hospitals can keep their “crisis” from regulators, patients and the public.

Feb 2, 2023
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CareOregon. | COURTESY OF CAREOREGON

State should delay CareOregon-SCAN merger, urges prominent health care leader

John Santa, a longtime Oregon Health Policy Board member, says the risks deserve more study.

Feb 1, 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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Opinion: To measure Oregon’s psilocybin program’s impact, data must be collected

Sen. Elizabeth Steiner explains how her bill would help ensure the therapy program has safe and equitable results.

Jan 31, 2023
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