Oregon Public Broadcasting

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SHUTTERSTOCK

Delta Variant Surge In Oregon: What You Need To Know

Some Oregon schools are now requiring masks this fall, and the CDC is recommending that people in most parts of the country wear face coverings indoors in public places.

Jul 29, 2021

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People who are interested in helping others get vaccinated are often referred to as “vaccine fairies” on the social site, Reddit. Amanda Blum of Portland says she has helped about 200 people get vaccination appointments after they contacted her for support via her Reddit post./Kristyna Wentz-Graff/OPB

Portland 'Vaccine Fairy' Helps People Overcome Obstacles

A Portland woman has helped people overcome their fears and surmount obstacles in a drive to increase the vaccination rate.

Jul 5, 2021

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GOV. KATE BROWN HOLDS OPENING UP CEREMONY AT PROVIDENCE PARK./KRISTYNA WENTZ GRAFF/OPB

Brown A 'Bag Of Emotions' As Restrictions Lifted

Brown faced questions about lagging vaccination rates among people of color, with about 45% of Black people, Latinos and Native Americans vaccinated compared with 60% for whites.

Jun 30, 2021

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Dozens of people sat and played in the Ira Keller Fountain Park in Portland on June 28, 2021. | KRISTYNA WENTZ-GRAFF/OPB

Oregon Heat Wave Linked To Hospitalizations And Drownings

Around 200 Oregonians have visited emergency departments or urgent care centers due to heat-related illness since the heat wave began Friday, according to data published by the Oregon Health Authority.

Jun 30, 2021

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SHUTTERSTOCK

Oregon Lawmakers Will Take 'Big Swing' At Mental Health Funding

A package working its way through the budget process will amount to the Legislature’s largest-ever investment in necessary housing and services, advocates say.

Jun 16, 2021

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State health officials are racing to win federal approval of Oregon Health Plan changes before Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, shown at the Oregon Convention Center vaccination site, leaves office. | KRISTYNA WENTZ-GRAFF/OPB

Gov. Brown Defends Plan To Lift Mask Mandate

Although masks do provide some protection to the wearer, they are much better at preventing someone from spreading disease than they are at preventing someone from contracting it.

Jun 14, 2021

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Vivian Pham is a Benson Polytechnic High School senior who is interested in becoming a nurse./Courtesy of Tram Nguyen

Oregon Not Equipped To Meet Demand From Aspiring Nurses

The Oregon Employment Department expects the state to have 28,600 job openings for nurses over the next 10 years while only graduating 16,000 registered nurses.

Jun 1, 2021

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ALEX MECL ON UNSPLASH

A Lot Rides On How Oregonians, Businesses Handle Life After Masking

Experts says that if unvaccinated people now stop wearing masks or wearing them as much as they did before that the virus will spread.

May 20, 2021

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Laura Hanson sits on the floor of the Oregon Senate in June 2019./Logan Gilles

Former Oregon Senate Aide Sues Legislature, Claims Discrimination

In a lawsuit filed Monday, Laura Hanson says she was discouraged from taking protected medical leave and punished when she did. Hanson’s case led to changes in how the Legislature handles some workplace complaints.

May 17, 2021

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SHUTTERSTOCK

Oregon’s New Mask Rule Generates More Questions Than Answers

The state lifted mask requirements for fully vaccinated Oregonians but now they have to navigate that, and some might feel uncomfortable removing their face covering.

May 17, 2021