Health & Medicine

As the number of vape deaths continues to rise—two of which were in Oregon—the future of vaping concerns many Oregonians. But were certain groups targeted to begin vaping the first place?

Lane County public health officials are seeing a dramatic rise in syphilis cases this year. They say the highly communicable disease is spreading because people just aren’t getting tested.

Last year, Oregon Governor Kate Brown declared substance abuse addiction a public health crisis. Since then, Portland, Medford, Jackson County, and Klamath County have followed suit. Today Lane County joined in, but not without debate. 

Opioid overdose is a deadly risk for anyone using or misusing the drug. With that in mind, Lincoln County Health and Human Services has partnered with the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, Springfield Treatment Center and Max’s Mission to provide free “overdose rescue kits” and education on how to use them.

Hundreds of nurses and their supporters took to the streets in Corvallis Friday to demonstrate against staffing and safety problems at Good Samaritan Medical Center. This week, the nurses’ union continues to negotiate labor terms with the hospital.

After hearing testimony from several recovering addicts, the Eugene City Council is looking into declaring a public health crisis over substance abuse addiction. 

Donors and community leaders toured a new 20-room patient family guest house Thursday on the PeaceHealth RiverBend campus in Springfield.

Pharmaceutical prices are too high, says U.S. Senator Ron Wyden.  As KLCC’s Brian Bull reports, the Oregon Democrat has been visiting drug stores around the state touting a bipartisan plan to tackle costs.

At the end of this month, PeaceHealth will close its free-standing Nurse Midwifery Birth Center in Springfield. Despite public outcry, hospital administration has shown no sign of changing the decision they announced on May 7th. As KLCC’s Tiffany Eckert reports, some expectant mothers are now having to make new birth plans and decide where and with whom they will deliver their babies.

At the end of this month, PeaceHealth will close its free-standing Nurse Midwifery Birth Center in Springfield. Despite public outcry, hospital administration has shown no sign of changing the decision they announced on May 7th.

A Lane County teen, who lost his friend to suicide, has started a non-profit to focus on the issue. We first met this young man earlier this year as part of our series on Suicide Loss.

A medical non-profit facility in Eugene has expanded its hours and added a doctor. As KLCC’s Brian Bull reports, this means the White Bird Clinic is now open to more Medicare patients.

PeaceHealth has remained steadfast in its plan to close the Nurse Midwifery Birth Center in Springfield, at the end of August. Thousands of Lane County residents have petitioned against the move. Now, members of the medical community have added their voices.

The White Bird Clinic provides free or low cost health care for people with low incomes in the Eugene area. They've also been taking care of people's mental and physical health at the Oregon Country Fair since the first fair in 1969.