Health & Medicine

The Oregon Health Authority announced Friday a third-party review is underway to consider expanding Medicaid coverage for certain chronic pain conditions.

A team of medical providers from Oregon and Washington recently returned from McAllen, Texas where they volunteered at a respite center administered by Catholic Charities. The center, which serves about 300 refugees per day, provides shelter and basic services, including medical care, to migrants who’ve been detained at the U.S. Mexico border.

Senate Bill 293 is making its way through the Oregon legislature. It's designed to get more Native Americans into medical careers in tribal communities across the state.

Flu season saw a spike in late December but in Oregon, health officials report we’ve just hit the peak.

More people used Oregon’s Death With Dignity Act to end their life in 2018 than in any other year since the law took effect in 1997. Now, state lawmakers are considering proposals that would expand the law to make it easier for someone to seek medical aid in dying.

There are now 23 confirmed cases of measles in southwest Washington-- prompting a health alert in Lane County. Investigators say most of those afflicted traveled in the Portland metro area. Now, officials warn the highly contagious disease could make its way down the I-5 Corridor.

In Eugene, there are some innovative programs and initiatives to provide emergency shelter. That includes the Rest Stop program which offers small temporary dwellings for people who are homeless. As KLCC’s Denise Silfee discovered, while that shelter can save lives it doesn’t guarantee access to another basic human need: running water for drinking, hygiene and sanitation.

A homeless encampment on Highway 99 in Eugene is expected to be dismantled starting Monday. About 90 campers have been notified they may relocate to another camp four blocks away. 

Lane County Human Services is seeking volunteers to help with the annual homeless count on January 31st. This year is expected to be the most comprehensive tally of homeless individuals to date.  

Over a four year timespan, Lane County saw a 250% increase in teenage use of E-cigarettes. Public Health officials say many young people and their parents are misinformed about the dangers of vaping and they want to change that.

Oregon health officials resolve to prevent the spread of a highly contagious disease—-Hepatitis A.  County health departments are stocking up on vaccines with strategies to reach the most vulnerable populations.

Late last week, Lane County agreed to fund a clinic at a camp for homeless people on Highway 99 in Eugene. The non-profit organization White Bird will provide an array of services.

Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among Oregon youth. Only accidents kill more young people.

Last year, the Oregon Health Authority reported nearly 17% of eighth-graders and 18% of 11th-graders surveyed had seriously considered suicide over the previous year.  

Lane County has one of the highest suicide rates in the nation. The reason? Public health officials point to a growing population of high risk groups including people struggling with mental illness and addictions.

Public comment ended Monday (12/10) on the Trump Administration’s proposal to change how the federal government oversees the use of public benefits by immigrants. The Oregon Health Authority says the application status of people using their services won’t be at risk.

Over the last 20 years, the suicide rate has increased by over 25%. The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports the majority of suicide-related deaths are still among men and boys. But after a deep look, statistics show the number of women and girls dying from suicide has risen dramatically.  

In the first story from our series Suicide Loss Survivors -- KLCC’s Tiffany Eckert shares the story of a Eugene man who learned to overcome feelings of guilt and abandonment after his wife took her own life--leaving him alone to parent their two young children.

A crisis response program in Eugene is getting national attention after a Wall Street Journal article came out last month. CAHOOTS has been operating for nearly 30 years. It became a 24 hour / daily service only 2 years ago. 

Just in time for Thanksgiving, the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention today (Tuesday) issued a nationwide advisory warning against consumption of any type of romaine lettuce. It may be contaminated with a dangerous strain of E.coli.  Lane County health officials urge all residents to refrain from the ruffage until more is known.

The Eugene-Springfield Fire Department has launched a smartphone app called PulsePoint. It allows average citizens to be emergency responders.