Wildfire Awareness Month: Wildfire season is near. Each year fires and smoke can threaten our homes, communities and health. Here are some preparedness tips you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones this wildfire season. For more info., visit healthoregon.org/wildfires

Narcan, otherwise known as naloxone, quickly reverses opioid overdoses, including ones from fentanyl. Knowing about or carrying Narcan does not increase drug use, only saves the lives of those who could overdose on drugs.

Learn more at ow.ly/VRnw50REK5n

Fake prescription pills have flooded the market. See, drug dealers are businesspeople, and they follow the money. As long as there is a demand for Xanax, Oxycodone and the like, they will find the easiest, most profitable way to supply them. Learn more: ow.ly/Zoyz50RCeRh

The U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) reminds us that while rivers may look inviting, please wear a life vest if you plan to venture onto or in the water. For more information on cold water hazards and safety, visit ow.ly/Hma950RCcZO

If you’re experiencing loneliness, you are not alone. There are resources that can help.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org.

Air quality awareness week: Roughly 1 out of 10 people in Oregon suffer from asthma. Wildfires and pollution contain small particles that can make asthma worse. Here are some tips to help manage asthma.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is tasteless, odorless, and extremely potent. To put it into perspective, a dose of fentanyl is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and up to 100 times stronger than morphine. Learn more at ow.ly/W4j450RzUyF

It’s School Nurse Day! At OHA, we celebrate Oregon’s school nurses and the important role they play in ensuring the health of students.

You can find out more about Oregon’s school nursing services in the reports and infographics on this OHA page: ow.ly/czh850RzKfO

On this National Fentanyl Awareness Day, help raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl. We’ll be sharing information over the next few weeks to raise awareness, courtesy of Lane County.

Learn more at ow.ly/1CsA50Ry1Ls

The recent outbreak of avian flu in dairy cows (no cases in Oregon at this time) prompted the FDA to conduct testing of the U.S. commercial milk supply, and so far they have found no live viruses.

Read more about the FDA’s research: ow.ly/6OB050Ry0Hc

May marks Lyme Disease Awareness Month dedicated to raising awareness about this serious tick-borne illness.

Lyme disease is an infection caused by bacteria that is transmitted by the bite of ticks.

For more information, visit ow.ly/bF3p50RwkRO

COVID-19 Update: New data released this week show the number of adults hospitalized with COVID-19 in Oregon at its lowest point since June 2020, dropping about 34% during April.

For more information, visit: ow.ly/631h50Rwkzz

OHA is recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month during May by promoting resources that support mental well-being for all Oregonians.

For more information, read our news release: ow.ly/T7KB50Rwk9J

Director of OHA, Dr. Sejal Hathi, visited Central Oregon this week and heard about the health issues that are of greatest concern to local residents and health care providers.

Check out what Dr. Hathi learned and observed.

Do you have questions about renewing Oregon Health Plan (OHP) or other Medicaid benefits? Free help is available at ow.ly/VUW150Rugbj. #KeepCovered

Oregon youth help shape pandemic recovery for schools and communities. The Statewide Youth Advisory Council (YAC) was formed in 2022. Twenty-six youth from 11 counties across Oregon are on the council. Watch this video to learn more about YAC: ow.ly/EiTS50RsVO1

Today, OHA Director Dr. Sejal Hathi continued her regional visits across Oregon, this time, she is in Central Oregon. She met with Pacific Source Central Oregon a Coordinated Care Organization, toured one of Mosaic Community Health's health clinic and met with Rimrock Trails.

Community capacity building funds grants are available from coordinated care organizations for community partners looking to deliver new benefits to Oregon Health Plan members. To learn more, visit: ow.ly/Lvq350RovwZ

This week is National Infant Immunization Week, which highlights the importance of babies under 2 to be up to date on recommended vaccinations.

Here is a recommended vaccination guide from the CDC: ow.ly/CTNE50RouNX

National Volunteer Week: Medical professionals volunteering with SERV-OR have completed a total of 5,580 hours of service between January 2023 to present. Thank you to our volunteers for keeping their communities safe and healthy! To learn more, visit serv-or.org.