NOTICE OF MEETING OF THE MEDCOM BOARD OF DIRECTORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the MedCom Ambulance Authority Board of Directors will hold a regular meeting on Thursday, July 16, 2020, at 12:00 p.m.  The meeting will be held in the Bay Cities Ambulance’s administrative conference room at 1290 NE Cedar. Due to COVID-19 social distancing requirements, masks will be required to be worn at the meeting and everyone will be asked to maintain social distancing.

Agenda items include monthly financials, FireMed Update, and Provider reports.

Anyone desiring more information regarding the meeting should contact the MedCom Administrator at (541) 673-5503.

UPDATE #2 07/09/2020 6:45 PM

DIAMOND LAKE, Ore. - The body of Jared Bruce Boria was located in Diamond Lake on Thursday morning. 

At approximately 11:20 am, on Thursday, July 9, 2020, 9-1-1 dispatchers received a report that the body of a deceased male was located in the lake. Marine Deputies along with the Douglas County Medical Examiner responded to the scene and recovered the body of 37 year-old Jared Bruce Boria of Vancouver Washington. His family has been notified. 

Boria had previously been presumed drowned after he went missing on Tuesday, June 30, 2020. Boria had launched his kayak from his camping space at Diamond Lake Campground and paddled out onto the lake after 10:00 PM. At approximately 10:20 PM, dispatchers began receiving reports of a male yelling for help from the water. Boria was later reported as missing by his wife. 

"The Sheriff's Office extends its deepest condolences to the family of Jared", Sgt. Brad O'Dell said. "There were numerous man hours and resources spent searching for Jared so his family and friends could have some answers. Our hearts go out to them."

An extensive search was made of the lake and various areas by multiple entities including: 

• DCSO Marine Division
• DCSO Dive Team
• Douglas County Search and Rescue
• Coos County Search and Rescue
• Klamath County Search and Rescue
• Jackson County Search and Rescue
• Diamond Lake Resort
• Oregon State Police - Fish and Game Division
• United States Forest Service Law Enforcement
• REACH Air Medical Services

Resources included Marine Deputies and searchers with specialized underwater scanning capabilities, dive team efforts, Search and Rescue crews from multiple counties providing ground teams, K9 teams and air assets from both Jackson County SAR and REACH Air Medical Services.

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office would like to extend its thanks to all of the agencies and personnel involved. 

###

UPDATE #1 07/03/2020 6:00 PM

DIAMOND LAKE, Ore. - The search for Jared Bruce Boria, a missing kayaker presumed drowned, is still underway. 

The 37 year-old went missing Tuesday, June 30, 2020, after he launched his kayak from his camping space at Diamond Lake Campground and paddled out onto the lake. At approximately 10:20 PM, dispatchers began receiving reports of a male yelling for help from the water. Boria was later reported as missing by his wife. 

Search efforts are in the fourth day since the the initial report. Searchers have located his kayak, his paddle and shoes, but have not found Boria. 

"There are factors which make this a difficult search mission. The primary difficulty we are currently facing is that no one observed where Jared was on the lake when he was calling for help," said Sgt. Brad O'Dell. "Searches usually begin at the point where the individual was last seen. In this case, it was too dark and witnesses could only hear requests for help, therefore we are making assumptions as to where he may have became distressed". 

The Sheriff's Office is grateful for the assistance which has been provided to help locate Boria. Efforts to locate him have included marine deputies and searchers with specialized underwater scanning capabilities, dive team efforts, Search and Rescue crews from multiple counties and air assets. The following agencies have assisted in the search. 

• DCSO Marine Division
• DCSO Dive Team
• Douglas County Search and Rescue
• Coos County Search and Rescue
• Klamath County Search and Rescue
• Jackson County Search and Rescue
• Diamond Lake Resort
• Oregon State Police - Fish and Game Division
• United States Forest Service Law Enforcement
• REACH Air Medical Services

Search efforts are expected to continue over the holiday weekend. Anyone recreating in the area is asked to report any possible signs of Boria by dialing 9-1-1. 

###

ORIGINAL RELEASE 07/02/2020 - 7:00 AM

DIAMOND LAKE, Ore. - A Vancouver, Washington man is missing after taking his kayak onto the lake late Tuesday night. 

At approximately 10:20 PM, 9-1-1 dispatchers received reports of a man yelling for help from the water at Diamond Lake. No one was able to see the man, but reported he sounded as if he was in distress. 

Shortly after the initial report, dispatchers received a report of a missing person at Diamond Lake.

Deputies learned 37 year-old Jared Bruce Boria of Vancouver, Washington was camping at Diamond Lake Campground. Shortly before the 9-1-1 calls, Boria had put his kayak in the water and paddled into the lake. He was not wearing a life jacket at the time. 

Deputies spoke to several witnesses who reported hearing a male in distress yelling from the water, but were unable to see anyone. 

An initial search was conducted by Marine and Timber Deputies, Douglas County Fire District #2 and Diamond Lake First Responders, however they were unable to locate Boria or his kayak. 

On Wednesday, July 1, 2020, Marine Deputies, Sheriff's Office Divers, Search & Rescue Personnel from Douglas, Josephine and Coos Counties and Oregon State Police Fish and Game Troopers conducted an exhaustive search of the lake. Boria's kayak, paddle and his shoes were located during the search; however, Boria is still missing at this time.

Boria is described as a hispanic male approximately 6'0'' tall, 160lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes. 

Search efforts will resume Thursday, July 2nd. Anyone recreating in the area is asked to be aware of the missing person report and call 9-1-1 with any information which may help the search effort.

###

July 11th, 2020 Springfield Oregon.  Eugene Springfield Fire's Water Rescue crews rescued 18 people from the Willamette River on Saturday.  At 5PM C3 along with Boats 5 and 6 were dispatched to Clear Water park where 17 people experienced a mishap while floating the river.  In all 17 people were pulled off an island by the Boats and 4 were transported to local hospitals for minor traumatic injuries.  At 11PM C3 and Boat 5 responded to the Wheeler Rd area of the Willamette River for an injured and hypothermic subject stuck on an island.  Night operations in low and unfamiliar water prevented the Boat from launching, but crews devised a plan to safely use the team's inflatable craft to access and retrieve the injured subject who was later transported to a local hospital.  In both incidents Eugene Springfield Fire was assisted by Lane County Sheriffs and Pleasant Hill Goshen Fire.  We would like to remind people that rivers are dangerous places to recreate year round and proper safety equipment and plans are a must when enjoying our natural areas.

Welcome to the Oregon FBI’s Tech Tuesday segment. This week: building a digital defense against hiring scam frauds. 

Millions of people have lost their jobs in the last few months – and if you aren’t one of them, you probably know someone who is. Whether you are just starting out or nearing retirement, the prospect of looking for a new job – maybe even in a new whole field – is daunting. 

Unfortunately, there are plenty of scam artists out there ready to make what you already thought was a bad year worse. According to the FBI’s Internet Fraud Complaint Center (www.ic3.gov) the average victim loses about $3,000 in a hiring scam case, and that doesn’t even count the damage that their credit score will suffer. 

Cyber criminals are posing as legitimate employers by spoofing company websites and posting fake ads on popular online job boards. They conduct false interviews with unsuspecting applicants – often by video conference. Once they offer the victim a job that doesn’t really exist, they follow up with employment contracts to sign and require copies of the victim’s driver’s license, Social Security card, and direct deposit information. They may also ask for more bank account or credit card info, saying the victim will need to pay for an upfront background check, start-up equipment, or supplies. In many cases, victims are told they will be reimbursed in their first paycheck… a paycheck that never shows up. 

These cyber criminals ask for the same information as legitimate employers, making it difficult to identify a hiring scam until it is too late. There are some indicators, though, to watch for, including:

• Interviews that are not conducted in-person or through a secure video call. 

• Use of generic email accounts from a free provider – not one that goes back to the hiring company’s domain address. 

• The requirement to purchase start-up equipment from the company. 

• Requests by potential employers for your credit card information. 

• Job postings that appear on job boards, but not on the company’s website. 

Here are some ways to protect yourself as you start your job search: 

• Research the hiring company. If you find multiple websites for the same company (abccompany.com and abccompanyllc.com), be wary. That may indicate fraudulent job listings. 

• Legitimate companies will ask for personally identifiable information (PII) and bank account information for payroll purposes AFTER hiring employees. This information is safer to give in person. If in-person contact is not possible, a video call with the potential employer can confirm identity, especially if the company has a directory against which to compare employee photos. 

• Never send money to someone you meet online, especially by wire transfer. 

• Never provide credit card information to an employer. 

• Never provide bank account information or your Social Security number to employers without verifying their identity. 

If you feel as though you have come across a hiring scam in your job search, be sure to report it to the website on which the job posting was listed and to the company that the criminals were impersonating. 

Also, if you believe you are the victim of an online scam, report it to FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov or call your local FBI office. 

###

The Portland FBI Field Office has launched a new opportunity for high school students to engage with us during this time of physical distancing: the FBI Virtual Teen Series (FBI VTS). Students from various high schools within the state of Oregon joined in this virtual session to learn about how to avoid the risks of online sexual exploitation. Over the next three weeks, teens will have the chance to join us for more once-a-week online learning sessions designed to let them explore the world of law enforcement, build leadership skills, and become positive role models in our shared community. 

Space is limited. Registration is required. Email ajfabiankreamier@fbi.gov to register.

Oregon high school students who have a student email account are eligible to participate.

• Session Two: Chasing the Dragon - The Life of and Opiate Addict 
  • Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2020 
  • Time: 1 - 2 p.m. 
• Session Three: Life as an FBI Agent 
  • Date: Wednesday, July 22, 2020 
  • Time: 1 - 2 p.m. 
• Session Four: Intelligence - Identifying and Prioritizing Today's Threats 
  • Date: Wednesday, July 29, 2020 
  • Time: 1 - 2 p.m.

###

Update 7/8/2020 at 1:05 p.m.:

The deceased in the shooting that occurred off Smithoak Street in Eugene on Sunday 7/5/2020 has been identified as 62 year old Thomas Robert Michaud of Eugene.  

Posted 7/6/2020:

On 7/5/2020 at 7:03 p.m., the Lane County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a gunshot wound at a residence on Smithoak Street in North Eugene.  Deputies arrived and located a deceased male with a gunshot wound and two other males at the home.  Initial investigation indicates the three males lived together and were engaged in a physical dispute over living arrangements just prior to the shooting. 

Deputies investigated the death and have arrested 59 year old Martin Joyce of Eugene who was lodged at the Lane County Jail on Murder.  Deputies are notifying family of the deceased prior to releasing his name. 

This investigation is ongoing, but there is no indication of a continued threat to the community in connection with this case. 

Lebanon, Ore.

The Lebanon Fire District is seeking help from the community to keep the Life Jacket Kiosk program afloat.

“The weather is turning warmer, and more community members are borrowing life jackets,” says Division Chief Jason Bolen. “We’ve had over 80 waiver forms turned in this year, but unfortunately we are missing fourteen life jackets. Each kiosk only  contains fourteen life jackets, so that's clearly a large impact to the program.”

The Life Jacket Kiosk program was created last year by the Fire & Life Safety Division of the Lebanon Fire District and supported by a one-time grant from the Lebanon Chamber of Commerce. Materials and labor for the kiosks were donated by numerous local businesses.

“While the grant from the Chamber and support from our community helped get this program started, it now must be maintained through the District’s operating budget,” says Bolen. “We need each life jacket to be returned to keep the program running and keep our community members safe.”

Three life jacket kiosks are located throughout Lebanon. There are currently kiosks at each boat ramp at Waterloo park, and one at the boat ramp at Gill’s Landing. Life jackets are free for single-day use. The borrower simply fills out a waiver form, uses the life jacket, and then returns it to the kiosk when finished. The red life jackets range in size from infant to adult large and are stamped with the LFD logo.

“Our hope is that people will see the life jackets outside of the parks and encourage the borrowers to return them. Or they’ll remember ‘Hey, we borrowed life jackets last weekend and left them in the boat,’ and return them quickly.”

Life jackets can be returned to any of the three kiosks, or dropped off at Station 31 at 1050 W. Oak St.

“There’s no punishment for turning in your life jacket late,” says Bolen. “We just need them back so we can continue to keep our citizens and our children safe on the river.”

A mid-day RV fire snarled traffic and closed northbound Highway 20 at Park Street on Thursday in Lebanon. According to Lebanon Fire District Division Chief Jason Bolen, a husband and wife had pulled into the service area of Canaga Point S Tires, 1179 Park Street, for a scheduled oil change on their RV. As soon as the vehicle stopped inside of the bays, Point S employees noticed smoke billowing from the right front wheel well and engine compartment of the 30-foot 2004 Winnebago Sightseer.  

One employee attempted to extinguish the fire with a nearby fire extinguisher, but the blaze had already outgrown the extinguisher’s capability. Meanwhile other employees helped the passengers from the vehicle and used a Point S service truck and chain to pull the RV out of the service bays and onto Park Street, approximately 20 feet from the building.

The fire quickly spread to the interior of the RV and a large column of black smoke and flames began to threaten the Canaga Point S structure. Lebanon firefighters arrived and deployed an attack line to knock down the body of the fire and simultaneously protect the tire store façade. Additional personnel arrived and assisted with the extinguishment of the remaining fire in the RV.

Upon investigation a large volume of dry organic material was found inside the engine compartment of the vehicle, indicative of animals nesting in the compartment. According to the RV owner, he had not used the RV in several years and had only driven it to the tire shop for an oil change in preparation of an upcoming trip. Fire investigators determined that the organic debris within the engine block was ignited by the heat of the running engine and quickly spread from the engine block into the passenger compartment.

Division Chief Bolen praised the quick thinking and actions of the Canaga Point S Tire employees for preventing the vehicle fire from spreading to the tire shop. “Had that RV remained in the service bays there is no doubt in my mind that we would have been battling a commercial structure fire on arrival instead of a vehicle fire. The Point S employees really saved the day.”

The Lebanon Fire District was assisted by the Lebanon Police Department on scene. Thirteen fire personnel responded to the alarm and were on scene for forty-eight minutes. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

#####

For HD Video of this and other LFD incidents, please subscribe to the Lebanon Fire District YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjTxDBuPbD3DPAybCkCgEvg

For HD photos of this and other LFD incidents, please follow the Lebanon Fire District Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/LebanonFireDistrict/?ref=bookmarks

For updates on large scale incidents within the Lebanon Fire District, follow us on Twitter: @LebanonFD

            On Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at around 1:30 AM, the Lebanon Police Department received a report that rocks were thrown through the glass door of Midtown Vape Refinery, located at 749 S. Main Street here in Lebanon.

            Officers responded to the business and found the front door shattered.  The tenant was located and responded to the location.  Still photos of the subject from video surveillance were posted on Facebook, and the subject was identified.  During the investigation, it was learned that there was another suspect that assisted in the burglary.

            Lebanon Police officers and detectives located the two male juveniles that were involved in the burglary, and they were taken into custody without incident.  Two juveniles were transported to Linn-Benton Juvenile Detention.

            Most of the property that was taken in the burglary was recovered and later returned to the business.  The items were valued at about $1500.00.

            This investigation is ongoing and anyone with questions or information regarding this case is asked to call Detective Chad Christenson with the Lebanon Police Department at 541-451-1751, Ext. 4324.

On Saturday, July 11, 2020, at about 9:20 PM, Lincoln City Police responded to a reported motor vehicle crash on Hwy 101 in the north 2700 block. Upon officers’ arrival they initially found the crash involved a white 1992 Ford van and a small 2005 Chevrolet Aveo. As a result of the impact, the driver of the Chevrolet Aveo, identified as 21-year-old Julia Munson of Salem, Oregon, sustained significant injuries and was transported from the scene by Pacific West Ambulance to Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital. From there she was transported by Life Flight helicopter to a Portland area hospital, but sadly succumbed to her injuries and died.

The crash investigation revealed that the white Ford van had been traveling northbound on Hwy 101 and crossed over into the southbound lanes where it sideswiped another vehicle, a 2010 Honda Fit, which was traveling southbound. The driver of that vehicle tried to swerve away to avoid the collision with the van. The driver of the Honda was identified as Braden T. Drayton-Dunwoodie of Lincoln City, and he was not reported to be injured. After sideswiping the Honda, the van continued traveling northbound in the southbound lane where it collided head on with the southbound Chevrolet Aveo.  

The driver of the Ford van, identified as 27-year-old Alan M. S. Gates of Lincoln City sustained minor injuries and was also taken to Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital for medical treatment of those injuries. After being treated for his injuries, Gates was taken into custody and later transported to the Lincoln County Jail and lodged there on charges of Manslaughter II, DUII, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering, Driving While Suspended-Violation and Driving Uninsured.

The investigation into this crash continues and the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office is reviewing the case and additional or revised charges could be placed on Gates.

The Lincoln City Police would like to thank the Lincoln County Major Crash Team, which is a team made up of members of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Newport Police, Toledo Police, Oregon State Police and the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance with this incident. We would also like to thank North Lincoln Fire & Rescue and Pacific West Ambulance for their assistance with this incident. The members of the Lincoln City Police Department would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the Munson family for the loss of their loved one.      

Submitted by:               Sergeant Jeffrey Winn

On Sunday, July 12th, 2020, at about 3:40 PM, LCPD Officers received information regarding a welfare check request dispatched to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office on a subject at the Otis Store area. Officers learned that prior to the welfare check being done, the involved subject left the area driving a white Ford sedan bearing Oregon license plate 317 LDE. The vehicle was last reported to be west bound on Hwy 101 headed toward Lincoln City. Officers further learned that the license plate on the white Ford sedan indicted it was listed as a stolen vehicle out the Albany area.

At the time the information was broadcast, Sergeant Randy Weaver was investigating an unrelated incident in the McDonald’s restaurant parking lot. During that investigation, Sergeant Weaver looked up and saw a vehicle matching the description of the stolen vehicle entering the drive through lanes of the restaurant. Sergeant Weaver confirmed the license plate on the vehicle matched the listed stolen vehicle and he requested additional assistance before attempting contact.

Other LCPD officers arrived on scene, as well as a Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy and an Oregon State Police Trooper. As the stolen vehicle started pulling out of the drive through after picking up its order, officers conducted a high risk vehicle stop on it. Officers ordered the male driver, who was the lone occupant, out of the vehicle. The driver complied and was taken into custody. The driver was subsequently identified as 28-year-old Roman Ashford Carney of Portland, Oregon. During the officer’s contact with Mr. Carney he appeared to have some mental health and possibly drug use issues, so he was transported to Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital for further medical evaluation.

After being cleared from the hospital, Mr. Carney was transported to the Lincoln County Jail and lodged on the charges of Theft I by receiving and Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle.       

During the investigation, officers learned that Mr. Carney had been released from the Linn County Jail the day before after being arrested and lodged on similar charges there.   

The Lincoln City Police would like to thank the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon State Police for their assistance in bringing this incident to a close with no injuries to any of the involved officers, other citizens, or suspect.   

Submitted by:  Sergeant Jeffrey Winn

TIP OF THE WEEK

Date:            July 9, 2020                FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:     Sheriff Curtis Landers

                   541-265-0652

                   clanders@co.lincoln.or.us

                                                    DOCUMENTING YOUR VALUABLES

Lincoln County is no different than other areas of the state in that we can all become victims of theft and burglary.  Unfortunately, these crimes occur all over Lincoln County on a daily basis.  It’s important to make sure you take steps to prevent thefts or burglaries, but in the event they do occur, it’s important to have your valuables documented. 

Documenting your valuables will help law enforcement solve the crime and possibly return your items. It will also help you identify what is missing so you can provide a list to law enforcement and your insurance company.  This means all items of value, including firearms, jewelry, tools, electronics, furniture, etc. 

Digital cameras can document your items electronically very easily.  Store the information away someplace safe so you can recover it if ever needed.  This could be a USB thumb drive, SD card, “cloud” storage, etc.  If you are the victim of a crime and can give the police the serial numbers of your stolen property, the items can be entered into the law enforcement computer system. When this is accomplished, the odds of your property being returned to you greatly increases.  It may even turn up in another jurisdiction during an unrelated search warrant, in a pawnshop, or even during a traffic stop.

If an officer runs the serial number to an item, and it is stolen, he or she can seize the item and contact the investigating agency. In many instances when a crime has been committed and there are no investigative leads, the case has been solved because of one documented serial number.

We know that people shouldn’t have to go to this kind of trouble, but the plain fact of the matter is that we should.  So please do your part to make it more difficult for those who prey on others.  Take a few moments to mark and document your valuables.

For more information and tips, visit our web site at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and Like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.

Linn County Sheriff Jim Yon reports his Office is investigating a shooting in the area of Fuller Lane and Russell drive, Lebanon.  This morning at 04:20 a.m., the Sheriff’s Office received a 9-1-1 call reporting the shooting of a male.

Linn County Deputies and Lebanon Police Officers responded to the area where the victim was located.  The Lebanon Fire Department transported the victim with non-life threatening injuries to Corvallis Good Samaritan Hospital.  The assailant left the area prior to our arrival.  Detectives are continuing the investigation into the matter. 

If anyone has information on this incident, please contact Detective Lovik at 541-967-3950.

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Lebanon Police Department and Lebanon Fire Department. 

On July 7th, 2020, deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office were called to a fatal hit and run in the 4800 block of Brooklake Road NE.  Investigators have identified the victim as Scottie Parker, 38, from the Salem area.  Detectives are asking for anyone who may have information about the crash to call our non-emergency number at 503-588-5032.

Original Release from July 8th, 2020

On July 7th, 2020, at approximately 10:34 pm, deputies were called to the 4800 block of Brooklake Road NE to the report of an unconscious person lying in the road.  While waiting for emergency responders to arrive at the scene, the anonymous caller reported witnessing a white 2000’s Chevrolet Camaro leave the scene after running over the man.  Marion County Fire District #1 arrived on scene while deputies were still responding and determined the victim was deceased.

The victim, an adult male in his 30’s, is not being identified at this time pending notification of their next of kin.

Brooklake Road was closed to traffic until just after 4:00 am while investigators from the Marion County Multi-Agency CRASH Team processed the scene.  Investigators are asking anyone with information about the hit and run, including the original anonymous caller, to contact the Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number at 503-588-5032.

The Oregon State Police is requesting the public's assistance in identifying the person(s) responsible for shooting at several vehicles on Interstate 5 between Roseburg and Grants Pass. 

In the last several weeks OSP has investigated 5 vehicles that have been struck by bullets on Interstate 5 between milepost 67 and 100. 

No injuries have been reported.

If you are traveling in the area and believe your vehicle has been struck with a bullet please call 911, note the time, location and if possible continue out of the area.  

If you have information regarding the shootings or if you believe your vehicle has been struck please contact the Oregon State Police Southern Command Center at 1-800-442-2068 or OSP - Reference OSP Case #SP20-173444.

The deceased passenger is Mary Sprangel (71) of Medford she was wrongly identified as Jilleen Sprangel who passed in 2015.

OSP apologizes for the mistake. 

On Monday, July 13, 2020 at approximately 3:40 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on Interstate 5 near milepost 39.

Preliminary investigation revealed a 2002 Ford F250, operated by Harry Sprangel (79) of Medford, pulling a Arctic Fox travel trailer was northbound when it left the roadway and overturned. 

The vehicle caught fire with the two occupants still inside.  An OSP Trooper and witnesses extinguished the fire and extricated Harry Sprangel from the vehicle. He was transported to the hospital for injuries.

The passenger, Jilleen Sprangel (82) of Medford, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.   

OSP was assisted by Jackson County Fire District 3 and ODOT.

On Sunday, July 12, 2020 at approximately 8:39 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on Interstate 5 near milepost 144.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a 1998 Dodge pickup, operated by Ruth Youngblood (71) of Sutherlin, was southbound on I-5 when it left the roadway and struck a tree.

Youngblood sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

One male juvenile passenger sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.  A second male juvenile passenger was flown by air ambulance to Springfield with serious injuries.

OSP was assisted by North Douglas County Fire, Douglas County Sheriff's Office, and ODOT.

On Thursday, July 9, 2020 at approximately 1:52 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Hwy 101 and Long Prairie Rd.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a blue Hyundai SUV, operated by Miriam Wolfe (90) of Netarts, was crossing Hwy 101 traveling west from Long Prairie Rd onto Gienger Rd.  She pulled into the path of a Jeep Cherokee, operated by Alan Mulvaney (38) of Cannon Beach, that was southbound on Hwy 101 and it was unable to avoid the crossing Hyundai.    

Both drivers were injured and transported by ambulance to the Tillamook Hospital.  

Wolfe was pronounced deceased at the hospital. 

Mulvaney was then transported to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland.

OSP was assisted by the Tillamook Police Department, Tillamook Fire Department, Tillamook Ambulance and Tillamook County Sheriff's Office.  

.

On Friday, July 10, 2020 at approximately 7:35 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 224 Expressway near milepost 5.5.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a black 2006 Pontiac GTO, operated by Anthony Higgins (32) of Portland, was traveling westbound on Hwy 224 Expressway in the left lane when it hit the median, lost control, traveled down an embankment, and rolled.  

Higgins sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

A passenger, Kendra Stockberger (19) of Portland, was transported by ground ambulance to Emanuel Hospital for non life threatening injuries.

OSP was assisted by Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, Happy Valley Police Department, ODOT, and Clackamas Fire Department.  

On Friday, July 10, 2020 at approximately 6:33 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 97 near MP 151.

Preliminary investigation revealed a green 2001 Ford Explorer, operated by Ysabell Joseph (24) of Lapine, was south on Hwy 97 when it left the roadway and rolled.

The front passenger, Joseph Kushner (34) of Lapine, was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle.

Kushner sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Ysabell Joseph was wearing a seatbelt and she was transported via air ambulance to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend.

The Oregon State Police was assisted by Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, Bend Police Department, Sunriver Police Department, Sunriver Fire Department and ODOT. 

On July 8, 2020 investigators developed information that Hagenno might be associated with a vehicle.  Investigators located that vehicle at approximately 2:00 P.M., on Hwy 238 near Jaynes Dr.  OSP with assistance of the Grants Pass Department of Public Safety made contact with vehicle and Hagenno was inside and taken into custody and lodged at the Josephine County Jail on charges of Murder 2, Unlawful use of a Weapon, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

Bret Alan Hagenno was taken into custody today - July 8, 2020.  The details of the arrest will be posted when they are available.

On June 24, 2020 at approximately 3:45 P.M., a shooting occurred at Pinecrest Drive and Tiffany Way in Grants Pass OR. Detectives located Theodore Homer Robison (55) from Josephine County there shot several times and he was pronounced deceased..

Investigators have identified as a suspect and believe he could be armed and dangerous.

Hagenno is described as 6 foot tall, approximately 250 pounds and balding. He may or may not have a beard and is known to frequent Josephine and Jackson Counties.

Oregon State Police Major Crimes Section Detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating Hagenno who is wanted for Murder II in Josephine County. If anyone has seen Hagenno or knows his whereabouts, they are asked to contact the Oregon State Police Southern Command Center at 541-664-4600 and reference case SP-20-173329.

Hagenno is considered to be armed and dangerous. If located, do not contact and call the police (911).

Previous Release from June 15, 2020

On June 24, 2020, at approximately 4:00 P.M., Josephine County law enforcement responded to the area of Pinecrest Drive and Tiffany Way for a homicide investigation. 

The deceased has been identified as Theodore Homer Robison (55) from Josephine County.

Investigators are asking for the public's assistance.  If anyone in the area of Pinecrest Drive and Plumtree Lane has video surveillance cameras, they are asked to contact investigators.  

The Oregon State Police are the lead investigators and are being assisted by the Grants Pass Department of Public Safety, Josephine County Sheriff's Office and the Josephine County District Attorney's Office.  

If anyone has any information they are asked to contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch Center at 541-664-4600. Reference case number SP20-173329.

On Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at approximately 7:11 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 101 near milepost 19, in Gearhart. 

Preliminary investigation revealed a northbound Honda motorcycle, operated by Matthew Elinsky (53) of Manzanita, collided with the back of a Jeep Cherokee, operated by Sydney Villegas (21) of Seaside, that was stopped due to traffic ahead.

Elinsky sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Villegas was not injured. 

OSP was assisted by Gearhart Fire and Police Departments, ODOT, and Medix.  

On Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at approximately 4:53 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 20W at milepost 1.5.

Preliminary investigation revealed a 2007 Harley Davidson motorcycle, operated by Michael Smith (70) of Redmond, collided with the back of a 2018 Ford 250, operated by a juvenile male, that was stopped waiting to turn left onto Jordan Rd.

Sisters-Camp Sherman medics responded and transported Smith to an air ambulance in Sisters but was pronounced deceased prior to the flight.

The operator of the Ford was not injured.

OSP was assisted by Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Department, ODOT, and Central Oregon Police Chaplaincy.  

Approximately one week ago the Roseburg Police Department investigated a report of a missing teenager from the Roseburg area.  During the subsequent follow up, investigators learned the teenager was previously involved in online contact with a male who was suspected to be from southern California.  This online contact was initiated through social media sites.

The male was later identified as 26 year old Travis Smith of Los Angeles, California.  Information obtained during the investigation led investigators to believe Smith came to Roseburg to meet the teenager.  Over the next two days investigators from the Roseburg Police Department, FBI, and Las Angeles Police Department worked tirelessly to locate Smith.  The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) also provided assistance in this case.

On Saturday, July 11th, Smith was located in Los Angeles, in the company of the missing teenager.  The teenager was taken into protective custody, and Smith was arrested.  

On Monday, July 13th, Smith was charged in the United States District Court with the following:

• Kidnapping
• Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity
• Transportation with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity With a Minor and Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct With a Minor 

 The U.S. Attorney's Office in the Central District of California is prosecuting this case.

On July 9th, 2020 around 0200 hours, emergency personnel from the Roseburg Police and Roseburg Fire Departments responded to a single vehicle rollover accident in the 1600 block of SE Pine Street in Roseburg.

The accident involved a 1999 Honda CRV that was reportedly driving at a high rate of speed, southbound on Pine Street.  The vehicle left the roadway in the 1600 block, striking the guardrail and sending the vehicle airborne.  The vehicle landed upside down on a lower access road, trapping both occupants inside.  The passenger in the vehicle, 25 year old Jacob Bickell of Myrtle Creek, was pronounced deceased at the scene.  The driver, 21 year old Michael McCollum also of Myrtle Creek, was transported to Mercy via ambulance for severe injuries he sustained in the accident.  McCollum was later life-flighted to Sacred Heart Riverbend in Springfield for further treatment.  Next of kin for Bickell have been notified.

The Oregon State Police assisted in the investigation by conducting an accident reconstruction, which is standard for all accidents involving a fatality.  Driver impairment is suspected in this case, and the investigation is still ongoing. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: 503-813-7291

Pacific Power’s Blue Sky renewable energy program celebrates 20 years of community impact

Oregon Blue Sky participants have helped support community-based projects, habitat restoration efforts and growth of clean-energy resources across the state

PORTLAND, Ore. (July 14, 2020) — The premise is simple: when everyone takes a small step together, the impact can be momentous. Twenty years ago, it was this idea that built Blue Sky — a customer-powered, opt-in program offered by Pacific Power, a division of PacifiCorp, that helps local residents, small businesses, and municipalities support renewable energy and environmental stewardship in their communities and throughout the West.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the Blue Sky program and its participants across PacifiCorp’s six states have supported 9.2 million megawatt-hours of renewable energy (enough to power around 938,000 homes for one year). Additionally, in Oregon, Pacific Power Blue Sky participants have helped support 110 community-based renewable energy projects for deserving local organizations and helped restore 90 native fish habitat projects across hundreds of miles of the state’s rivers.

“Blue Sky celebrates the power of community and the real change that comes from neighbors helping neighbors. Whether it’s new solar panels going up at a community center or a local wind project coming on-line, we are growing sustainable, renewable energy for generations to come," said Stefan Bird, president and CEO, Pacific Power. "For 20 years, our customers have come together to support renewable energy and our communities, and it’s remarkable to see the tremendous difference their support has made.”

Launched in the spring of 2000, Blue Sky allows customers to match their energy usage with the purchase of renewable energy credits (RECs). It’s a simple way for participants to support new renewable energy in the West, above and beyond PacifiCorp’s substantial and growing commitment to renewables.

Blue Sky is currently more than 135,000 participants strong, and according to the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory rankings, one of the top five utility programs of its kind based on most participants and most renewable energy supported. For many cities and counties, Blue Sky offers a tangible way to meet local sustainability and climate action goals.

In Oregon, more than 12 percent of all Pacific Power customers take part in Blue Sky, and the number continues to grow each year. To participate, customers select from three program options and the amount of renewable energy they want to support, then pay that extra amount on their monthly bill, starting at $1.95 per month. Depending on the program selected, participants can support community-based renewable energy projects for local nonprofits, schools and civic groups, native fish habitat restoration projects along Oregon rivers, or the development of new utility-scale renewable energy facilities in Oregon.

From food banks to emergency shelters, youth programs to volunteer fire departments, vital organizations throughout Oregon have applied and received funding through Blue Sky to help them add solar panels or other renewable energy generation options to their facilities, allowing them to reduce their operating costs. These savings are more important than ever as these organizations continue to provide for many critical needs during the COVID-19 crisis. Additionally, these community projects help support environmental sustainability and carbon reduction for the region.

In addition to community and habitat restoration projects, Blue Sky participants have helped bring on-line three new utility-scale renewable energy facilities in Oregon, including:

• Blue Basin (on-line in 2016) – a 4-megawatt, 3,420 panel solar project in Klamath Falls;
• Burnt River Wind (on-line in 2017) – a 50-megawatt, 25 turbine wind project in Huntington, Oregon;
• Orchard Wind (coming on-line in 2020) – a 40-megawatt, 16 turbine wind project in Umatilla County.

Pacific Power customers are invited to celebrate Oregon's communities and renewable power projects throughout the year and learn more about Blue Sky by visiting www.joinbluesky.com/20years.

# # #

About Pacific Power
Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 773,000 customers in 243 communities across Oregon, Washington and California. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, serving nearly two million customers in six western states as the largest regulated utility owner of wind power in the West. For more information, visit www.pacificpower.net.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Hotline: 503-813-6018

Electric vehicle and infrastructure funding grants now available

Non-residential Pacific Power customers in Oregon can apply for grants covering up to 100 percent of eligible transportation electrification projects 

PORTLAND, ORE. (July 13, 2020) – Non-profits, local governments and other non-residential Pacific Power customers are encouraged to apply for the Electric Mobility Grant. Launched in June 2020, over $1.3 million dollars is available for electric mobility projects in Oregon. The program is designed to assist underserved areas and frontline communities by providing more electric vehicle support and charging options. The Electric Mobility Grant is funded by the sale of Oregon Clean Fuels Program credits.

“Electric vehicles and supporting infrastructure are increasingly in-demand by customers and communities across the state” said Cory Scott, managing director of customer solutions. “This grant program is just one of the ways Pacific Power is helping prepare communities for more electric vehicles on the road.”

According to Eva DeCesaro, senior product manager – electric transportation, Pacific Power’s Transportation Electrification Plan, which was approved by the Oregon Public Utilities Commission in June, highlights the Company’s existing programs like the Electric Mobility Grant and  provides a framework that will help guide the company on future electric vehicle programs.

“Pacific Power is unique in that we serve large metro areas and rural communities across three states. The Transportation Electrification Plan lays out Pacific Power’s commitment to accelerating the adoption of electric transportation options, reiterates the company’s support for statewide transportation policy, reaffirms Pacific Power’s commitment to removing barriers and illustrates how we’re reducing the emission of greenhouse gas from Oregon’s transportation sector.”

One of the ways Pacific Power is removing barriers is through the Electric Mobility Grant to help non-residential customers develop community-driven electric transportation projects. This round of grant funding will award nearly $1.3 million to projects that advance transportation electrification. Potential projects include electric school buses or public electric charging stations.

Funding awards will cover up to 100 percent of the project cost. All non-residential Pacific Power customers in Oregon are eligible to apply with preference given to community-focused organizations, such as school and transit districts, and 501(c)(3) and city, county and regional governments. Applications will be accepted up to August 31, 2020 at 5:00 PM. Recipients will be announced in September 2020.

In addition to the Electric Mobility Grant, Pacific Power also offers a free electric charging station technical assistance program. The program supports non-residential customers with evaluating charging station installation options and costs. The technical assistance program is available at no cost and includes a site visit, analysis of electric vehicle technology options, costs, rates, and best practices for siting, configuring, installing and managing equipment.

To receive an invitation to an informational webinar on the grant Thursday, July 16 at 11 a.m. please email plugin@pacificpower.net. For detailed eligibility requirements, charging station project qualifications, additional technical assistance program details, application forms and more information about the benefits of electric vehicles, please visit www.pacificpower.net/ev.

Application materials may be submitted to plugin@pacificpower.net.

###

ABOUT PACIFIC POWER

Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 773,000 customers in 243 communities across Oregon, Washington and California. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, serving nearly two million customers in six western states as the largest regulated utility owner of wind power in the West. For more information, visit www.pacificpower.net.

BURNS, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management will hold an online wild horse and burro adoption event July 14-21, 2020, featuring 19 horses from southeast Oregon.

The adoption will be coordinated through the agency’s wild horse and burro adoption and sales website at https://on.doi.gov/2fSrzJi. Interested parties should first visit this website to learn more about the rules and requirements for adopting or purchasing a wild horse or burro. Animal bids start at $25.

During this event, 19 horses from southeast Oregon will be available for adoption, along with many others from Bureau of Land Management mustang holding facilities in the west. The Oregon horses for this adoption range from 6 to 21 years old and come from the Stinkingwater, Beatys Butte, and Warm Springs herd management areas.

Video clips of available horses from southeast Oregon are available now on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/fTv1xkR1UsA.

All of the Oregon horses in this event are also eligible for the Adoption Incentive Program, which gives $1,000 to qualified applicants who adopt an untrained animal. Several horses are also available for direct purchase through the BLM’s Sale Authority Program.

Horses adopted or purchased during the July Online Corral event will be available for pick-up from numerous locations across the country, including Oregon, Mississippi, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Illinois.

In 2018, the BLM released its new “Online Corral” system – an internet-based auction site geared toward increasing the number of wild horses and burros placed into private care each year. The website features a modern, streamlined interface, new filtering features, and an interactive web map. Users submit and track the status of their applications directly through the website. Approved applicants can browse available animals and participate in the competitive bid event.

All horse enthusiasts are encouraged to consider becoming adopters so these wild horses can be placed in good, safe homes. With their stamina, hardiness, and quick intelligence, Oregon’s wild horses make excellent partners for any discipline.

See all the individual animal profiles and sign up to adopt today: https://wildhorsesonline.blm.gov/Animals  

If you have any technical questions about the upcoming online event, call 1-800-370-3936 or email blm_es_inet_adoption@blm.gov. You can also contact Oregon’s Wild Horse Corral Facility at 541-573-2749.

PORTLAND, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams released the following statement regarding the U.S. Marshals Service use of less-lethal munitions during weekend protests:

“Per U.S. Marshals Service protocols, their internal investigation of this weekend’s incident has now been referred to the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General. We must respectfully decline further comment on this matter.”

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams announced today that a Texas man has been charged with assaulting a U.S. Marshals Service deputy with a construction hammer during weekend protests at the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse in downtown Portland.

Jacob Michael Gaines, 23, a Texas man currently residing in a recreational vehicle in Portland, has been charged by criminal complaint with one count of assaulting a federal officer.

According to court documents, at approximately 1:00am on July 11, 2020, Gaines was observed using a hammer to damage a barricaded entrance at the Hatfield Federal Courthouse. At the time, federal law enforcement personnel were staged inside the courthouse to protect the facility and respond to incidents. Law enforcement attempted to exit the courthouse to prevent Gaines from breaching the barricaded entrance.

While attempting to detain him, Gaines struck a U.S. Marshals Service deputy three times with the hammer. The deputy deflected the blows to prevent serious injury, but in process was struck in the left shoulder, lower neck, and upper back. While being struck, the deputy managed to hold onto Gaines while other officers handcuffed him and placed him under arrest.

Gaines made his initial appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and was released pending further proceedings.

The case is being investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and Federal Protective Service. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

For several weeks, the Hatfield Federal Courthouse has been a repeated target of vandalism during evening protests and riots, sustaining extensive damage. U.S. Marshals Service deputies and officers from the Federal Protective Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection working to protect the courthouse have been subjected to nightly threats and assaults from demonstrators while performing their duties.

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore.—In separate criminal cases, three men, Mitch Bryan Schoonover, 37, of Portland; Isaiah Holt, 32, also of Portland; and Jay Rodney Ferdig, 44, of Salem, Oregon; were sentenced this week to federal prison for illegally possessing firearms as convicted felons, announced U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams.

“The goal of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program is to reduce violent crime and victimization across Oregon,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “A key pillar of our strategy is to reduce illegal gun ownership. With the assistance of our federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners, we have made significant progress toward this goal.”

U.S. v. Schoonover

On July 6, 2020, Schoonover was sentenced to 18 months in prison and three years’ supervised release. According to court documents, on January 1, 2020, Gresham Police officers stopped Schoonover for a traffic violation and on suspicion that the vehicle he was driving was stolen. Officers searched the vehicle after confirming it was stolen and found a .45 caliber semiautomatic pistol, a loaded magazine, and a clear glass pipe containing methamphetamine residue.

In 2005, after learning that another man had spent the night with his girlfriend, Schoonover shot and killed the man at short range with a rifle. He was convicted in Multnomah County Circuit Court of first degree manslaughter and sentenced to 15 years in state prison.

This case was investigated by the Gresham Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lewis S. Burkhart.

U.S. v. Ferdig

Ferdig was sentenced today to 30 months in prison and three years’ supervised release. According to court documents, on August 2, 2019, Ferdig and his fiancée were staying at a Salem motel with their 11-month- and three-year-old children. They left both children in the care of an extremely intoxicated cousin and went to a local park to inject methamphetamine. The children wandered away and a motel guest brought both children inside for their protection and to prevent the three-year-old from running into the street. During a subsequent welfare check, police discovered the children were barefoot and had not had their diapers changed for hours. Ferdig and his fiancée were arrested upon their return to the motel.

Police discovered drug packaging on Ferdig’s person and a .22 caliber pistol with a round in the chamber, two boxes of ammunition, plastic bags with shards of methamphetamine, two digital scales, hypodermic needles, and a stun gun in his vehicle.

Ferdig’s criminal history spans more than two decades. He is prohibited from possessing a firearm after numerous felony convictions for assault, sex offenses, drug offenses, robbery, burglary, and other crimes.

This case was investigated by the Salem Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Byron G. Chatfield.

U.S. v. Holt

Holt was sentenced today to 37 months in prison and three years’ supervised release for money laundering, drug trafficking, and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. According to court documents, beginning in July 2016 and continuing until his arrest in April 2018, Holt used his association with a licensed marijuana producer in Portland to divert state-legal marijuana into the black market. Holt sold marijuana in-person to out-of-state customers traveling to Oregon and by mail to remote customers using the U.S. Postal Service.

The investigation started when Holt directed his girlfriend to purchase a handgun for him. In April 2018, ATF agents obtained and executed a search warrant on Holt’s Northeast Portland residence. They found 11.5 grams of cocaine and nearly $2,000 in cash on Holt’s person and three firearms, drug packaging materials, shipping labels, 14 pounds of marijuana, and $46,100 in cash in the residence.

After his arrest and federal indictment, Holt continued to distribute cocaine. From April to August 2019, law enforcement conducted three controlled purchases of cocaine from Holt. In total, law enforcement purchased or recovered from Holt approximately 158 grams of cocaine during these purchases.

Holt is prohibited from possessing a firearm after several felony convictions in Multnomah County Circuit Court in 2007 for selling marijuana and shooting an individual during an altercation.

This case was investigated by ATF, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Portland Police Bureau. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julia E. Jarrett and Leah K. Bolstad.

These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

# # #

Today more than 250 members from both Army and Air components of the Oregon National Guard arrived at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem for a week long training class that will prepare them for wildfire response.

Before training classes could begin, each member of the Guard was issued wildland firefighting personal protective equipment from head to toe.

The training this group will receive is the same wildland firefighter "red card" training class all public and private organizations are required to complete.  Upon successful completion of the training, each citizen-soldier and citizen-airmen will be issued a "red card" which means they are ready for deployment.

This week's training will included classes on hose lays and pumps, firing devices, griding, safety, fire shelter deployment, hand tools, hand lines, weather and mop-up.  The training will include a live-fire training exercise near the end of the week so that the men and women taking the course can apply what they have learned in a hands-on scenario.

This training is being proactively offered to have more than 500 members of the Oregon National Guard ready to quickly respond in case their assistance is needed this summer by the Oregon Department of Forestry.  

State leaders requested funds through the Department of the Defense which was approved to cover the costs for the training and equipment.  The funds were allocated by Congress to have members of the Guard trained ahead of wildfire season which will speed-up the deployment process in case their assistance is needed. 

DPSST's Director Eriks Gabliks said "the partnership with the Oregon National Guard, Oregon Department of Forestry, and DPSST is very strong which enables the training to be offered as we begin fire season in Oregon.  Previous years have shown the value of this partnership as members of the Guard have been deployed to support wildfire suppression efforts around Oregon when all public and private resources were depleted."

After completing the week-long training, these citizen-soldiers and citizen-airmen will return to their communities, careers and families and standby ready to assist with wildland firefighting efforts around the state if needed.

Media note:  Live fire training for the large group is scheduled for Thursday.  As soon as a time is set we will send out a notice so that you can attend and view the training and interview members of the Guard participating.

## Background Information on the BPSST and DPSST ##

The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) operates the Oregon Public Safety Academy which spans more than 235 acres in Salem. The Academy is nationally recognized for its innovative training programs and active stakeholder involvement.  Eriks Gabliks serves as the Director and Darren Bucich, Chief of McKenzie Fire & Rescue serves as the Chair of the Board. The department implements minimum standards established by the Board for the training and certification of more than 40,000 city, tribal, county and state law enforcement officers, corrections officers, parole and probation officers, fire service personnel, telecommunicators, emergency medical dispatchers and private security providers.

DPSST, recognized as one of North America's most innovative state public safety standards and training organizations, provides training to more than 25,000 students each year throughout Oregon and at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem, certifies qualified officers at various levels from basic through executive; certifies qualified instructors; and reviews and accredits training programs throughout the state based on standards established by the Board.

This afternoon, more than 130 citizen-soldiers and citizen-airmen from the Oregon National Guard completed their two-day wildland firefighter refresher course at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem. 

The two-day session was for those who had already completed the course and were "Red Card" certified.  The weekend included training on firefighter safety, fire conditions, hose lines, hand tools, deployment of fire shelters, and concluded with attendees applying all that they learned with a number of live-fire scenarios.

Funds were allocated to the Department of Defense by Congress to enable the National Guard to prepare its members ahead of wildfire season just in case their assistance may be needed.  State leaders in Oregon requested the funds from this program which enabled the training to occur.

This was the first of two groups of Guard members being trained this year by the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST).  More than 300 members of the Guard will arrive at the Academy tomorrow, Monday, July 13, 2020, to complete the wildland firefighter training course.  The group arriving tomorrow has never had the training.  Upon completion of their week of training this group will also meet the same training requirements of all public and private wildland firefighters and be awarded their "red cards" indicating completion of the training and certification.

The Oregon National Guard is proactively training its members just in case their assistance is needed to support wildland firefighting efforts around the state this year.  The Oregon Department of Forestry can request the Governor active the Guard when public and private wildfire resources are close to being depleted.  The Guard has been activated in previous years under a standing agreement between the Oregon Department of Forestry and Oregon Military Department called "Operations Plan Smokey."

The men and women re-certified this weekend, along with those that will be trained in the week ahead, will return to their local communities, careers, and families and standby until the call comes.  This proactive work by the Guard will enable the deployment of trained wildland firefighters from its armories and air bases around the state to be deployed much faster if, and when, the call for assistance comes in.

More than 130 members of the Oregon National Guard completed the first day, of their two-day, wildland firefighter refresher training today at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem.

Today began with distribution of wildland firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE) from head to toe, wildfire safety considerations classes, and training on the deployment of wildfire shelters which included hands-on sessions.

Tomorrow the citizen-soldiers and citizen-airmen from armories and air bases around the state will complete their training which will include hands-on live-fire scenarios to enable these previously trained men and women to refresh their skills.

This is the first training session that the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) will offer this week.  This first class is a refresher for those Guard members who were previously trained and certified as "red card" wildland firefighters. 

On Monday a second group of more than 350 members from both Army and Air components of the Oregon National Guard will arrive for a week of training to prepare them to assist on the firelines this summer in case their assistance is needed.  The training this group will receive is the same wildland firefighter "red card" training class all public and private organizations complete.

This training is being proactively offered to have more than 500 members of the Oregon National Guard ready to quickly respond in case their assistance is needed this summer by the Oregon Department of Forestry.  

State leaders requested funds through the Department of the Defense which was approved to cover the costs for the training and equipment.  The funds were allocated by Congress to have members of the Guard trained ahead of wildfire season which will speed-up the deployment process in case their assistance is needed. 

DPSST's Director Eriks Gabliks said "the partnership with the Oregon National Guard, Oregon Department of Forestry, and DPSST is very strong which enables the training to be offered as we begin fire season in Oregon.  Previous years have shown the value of this partnership as members of the Guard have been deployed to support wildfire suppression efforts around Oregon when all public and private resources were depleted."

Media note:  Live fire training for the large group is scheduled for Thursday.  As soon as a time is set we will send out a notice so that you can attend and view the training and interview members of the Guard participating.

As part of the State's coordinated and comprehensive wildfire suppression efforts, and thanks to funds allocated by the federal government, more than 400 citizen-soldiers and citizen-airmen from the Oregon National Guard (Guard) will be trained as wildland firefighters next week at the Oregon Public Safety Academy (Academy) in Salem. 

Approximately 180 members of the Guard will be at the Academy on July 11, and 12, 2020.  This group has already received the wildland firefighter training in the past and need a refresher course to maintain their certification.  

More than 300 Guard members, who have not been previously trained, will arrive at the Academy on July 13 and will complete their training on July 17, 2020.

It is important to note this training will be managed using COVID-19 health and safety protocols that will cover not only classroom and hands-on training but also meals and lodging on the DPSST campus.

Federal funds were allocated, at the request of state officials, to help prepare members of the National Guard in case their assistance will be needed to support wildland firefighting efforts around the state.

The training is being provided by the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) and is the same training required of all public and private wildland firefighters. Because of the size of the group, DPSST is supplementing its training cadre and is utilizing additional instructors from the Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon Military Department Wildland Firefighting Section, United States Forest Service, Illinois Fire Service Institute, and the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.  The training the members of the Oregon National Guard will be receiving is often known as "red card" training and consists of both classroom and hands-on sessions.

DPSST’s Director Eriks Gabliks said “The training we will be providing will allow these citizen-soldiers and citizen-airmen to be safe and effective in their work in case they are required this year to help support the efforts of wildland firefighters around the state. We salute the men and women from the Guard for their dedicated service to our country, both at home and around the globe.” Gabliks also said “we applaud the leadership of Oregon’s congressional delegation on Capitol Hill for ensuring that these funds were allocated for this important mission and the leadership Oregon has shown to prepare members of the Guard as we begin wildfire season just in case their assistance is needed.”

The Oregon National Guard has a proven track record of supporting wildfire suppression efforts, from the air and on the ground, around the state in recent years. In 2015, members of the Oregon National Guard assisted with wildfire suppression efforts in John Day and Enterprise. In 2017, more than 400 citizen-soldiers and citizen-airmen supported Oregon's firefighting efforts (air and ground) at High Cascades Complex (near Crater Lake), Chetco Bar, Blanket Creek, Horse Prairie, and Milli fires.

The Oregon National Guard has a long-standing agreement with the Oregon Department of Forestry known as Operation Plan Smokey, which stipulates the details of how Oregon National Guard members will be utilized to assist in annual firefighting efforts if needed. This agreement is reviewed on an annual basis by both agencies and the Governor's Office.

What is different this year is that funds were requested by state officials, and approved by the federal government, to provide training to members of the National Guard ahead of the need. This will allow these wildland firefighter trained citizen-soldiers and citizen-airmen to be activated and deployed much faster should the need arise for their assistance.

After the week-long training is completed, the citizen-soldiers and citizen-airmen will return to their respective armories and air bases and full-time careers and be on stand-by for deployment should their assistance be needed during fire season.

DPSST will be reimbursed for its expenses by the Oregon Military Department.

DPSST is honored to help support this important mission and has a proven record of success in training over 1,000 members of the Guard for wildland firefighting duties over the past five years.

We have attached some photos from previous years to give you an look at what the training will entail.

For questions specific the Oregon Military Department Public Affairs Office by phone at 503-584-3917 or email at  AGPA@mil.state.or.us 

Media Note:  We will send out a notice next week and invite media to visit the Guard during the live-burn training which is tentatively scheduled for Thursday.

## Background Information on the BPSST and DPSST ##

The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) operates the Oregon Public Safety Academy which spans more than 235 acres in Salem. The Academy is nationally recognized for its innovative training programs and active stakeholder involvement.  Eriks Gabliks serves as the Director and Darren Bucich, Chief of McKenzie Fire & Rescue serves as the Chair of the Board. The department implements minimum standards established by the Board for the training and certification of more than 40,000 city, tribal, county and state law enforcement officers, corrections officers, parole and probation officers, fire service personnel, telecommunicators, emergency medical dispatchers and private security providers.

DPSST, recognized as one of North America's most innovative state public safety standards and training organizations, provides training to more than 25,000 students each year throughout Oregon and at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem, certifies qualified officers at various levels from basic through executive; certifies qualified instructors; and reviews and accredits training programs throughout the state based on standards established by the Board.

Oregon is served by more than 13,000 career and volunteer firefighters who are members of more than 300 fire departments and fire protection districts across the state. Approximately 80% of Oregon's firefighters are volunteers.  Polk County is no exception where career and volunteer firefighters work together on a daily basis to serve residents in need of fire and emergency medical assistance.

Last night, DPSST brought its new car fire training prop to Dallas so that more than 30 new and seasoned volunteer and career firefighters could hone their skills.

DPSST Director Eriks Gabliks said "Vehicle manufacturers continue to design and implement technology to levels that are far more complicated each year. In addition to that standard flammable liquids in fuel, engine lubricants and tires there are battery operated cars and new materials that increase the flame intensity and increased smoke production. These changes require DPSST's Fire Service Training team to continually create new techniques and advancements for any potential vehicle fires. The vehicle fire training simulator that was brought to Dallas provides DPSST the ability to deliver hands-on, realistic, training to career and volunteer firefighters to repeatedly test and perfect the skills they need to serve Oregonians."

DPSST's car fire prop allows for the delivery of high-level firefighter training in a safe and controlled environment with a multitude of training objectives for participants and instructors.  The car fire prop uses propane as a fuel source which allows the training to be offered in an environmentally friendly manner.

This new training prop was made possible thanks to funding DPSST received from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.  DPSST received two of these new car fire props.  One is based in Salem and is used to support career and volunteer firefighter training west of the Cascades, the other is based in Redmond and supports training needs on the east side of the state.

DPSST helps support local fire agencies, in every corner of the state, by offering a variety of training classes.  DPSST has more than a dozen mobile props that enable firefighters to receive realistic hands-on training.  DPSST's fire training is offered free of charge to all fire agencies in Oregon because of funding made possible through the State's Fire Insurance Premium Tax.

One of the most difficult tasks in the fire service is to provide personnel with realistic training to prepare them for field operations. Certainly, providing live-fire training is an important component. For combination and volunteer organizations, especially those in rural areas, the ability to provide live-fire training can be an extremely complex problem.  In the past many fire agencies had access to homes and buildings in their local communities that were going to be demolished that provided excellent hands-on training opportunities for firefighters.  The same is true of burning old cars for training that are made of plastics, fuels, foam inside seats, and tires.  Environmental and neighborhood concerns, building materials, and a variety of other safety considerations have changed this so the use of safe props is the way to go.

Gabliks said that "the State of Oregon, through DPSST, has a progressive fire training program that reaches more than 6,000 career and volunteer firefighters around the state on an annual basis free of charge thanks to the state's Fire Insurance Premium Tax."

## Background Information on the BPSST and DPSST ##

The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) operates the Oregon Public Safety Academy which spans more than 235 acres in Salem. The Academy is nationally recognized for its innovative training programs and active stakeholder involvement.  Eriks Gabliks serves as the Director and Darren Bucich, Chief of McKenzie Fire & Rescue serves as the Chair of the Board. The department implements minimum standards established by the Board for the training and certification of more than 40,000 city, tribal, county and state law enforcement officers, corrections officers, parole and probation officers, fire service personnel, telecommunicators, emergency medical dispatchers and private security providers.

DPSST, recognized as one of North America's most innovative state public safety standards and training organizations, provides training to more than 25,000 students each year throughout Oregon and at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem, certifies qualified officers at various levels from basic through executive; certifies qualified instructors; and reviews and accredits training programs throughout the state based on standards established by the Board.

The Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) has created and published a statewide, online database of DPSST Professional Standards actions in accordance with HB 4207 which passed during the 2020 Special Session of the Oregon Legislative Assembly.

The database will include the names of all public safety officers who have been the subject of a DPSST certification action, their employing agency (when applicable), and a link to the DPSST investigation and Final Order once issued (which will include a description of the facts underlying the denial, suspension or revocation action) occurring on or after June 30, 2020 (The effective date of HB 4207). A sample case has been uploaded as a placeholder.

For broader transparency, a listing of all individuals who were the subject of a DPSST professional standards action prior to June, 2020 has also been published, along with a list of open, pending DPSST professional standards cases.

The database can be found on-line at https://www.oregon.gov/dpsst/cj/pages/professionalStandards.aspx

DPSST’s Director Eriks Gabliks said “Today’s announcement is the latest step in Oregon’s ongoing efforts to strengthen trust between law enforcement and community.  DPSST, in partnership with the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training (BPSST), over the past few years has implemented a number of transparency initiatives including the implementation of Information Resource Inquiry System (IRIS) to show officer training, certification and employment history, the installation of equipment allowing livestreaming of Board and Policy Committee meetings, the publishing basic curriculums on DPSST webpage and the continued monthly publication of DPSST Ethics Bulletins as an educational resource.

Additional information relating to DPSST’s professional standards processes, instructions on how to make a public records request, links to previous Board and Policy Committee meeting minutes and information on how to subscribe to receive notifications from DPSST, to include agency updates, meeting minutes and public comment opportunities are also available at https://www.oregon.gov/dpsst

# # # DPSST Web Ex Sessions On-Line: Basic Police Training, Police Use-of-Force Training, Police Accountability # # #

The tragic death of George Floyd due to the actions of Minneapolis police officers has led to lots of discussions, both in Oregon and around the nation, regarding police training and accountability.  The actions of the Minneapolis police officers are inexcusable.  While DPSST has always actively engaged with stakeholders, it was of the utmost importance for us to pause our work as we mourned the death of Mr. Floyd and listened to the questions and concerns being raised about policing in our state and nation.  Many of the questions within our state have been regarding the training and accountability of Oregon law enforcement officers. 

To address these questions, to share information, and to answer questions, last month DPSST held a number of virtual sessions specifically for local community leaders, elected officials, state legislators, and media.  One session addressed Oregon’s criminal justice professional standards system.  Another focused specifically on police use of force training in Oregon offered by DPSST.  And the last covered the basic police training program offered at DPSST to all newly hired city, county, state, tribal, and university law enforcement professionals.  Participants had the ability to ask questions of DPSST staff during each of these sessions.

Each of the sessions were recorded and have been posted for viewing on the DPSST webpage at https://www.oregon.gov/dpsst/CJ/Pages/InformationalFiles.aspx   While each of the presentations covered the same information, each generated different questions based on the background and specific interests of those participating.  We have also posted the responses to the questions that were asked and are in the process of completing this document as we gather the information for those questions that need an answer.

## Background Information on the BPSST and DPSST ##

The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) operates the Oregon Public Safety Academy which spans more than 235 acres in Salem. The Academy is nationally recognized for its innovative training programs and active stakeholder involvement.  Eriks Gabliks serves as the Director and Darren Bucich, Chief of McKenzie Fire & Rescue serves as the Chair of the Board. The department implements minimum standards established by the Board for the training and certification of more than 40,000 city, tribal, county and state law enforcement officers, corrections officers, parole and probation officers, fire service personnel, telecommunicators, emergency medical dispatchers and private security providers.

DPSST provides training to more than 25,000 students each year throughout Oregon and at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem, certifies qualified officers at various levels from basic through executive; certifies qualified instructors; and reviews and accredits training programs throughout the state based on standards established by the Board.

Board on Public Safety Standards and Training

Agenda

July 23, 2020

The Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2020 in the Boardroom at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem.  For further information, please contact Theresa Janda at (503) 373-1553 or esa.janda@state.or.us">theresa.janda@state.or.us.

Administrative Announcement

This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and it will be recorded. Deliberation of issues will only be conducted by Board members unless permitted by the Chair. Individuals who engage in disruptive behavior that impedes official business will be asked to stop being disruptive or leave the meeting. Additional measures may be taken to have disruptive individuals removed if their continued presence poses a safety risk to the other persons in the room or makes it impossible to continue the meeting.

The meeting will be live-streamed on the DPSST Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/DPSSTOregon/

1.  Introductions

2.   Executive Session      

 The Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold an executive session to consider exempt public records. The executive session is being held pursuant to ORS 162.660(2)(f). This session is closed to the public.   

        General Session   

3.   David Fuller DPSST No 16332 – Withdraw NOI/Administrative Closure

Recommended to the Board unanimously by the PPC on June 18, 2020.

4.   Minutes

Approve minutes from the April 23, 2020 Meeting.

5.  Fire Policy Committee

    a.  Fire Policy Committee Update – James Oeder, Chair

    b. Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)

      A.Elijah Cronin DPSST #F38682 (Lebanon Fire District)  - Deny

      Recommended to the Board unanimously by the FPC on June 9, 2020.

      B. Taeton R. Harrington DPSST #F38068 (Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue) - Deny

      Recommended to the Board unanimously by the FPC on June 9, 2020.

      C. Anthony D. Monroe DPSST #F18280 (Toledo Fire Department) - Revoke

     Recommended to the Board unanimously by the FPC on June 9.

      D. Kelly R. Vallance DPSST #F34182 (McMinville Fire Department) - Revoke

      Recommended to the Board unanimously by the FPC on June 9.

6.  Criminal Justice Policy Committees

    a. Police Policy Committee Update – John Teague, Chair

    b. Telecommunications Policy Committee Update – Linsay Hale

    c. Corrections Policy Committee Update – Nadine Purington, Chair

    d. Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)

        A. Nigel Deluna DPSST#54679 (Mt. Angel Police Department) – No Action

        Recommended to the Board unanimously by the PPC on June 18, 2020

        B. Thomas Houpt DPSST#60473 (Grant County Sheriff’s Office) – No Action

        Recommended to the Board unanimously by the PPC on June 18, 2020

        C. Robert Johnson DPSST#50633 (Medford Police Department) – No Action

        Recommended to the Board in an 8/2 vote by the PPC on June 18, 2020.

        D. Corbin Lantz DPSST#42610 (Department of Public Safety Standards & Training) – Revoke

        Recommended to the Board unanimously by the PPC on June 18, 2020

        E. Terry Lohf DPSST#27923 (Lakeview Police Department) – No Action

        Recommended to the Board in a 6/4 vote by the PPC on June 18, 2020.

        F. Sebastian Precup DPSST#60628 (Portland Police Bureau) – No Action

        Recommended to the Board unanimously by the PPC on June 18, 2020.

        G. Patricia Lyon DPSST#57573 (Coffee Creek Correctional Facility) – Revoke

        Recommended to the Board in a 7/6 vote by the CPC on June 16, 2020

        H. Lianna Mechanic DPSST#53161 (Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office) – No Action

        Recommended to the Board in a 12/1 vote by the CPC on June 16, 2020

         I. Michael Payne DPSST#34804 (Snake River Correctional Institution) – No Action

        Recommended to the Board unanimously by the CPC on June 16, 2020.

        J. Sara Stewart DPSST#60771 (Curry County Sheriff’s Office) – No Action

        Recommended to the Board unanimously by the PPC on June 18, 2020

        K. OAR 259-006-0000, 259-008-0290, 259-008-0067 – Proposed Rule Change - Approve.

        Establishing DPSST applicant moral fitness standards.

        Recommended to the Board by the TPC on June 10, 2020; Recommended to the Board by the CPC on June 16,      2020; Recommended to the Board by the PPC on June 18, 2020;. 

        L. Law Enforcement Memorial Wall Nomination – Marshal Zacharia H. Stroud, Harney City

        Recommended to the Board unanimously by the PPC on June 18, 2020.

        M. Committee Appointments

•  Zachary Kenney, representing non-management Law enforcement; Re-Appointment to the PPC; 2nd term effective 7/23/20
• Erica Stohlhand, representing APCO; Re-Appointment to the TPC; 2nd term effective 7/23/20
• Tim Svenson, representing OSSA; Re-Appointment to the TPC; 2nd term effective 7/23/20

    e. Administrative Rules Relating to Certification and Licensure Requirements Impacted by the COVID-19     (Coronavirus) State of Emergency - Approve

    Adopts new rules to address additional discretionary needs and extend the temporary provisions for certification         maintenance in all disciplines impacted.

   f. OAR 259-012-0035 – Proposed Rule Change - Approve

    Student dismissal and appeal.

   g. OAR Chapter 259 Proposed Rule Changes  – Approve

    Establishing required use of legal name.

7.  Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee

   a. Private Security Investigator Policy Committee Update – Thomas, Chair

   b. Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)

       A.  Committee Appointments

• Michael Holsapple to fill vacant position representing Private Investigators; Appointment to the PSIPC; 1st term effective

8.  Administrative

    a.  Citizen Correspondence – Information Only

9.  Director's Report - Director Gabliks

10.  Next Meeting Date:  October 22, 2020

The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) will be offering wildfire training to members of the Oregon National Guard starting Saturday (7/11) through (7/17). As part of this training there will be two live-fire (field burn) training sessions on the 12th and the 16th. Again these two burns are planning training events that will be held at the Oregon Public Safety Academy at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, OR.

Note: People with breathing difficulties in the immediate area may need to take precautions. This should last from approximately 1pm to 9pm on both days.

The live-fire training is part of the wildland firefighter training the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is providing to 400 citizen-soldiers and citizen-airmen from the Oregon National Guard being proactively trained in case their assistance is needed to support wildland firefighting efforts around the state.

The request for DPSST’s assistance was made by the Oregon Military Department which received federal funds to proactively train members of their organization in case their assistance will be needed by the Oregon Department of Forestry to support wildfire suppression efforts around the state.

The state has a long standing agreement between the Oregon National Guard and Oregon Department of Forestry known as Operation Plan Smokey.  This plan stipulates the details of how Oregon National Guard members will be utilized to assist in firefighting efforts. This agreement is reviewed annually by the leadership of both agencies and Governor Kate Brown’s Office.

The training provided to the members of the Oregon National Guard by DPSST is the same training that is required of all public and private wildland firefighters. Many people call this "red card" training. Training will include classroom, hands-on, and live fire training elements.

Salem – As Oregon OSHA continues to process and evaluate complaints related to COVID-19, the division encourages workers and members of the public to use its online workplace hazard reporting form.

While people may still call the division with complaints, the online reporting form offers a quicker way to bring concerns to the division’s attention.

“We will continue to take phone calls about workplace hazards concerning the novel coronavirus,” said Michael Wood, administrator for Oregon OSHA. “However, our online system is just as fast – if not faster – at absorbing complaints and allowing us to efficiently respond to them.”

###

Oregon OSHA, a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, enforces the state’s workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. For more information, visit osha.oregon.gov.

The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, go to www.dcbs.oregon.gov.

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Board of Forestry will meet at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22. In compliance with Gov. Kate Brown’s directive on social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19, this will be a virtual public meeting.

The meeting agenda includes:

• Approval of the 2021-2023 Agency Request Budget
• A financial update from the department with consultant recommendations
• State Forests Habitat Conservation Plan update
• An update on recent ongoing, completed, and multi-agency projects related to climate change and forest carbon, including the agencies response to Executive Order 20-04
• An update on fire season readiness
• A presentation on activities of the Committee for Family Forestlands
• Approval of Board governance policy, priorities, and expectations

View the agenda for additional topics to be discussed at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/board/pages/bofmeetings.aspx.

The meeting will be livestreamed and public comment will be accepted. The live testimony is reserved for Board decision items (Items 2 and 10). Written testimony can be submitted before or after the meeting to oardofForestry@oregon.gov">BoardofForestry@oregon.gov. Please note which item you are providing testimony on. The live testimony instructions, board packet, and livestream option are available at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/board/pages/bofmeetings.aspx.

The Board will also hold an executive session, for the purpose of considering information or records that are exempt from disclosure by law, pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(f). The executive session will also be conducted virtually. Members of the news media wishing to virtually attend the meeting can email Public Affairs Director Joy Krawczyk at awczyk@oregon.gov">joy.p.krawczyk@oregon.gov for information.

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling ODF’s Public Affairs Office at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200.

The Oregon Board of Forestry consists of seven citizens nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. Responsibilities include appointing the State Forester, setting management direction for state-owned forests, adopting rules governing timber harvest and other practices on private forestland, and promoting sustainable management of Oregon’s 30 million-acre forestland base. More information about the Board is available at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/board/pages/aboutbof.aspx.

FOR NEWS EDITORS - 

During the summer fire season (usually until early October), to reach the Oregon Department of Forestry's state-level Public Affairs office with fire-related questions or interview requests, please call our fire information duty officer at:

     503-945-7201

We try to return calls within 10 to 15 minutes.

The phone is answered between the following hours. 

• Non-holiday weekdays (Monday through Friday) - 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Weekends and holidays - 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

NOTE: Some ODF districts have their own fire public information officers, such as the Douglas Forest Protective Association in Douglas County and ODF's Central Oregon, Northeast Oregon and Southwest Oregon districts. If so, please continue to contact those district officers directly for information about local fires in those districts.

WHO:              David Gerstenfeld, Acting Director, Oregon Employment Department

WHEN:            Wed., July 15, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. PT

WHAT:            Oregon Employment Department Acting Director David Gerstenfeld will hold a video conference media briefing to share updates on unemployment claims processing on Wed., July 15 at 1:00 p.m. PT. Gerstenfeld will provide an update on unemployment claim processing for regular unemployment, the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, and Work Share, as well as the expiration of the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) program, staffing and continued efforts to improve the customer service experience.

WHERE:         Via Zoom video conference; Members of the media must RSVP for call information by emailing OED_Communications@oregon.gov by 12:00 p.m. PT on Wed., July 15. Video conference information will be provided to all reporters who RSVP.

OTHER:          The Oregon Employment Department is updating a claims processing progress data dashboard daily. Visit this link for week day updates. A recording of the video conference will be sent out shortly after the media briefing concludes.

###

Equal Opportunity program — auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Contact: (503) 947-1794. For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, call 711 Telecommunications Relay Services.

Oregon’s total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 56,600 jobs in June, following a gain of 26,100 jobs in May. Over the past two months, employers added back nearly one-third of the jobs that were cut in March and April.

Over-the-month job gains in June were largest in leisure and hospitality (+31,400 jobs); retail trade (+6,800); health care and social assistance (+6,200); and other services (+5,700). None of the major industries cut a substantial number of jobs in June.

Several major industries have regained around half the jobs they lost in March and April. Leisure and hospitality added a total of 47,600 jobs in May and June, which was 39 percent of the 121,500 jobs the industry cut during March and April. Health care and social assistance added 15,700 jobs in May and June, recovering 59 percent of the 26,800 jobs it lost the prior two months. Similarly, retail trade bounced back by 11,500 jobs, or 49 percent, in the past two months, from the 23,300 jobs it shed in March and April.

However, many of the larger industries haven’t seen a substantial rebound in the past two months, including professional and business services, which cut 20,200 jobs in March and April, but has only regained 1,900 jobs during May and June. Fairing even worse were the several industries that have shown no net jobs recovery over the past two months. Manufacturing employed 181,000 in June, which was 2,400 jobs below its April total. Also in the past two months, government cut 9,100 jobs between April and June, during which time management of companies and enterprises cut 1,000 jobs and information cut 600 jobs.

Oregon’s unemployment rate dropped to 11.2 percent in June from 14.3 percent, as revised, in May. In June, Oregon’s unemployment rate was very close to the U.S. unemployment rate; the U.S. rate dropped to 11.1 percent in June from 13.3 percent in May.

Next Press Releases

The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the June county and metropolitan area unemployment rates on Tuesday, July 21st, and the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for July on Tuesday, August 18th.

The PDF version of the news release can be found at QualityInfo.org/press-release. To obtain the data in other formats such as in Excel, visit QualityInfo.org, then within the top banner, select Economic Data, then choose LAUS or CES. To request the press release as a Word document, contact the person shown at the top of this press release.

To file a claim for unemployment benefits or get more information about unemployment programs, visit unemployment.oregon.gov.

Equal Opportunity program — auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Contact: (503) 947-1794. For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, call 711 Telecommunications Relay Services.

July 10, 2020 (Salem, Ore.)—The Oregon Employment Department launched a new informational website today aimed at improving customer service for the record number of Oregonians applying for and receiving unemployment benefits.

The new site, unemployment.oregon.gov, is designed to help Oregonians more easily find information on: the new programs created by the CARES Act, whether they might qualify for unemployment benefits, how to apply, and what’s different during the pandemic.

“We’ve heard the many Oregonians who’ve said we need to do a better job communicating about their benefits and the unemployment claims process,” said David Gerstenfeld, acting director of the Oregon Employment Department. “Our goal with this new website is to provide clear information so people can file their claims, avoid unnecessary delays, and get their questions answered without having to call us,” he said. “We know that ultimately Oregonians need their claims processed, but we also want to ease some of the communication frustrations people have experienced.”

Over the next few days and weeks, the Department will add more content and features to the informational website. Highlights of the current site include:

• A Contact Us form to assist Oregonians who have been waiting the longest to have their claims resolved
• Information about new federal CARES Act benefit programs        
• An Eligibility Quiz to help people figure out which program to apply for
• Step-by-step videos and guides for how to apply for regular Unemployment Insurance (UI) and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits
• Resources for employers about the Work Share program, reopening business, and more
• Other resources available to Oregonians while they wait for unemployment benefits, such as benefits to help with rent, utilities, health coverage, or groceries
• A robust section of Frequently Asked Questions, which will be updated weekly as new questions arise

In March, high traffic to the Department’s oregon.gov/employ site risked crashing all oregon.gov sites, so the Department’s COVID-19 content was moved to a temporary website commonly used by agencies during crises. The limitations of the content management system of the temporary website made information difficult to find. As one of his first steps as Acting Director, Gerstenfeld initiated the development of a cleaner, simpler, more user-friendly site. Some of the content on unemployment.oregon.gov existed on the old COVID-19 site, but much of it is brand new.

“I’ve made doing a better job of communicating with Oregonians a top priority,” said Gerstenfeld. “We believe this website is a much-needed step in the right direction, and we appreciate your patience as we continue to make this a better experience for you.”

The website underwent usability testing by the Department’s Equity Council, partners, and claimants who have had challenges applying for unemployment benefits from both the regular UI and PUA programs. Improvements are ongoing.

###

Equal Opportunity program — auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Contact: (503) 947-1794. For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, call 711 Telecommunications Relay Services.

July 14, 2020

What: A public meeting of the Advance Directive Adoption Committee.

Agenda: Finalize Advance Directive form and user’s guide and discuss delivery of the documents to the Legislature.

When: July 20, 1-3 p.m. The meeting is open to the public. A public comment period will be held at the end of the meeting.

Where: By Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/98680593262?pwd=dFZUSE5ZdTRta3U3M3d0V2kyVlQyQT09, meeting ID 986 8059 3262. By conference call at 253-215-8782, same meeting ID.

The Advance Directive Adoption Committee provides guidance to the Oregon Health Authority on necessary revisions to Oregon’s Advance Directive form.

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

•        Sign language and spoken language interpreters

•        Written materials in other languages

•        Braille

•        Large print

•        Audio and other formats

If you need help or have questions, please contact Cara Biddlecom at 971-673-2284, 711 TTY or a.m.biddlecom@state.or.us">cara.m.biddlecom@state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

July 14, 2020

Media contact: OHA External Relations 971-673-2097, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 380 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 7 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed seven more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 244, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today. The last time Oregon saw seven deaths in a single day was on April 28.

Oregon Health Authority reported 380 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 12,805.

The new cases are in the following counties: Benton (3), Clackamas (21), Clatsop (1), Columbia (3), Coos (1), Crook (1), Deschutes (9), Douglas (2), Hood River (3), Jackson (7), Jefferson (2), Josephine (6), Klamath (2), Lane (8), Linn (2), Malheur (35), Marion (46), Morrow (7), Multnomah (76), Polk (1), Tillamook (3), Umatilla (76), Union (3), Wasco (3), Washington (53), and Yamhill (6).

Oregon’s 238th COVID-19 death is an 86-year-old woman in Marion County who tested positive on June 3 and died on July 12, in her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 239th COVID-19 death is a 77-year-old man in Clackamas County who tested positive on May 5 and died on July 2, at OHSU Hospital. He had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s 240th COVID-19 death is an 81-year-old woman in Wasco County who tested positive on June 27 and died on July 8. Her place of death is being confirmed. She had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s 241st COVID-19 death is a 91-year-old man in Lincoln County who tested positive on June 29 and died on July 10, in his residence. He had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s 242nd COVID-19 death is a 77-year-old woman in Marion County who tested positive on June 24 and died on July 13, in her residence. She had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s 243rd COVID-19 death is a 70-year-old man in Malheur County who tested positive on June 26 and died on July 11, at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Boise, Idaho. He had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s 244th COVID-19 death is a 95-year-old woman in Lincoln County who tested positive on June 29 and died on July 13. Her place of death is being confirmed. She had underlying medical conditions.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority leads the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 13, 2020

OHA, CJC announce nearly $10 million in funds to improve criminal justice, behavioral health outcomes

SALEM, Ore. -- Last week the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Oregon Criminal Justice Commission (CJC) announced awards totaling $9.7 million to six counties and five tribal governments. The funding will help people with mental illnesses and substance use disorders get the treatment they need, and avoid frequent and costly visits to Oregon emergency departments and involvement with the criminal justice system.

Oregon has one of the highest rates of people with behavioral health needs in the United States. In July 2019 Governor Kate Brown signed legislation creating a grant program to support counties and tribal nations in developing stronger community based continuums of care. The Improving People’s Access to Community-based Treatment, Supports, and Services (IMPACTS) grant program is expected to help reduce millions in local and state expenditures resulting from jail admissions and an overwhelming number of court orders for people to competency restoration at Oregon State Hospital.

"With little opportunity for social distancing in jails, the COVID-19 outbreak has reinforced the importance of community-based assistance for people with mental illnesses and substance use disorders," said Steve Allen, Behavioral Health Director for OHA and co-chair of the IMPACTS Grant Review Committee. "Investing in innovative local programs will help us learn more about what works in improving health outcomes and decreasing costly justice system involvement for people with complex behavioral health needs."

The funding will help address a shortage of supports and services in local communities, from supportive housing to crisis stabilization units to medication and care coordination. The jurisdictions receiving funding will also provide data on key outcome metrics for people being served with grant funds to inform statewide and local policy decisions regarding continued investment.

"People battling behavioral health challenges are often removed from their communities as they shuttle between hospitals, jails and prison, finding themselves in settings that are least able to meet their needs. This funding will help provide additional resources, including effective treatment and services, to support them in their communities," said Karen Cann, programs director for the CJC and co-chair of the IMPACTS Grant Review Committee. "Lessons learned from these jurisdictions will develop a path forward to serve this population more effectively statewide."

Jurisdictions selected to receive IMPACTS funding, 20% of which was reserved for tribal governments, include:

• $2,527,697 for Lane County.
• $2,403,519.52 for Deschutes County.
• $1,431,085.59 for Douglas County.
• $691,582.50 for the Klamath Tribes.
• $562,945.27 for Union County.
• $499,987.52 for Clackamas County.
• $404,024.50 for the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians.
• $317,699.82 for the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw.
• $289,999.96 for the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.
• $288,490 for Lincoln County.
• $282,968.36 for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.

"Helping our tribal communities safely divert people with behavioral health needs from continual emergency room visits and arrests has never been more important for Oregon’s tribes," said Dr. Sharon Stanphill, who serves as the chief health officer for the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians and is a member of the IMPACTS Grants Review Committee. "This funding will make a huge difference as our tribal leaders and staff know culturally specific prevention and treatment services are critical for our members."

In the summer of 2018 Oregon state and county leaders partnered with The Council of State Governments Justice Center to use a data-driven Justice Reinvestment approach to evaluate issues related to behavioral health and the criminal justice system. The project was guided by Oregon’s 32-member Behavioral Health Justice Reinvestment Steering Committee, which recommended the creation of the IMPACTS grant program.

More than 30 states have successfully used the Justice Reinvestment approach to date, with each state tailoring the process to help address particularly challenging issues within their criminal justice systems. Oregon is the first state to focus its Justice Reinvestment efforts entirely on the intersection of the criminal justice and behavioral health systems.

# # #

The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center is a national nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that combines the power of a membership association, representing state officials in all three branches of government, with policy and research expertise to develop strategies that increase public safety and strengthen communities. For more information about the CSG Justice Center, visit www.csgjusticecenter.org.

July 13, 2020

What: The monthly public meeting of the Conference of Local Health Officials (CLHO).

Agenda: Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity grant update; case investigation/contact tracing reimbursement invoice concerns; OPERA (Oregon Pandemic Emergency Response Application) system rollout update; community based organization funding for contact tracing and wraparound services; ARIAS onboarding update; Public Health Modernization funding formula discussion; Public Health Accountability Metrics report.

Agenda is subject to change and is posted with meeting materials on the CLHO website at http://www.oregonclho.org/ prior to the meeting.

When: Thursday, July 16, 9:30 a.m. to noon.

Where: Via Zoom meeting at https://zoom.us/j/92238425782?pwd=OVZVRGRNMzZoYnBVekxZSHVlOHY1dz09, 922 3842 5782, password 196316. To join by phone call 669-900-6833, access code 92238425782#.

Background: The Conference of Local Health Officials provides recommendations to the Oregon Health Authority on the foundational capabilities and programs and any other public health program or activity under ORS 431.147. (ORS 431.340)

Program contact: Danna Drum, 503-957-8869, um@state.or.us">danna.k.drum@state.or.us

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters
• Written materials in other languages
• Braille
• Large print
• Audio and other formats

If you need help or have questions, please contact Danna Drum at 503-957-8869, 711 TTY or um@state.or.us">danna.k.drum@state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

July 13, 2020

Contact: Sarah Bartelmann, 971-283-8107, ah.e.bartelmann@dhsoha.state.or.us">sarah.e.bartelmann@dhsoha.state.or.us (meeting information or accommodation)

What: A public meeting of the Sustainable Health Care Cost Growth Target Implementation Committee.

When: July 17, 12:30-4:30 p.m.

Where: The public can join remotely via Zoom or conference line. Join the Zoom meeting at https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1608676112?pwd=ODB4bllQRGo1anpHeit6TGZqOHRFQT09, meeting ID 160 867 6112, password 501322.

Or call in to the meeting on a mobile device at +16692545252,,1608676112#,,1#,501322# US (San Jose).

Agenda: Welcome. Revised timeline and topics for committee. Public comment. Implementation timeline. Taking Action Workstream. Updates from OHA.

Please submit comments in writing to e.CostTarget@dhsoha.state.or.us">HealthCare.CostTarget@dhsoha.state.or.us.

For more information, please visit the committee’s website at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HPA/HP/Pages/Sustainable-Health-Care-Cost-Growth-Target.aspx.

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters.
• Braille.
• Written materials in other languages.
• Large print.
• Audio and other formats.

If you need help or have questions, please contact Sarah Bartelmann at 971-283-8107, 711 TTY, ah.e.bartelmann@dhsoha.state.or.us">sarah.e.bartelmann@dhsoha.state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

July 13, 2020

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed three more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 237, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 280 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 12,438.

The new cases are in the following counties: Clackamas (20), Columbia (6), Coos (2), Gilliam (1), Hood River (2), Jackson (3), Klamath (1), Lane (4), Linn (1), Malheur (27), Marion (36), Morrow (9), Multnomah (82), Polk (2), Umatilla (28), Wallowa (1), Washington (47), and Yamhill (8).

Oregon’s 235th COVID-19 death is a 67-year-old man in Marion County who tested positive on July 8 and died July 11, in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 236th COVID-19 death is a 76-year-old man in Clackamas County who tested positive on July 1 and died July 4, in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 237th COVID-19 death is a 54-year-old man in Umatilla County who died on July 8 in his residence and tested positive post-mortem on July 9. He had underlying conditions.

Two worksite outbreaks reported of 20 cases or more

An outbreak of 20 cases has been reported at Shearer’s Foods in Umatilla County. The case count includes all persons linked to the outbreak, which may include household members and other close contacts to an employee. The outbreak investigation started on June 26, but the initial case count was below the threshold for public disclosure.

An outbreak of 102 cases has been reported at Snake River Correctional Institution in Malheur County. The case count includes all Oregon residents linked to the outbreak, which may include household members and other close contacts to an employee. The case count does not include any Idaho residents who may be associated with the outbreak, as laboratories report positive tests results to the state in which an individual resides. OHA is working closely with Idaho to coordinate contact tracing across state lines.

The outbreak investigation started on June 24, but at that time the case count was below the threshold for public disclosure. The outbreak was reported in the COVID-19 Weekly Report on July 8 with six cases.

State and county public health officials are working with these organizations to address these outbreaks and protect the health of workers.

OHA Releases Weekly Testing Summary

Today OHA released its Weekly Testing Summary, which showed that 28,314 tests were performed from July 6-12, with 5.8% of those tests coming back positive.

Overall testing capacity is estimated to be 41,000 weekly tests as of the most recent data available. Meanwhile, OHA has received information that testing supply allocations from several major manufacturers to Oregon State Public Health Laboratory (OSPHL) and clinical labs in Oregon are being, or may be, reduced due to increasing national demand. OHA and OSPHL are working collaboratively with in-state laboratories to help manage supply chain issues. And OHA continues to explore opportunities to expand collection and testing services.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 13, 2020

Report identifies 'low value care' in Oregon’s health system

Offers opportunities to improve care, lower costs

Portland, Ore. – Today the Oregon Health Leadership Council and Oregon Health Authority released Better Health for Oregonians: Opportunities to Reduce Low-Value Care, a new report that seeks to lower the cost of health care by partnering with the medical community to identify low-value services.

The report defines low value care as medical treatments, tests and procedures that have been shown by the medical community, through evidence and research, to provide little benefit in specific clinical scenarios. Examples include opioids prescribed for lower back pain in the first four weeks, or imaging for uncomplicated headaches. It uses the Milliman MedInsight Health Waste Calculator, a software tool designed to analyze insurance claims data to identify and quantify low value health care services.

"We are excited to share this report with our colleagues," said Jill Leake, director of clinical strategies for the Oregon Health Leadership Council. "It represents a true collaborative effort that was led by physicians and supported by Oregon Health Leadership Council and Oregon Health Authority. This information will help the health care community identify actionable opportunities to reduce low value care so we can work to stem the rise of health care costs and improve the effectiveness of care that is delivered to patients in Oregon."

The report examined 47 measures over a three-year period (2016, 2017, 2018) for all lines of business (commercial, Medicaid and Medicare). Each measure evaluates a common treatment, test or procedure that is regularly used within the medical community. Findings showed widespread delivery of low value services across all measured populations.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has placed unprecedented strains on the health care system in Oregon and continues to impact the health of Oregonians in numerous direct and indirect ways," said Dana Hargunani, MD, chief medical officer for the Oregon Health Authority. "As we continue to respond to this emergency and prepare for recovery, it is critically important that our health system focuses on delivering high value care when we need it the most. This report presents tangible opportunities that health care providers can tackle now, even during this difficult time."

The measure with the greatest low value utilization was opioids prescribed for acute low-back pain during the first four weeks. There were 772,094 services found to be low value, representing 20% of all low value utilization evaluated.

Other key findings include:

• 40% of evaluated services were found to be low value (3.8 million services).
• $530 million was spent on low value care in 2016, 2017 and 2018.
• The top 15 most utilized services accounted for 97% of all low value services identified, affecting 2.9 million people, with $293 million spent. These measures represent a very good place to start when selecting targeted interventions to reduce low value care.
• The overall "low value index" (the percentage of total services that are considered low value) was highest in the commercially insured population at 49%, compared with 45% for Medicaid patients and 31% for Medicare patients.
• Medicare had the highest rate of low value services per 1,000 members, while Medicaid had the lowest rate.
• Medicare had the highest low value care per member per month (PMPM) at $8.74, which is more than twice that of the commercially insured population at $4.05. Medicaid’s low value PMPM is significantly lower at $1.87.

"We recognize that the provision of low value services is only one of several contributors to the continued increase in health care costs," said Leake. "Our hope is that the information in this report serves as a catalyst for providers and health care leaders to advance positive change within their organizations and promote high value care for all Oregonians."

Examples of how health care leaders can use the findings in the report include: creating patient, staff and provider educational materials and campaigns, developing quality improvement initiatives, or for provider performance incentives or value-based contract design. Providers can look at their own utilization and prescribing patterns for these low value services to identify potential areas for improvement. Health plans can use the findings in this report to help inform benefit design and utilization management strategies, as well as update medical policies to better reflect evidence-based recommendations.

About OHLC and OHA

The Oregon Health Leadership Council is a collaborative organization working to develop practical solutions that reduce the rate of increase in health care costs and premiums, so that health care and insurance are more affordable to people and employers in the state. Formed in 2008, the council brings together health plans, hospitals and physicians to identify and act on cost saving solutions that maximize efficiencies while delivering high quality patient care.

The Oregon Health Authority is at the forefront of lowering and containing costs, improving quality and increasing access to health care in order to improve the lifelong health of Oregonians. OHA is overseen by the nine-member citizen Oregon Health Policy Board working toward comprehensive health reform in our state.

# # #

CORRECTION: Resending to correct agenda.

July 13, 2020

Contact: Brian Toups, 503-385-6542, rian.m.toups@dhsoha.state.or.us">brian.m.toups@dhsoha.state.or.us (meeting information or accommodation)

What: The regular public meeting of the Oregon Health Authority’s CCO Metrics and Scoring Committee.

When: July 17, 9 a.m. to noon.

Where: By call-in and Zoom. The public may join remotely through Zoom at https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1617420005?pwd=bjVrbzIrMmhPV2N6ZE40WWtsSEcrZz09 and listen-only conference line at 669-254-5252, meeting ID 161 742 0005, password 725317.

Agenda: Welcome, consent agenda, and general updates (9-9:15); public testimony (9:15-9:30); any changes to 2020 measure targets and finalize 2021 incentive measure set (9:30 to noon); adjourn.

For more information, please visit the committee's website at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HPA/ANALYTICS/Pages/Metrics-Scoring-Committee.aspx.

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters.
• Written materials in other languages.
• Large print.
• Braille.
• Audio and other formats.

If you need help or have questions, please contact Brian Toups at, 503-385-6542, 711 TTY, rian.m.toups@dhsoha.state.or.us">brian.m.toups@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed two more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 234, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 332 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 12,170.

The new cases are in the following counties: Baker (1), Benton (2), Clackamas (33), Deschutes (16), Douglas (4), Hood River (1), Jackson (2), Jefferson (5), Klamath (2), Lane (10), Linn (8), Malheur (71), Marion (28), Morrow (7), Multnomah (70), Polk (4), Sherman (1), Umatilla (27), Wasco (1), Washington (35), Yamhill (4).

Oregon’s 233rd COVID-19 death is an 86-year-old woman in Malheur County who tested positive on June 29. The date and location of death are still being confirmed. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 234th COVID-19 death is a 93-year-old woman in Washington County who died on July 7 and tested positive post-mortem on July 11. Additional details are still being confirmed.

See table below for total cases, deaths, and negative tests by county.

1This includes cases confirmed by diagnostic testing and presumptive cases. Presumptive cases are those without a positive diagnostic test who present COVID-19-like symptoms and had close contact with a confirmed case. County of residence for cases may change as new information becomes available. If changes occur, we will update our counts accordingly.

2For additional details on individuals who have died from COVID-19 in Oregon, please refer to our press releases.

3This includes cases who test negative and are not epi-linked to a confirmed case.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

PORTLAND, Ore. — The state’s death toll from COVID-19 is unchanged from yesterday and remains at 232, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 409 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 11,851. Today’s high number is partially due to a transition to a new reporting system, which prevented the processing of positive cases for a few hours Thursday. Those cases are included in today’s case count.

The new cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (2), Benton (6), Clackamas (29), Columbia (1), Coos (2), Deschutes (15), Douglas (2), Hood River (2), Jackson (5), Jefferson (4), Josephine (3), Klamath (4), Lane (13), Lincoln (1), Linn (2), Malheur (16), Marion (61), Morrow (7), Multnomah (99), Polk (2), Sherman (1), Umatilla (50), Union (1),Wallowa (1),  Wasco (10), Washington (55), Yamhill (15).

Since Oregon began reopening, we have seen spread of COVID-19 when people get together to celebrate with family and friends. Some examples include:

• Graduations
• Birthdays
• Weddings
• Holidays

COVID-19 is spreading more among social activities involving groups of younger people. OHA has recorded outbreaks linked to:

• Exercise classes
• Fraternity party
• Bachelor party

While it is difficult not to celebrate these events as we have in the past, COVID-19 is spreading in our communities and people must think hard about altering daily routines that may put people at risk.

OHA recommends that everyone:

• Limit the size of our gatherings
• Keep our distance
• Cover our faces
• Find alternative ways for those who are vulnerable to participate.

See table below for total cases, deaths, and negative tests by county.

1This includes cases confirmed by diagnostic testing and presumptive cases. Presumptive cases are those without a positive diagnostic test who present COVID-19-like symptoms and had close contact with a confirmed case. County of residence for cases may change as new information becomes available. If changes occur, we will update our counts accordingly.

2For additional details on individuals who have died from COVID-19 in Oregon, please refer to our press releases.

3This includes cases who test negative and are not epi-linked to a confirmed case.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

July 10, 2020

Program contact: Hilary Harrison, 503-209-1949, y.harrison@dhsoha.state.or.us">hilary.harrison@dhsoha.state.or.us

What: A regular public meeting of the System of Care Advisory Council.

When: July 14, 8:30 a.m. to noon.

Where: By webinar at https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/706039269 or by teleconference at 872-240-3212, access code 706-039-269. Please note only council members may speak until the public comment time.

Agenda: The council will primarily be working on the System of Care strategy and planning. The full agenda can be found on the council's webpage at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HSD/BH-Child-Family/Pages/SOCAC.aspx. The meeting will include time for public comment.

Details: Senate Bill 1 (2019) established a Governor-appointed System of Care Advisory Council to improve the efficacy and effectiveness of the state and local continuum of care that provides services to youth and young adults. The council's immediate work is to develop and maintain a state System of Care and a comprehensive long-range plan for a coordinated state system.

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters.
• Written materials in other languages.
• Braille.
• Large print.
• Audio and other formats.

If you need help or have questions, please contact Hilary Harrison at 503-209-1949, 711 TTY, or y.harrison@dhsoha.state.or.us">hilary.harrison@dhsoha.state.or.us at least two business days before the meeting.

July 10, 2020

Media contact: OHA External Relations 971-673-2097, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 275 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 2 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed two more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 232, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 275 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 11,454.

The new cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (1), Benton (6), Clackamas (11), Crook (1), Deschutes (8), Douglas (2), Hood River (4), Jackson (9), Jefferson (15), Josephine (2), Lane (10), Linn (3), Malheur (21), Marion (28), Morrow (3), Multnomah (37), Polk (3), Tillamook (1), Umatilla (51), Union (1), Wallowa (1), Wasco (5), Washington (44), Yamhill (8).

Oregon’s 231st COVID-19 death is a 62-year-old man in Union County who tested positive on June 16 and died on July 2, at Saint Regional Medical Center in Boise. He had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s 232nd COVID-19 death is a 99-year-old woman in Lincoln County who tested positive on June 26 and died on July 9. Location of death is being confirmed. She had underlying medical conditions.

Note: More details are available about Oregon’s 229th COVID-19 death. She is a 78-year-old female in Clackamas County who died on June 18 at her residence. The death certificate listed COVID-19 disease, or SARS-CoV-2, as a cause of death or as a significant condition that contributed to her death. No confirmatory testing for COVID-19 was performed, but this aligns with the CSTE probable case definition for a presumptive case, which OHA follows.

Social gatherings are increasing spread

Since Oregon began reopening, we have seen spread of COVID-19 when people get together to celebrate with family and friends. Some examples include:

• Graduations
• Birthdays
• Weddings
• Holidays

COVID-19 is spreading more among social activities involving groups of younger people. OHA has recorded outbreaks linked to:

• Exercise classes
• Fraternity party
• Bachelor party

While it is difficult not to celebrate these events as we have in the past, COVID-19 is spreading in our communities and people must think hard about altering daily routines that may put people at risk.

OHA recommends that everyone:

• Limit the size of our gatherings
• Keep our distance
• Cover our faces
• Find alternative ways for those who are vulnerable to participate.

Modeling shows potentially steep upward trend

The newest modeling shows the continuation of a concerning trend of rapidly spreading COVID-19 throughout Oregon. Cases are rising at a rate so high, that even a 10 percent reduction in cases would not slow the rise in cases.

The bottom line is that the disease is spreading more rapidly than expected and that since reopening, Oregonians have not consistently modeled the behavior needed to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Three modeling scenarios all show rising cases.

• The first scenario assumes transmission rates stay the same as they are now, with daily infections tripling over the next month and a similar increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations over the next 30 days.
• The second scenario assumes a 10-percentage point decrease over the 30 days, slowing the growth of infection and cutting hospitalizations in half.
• The third and final scenario assumes a 10-percentage point increase continuing over the next 30 days with a dramatic increase in daily cases and a sharp increase in hospitalizations.

In any scenario Oregonians must do more to flatten the curve of COVID-19 by taking the recommendations of health authorities. Limit the size of gatherings; maintain six feet of physical distance between people; wear a face masks; practice good hand hygiene and stay home if you are sick.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority leads the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

July 10, 2020

Oregon Health Authority Director Patrick Allen will hold a weekly media availability at 11:15 a.m. Friday, July 10. To participate, media are invited to call 844-721-7239, access code 6939096.

For more information: media.COVID-19@state.or.us

July 9, 2020

Media contact: OHA External Relations 971-673-2097, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 389 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 6 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed six more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 230, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 389 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 11,188.

The new cases are in the following counties: Benton (1), Clackamas (20), Clatsop (1), Columbia (2), Coos (4), Crook (3), Deschutes (5), Hood River (1), Jackson (7), Jefferson (8), Josephine (2), Lake (2), Lane (18), Lincoln (15), Linn (3), Malheur (31), Marion (47), Morrow (12), Multnomah (86), Polk (2), Umatilla (55), Union (4), Wallowa (1), Wasco (5), Washington (46), Yamhill (8).

Today’s case count is the highest total daily case count since the onset of the pandemic. The recent increase in cases is attributed to workplace outbreaks and community spread. Newly diagnosed cases are being interviewed now.

Oregon’s 225th COVID-19 death is a 63-year-old woman in Crook County who became symptomatic on July 1 after close contact with a confirmed case and died on July 8, at her residence. She had no underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s 226th COVID-19 death is an 83-year-old man in Umatilla County who tested positive on July 4 and died on July 3. The place of death is being confirmed. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 227th COVID-19 death is a 71-year-old man in Marion County who tested positive on June 26 and died on July 7, at his residence. He had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s 228th COVID-19 death is a 75-year-old woman in Clackamas County who tested positive on June 10 and died on July 2 at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. She had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s 229th COVID-19 death is a 78-year-old woman in Clackamas County who died on June 18 at her residence. More details are pending.

Oregon’s 230th COVID-19 death is a 90-year-old man in Marion County who tested positive on May 9 and died on June 1, at his home. He had underlying conditions.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority leads the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

July 8, 2020

Program contact: Jacee Vangestel, 503-945-2852, jacee.m.vangestel@dhsoha.state.or.us

What: A public meeting of the Oregon State Hospital Advisory Board.

When: July 16, 1-3 p.m.

Where: The public can attend via toll-free conference line at 503-934-1400, participant code 20123340#.

Agenda: After the public comment period, the board will discuss an OSH update on the COVID-19 response and take questions.

Details: The Oregon State Hospital Advisory Board advises the superintendent, Oregon Health Authority director and legislators on issues related to the safety, security and care of patients. Members include consumers, providers, advocates, legislators, community members, consumer families and OSH union members.

For more information, see the board’s website at http://www.oregon.gov/oha/osh/Pages/advisory-board.aspx.

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters.
• Written materials in other languages.
• Braille.
• Large print.
• Audio and other formats.

If you need help or have questions, please contact Jacee Vangestel at 503-945-2852, 711 TTY or jacee.m.vangestel@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

July 8, 2020

Media contact: OHA External Relations 971-673-2097, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 217 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 4 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed four more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 224, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 217 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 10,817.

The new cases are in the following counties: Baker (3), Clackamas (19), Clatsop (1), Columbia (1), Coos (2), Curry (1), Deschutes (3), Douglas (2), Harney (1), Hood River (1), Jackson (5), Jefferson (1), Josephine (2), Lane (10), Lincoln (3), Linn (8), Malheur (12), Marion (15), Morrow (10), Multnomah (30), Umatilla (43), Union (3), Wasco (1), Washington (31), Yamhill (9).

Oregon’s 221st COVID-19 death is an 85-year-old woman in Benton County who tested positive on May 31 and died on June 28, at her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 222nd COVID-19 death is a 55-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on June 22 and died on June 28, at his residence. He had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s 223rd COVID-19 death is a 91-year-old woman in Marion County who tested positive on June 18 and died on July 5, at her residence. She had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s 224th COVID-19 death is a 36-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on June 3 and died on July 7, at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. He had underlying medical conditions.

Weekly Report released

Today, OHA released its Weekly Report which showed that during the week of June 29 to July 5, 32,355 persons were tested for COVID-19 in Oregon with 5 percent recording a positive result.

COVID 19 continued to surge during that week with 1,910 new cases an increase of 51 percent over the previous week. In addition, 11 Oregonians were reported to have died, one fewer than the previous week.

OHA to host media call

OHA Director Patrick Allen will hold a weekly media availability at 11:15 a.m. Friday, July 10. To participate, media are invited to call 844-721-7239, access code 6939096.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority leads the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

The Oregon State Marine Board will hold a work session on July 22 from 1 pm to 5 pm with invited online testimony and will discuss two topics. The first discussion will focus on potential rules for the Lower Willamette River, and then the Board will hear about ways to increase opportunities for boating on North and South Twin Lakes for persons with disabilities. The Board will hold its quarterly meeting on July 23, beginning at 8:30 am via Microsoft Teams and live-streamed from the agency’s office, 435 Commercial Street NE, in Salem.

The Board will enter executive session per ORS 192.660(2)(h) and at the conclusion, reconvene into its general meeting to discuss and consider the following agenda items:

• Agency Budget -Board approval;
• Update on Rapid Response Exercise for Aquatic Invasive Species;
• Possible Rulemaking via Petition to amend OAR 250-010-07610, Waterway Access Permit Expiration Dates - option to initiate rulemaking process;
• Possible Rulemaking via Petition to amend OAR 250-010-0010 and OAR 250-010-0154 regarding paddlecraft and personal flotation devices - option to initiate rulemaking process;
• Possible Rulemaking via Petition to amend OAR 250-020-0032 and OAR 250-020-0385 regarding wake surfing on the Willamette River in the Newberg Pool -option to initiate rulemaking process;
• Lower Willamette River Rules Recommendations - option to direct staff to propose rules;
• Rulemaking for North and South Twin Lakes and Boaters with Disabilities - option to direct staff to propose rules;
• Executive session ORS 192.660(2)(i).

For media with an interest in the executive session, please contact Jennifer Cooper, Executive Assistant at 503-378-2617 for further information on how to participate.

The meeting will be live-streamed via the Marine Board’s YouTube Channel. To view the agenda and staff report, visit https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/info/Pages/Board-and-Public-Meetings.aspx.

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The Marine Board is directly funded by boaters in the form of registration, title, and permit fees, as well as through marine fuel taxes. No lottery, general fund tax dollars or local facility parking fees support the agency or its programs. Boater-paid fees support the boating public through boating safety services (on-the-water law enforcement, training, and equipment), boating safety education, grants for the construction and maintenance of boating access facilities, and environmental protection programs. For more information about the Marine Board and its programs, visit www.boatoregon.com.

For the first time in the 50-year history of the Marine Board’s Boating Facility Grant Program, the public now has an opportunity to weigh in on where they’d like to see their boating dollars invested. Marine Board staff wants to provide an opportunity for the public to comment directly to the agency and to create more public involvement in how the Board awards grant dollars.

Applications for Cycle 2 motorized and non-motorized funding closed July 1. These are the first applications to be considered for non-motorized boating access and education grants with Waterway Access Permit revenue. In 2019, the Oregon Legislature approved SB 47, creating a dedicated account for non-motorized boating access, where boaters who operate boats 10 feet long or longer are required to purchase and carry a Waterway Access Permit. The revenue helps fund two programs: AIS Prevention Program (co-managed by the Marine Board and ODFW) and Boating Facility Grant Program; a competitive process for eligible applicants. Boating facility grant funding can be used to improve facilities by adding car parking spaces, non-motorized boat launches, restrooms, low-freeboard docks, and more. Grant funding is also available to tribal governments and public and non-profit entities for boating safety education/equipment in underserved communities.

There’s nearly $900,000 in (motorized and nonmotorized) Cycle Two grant revenue available with 19 applications, requesting nearly $1.5 million, for a total project value of more than $2.5 million. The deadline to review applications and provide comments is August 7. Comments will be reviewed and shared with the Marine Board prior to a special August 27 Board meeting to consider the grants.

Visit the Boating Facility Grant Application Comment Page to view applications and provide comments. 

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The Marine Board is directly funded by boaters in the form of registration, title, and permit fees, as well as through marine fuel taxes. No lottery, general fund tax dollars, or local facility parking fees support the agency or its programs. Boater-paid fees support the boating public through boating safety services (on-the-water law enforcement, training, and equipment), boating safety education, grants for the construction and maintenance of boating access facilities, and environmental protection programs. For more information about the Marine Board and its programs, visit www.boatoregon.com.

SALEM, Ore – The Oregon Office of Emergency Management (OEM) received the Special Achievement Award in GIS (SAG) on July 13, 2020, at this year’s (virtual) Esri User Conference. Esri, the global leader in location intelligence, reviewed more than 300,000 eligible candidates, selecting OEM for its innovative application of mapping and analytics technology.

The SAG Awards recognize organizations using Geographic Information System (GIS) Mapping to understand and display complex data, helping to meet challenges around the world.

Emergency management uses data and information to inform decision makers about current and anticipated events. OEM created applications and datasets, incorporating them into existing software to show activated emergency operation centers in counties and tribes across the state. Used to provide status and story maps for disasters like wildfires, flooding and winter storms, the system has been a remarkably informative tool to track and display vital information during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Informing our partners and the public on the status of our response during an emergency is critical, “ said OEM Director Andrew Phelps. “This means providing accurate, up-to-date information. The system our GIS staff has created does all this, and it provides an opportuntity to use text, photos and video to share how we coordinate and assist with a wide-range of emergency or disaster responses.”

OEM was one of more than 180 organizations to be honored from a broad spectrum of agencies and entities including commercial industry, defense, transportation, nonprofit work, telecommunications and government.  

The general public can find all public-facing applications, tools and products on OEM’s GIS Hub page, located at https://oregon-oem-geo.hub.arcgis.com/.

Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant funding was part of a 2019 legislature approved lottery bond package scheduled for spring 2021. The sale of the bond package has been canceled due lottery shortfalls from the impacts of COVID-19. Without the $5,000,000 expected from the sale or additional action by the legislature, a new round of grants can’t be awarded.

This is a devastating blow to Oregon’s 93 historic downtowns and organizations that participate in the Oregon Main Street Network. They have struggled these past several months to meet the challenges their communities are facing during the pandemic. They have been vital to the preservation of jobs, businesses, and community resilience. Many have already been preparing for the application process slated to open in January, 2021.

The grant program was created during the 2015 legislative session, and placed with the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office. The grant funds building acquisition, rehabilitation, or construction projects that support community revitalization in Oregon Main Street Network communities. The program also requires that at least 50 percent of the funds go to rural communities as defined in the bill.

The legislation established a permanent fund for the Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant, and provided an initial infusion of funds from the sale of lottery bonds. Subsequent funding through the sale of lottery bonds was approved in 2017 and 2019. While the 2019 approved funding is now unlikely, the fund itself remains and can be replenished by other sources including other government and private funds.

The first two grants cycles resulted in awards for 56 projects in 37 communities. Awards were spread all over the state, from Enterprise to Lakeview to Gold Beach to Astoria, and included 30 communities under 30,000 population. Types of projects funded include:

• Full restoration of several buildings, some decades vacant, including the Central Hotel in Burns, Merwyn Building in Astoria, Mills Garage in Independence, Au Franc Building in Port Orford, IOOF Building in La Grande.
• Creation of new or improved residential units including eleven new apartments in Coos Bay, six apartments and retail upgrades in Cottage Grove, two projects to support a total of 24 units in Klamath Falls, 40 new units in Astoria, four new apartments in Tillamook, renovation of five apartments in Reedsport, three new spaces in The Dalles, and 10-12 new units in Woodburn.
• Façade restorations including a model block program coordinated by Revitalize Downtown Stayton that includes improvements on seven of nine properties in downtown. Other facade improvements include the Litch Building in Enterprise, Riviera Building in Astoria, Railroad Avenue buildings and The Coin in Oregon City, Morris Miles & Co Building in Newberg, and Alberta district in Portland.
• Structural and roof repairs including five properties in Reedsport, two buildings in Baker City, the historic Masonic Building in Bandon, the Hill Theater (antique store) in Hillsboro, the Bungalow Theater & Museum building in Woodburn, and one building each in Dallas and Weston.
• Historic Theater acquisition and improvements including purchase of the Alger Theater in Lakeview, and improvements to the Liberty Theater in La Grande, Columbia Theater in St. Helens, OK Theatre in Enterprise, and Rivoli Theater in Pendleton.

To learn more about the Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant or the Oregon Main Street Network, visit www.oregonheritage.org or contact Kuri Gill at i.gill@oregon.gov">Kuri.gill@oregon.gov or 503-986-0685.

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the 14 agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 14, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - NOON CASE UPDATE

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results: It is Tuesday, July 14, 2020, and as of 12:00 pm today, there are two NEW confirmed cases of COVID-19 since our noon case update yesterday. The total number of cases (confirmed and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 66.  Please note that one presumptive case was moved to confirmed today with the return of positive test results.  Since this case was already counted in our total cases when it was reported as presumptive, our total COVID-19 cases (confirmed and presumptive) will only increase by one today.    

Yesterday, we made the sad announcement that we had our first COVID-19 related death of a resident of Douglas County.  Due to the nature of the death (being reported as passing while out-of-the-state in Texas), and respect for the privacy for the individual’s loved ones, no additional information will be released pending the confirmation of notification of family members.  DPHN is working with OHA and Texas State Health Officials on the notification and documentation process for this case. At the time of this release, we are unclear if OHA has received all the case documentation from Texas.  So, while we are listing the death in our case chart starting today, OHA’s COVID-19 death statistics will most likely not be updated until they receive the official report.  Standard protocol for COVID-19 case management in the United States is that all cases and deaths are to be reported and recorded in the County of the individual’s official residence.  Click here to read the DCCRT's announcement from Monday, July 13, 2020.

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting confirmed and presumptive cases and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines confirmed and presumptive cases.  We provide a breakout of the confirmed and presumptive cases in the chart below. Please note there will be times when a presumptive case moves to a confirmed case, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for confirmed and presumptive cases.

Previously, we used the OHA definition for recovered that considered people recovered if they were 10 days from onset and symptoms were improving.  As more is learned about COVID, the clinical definition of recovery is evolving.  Due to the evolving nature of this definition, we have removed the column in our chart listing our recovered cases.  We added the number of those in isolation that roughly correlates with the number of active cases.  The DCCRT noon case and daily update will report the number of confirmed cases (as of 12:00 pm that day), the number of presumptive cases, total COVID-19 deaths, total currently hospitalized, total negative test results, and the number of people in isolation in Douglas County.  Currently, DPHN is supporting 20 cases in isolation.

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be today, Tuesday, July 14, 2020, in Roseburg.  As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1021 people tested in 47 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics.  The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on state or federal COVID-19 response from the following websites: Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and by calling or logging onto 211Info.

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer

Join us, tonight, Tuesday, July 14, 2020 for the next virtual town hall Q&A with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, your Douglas County Public Health Officer at 6:00 pm, hosted by DPHN and found on the DPHN Facebook page.

Stay Informed with Local Accurate Information

Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the 14 agencies that make up the DCCRT.

Local COVID-19 Hotline: If you have questions about resources available, call the COVID-19 hotline, staffed by local volunteers at (541) 464-6550 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week.

Got Questions about the Governor’s Phased Reopening Plans?

If you have questions or need more information about the Governor’s Phased Reopening Plans, Sector Specific or other State Orders go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/reopening-oregon or call Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880. 

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Orders?

Please do not call 911, local law enforcement agencies or Douglas County or local Government offices to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State of Oregon offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  Read the Governor’s official press release on enforcement here.

For more information or to report compliance issues concerning the Governor’s COVID-19 orders directly contact:

OSHA at (800) 922-2689 or log onto the OSHA website

OLCC at (503) 872-5000 or log onto the OLCC website 

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Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the 14 agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 13, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM – SPECIAL UPDATE

FIRST COVID-19 RELATED DEATH OF A DOUGLAS COUNTY RESIDENT

            (Douglas County, Ore.) – Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer has confirmed the first death of a Douglas County resident from the COVID-19 virus.  The individual passed away at a Texas medical facility on Sunday, July 12, 2020.  Dr. Dannenhoffer received notice of the death late today from public health officials in Lubbock City, Texas.  The Douglas County resident had traveled to Texas, and while there tested positive and was being treated for COVID-19 at a medical facility in that state.  At this time, in the interest of privacy for the individual’s loved ones, no additional information will be released pending notification of family members.  This is the first known death from COVID-19 of a county resident.  As of noon today, Monday, July 13, the total number of cases (confirmed and presumptive) in Douglas County was at 65.  This new case brings our total to 66.

            “Today is an extremely heartbreaking day. The Douglas County Board of Commissioners are deeply saddened by the report of our first death of a county resident from the coronavirus.  To the family and friends of this cherished individual, on behalf of my family, the fellow Board of Commissioners and the DCCRT team, please accept our sincere sympathies,” said Commissioner Tim Freeman.

In this difficult time, the DCCRT Team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, along with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer, and Douglas Public Health Network, would like to remind residents of the importance of following the COVID-19 safety guidelines and taking the necessary measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 and help to protect your health, your family’s health and the health of our communities. 

            “We understand that this is a scary time, but if you are taking all of the recommended steps – physical distancing, washing your hands frequently, wearing face coverings where recommended, staying home if you are sick, getting tested if you are sick and making sure to sanitize items and surfaces that have been touched by others, then you are doing everything you can to stay safe and stop the spread,” said Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer.

Stay Informed with Local Accurate Information

Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the Douglas County Government website and the DPHN website.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the 14 agencies that make up the DCCRT.  Local COVID-19 Hotline: If you have questions about resources available, call the COVID-19 hotline, staffed by local volunteers at (541) 464-6550 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week.

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Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the 14 agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 13, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM – DAILY LOCAL UPDATE

(Douglas County, Ore.) New COVID-19 Orders from the Governor The big news today is the announcement of increased COVID-19 guidelines from Oregon’s Governor and her team of COVID-19 medical advisors.  During a press conference held this morning, July 13, 2020, the Governor announced that she is ‘sounding the alarm’ to Oregonians about the increased risk of the virus possibly spiraling out of control in our State.  She stated that we have had more cases reported in the past week in Oregon than in the entire month of May, and that current data shows that over half of our current cases are people under the age of 40.   The Governor and her team of COVID-19 medical advisors also noted that breakouts have occurred mostly in workplaces; assisted living, care facilities and jails; and at large social gatherings.  “It’s when we let our guard down that the virus takes full advantage,” commented Governor Brown.  In light of the new data and the recent surge in cases, the Governor has decided to implement the following ‘Two Step Plan’ for all Oregonians in an attempt slow the spread of the virus in Oregon:

1. Instituting a Statewide Ban on All Indoor Social Get-Togethers of More than 10 people.  The Governor’s new mandate states that all get-togethers including for example; potlucks, birthday parties, celebrations and book club meetings that take place indoors cannot exceed 10 people, until further notice. She said the new ban does not change the guidelines for business and churches at this time.  She stated that if the case numbers continue to rise that additional mandates or closures could be put into place.

1. Expanding Oregon’s Face Covering Requirement. As of Wednesday, July 15, 2020, in addition to the mandatory face covering requirement for all indoor public spaces instituted on July 1, 2020, Oregonians will also be required to wear face coverings outdoors if you are not able to maintain the six feet physical distancing from people that live outside your household.  Businesses with outdoor spaces are encouraged to update their operational plan to include the new guidelines for outdoor face covering use. 

The Governor encouraged all Oregonians to take personal responsibility in following the new and previous mandates in order to curtail the spread of COVID-19 in Oregon.   She asked citizens to follow the Three W’s: 1) Wear a face covering; 2) watch your distance; and 3) wash, wash, wash your hands.  

As a reminder, your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Departments, Douglas Public Health Network or our DCCRT team are not involved in the creation, issuance or regulation for any of the COVID-19 mandates established by Oregon’s Governor and her team of COVID-19 advisors.  If you have questions or concerns, you need to call the Governor’s Office or the Oregon Health Authority (OHA).   For more information and a list of who to contact, log onto the Governors COVID-19 website here.

Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results: It is Monday, July 13, 2020, and as of 12:00 pm today, there are THREE NEW confirmed cases of COVID-19 since our noon case update yesterday. The total number of cases (confirmed and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 65.  Please note that two presumptive cases were moved to confirmed today with the return of positive test results.  Since those cases were already counted in our total cases when they were reported as presumptive, our total COVID-19 cases (confirmed and presumptive) will only increase by one today.     

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting confirmed and presumptive cases and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines confirmed and presumptive cases.  We provide a breakout of the confirmed and presumptive cases in the chart below. Please note there will be times when a presumptive case moves to a confirmed case, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for confirmed and presumptive cases.

Previously, we used the OHA definition for recovered that considered people recovered if they were 10 days from onset and symptoms were improving.  As more is learned about COVID, the clinical definition of recovery is evolving.  Due to the evolving nature of this definition, we have removed the column in our chart listing our recovered cases.  We added the number of those in isolation that roughly correlates with the number of active cases.  The DCCRT noon case and daily update will report the number of confirmed cases (as of 12:00 pm that day), the number of presumptive cases, total COVID-19 deaths, total currently hospitalized, total negative test results, and the number of people in isolation in Douglas County.  Currently, DPHN is supporting 19 cases in isolation.

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be Tuesday, July 14, 2020, in Roseburg.  As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1021 people tested in 47 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics.  The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on state or   federal COVID-19 response from the following websites: Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and by calling or logging onto 211Info.

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer

Join us, tomorrow, Tuesday, July 14, 2020 for the next virtual town hall Q&A with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, your Douglas County Public Health Officer at 6:00 pm, hosted by DPHN and found on the DPHN Facebook page.

DFPA: Fire Danger Increases

In a press release issued today, Monday, July 13, 2020 DFPA noted that warming and drying conditions have prompted the Douglas Forest Protective Association to increase the fire danger to Moderate within the Douglas District, effective immediately.  The Industrial Fire Precaution Level will remain at IFPL I. Under DFPA’s Public Use Restrictions, a moderate fire danger reading changes the shutdown times for several activities for the general public.  During moderate fire danger, the following activities are prohibited between the hours of 1:00 PM and 8:00 PM:

• The cutting, trimming or mowing of dried or cured grass.  This restriction does not apply to the mowing of green lawns or for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops.
• The cutting, grinding or welding of metal for non-industrial purposes.
• The use of power saws for non-industrial purposes.
• Any non-industrial improvement or development taking place on private property that utilizes power driven machinery not specifically mentioned in the Public Use Restrictions.

All other restrictions listed under DFPA’s Public Use Restrictions remain in effect and unchanged.  A complete list of DFPA’s Public Use Restrictions can be found online at www.dfpa.net or by calling DFPA’s 24 hour information line at 541-672-0379.  Residents are reminded that additional restrictions or closures may be in place through private industrial landowners or public land management agency on the lands they own or manage.

Stay Informed with Local Accurate Information

Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the 14 agencies that make up the DCCRT.  Local COVID-19 Hotline: If you have questions about resources available, call the COVID-19 hotline, staffed by local volunteers at (541) 464-6550 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week.

Got Questions about the Governor’s Phased Reopening Plans?

If you have questions or need more information about the Governor’s Phased Reopening Plans, Sector Specific or other State Orders go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/reopening-oregon or call Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880. 

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Orders?

Please do not call 911, local law enforcement agencies or Douglas County or local Government offices to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State of Oregon offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  Read the Governor’s official press release on enforcement here.

For more information or to report compliance issues concerning the Governor’s COVID-19 orders directly contact:

OSHA at (800) 922-2689 or log onto the OSHA website

OLCC at (503) 872-5000 or log onto the OLCC website 

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Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 13, 2020

Notice of Special Meeting Douglas County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC) - Housing Subcommittee

(Virtually) - Wednesday, July 15, 2020

(Roseburg, OR) The next meeting for the Douglas County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council’s (LPSCC) – Housing Subcommittee will take place on Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at 12:00 pm via a virtual conference format.

Due to COVID-19, we are taking extra precautions, therefor the meeting will be conducted virtually. We will accommodate any member of the public who wishes to join the meeting via video or by phone. For information on how you can listen in on this meeting, please email the LPSCC Coordinator, Melissa McRobbie-Toll at melissa@co.douglas.or.us or call (541) 450-9768.

The meeting agenda is attached and can also be found at www.co.douglas.or.us.

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Contact Melissa McRobbie-Toll, Programs & Partnerships (LPSCC) Coordinator, Douglas County

(541) 450-9768 cell - melissa@co.douglas.or.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 13, 2020

Notice of Meeting Douglas County Veterans Advisory Committee

(Teleconference) - July 14, 2020

(Roseburg, OR) The next Douglas County Veterans Advisory Committee meeting will take place on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at 3:00 pm via a virtual teleconference.

Due to COVID-19, we are taking extra precautions, therefor the meeting will be conducted virtually. We will accommodate any member of the public who wishes to join the meeting via video or by phone. For information on how you can listen in on this meeting, please email the Douglas County Veterans Service Office at ans@co.douglas.or.us">veterans@co.douglas.or.us or call (541) 440-4219.

The meeting agenda can be found at www.co.douglas.or.us.

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Contact Mary Newman-Keyes, Veterans Service Officer, Douglas County Veterans Service Office

(541) 440-4219 - veterans@co.douglas.or.us

About Douglas County

Douglas County Government employs approximately 800 full- and part-time employees in a wide variety of jobs. The Board of Commissioners, consisting of three full-time members, is the county’s governing body. They provide a direct link between the citizens of Douglas County and their county government. The Board of Commissioners is responsible for: approving ordinances (county laws); adopting the county budget; setting standards for the use of county property; appointing non-elected officials to boards, commissions, and committees; and oversees all operations of the county.

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the 14 agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 13, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - NOON CASE UPDATE

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results: It is Monday, July 13, 2020, and as of 12:00 pm today, there are THREE NEW confirmed cases of COVID-19 since our noon case update yesterday. The total number of cases (confirmed and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 65.  Please note that two presumptive cases were moved to confirmed today with the return of positive test results.  Since those cases were already counted in our total cases when they were reported as presumptive, our total COVID-19 cases (confirmed and presumptive) will only increase by one today.     

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting confirmed and presumptive cases and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines confirmed and presumptive cases.  We provide a breakout of the confirmed and presumptive cases in the chart below. Please note there will be times when a presumptive case moves to a confirmed case, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for confirmed and presumptive cases.

Previously, we used the OHA definition for recovered that considered people recovered if they were 10 days from onset and symptoms were improving.  As more is learned about COVID, the clinical definition of recovery is evolving.  Due to the evolving nature of this definition, we have removed the column in our chart listing our recovered cases.  We added the number of those in isolation that roughly correlates with the number of active cases.  The DCCRT noon case and daily update will report the number of confirmed cases (as of 12:00 pm that day), the number of presumptive cases, total COVID-19 deaths, total currently hospitalized, total negative test results, and the number of people in isolation in Douglas County.  Currently, DPHN is supporting 19 cases in isolation.

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be Tuesday, July 14, 2020, in Roseburg.  As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1021 people tested in 47 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics.  The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on state or federal COVID-19 response from the following websites: Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and by calling or logging onto 211Info.

Stay Informed with Local Accurate Information

Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the 14 agencies that make up the DCCRT.

Local COVID-19 Hotline: If you have questions about resources available, call the COVID-19 hotline, staffed by local volunteers at (541) 464-6550 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week.

Got Questions about the Governor’s Phased Reopening Plans?

If you have questions or need more information about the Governor’s Phased Reopening Plans, Sector Specific or other State Orders go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/reopening-oregon or call Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880. 

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Orders?

Please do not call 911, local law enforcement agencies or Douglas County or local Government offices to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State of Oregon offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  Read the Governor’s official press release on enforcement here.

For more information or to report compliance issues concerning the Governor’s COVID-19 orders directly contact:

OSHA at (800) 922-2689 or log onto the OSHA website

OLCC at (503) 872-5000 or log onto the OLCC website 

###

Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the 14 agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 12, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - NOON CASE UPDATE

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results: It is Sunday, July 12, 2020, and as of 12:00 pm today, there are NO NEW confirmed cases, however, there is one new presumptive case of COVID-19 since our noon case update yesterday. The total number of cases (confirmed and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 64. 

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting confirmed and presumptive cases and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines confirmed and presumptive cases.  We provide a breakout of the confirmed and presumptive cases in the chart below. Please note there will be times when a presumptive case moves to a confirmed case, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for confirmed and presumptive cases.

DPHN is following Oregon Health Authority’s policy related to outbreaks and will be reporting workplace outbreaks with 5 or more cases and only for workplaces where there are at least 30 employees.  Previously, we used the OHA definition for recovered that considered people recovered if they were 10 days from onset and symptoms were improving.  As more is learned about COVID, the clinical definition of recovery is evolving.  Due to the evolving nature of this definition, we have removed the column in our chart listing our recovered cases.  We added the number of those in isolation that roughly correlates with the number of active cases.  The DCCRT noon case and daily update will report the number of confirmed cases (as of 12:00 pm that day), the number of presumptive cases, total COVID-19 deaths, total currently hospitalized, total negative test results, and the number of people in isolation in Douglas County.  Currently, DPHN is supporting 20 cases in isolation.

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be Tuesday, July 14, 2020 in Roseburg.  As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1021 people tested in 47 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics.  The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on state or federal COVID-19 response from the following websites: Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and by calling or logging onto 211Info.

Stay Informed with Local Accurate Information

Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the 14 agencies that make up the DCCRT.

Local COVID-19 Hotline: If you have questions about resources available, call the COVID-19 hotline, staffed by local volunteers at (541) 464-6550 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week.

Got Questions about the Governor’s Phased Reopening Plans?

If you have questions or need more information about the Governor’s Phased Reopening Plans, Sector Specific or other State Orders go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/reopening-oregon or call Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880. 

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Orders?

Please do not call 911, local law enforcement agencies or Douglas County or local Government offices to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State of Oregon offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  Read the Governor’s official press release on enforcement here.

For more information or to report compliance issues concerning the Governor’s COVID-19 orders directly contact:

OSHA at (800) 922-2689 or log onto the OSHA website

OLCC at (503) 872-5000 or log onto the OLCC website 

###

Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the 14 agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 11, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - NOON CASE UPDATE

Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results: It is Saturday, July 11, 2020, and as of 12:00 pm today, there are THREE new confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported since our noon case update yesterday. The total number of cases (confirmed and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 63. 

Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines confirmed and presumptive cases.  We provide a breakout of the confirmed and presumptive cases in the chart below. Please note there will be times when a presumptive case moves to a confirmed case, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for confirmed and presumptive cases.

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting confirmed and presumptive cases and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

DPHN is following Oregon Health Authority’s policy related to outbreaks and will be reporting workplace outbreaks with 5 or more cases and only for workplaces where there are at least 30 employees. Previously, we used the OHA definition for recovered that considered people recovered if they were 10 days from onset and symptoms were improving.  As more is learned about COVID, the clinical definition of recovery is evolving.  Due to the evolving nature of this definition, we have removed the column in our chart listing our recovered cases.  We added the number of those in isolation that roughly correlates with the number of active cases.  The DCCRT noon case and daily update will report the number of confirmed cases (as of 12:00 pm that day), the number of presumptive cases, total COVID-19 deaths, total currently hospitalized, total negative test results, and the number of people in isolation in Douglas County.  Currently, DPHN is supporting 22 cases in isolation.

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be today Saturday, July 11, 2020 in Reedsport.  As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788.

Thanks to our amazing local team of partner agencies, we have surpassed 1,000 tests in our drive-through testing clinics. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1011 people tested in 46 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics.  The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on state or federal COVID-19 response from the following websites: Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and by calling or logging onto 211Info.

Stay Informed with Local Accurate Information

Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the 14 agencies that make up the DCCRT.

Local COVID-19 Hotline: If you have questions about resources available, call the COVID-19 hotline, staffed by local volunteers at (541) 464-6550 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week.

Got Questions about the Governor’s Phased Reopening Plans?

If you have questions or need more information about the Governor’s Phased Reopening Plans, Sector Specific or other State Orders go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/reopening-oregon or call Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880. 

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Orders?

Please do not call 911, local law enforcement agencies or Douglas County Government to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State of Oregon offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  Read the Governor’s official press release on enforcement here.

For more information or to report compliance issues concerning the Governor’s COVID-19 orders directly contact:

OSHA at (800) 922-2689 or log onto the OSHA website

OLCC at (503) 872-5000 or log onto the OLCC website 

###

Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the 14 agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 10, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - NOON CASE UPDATE

Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results: It is Friday, July 10, 2020, and as of 12:00 pm today, there are TWO new confirmed cases and one new presumptive case of COVID-19 reported since our noon case update yesterday. The total number of cases (confirmed and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 60.  Please note that during our ongoing case investigations one of our confirmed cases was discovered to be a resident of another state, so that case was removed from our case count and transferred to the correct county of residence in that state.  Thus, our numbers for confirmed and total case count reflect that movement. 

Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines confirmed and presumptive cases.  We provide a breakout of the confirmed and presumptive cases in the chart below. Please note there will be times when a presumptive case moves to a confirmed case, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for confirmed and presumptive cases.

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting confirmed and presumptive cases and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

DPHN is following Oregon Health Authority’s policy related to outbreaks and will be reporting workplace outbreaks with 5 or more cases and only for workplaces where there are at least 30 employees. Previously, we used the OHA definition for recovered that considered people recovered if they were 10 days from onset and symptoms were improving.  As more is learned about COVID, the clinical definition of recovery is evolving.  Due to the evolving nature of this definition, we have removed the column in our chart listing our recovered cases.  We added the number of those in isolation that roughly correlates with the number of active cases.  The DCCRT noon case and daily update will report the number of confirmed cases (as of 12:00 pm that day), the number of presumptive cases, total COVID-19 deaths, total currently hospitalized, total negative test results, and the number of people in isolation in Douglas County.  Currently, DPHN is supporting 18 cases in isolation.

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be today Friday, July 10, 2020 in Roseburg.  There will be another clinic in Reedsport on Saturday, July 11, 2020.  As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 945 people tested in 45 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics.  The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on state or federal COVID-19 response from the following websites: Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and by calling or logging onto 211Info.

Stay Informed with Local Accurate Information

Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the 14 agencies that make up the DCCRT.

Local COVID-19 Hotline: If you have questions about resources available, call the COVID-19 hotline, staffed by local volunteers at (541) 464-6550 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week.

Got Questions about the Governor’s Phased Reopening Plans?

If you have questions or need more information about the Governor’s Phased Reopening Plans, Sector Specific or other State Orders go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/reopening-oregon or call Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880. 

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Orders?

Please do not call 911, local law enforcement agencies or Douglas County Government to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State of Oregon offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  Read the Governor’s official press release on enforcement here.

For more information or to report compliance issues concerning the Governor’s COVID-19 orders directly contact:

OSHA at (800) 922-2689 or log onto the OSHA website

OLCC at (503) 872-5000 or log onto the OLCC website 

###

Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell /(541 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the 14 agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 9, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM – DAILY LOCAL UPDATE

Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results: It is Thursday, July 9, 2020, and as of 12:00 pm today, there are TWO new confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported since our noon case update yesterday. The total number of cases (confirmed and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 58. OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting confirmed and presumptive cases and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.  Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines confirmed and presumptive cases.  We provide a breakout of the confirmed and presumptive cases in the chart below. Please note there will be times when a presumptive case moves to a confirmed case, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for confirmed and presumptive cases.

DPHN is following Oregon Health Authority’s policy related to outbreaks and will be reporting workplace outbreaks with 5 or more cases and only for workplaces where there are at least 30 employees. Previously, we used the OHA definition for recovered that considered people recovered if they were 10 days from onset and symptoms were improving.  As more is learned about COVID, the clinical definition of recovery is evolving.  Due to the evolving nature of this definition, we have removed the column in our chart listing our recovered cases.  We added the number of those in isolation that roughly correlates with the number of active cases.  The DCCRT noon case and daily update will report the number of confirmed cases (as of 12:00 pm that day), the number of presumptive cases, total COVID-19 deaths, total currently hospitalized, total negative test results, and the number of people in isolation in Douglas County.  Currently, DPHN is supporting 18 cases in isolation.

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be Friday, July 10, 2020.  As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 945 people tested in 45 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics.  The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website: www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on state or federal COVID-19 response from the following websites: Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and by calling or logging onto 211Info.

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer

Join us, Friday, July 10, 2020 for the next virtual town hall Q&A with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, your Douglas County Public Health Officer at 6:00 pm, hosted by DPHN and found on the DPHN Facebook page.

OHA to Host Live Q&A About COVID-19 Data

Locally, we have been very fortunate that our Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer has been conducting weekly Facebook Live Q&A events for our residents on the Douglas Public Health Network Facebook page to answer your COVID-19 questions.  Next week, Oregonians will have the opportunity to ask the OHA’s data experts direct questions.  OHA said they regularly get questions about Oregon’s data and how to interpret the various charts, reports, and trends. Join them on Wednesday, July 15 at 12:30 pm for OHA’s Live COVID-19 Q&A. The event will be offered in both English or Spanish, on their respective Facebook pages clink on the link here: English or Spanish.

Additional Farm Crops Eligible for USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program

The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue announced that that a new list of farm crops (commodities) have been added to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), and that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has  made other changes to the program, based on comments received from agricultural producers and organizations and review of market data. Producers will be able to submit applications that include these new farm crops starting Monday, July 13, 2020.  USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will be accepting applications for CFAP through Aug. 28, 2020, which helps offset price declines and additional marketing costs because of the coronavirus pandemic. USDA expects additional eligible commodities to be announced in the coming weeks. 

“During this time of national crisis, President Trump and USDA have stood with our farmers, ranchers, and all citizens to make sure they are taken care of,” said Secretary Perdue. “When we announced this program earlier this year, we asked for public input and received a good response. After reviewing the comments received and analyzing our USDA Market News data, we are adding new commodities, as well as making updates to the program for existing eligible commodities. This is an example of government working for the people – we asked for input and we updated the program based on the comments we received.” 

Changes to CFAP include:

• Adding the following farm crops (commodities): alfalfa sprouts, anise, arugula, basil, bean sprouts, beets, blackberries, Brussels sprouts, celeriac (celery root), chives, cilantro, coconuts, collard greens, dandelion greens, greens (others not listed separately), guava, kale greens, lettuce – including Boston, green leaf, Lolla Rossa, oak leaf green, oak leaf red and red leaf – marjoram, mint, mustard, okra, oregano, parsnips, passion fruit, peas (green), pineapple, pistachios, radicchio, rosemary, sage, savory, sorrel, fresh sugarcane, Swiss chard, thyme and turnip top greens.
• Expanding for seven currently eligible commodities – apples, blueberries, garlic, potatoes, raspberries, tangerines and taro – CARES Act funding for sales losses because USDA found these commodities had a 5 percent or greater price decline between mid-January and mid-April as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally, these commodities were only eligible for marketing adjustments.
• Determining that peaches and rhubarb no longer qualify for payment under the CARES Act sales loss category.
• Correcting payment rates for apples, artichokes, asparagus, blueberries, cantaloupes, cucumbers, garlic, kiwifruit, mushrooms, papaya, peaches, potatoes, raspberries, rhubarb, tangerines and taro. 

Additional details about CFAP can be found in the Federal Register in the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) and Final Rule Correction and at www.farmers.gov/cfap. For more information or resources from the USDA regarding COVID-19 log onto: farmers.gov/coronavirus.  

Staying Safe at Playgrounds and Parks

OHA released an info-graphic to provide tips to residents before they venture out to local playgrounds and parks.  In counties approved to move to Phase 2 of reopening, we are seeing some local parks starting to open their playgrounds and facilities. Help keep the kids in your life safe by taking the following precautions before you go (see attached info-graphic).  For more information about reopening Oregon, visit coronavirus.oregon.gov.

Stay Informed with Local Accurate Information

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the Douglas County Government website or the DPHN website. Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the 14 agencies that make up the DCCRT.  Local COVID-19 Hotline: If you have questions about resources available, call the COVID-19 hotline, staffed by local volunteers at (541) 464-6550 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week.

Got Questions about the Governor’s Phased Reopening Plans?

If you have questions or need more information about the Governor’s Phased Reopening Plans, Sector Specific or other State Orders go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/reopening-oregon or call Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880. 

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Orders?

Please do not call 911, local law enforcement agencies or Douglas County Government to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State of Oregon offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  Read the Governor’s official press release on enforcement here. For more information or to report compliance issues concerning the Governor’s COVID-19 orders directly contact: OSHA at (800) 922-2689 or OSHA website or OLCC at (503) 872-5000 or OLCC website.

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Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell /(541 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 9, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - NOON CASE UPDATE

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the 14 agencies that make up the DCCRT

Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results: It is Thursday, July 9, 2020, and as of 12:00 pm today, there are TWO new confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported since our noon case update yesterday. The total number of cases (confirmed and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 58.  

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting confirmed and presumptive cases and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines confirmed and presumptive cases.  We provide a breakout of the confirmed and presumptive cases in the chart below. Please note there will be times when a presumptive case moves to a confirmed case, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for confirmed and presumptive cases.

DPHN is following Oregon Health Authority’s policy related to outbreaks and will be reporting workplace outbreaks with 5 or more cases and only for workplaces where there are at least 30 employees. Previously, we used the OHA definition for recovered that considered people recovered if they were 10 days from onset and symptoms were improving.  As more is learned about COVID, the clinical definition of recovery is evolving.  Due to the evolving nature of this definition, we have removed the column in our chart listing our recovered cases.  We added the number of those in isolation that roughly correlates with the number of active cases.  The DCCRT noon case and daily update will report the number of confirmed cases (as of 12:00 pm that day), the number of presumptive cases, total COVID-19 deaths, total currently hospitalized, total negative test results, and the number of people in isolation in Douglas County.  Currently, DPHN is supporting 18 cases in isolation.

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be Friday, July 10, 2020.  As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 945 people tested in 45 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics.  The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on state or federal COVID-19 response from the following websites: Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and by calling or logging onto 211Info.

Stay Informed with Local Accurate Information

Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the 14 agencies that make up the DCCRT.

Local COVID-19 Hotline: If you have questions about resources available, call the COVID-19 hotline, staffed by local volunteers at (541) 464-6550 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week.

Got Questions about the Governor’s Phased Reopening Plans?

If you have questions or need more information about the Governor’s Phased Reopening Plans, Sector Specific or other State Orders go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/reopening-oregon or call Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880. 

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Orders?

Please do not call 911, local law enforcement agencies or Douglas County Government to report issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State of Oregon offices of Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  Read the Governor’s official press release on enforcement here.

For more information or to report compliance issues concerning the Governor’s COVID-19 orders directly contact:

OSHA at (800) 922-2689 or log onto the OSHA website

OLCC at (503) 872-5000 or log onto the OLCC website 

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Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell /(541 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the 14 agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 8, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - DAILY LOCAL UPDATE

(Douglas County, Ore.)  We continue to see a surge in COVID cases throughout the United States, with national cases quickly approaching the 3 million mark.  In the DCCRT Special Report we released yesterday, we mentioned that many of our local cases were attributed to residents traveling outside of our county.  As we learn more from local, regional and national data sources, we realize that this is not just a local trend.  We encourage you to take the time to access your risk for contracting COVID-19 before you decide to travel outside Douglas County.  There have been several charts and graphics created by medical organizations that access the risk associated with common activities and travel during COVID-19, we found this one from the Texas Medical Association to be quite interesting. 

Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results: It is Wednesday, July 8, 2020, and as of 12:00 pm today, there is ONE new confirmed case of COVID-19, and two new presumptive cases in Douglas County since yesterday at noon. The total number of cases (confirmed and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 56.  OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting confirmed and presumptive cases and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines confirmed and presumptive cases.  We provide a breakout of the confirmed and presumptive cases in the chart below. Please note there will be times when our total case number will not change when we report a new case, but our breakout for confirmed and presumptive cases will be updated.

DPHN is following Oregon Health Authority’s policy related to outbreaks and will be reporting workplace outbreaks with 5 or more cases and only for workplaces where there are at least 30 employees.  Previously, we used the OHA definition for recovered that considered people recovered if they were 10 days from onset and symptoms were improving.  As more is learned about COVID, the clinical definition of recovery is evolving.  Due to the evolving nature of this definition, we have removed the column in our chart listing our recovered cases.  The DCCRT noon case and daily update will report the number of confirmed cases (as of 12:00 pm that day), the number of presumptive cases, total COVID-19 deaths, total currently hospitalized, total negative test results, and the number of people in isolation in Douglas County.  Currently, DPHN is supporting 16 cases in isolation.

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be Friday, July 10, 2020.  As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 945 people tested in 45 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics.  The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website: www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon.

Oregon Schools Reopening Council Holds First Meeting

Oregon’s Healthy Schools Reopening Council convened for its first meeting yesterday, Tuesday, July 7, 2020 via remote access. The council is charged with advising the Governor and the Oregon Department of Education as school districts develop their plans for a safe return to school for Oregon’s students under the Ready Schools, Safe Learners K-12 schools reopening process. Local school districts are in the process of developing multi-faceted plans for in-person instruction, remote instruction, or a combination of the two.  The council includes state and local officials, public health experts, public members from a diverse range of backgrounds, and members from the education community, including representatives of students, parents, support staff, school administrators, school board members, teachers, counselors, and school nurses. The full membership of the Healthy Schools Reopening Council is available here.

“With the current rise in COVID-19 cases across Oregon’s urban and rural communities, it is clear that we have our work cut out for us in terms of figuring out how students, educators, and staff can return to classrooms safely this fall.  And what measures we can put into place to help make our schools safe, but whether students can return to classrooms or not at the start of the school year is up to each and every one of us,” commented the Governor.  As more information is made available from the Healthy Schools Reopening Council and on the status of reopening our schools, we will pass along the information to our readers.

Latest Update from the Oregon DMV

The Oregon DMV released an update on the status of their services recently.  They understand that the coronavirus has impacted many of the services that our residents are used to accessing in person. Starting this week, a host of online services are now available at DMV2U, enabling Oregonians to handle more of their DMV business from home.

Now Oregon DMV customers can: 

• Schedule a DMV appointment
• Replace a lost, mutilated or stolen license/ID card
• Upload a commercial driver medical examiner certificate
• Order a driving record
• Pay a reinstatement fee
• Begin a driver license or identification card application for an initial issuance
• See all the services DMV offers online at www.oregondmv.com/dmv2u.

If a service can be accomplished by mail or online, DMV is requiring customers to use those avenues at this time. Find information and instructions for how to complete common transactions like titling and registering a vehicle in Oregon at www.OregonDMV.com. DMV does not charge any service fees for online forms or use of their online services. Please make sure you are on the official Oregon DMV webpage.

Here are a couple of helpful how-to videos for doing business at DMV offices:

• Watch this video to see how to use the new appointment scheduler.
• This video outlines what to expect for customer and employee safety when you visit a DMV office. You should be prepared to wear a face covering/mask at all DMV offices.

Reminder: Grace period in effect to October 1:

A law enforcement grace period on expired licenses and vehicle registration is in effect through at least October 1, 2020. The grace period is intended to allow Oregon residents to continue driving while waiting for an appointment or allow some people to delay visiting DMV while it works through the backlog due to COVID-19 restrictions. Law enforcement can verify the status of a driver or vehicle electronically during a traffic stop.

Reminder: July 15 is the Deadline for Filing and Paying Your State and Federal Income Taxes

The Oregon Department of Revenue (ODR) issued a press release reminding Oregon residents that the deadline for filing your 2019 income taxes in one week away.  If you have not already filed or paid your income taxes, Wednesday, July 15 is the deadline. Oregon extended the deadline when the IRS extended the deadline to file and pay federal income taxes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For personal income taxpayers:

• The Oregon return filing due date for tax year 2019 is July 15, 2020.
• The Oregon tax payment deadline for payments due with the 2019 tax year is July 15, 2020.
• The tax year 2019 six-month extension to file until October 15, 2020, if requested, extends only to the filing (not payment) deadline.

The deadline to file your federal income taxes is also July 15. On June 29, the IRS announced the deadline would not be postponed. People unable to meet the July 15 due date can request an automatic extension from the IRS until Oct. 15. The Oregon Department of Revenue has more information about this year’s tax deadlines.

Stay Informed with the Accurate Information

Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Local COVID-19 Hotline: If you have questions about resources available, call the COVID-19 hotline, staffed by local volunteers at (541) 464-6550 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week.   Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the Douglas County Government website or the DPHN website.  Find additional information on state or federal COVID-19 response from the following websites: Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and by calling or logging onto 211Info.  If you have questions or need more information about the Governor’s Phased Reopening Plans or Sector Specific Guidelines go to https://govstatus.egov.com/reopening-oregon.  There is also a video presentation about Phase Two available here. Or you may contact the Governor’s Office, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) or the Oregon State Office responsible for regulating your business or agency, or the business or venue that you wish to visit.

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Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell /(541 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the 14 agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 8, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - NOON CASE UPDATE

Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results: It is Wednesday, July 8, 2020, and as of 12:00 pm today, there is ONE new confirmed case of COVID-19, and two new presumptive cases in Douglas County since yesterday at noon. The total number of cases (confirmed and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 56.  OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting confirmed and presumptive cases and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation. Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines confirmed and presumptive cases.  We provide a breakout of the confirmed and presumptive cases in the chart below. Please note there will be times when our total case number will not change when we report a new case, but our breakout for confirmed and presumptive cases will be updated.

DPHN is following Oregon Health Authority’s policy related to outbreaks and will be reporting workplace outbreaks with 5 or more cases and only for workplaces where there are at least 30 employees.  Previously, we used the OHA definition for recovered that considered people recovered if they were 10 days from onset and symptoms were improving.  As more is learned about COVID, the clinical definition of recovery is evolving.  Due to the evolving nature of this definition, we have removed the column in our chart listing our recovered cases.  The DCCRT noon case and daily update will report the number of confirmed cases (as of 12:00 pm that day), the number of presumptive cases, total COVID-19 deaths, total currently hospitalized, total negative test results, and the number of people in isolation in Douglas County.  Currently, DPHN is supporting 16 cases in isolation.

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be Friday, July 10, 2020.  As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 945 people tested in 45 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics.  The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon.

Stay Informed with the Accurate Information

Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information

to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020. Local COVID-19 Hotline: If you have questions about resources available, call the COVID-19 hotline, staffed by local volunteers at (541) 464-6550 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week. Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the Douglas County Government website or the DPHN website.  Find additional information on state or federal COVID-19 response from the following websites: Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and by calling or logging onto 211Info. If you have questions or need more information about the Governor’s Phased Reopening Plans or Sector Specific Guidelines go to https://govstatus.egov.com/reopening-oregon.  Or directly contact the Governor’s Office or Oregon Health Authority.

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Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell /(541 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

The Lane County Public Health COVID-19 (Coronavirus) press conference held on Tuesday, July 14, is now available to view online at www.lanecountyor.gov/coronavirus or at https://vimeo.com/438304667.

It is also available to view at http://www.facebook.com/LaneCountyGovernment.

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Lane County Public Health (LCPH) was notified of an 25 additional positive test results for COVID-19.  This makes a total of three hundred and nine (309) positive tests.

309 total cases-  Note that this includes confirmed and presumptive.

Of our cases (confirmed and presumptive): 

Hospitalized: 3                                                                             

Deaths: 3

Infectious: 55

At least 29,284 total tests

Individuals who had contact with these community members will be contacted by Lane County Public Health so they can work with their health care providers on next steps. Communicable disease investigations are underway. If a public contact exposure point is identified, that information will be shared with the public.

We are now inquiring about attendance at large gatherings as part of our disease investigations and will make that information publicly available. To date, none of our confirmed cases have attended large gatherings such as protests, or rallies. We believe that the majority of our new points of transmission are from house parties predominantly associated with end of school year celebrations.

TESTING DATES AND LOCATION UPDATE:

7/15- Eug/Spr Frontline Worker Testing

7/16-Cottage Grove Rural Testing Event, Health Hub Parking Lot (1133 E. Main St), 4-7 PM

(RESCHEDULED) 7/21-Lowell Rural Testing Event, Library Parking Lot (70 N. Pioneer St), 1:30-4 PM

Lane County Public Health will conduct a Frontline Worker testing event this Wednesday (7/15) from 1-5 PM at the Lane Events Center Parking Lot (796 W. 13th Ave). 

PLEASE NOTE: This event is a surveillance effort designed to determine the spread of COVID-19 in our frontline worker population. Lane County Public Health considers frontline workers to be individuals with public-facing jobs who have worked throughout the outbreak. Examples include: grocery store workers, gas station attendants, customer service representatives, bus drivers, food and coffee servers, retail workers, or anyone who has a public-facing job but does not have access to ongoing testing.

This event is NOT designed to serve individuals who are already being regularly tested as part of their employment (examples include: many first responders, many healthcare workers, ). 

To see data related to COVID-19 in Lane County, please visit www.LaneCountyOR.gov/data.

Presumptive cases are people without a positive PCR test who have COVID-19-like symptoms and had close contact with a confirmed case. Though not confirmed by a positive diagnostic test, presumptive cases have a high likelihood of having COVID-19 because of the specific nature of the symptoms and known exposure.

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Please note: Lane County will no longer provide proactive case updates on Saturday and Sunday as long as new case numbers remain low. New numbers will be published once per day on the weekends in the data table available atwww.LaneCountyOR.gov/data. Daily updates will still occur s://5">Monday–Friday.

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Eligibility applications for rent assistance for Lane County renters open on Wednesday, July 15, at 9:00 a.m. and will close at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22.  The eligibility application is an online form that will be available at www.lanecounty.org/rent.

A total of $5.1 million is available. The funding was provided by the federal COVID-19 CARES Act.

Eligible households that complete an application will be selected for funding via a lottery for expenses acquired beginning on March 1, 2020.

To be eligible for rent assistance, the applicant’s dwelling unit must be located in Lane County and there must be an active rental agreement or lease in the applicant’s name.

The applicant must be able to document:

1) A loss of income as a direct result of COVID-19;

OR

2) Have compromised health status or an elevated risk of infection and vulnerability to impacts to health as related to COVID-19 and that a loss of housing would cause a health jeopardy related to COVID-19 for the applicant.

The applicant’s household income must be at or below 80 percent of the Lane County’s Area Median Income Level (AMI).

Rent assistance can be used for rent payments and arrearages, manufactured home rental space (“lot rents”), housing relocation assistance and more.

Application Process

1. Applicants will complete the application online at www.lanecounty.org/rent or by calling Lane County’s non-emergency COVID-19 call center at 541-682-1380 (online is preferred).
2. Eligible applications selected by lottery will be forwarded to the access agency requested by the applicant.
3. The access agency will follow up with the applicant to process the application, and distribute funds directly to landlords or utility companies.

Applicants will need to provide documentation for identification (ID), income documentation, housing status documentation and, if needed, health status documentation. Applicants will also be asked to provide a written notice from their landlords and/or utility company showing the unpaid balance. Applicants can upload the required documents into the online application form at the time they apply, or later by editing their application.

Applicants may receive assistance for multiple months through December 30, 2020. Payments to landlords will be issued monthly and applicants may need to recertify before the end of the year.

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Lane County Public Health (LCPH) was notified of 13 additional positive cases of COVID-19 and two new Long Term Care worker cases. This makes a total of two hundred and eighty four (284) positive tests. 

284 total cases-  Note that this includes confirmed and presumptive.

Of our cases (confirmed and presumptive): 

Hospitalized: 2                   

Deaths: 3

Infectious: 75

27,961 (total individuals tested)

Two new cases were identified through ongoing surveillance testing at Avamere Riverpark, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center located at 425 Alexander Loop in Eugene. Neither individual provides direct patient care. Avamere Riverpark has been working with LCPH since the onset of the outbreak and has been following public health recommendations. 

We are now inquiring about attendance at large gatherings as part of our disease investigations and will make that information publicly available. To date, none of our confirmed cases have attended large gatherings such as protests, or rallies. We believe that the majority of our new points of transmission are from house parties predominantly associated with end of school year celebrations.

To see data related to COVID-19 in Lane County, please visit www.LaneCountyOR.gov/data.

Presumptive cases are people without a positive PCR test who have COVID-19-like symptoms and had close contact with a confirmed case. Though not confirmed by a positive diagnostic test, presumptive cases have a high likelihood of having COVID-19 because of the specific nature of the symptoms and known exposure.

--

Please note: Lane County will no longer provide proactive case updates on Saturday and Sunday as long as new case numbers remain low. New numbers will be published once per day on the weekends in the data table available atwww.LaneCountyOR.gov/data. Daily updates will still occur s://5">Monday–Friday.

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Lane County and Community Lending Works (CLW), in partnership with the cities of Coburg, Cottage Grove, Creswell, Eugene, Florence, Lowell, Springfield, and Veneta, have been awarded $225,000 from Business Oregon to be provided as grants to eligible businesses.

The cities of Lowell, Cottage Grove, Creswell, Florence, and Veneta have contributed approximately $60,000 in additional funds, making almost $285,000 available. Earlier funding provided by Lane County and the partner cities was used to demonstrate matching funds in order to increase the overall amount of Business Oregon’s award.

“Businesses in Lane County continue to struggle against the effects of COVID-19, including a sharp decline in customers and restricted operations,” said Lane County’s Community & Economic Development Manager Austin Ramirez. “These grants are intended to help bridge part of that gap for small businesses.”

Eligible businesses include those with 25 or fewer employees (including sole proprietors and business owners with Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers), and only those that have been unable to receive federal CARES Act funding, including the Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loan Emergency Advance program, or other federal programs for emergency pandemic funding to date.

These grants will range from $2,500 to $25,000 to support businesses directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The amount awarded will be based on a formula from the State that accounts for employment size and COVID-19- related impacts. Businesses must use the proceeds for business-related operating expenses.

To be considered for funding, eligible businesses must go to https://communitylendingworks.org/emergency-grants/ and submit the pre-registration form.

Pre-registration will close at midnight on July 13, 2020. Eligible businesses that pre-registered will be entered into a random lottery and selected until funding runs out. Community Lending Works will then work with the selected businesses to complete the full application.

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The Lane County Public Health COVID-19 (Coronavirus) press conference held on Thursday, July 9, is now available to view online at www.lanecountyor.gov/coronavirus or at https://vimeo.com/436883940.

It is also available to view at http://www.facebook.com/LaneCountyGovernment.

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Lane County Public Health (LCPH) was notified of 10 additional positive cases of COVID-19 and one new workplace cluster. This makes a total of two hundred and fifty three (253) positive tests. 

253 total cases-  Note that this includes confirmed and presumptive.

Of our cases (confirmed and presumptive): 

Hospitalized: 1                    

Deaths: 3

Infectious: 63

27,085 (total individuals tested)

One new workplace cluster was identified through LCPH disease investigations. El Torito Grocery Store, located at 1333 OR-99 in Eugene, has had 7 staff members test positive for COVID-19. Per OHA guidelines, any workplace which has 5 or more cases will be publicly announced. Management at El Torito has been very cooperative during this process and is taking all recommended health procedures.  

We are now inquiring about attendance at large gatherings as part of our disease investigations and will make that information publicly available. To date, none of our confirmed cases have attended large gatherings such as protests, or rallies. We believe that the majority of our new points of transmission are from house parties predominantly associated with end of school year celebrations.

To see data related to COVID-19 in Lane County, please visit www.LaneCountyOR.gov/data.

Presumptive cases are people without a positive PCR test who have COVID-19-like symptoms and had close contact with a confirmed case. Though not confirmed by a positive diagnostic test, presumptive cases have a high likelihood of having COVID-19 because of the specific nature of the symptoms and known exposure.

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Please note: Lane County will no longer provide proactive case updates on Saturday and Sunday as long as new case numbers remain low. New numbers will be published once per day on the weekends in the data table available atwww.LaneCountyOR.gov/data. Daily updates will still occur s://5">Monday–Friday.

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The excavation for the foundation of the new gym is scheduled to begin the week of (7/27). This event will be the first “actual” beginning of the new construction portion of the project. Currently, the Winston-Dillard School Board of directors is scheduling a ground breaking ceremony for Tuesday, July 28, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. near the excavation site for the new gym. Unfortunately, due to the virus issue, we cannot invite a large group of people to the event. A few spectators that can distance appropriately is about all we can accommodate at this point. However, we will invite the media and we will record and/or stream the event live so we can post the ceremony video here on FB. 

PORTLAND, Ore. July 10, 2020 — Experts say the Pacific Northwest could be in for a busy wildfire season this summer and the American Red Cross needs volunteers to help in our local communities.

“The coronavirus pandemic will make it challenging to deploy trained disaster volunteers from other parts of the country should a large emergency occur in Oregon or Southwest Washington. In light of this, the Red Cross is asking you to be ready to help your community,” said Rebecca Marshall, Regional Disaster Officer, Red Cross Cascades Region. “Train now to be a Red Cross volunteer and answer the call to help if the need arises here in our region.”

Full information on volunteer opportunities is available here.

SHELTER HELP NEEDED There is a special need for volunteers to support sheltering efforts. Because of COVID-19, the Red Cross is placing those needing a safe place to stay in emergency hotel lodging when possible. If hotel stays aren’t possible, then the Red Cross will open traditional shelters. To help keep people safe, we have put in place additional precautions and developed special training for our workforce.

We need volunteers to help staff shelter reception, registration, feeding, dormitory, information collection and other vital tasks to help those we serve. We have both associate and supervisory level opportunities available.

HEALTH SERVICES SUPPORT NEEDED If you are an RN, LPN, LVN, APRN, NP, EMT, paramedic, MD/DO or PA with an active, current and unencumbered license, the Red Cross needs your support. Volunteers are needed in shelters to help assess people’s health. Daily observation and health screening for COVID-19-like illness among shelter residents may also be required. RNs supervise all clinical tasks.

Roles are also available for Certified Nursing Assistants, Certified Home Health Aides, student nurses and medical students. We need volunteers who can provide care as delegated by a licensed nurse in shelters. This could include assisting with activities of daily living, personal assistance services, providing health education and helping to replace medications, durable medical equipment or consumable medical supplies.

FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING If you are interested in helping our community should a disaster occur, please go to redcross.org/volunteertoday or contact our region offices at .cascades@redcross.org">volunteer.cascades@redcross.org.

Be sure to review the CDC guidance for people who are at higher risk for severe illness, consult your health care provider and follow local guidance. Our number one priority is the health and safety of our employees, volunteers and the people we serve.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossCasc.

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Today, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld two Trump administration rules that allow employers and universities to push their religious or moral beliefs on employees and students by denying them access to insurance that covers birth control. Employers and universities will be able to decide — based on their own objections — if their health insurance plans cover birth control. 

The Affordable Care Act’s birth control benefit expanded contraceptive coverage with no out-of-pocket costs for more than 62 million women, including 17 million Latinas and 15 million Black women. Because of this decision, many more businesses and universities will have the opportunity to opt out of providing this critical coverage. 

Oregon is among 26 states that have passed laws to provide critical protections of contraceptive coverage. The Reproductive Health Equity Act, which was passed in 2017, requires commercial health plans regulated by the State of Oregon to continue covering birth control at no out-of-pocket cost, regardless of what happens at the federal level. However, the law does not apply to federal health plans, such as the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), TRICARE or Civilian Health or Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS), nor does it apply to self-funded plans or other plans subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon is working with coalition partners and state leaders to determine the scope of the ruling’s impact on Oregonians.

Statement from Lisa Gardner, President and CEO, Planned Parenthood of Southwestern Oregon:

“Today’s ruling is egregious — people rely on birth control for their health, for their livelihoods and for their ability to determine their own futures. This decision further divides our country into those who have and those who have not. Birth control should not be restricted to only those who are wealthy enough to pay for it themselves.”

Statement from Anne Udall, President and CEO, Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette:

“We will not stop until everyone who needs birth control and other sexual and reproductive health care can access it — no matter who you work for, where you go to school, how much money you make or the color of your skin. You have the right to make your own decisions about your body, your health care and your future.”

Statement from Emily McLain, Executive Director, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon:

“It is clear today that access to all sexual and reproductive health care is under attack. Restrictions like this target Black and Latinx people who are more likely to be low income and for whom basic health care has always remained out of reach, because of historic structural racism and continued underinvestment in access to affordable care. We are ready and will never back down from this fight.”

An overwhelming majority of Americans believe women should have birth control coverage, regardless of their employer’s objections. This ruling is in direct opposition to what Americans want. Granting employers and universities the right to take away coverage for essential and time-sensitive medication like birth control will complicate healthcare needs. It will also add to the economic hardships many face during the COVID-19 pandemic — access to birth control is responsible for one-third of women’s wage gains relative to men’s since the 1960s. 

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