Podcasts about Oregon Health Authority

Joining the Exchange are Melinda Gale, a retired educator and administrator with the Portland Public Schools, and Christie Taylor from the Oregon Health Authority.

Oregon kindergarteners are opting out of vaccinations at increasingly higher rates over the last four years. And public health officials are growing increasingly concerned. Oregon is one of just 15 states that allow parents to opt out of childhood vaccinations for nonreligious, nonmedical reasons. The current opt-out rate of 9.7% is the highest recorded in state history. Health officials say the measles and pertussis outbreaks in the state are an indication more work is needed to boost vaccination rates more broadly.We get more details from Stacy de Assis Matthews, the immunization coordinator at Oregon Health Authority, and Dr. Paul Cieslak, medical director for the Acute and Communicable Disease Prevention Section and the Oregon Immunization Program at OHA.      

When someone accused of a crime is found unable to aid and assist in their own defense, they are sent to the Oregon State Hospital for an evaluation. After that, they often need to spend time at a residential treatment center until they are fit to stand trial. A new rule from the Oregon Health Authority requires residential treatment facilities in the state to accept those patients ahead of any who might be on their waiting list, setting aside their normal admissions standards. Attorneys for the Oregon Council for Behavioral Health and six residential treatment providers filed a petition with the Oregon Court of Appeals to block that rule.  We hear from Heather Jefferis, executive director of the Oregon Council for Behavioral Health, about the challenges faced by behavioral health providers in Oregon.

Kate Madden, Director of the Problem Gambling Services at Lewis & Clark School of Counseling and Education, and Greta Coe of the Oregon Health Authority join the JX.

In 2013, Oregon implemented a plan to expand access to home and community-based services for Medicaid recipients with intellectual, developmental or psychiatric disabilities. The goal was to allow more Oregonians to receive care at home rather than in an institution. While programs were established for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, no supports have been created for individuals under age 21 who require inpatient-level psychiatric care. Senate Bill 909 would require the Oregon Health Authority to establish criteria for that program and a pathway to services. Jessa Reinhardt is a parent and mental health advocate pushing for SB 909. She joins us with more details on the bill and what it could mean for families with children who have severe mental health needs.  

Many of Oregon's county health officials are asking for a little extra consideration from lawmakers this year as they decide where to allocate funding. Two counties, Wallowa and Curry, have no public health staff and rely solely on the Oregon Health Authority to meet their needs. With the fifth anniversary of the initial COVID-19 lockdown this week, perhaps nothing is a bigger reminder of the need for a stable funding source for public health infrastructure. Sarah Lochner, the executive director of the Oregon Coalition of Local Health Officials, told OPB that not only is the state not ready for the next pandemic, counties are in dire need of stable funding just to deal with the everyday public health needs of the communities they serve — from vaccinating against whooping cough and measles, to providing needed treatment for alcohol and substance use disorder, to preventing HIV, hepatitis C, syphilis and other communicable diseases.  Jackson county public health worker Tanya Phillips said because grants are often available only when the health of a particular population declines, the system sets up a kind of unreliable boom and bust cycle for funding, which does not support healthy communities long term. Phillips and Lochner join us to share the impact that unpredictable and insufficient funding is having in Jackson County and around the state.

Oregon Health & Science University has been facing a series of mounting challenges in recent months, including its proposed merger with Legacy Health, which is being reviewed by the Oregon Health Authority. If approved, OHSU would control five of the six hospitals in Multnomah County, according to a report issued by OHA last November.  OHSU has also had to contend with the departure of prominent executives such as the interim head of its health unit last month, and Dr. Brian Druker, a world renowned cancer researcher, who resigned in December as CEO of the Knight Cancer Institute. Among the reasons Druker shared with OPB for his decision included low staff morale, a lack of trust in OHSU’s leaders and the organization’s cost-cutting measures, such as its decision to lay off more than 500 employees.  Leading OHSU during this turbulent time is Steve Stadum. The board of directors appointed him as interim president in November, marking his return to the organization which he first worked at more than 25 years ago. Stadum joins us to share his vision for OHSU and how he aims to navigate its internal and external challenges, including threats to federally funded research from the new Trump administration.  

Dr. Sejal Hathi, Director of the Oregon Health Authority, tells us that to achieve Oregon's bold health goals we have to work together; Beth Giambrone, ASTHO Senior Analyst for State Health Policy, explains how some states are addressing food deserts and food insecurity; and apply today to be part of the Leadership Exchange for Adolescent Health Promotion Plus Community of Practice. Oregon Health Authority Web Page: Oregon Health Forward ASTHO Blog Article: State Policies Aim to Eliminate Food Deserts  ASTHO Web Page: Leadership Exchange for Adolescent Health Promotion Plus (LEAHP+) Community of Practice  

Dr. Sejal Hathi, Director of the Oregon Health Authority and an ASTHO Member, explains her state's bold initiative to eliminate health inequities; Kelsey Tillema, ASTHO Senior Workforce Analyst, tells us about a new resource ASTHO has to support workforce well-being; PublicHealthCareers.org could be where you find your next great hire; an ASTHO article outlines trends related to public health data modernization; and Dr. Brannon Traxler, Deputy Director of Health Promotion and Services and the Chief Medical Officer for the South Carolina Department of Public Health as well as an ASTHO Member, is the brand new Secretary and Treasurer for ASTHO's Board of Directors. Oregon Health Authority Web Page: Oregon Health Forward Journal of Public Health Management and Practice Article: Strategies for Enhancing Governmental Public Health Workforce Well-being and Retention ASTHO Web Page: PH-HERO Workforce Resource Center ASTHO Web Page: Modernizing Public Health Data and Protecting Privacy PublicHealthCareers.org ASTHO Web Page: Brannon Traxler  

Dr. Sejal Hathi, the nation's youngest state health director, discusses Oregon's groundbreaking Medicaid transformation that expands coverage beyond traditional healthcare to include housing, climate health, and nutrition. Learn how this innovative model achieved 97% coverage while addressing social determinants of health and setting new standards for healthcare policy nationwide.Oregon's expanded Medicaid model demonstrates how healthcare funding can effectively address social determinants of healthIntegration of housing, climate health, and nutrition support creates more comprehensive health outcomesState-level innovation can drive national healthcare policy transformationPersonal experience and diverse perspectives are crucial for reimagining healthcare systemsSejal Hathi, MD, MBA, Director, Oregon Health AuthorityMegan Antonelli, Chief Executive Officer, HealthIMPACT Live 

For more than a year now, Wine Enthusiast Writer-at-Large Michael Alberty has been tracking a story about the Oregon Health Authority and some questionable PSAs it ran at the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024. At that time, the spots—running widely in Oregon—seemed at the very least heavy-handed and ponderous. At the worst, they indicated a growing influence of out-of-state lobbying groups bent on shaping Oregon's health policy. At that time, another "Dry January" period, we talked about how that particular social media trend had its roots in temperance organizations in Europe and the United Kingdom with much more radical agendas than new year/new you. One of them, Movendi International, traces its beginnings back to the 1800s in America and played a key role in instituting Prohibition (the first one). Alberty's full story, titled "The Neo-Prohibitionists Are Coming," appears in the upcoming Winter Issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Here, we delve into some of the details of his investigation. It's a fascinating lens into the discussion of alcohol and health (and politics) into sharp focus, especially not long after U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy issued an advisory on a potential link between alcohol and cancer. Is there a guest you want us to interview? A topic you want us to cover? We want to hear from you! Email us at podcast@wineenthusiast.net. Remember to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. Go to WineEnthusiast.com for the latest beverage industry coverage and all the tools you need to bring your love of wine to life. And wait, there's more! Get over 70% OFF the original cover price by subscribing to Wine Enthusiast magazine today!    FOLLOW US: TikTok: @wineenthusiast Instagram: @wineenthusiast Facebook: @WineEnthusiast X: @WineEnthusiast

The Oregon Health Authority is concerned that schools don't have enough mental health professionals on campus to serve students who need such services.

It's Wednesday, November 20th, A.D. 2024. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus India falsely charges Christian groups with embezzlement After the Hindu nationalist BJP Party came to power in India at the national level in 2014, many large Christian organizations that had been receiving funds from abroad came under government scrutiny and were falsely charged with embezzlement and other invented corrupt financial practices, reports International Christian Concern. Recently, the government stated that many of these organizations were involved in alleged illegal religious conversion activities, too. For the first time, India's Ministry of Home Affairs has listed illegal religious conversion activities as a reason for blocking foreign funding of certain non-governmental organizations working in India. According to Open Doors, India is the 11th most difficult country worldwide in which to be a Christian. Proverbs 17:23 says, “Corrupt judges accept secret bribes, and then justice is not done.” Charles Barkley: Democrats lost because "y'all stupid" After Donald Trump's landslide victory, former National Basketball Association star Charles Barkley had a word for the Democrats on the Steam Room podcast. BARKLEY: “And I just want to say this to the Democrats, I'm an independent who voted Democratic. Do me this favor. When you win, you get to say what you want to. When you lose, you need to shup up. “Oh, President Biden. They didn't get him out the race soon enough. Kamala didn't do this. We lost because we had no game plan. We still haven't solved the immigration problem. Have no viable answers. Never addressed inflation. “Bringing all these stupid stars out to rally to vote. What was that? Hey, I love Beyonce. What's bringing her out? That ain't gonna make me vote a certain way. Cardi B. I like Cardi B. That ain't gonna make me vote a certain type of way. You guys lost because y'all stupid.” Senator Ted Cruz objects to Democrats who want to censor conservatives And on Senator Ted Cruz's podcast entitled “Verdict,” the Texas statesman  said Democrats are not interested in doing much introspection about their massive loss on Election Day. CRUZ: “The Democrats, they're not actually looking introspectively and saying, ‘Gosh, maybe we were wrong on the issues. Maybe the fact that over 70% of Americans thought we were on the wrong track. Maybe that's a problem. Maybe we shouldn't have had an open border and let this country be invaded. Maybe we shouldn't have spent money like drunken sailors and caused inflation that hurt working families across this country. “‘Maybe we shouldn't have waged a war on energy that hurt everyone who's struggling to make ends meet. Maybe we shouldn't have undermined our friends and allies, and we shouldn't have appeased our enemies. Maybe we shouldn't have given $100 billion to Iran that funds terrorists and Hamas and Hezbollah and causes a war. Maybe our policies are wrong.' “That would be a rational and sensible thing for Democrats to do. So, they're not doing that.” Senator Cruz cited exhibit A of MSNBC host and former White House press secretary Jen Psaki who doubled down on censoring people like podcaster Joe Rogan who has challenged Democrats and dared to interview Trump for three unfiltered hours which enabled listeners to cast an informed vote. CRUZ: "Instead, they're saying, ‘Hmm, maybe if people just didn't know what we were doing. Maybe if they couldn't say what we were doing. Maybe if they couldn't criticize what we're doing. Yeah, that's how we'd win.' “So, Jen Psaki, Joe Biden's former press secretary, went on a podcast and she said this, ‘One of the things that's changed ever since I got involved in politics is just the rise of the percentage of people who get their information off of platforms that have no fact-checking mechanism and no accountability for having disinformation spread. Laws have to change.' “She's not saying, ‘We, the Democrats, need to communicate better.' She's not saying, ‘We the Democrats need to change our policy.' She's saying, ‘We need to change the laws to make it illegal for that Joe Rogan to say things we don't like. We need to change the laws to make it illegal for anyone to post on X what the actual facts are of what we, the Democrats, are doing. If we can silence everyone, then we stay in power forever.'” Late-term abortions in Oregon more than doubled in 2023 Oregon Health Authority's finalized 2023 abortion records show dramatically increased abortion rates in numerous categories, including a sharp rise in the number of late-term abortions compared to the prior year, reports LifeSiteNews.com. According to the Oregon Health Authority's Center for Health Statistics data, abortion mills in Oregon performed a total of 10,075 abortions last year compared to 8,672 in 2022, a 16% increase. Among the 10,075 abortions, 225 of them were performed at or after 23 weeks gestation (roughly the age of “viability”), more than two and a half times the 85 late-term abortions performed in 2022. At 23 weeks gestation and later, the unborn baby can feel pain, and many can survive outside the womb if born prematurely. Elon Musk praises families on X Elon Musk is continuing to spread the word about the importance of families. On X this week, Musk sounded the alarm in response to a post that claimed birth rates in Sweden and Britain are now at their lowest levels since 1749 and 1938, respectively. Musk said, “Instead of teaching fear of pregnancy, we should teach fear of childlessness.” Psalm 127:3-5 says, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.” AI model detects cancerous brain tumors missed during surgery And finally, researchers have developed an Artificial Intelligence-powered model that can determine in 10 seconds during surgery if any part of a cancerous brain tumor that could be removed remains, reports Good News Network. According to the research team led by the universities of Michigan and California, the technology, called FastGlioma, outperformed conventional methods for identifying what remains of a tumor by a wide margin. When a neurosurgeon removes a life-threatening tumor from a patient's brain, they are rarely able to remove the entire mass. What remains is known as a residual tumor. By contrast, FastGlioma detected and calculated how much of the brain tumor remained with an average accuracy of approximately 92%. Close And that's The Worldview on this Wednesday, November 20th, in the year of our Lord 2024. Subscribe by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Under a waiver program, states can test new ways to offer Medicaid services.  For Oregon, that means some people on the Oregon Health Plan can get help with housing costs. Oregon is the first in the nation to roll out rental assistance as a statewide Medicaid benefit for eligible OHP members, according to the Oregon Health Authority.  People would need to have a qualifying risk factor to be eligible for the aid, which could include rental assistance for up to six months and help paying utility bills.  Steph Jarem is the 1115 waiver policy director for OHA. Andrea Bell is the Executive Director of Oregon Housing and Community Services. They join us with details of the program and what it means for Oregonians. 

Myles leads the development of Confluence Retreats, which seeks to integrate nature-based, multi-day psilocybin retreat experiences into Oregon's innovative legal framework, and in the process, collaborating with indigenous communities to restore ancient healing practices to the Cascade Siskiyou National Monument.Previously, Myles co-founded The Synthesis Institute, where he served as Director of Business Development, spearheading the development of one of the world's initial legal psychedelic service models. This groundbreaking initiative supported over 1,000 individuals in their mental health journeys until its closure in 2023.Additionally, his role in Oregon included contributions to the state's landmark psilocybin legalization efforts, serving with the Oregon Psilocybin Training Alliance (OPTA) and on various Rule Advisory Committees for the Oregon Health Authority.In This EpisodeConfluence Retreats---If you'd like to support The Trauma Therapist Podcast and the work I do you can do that here with a monthly donation of $5, $7, or $10: Donate to The Trauma Therapist Podcast.Click here to join my email list and receive podcast updates and other news.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-trauma-therapist--5739761/support.

Dr. Sejal Hathi, Director of the Oregon Health Authority and an ASTHO Member, dives into her state's strategic plan to eliminate health inequities by 2030; Shalini Nair, ASTHO Senior Analyst for Infectious Disease, wrote an article about ASTHO's work with the National Community Action Partnership to address disparities in adult immunizations; and an ASTHO blog article outlines how diversity can create a healthier society. Oregon Health Authority Web Page: Oregon Health Authority Strategic Plan  Journal of Public Health Management and Practice Article: Partnering for Vaccine Equity – A Public Health-Community Action Model to Advance Delivery of Essential Health Services ASTHO Blog Article: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Public Health: Creating a Healthier Society ASTHO Web Page: Stay Informed  

For the first time, Aedes aegypti mosquitoes have been found in Oregon. Emilio DeBess is the state public health veterinarian based at the Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Division. He says the insects are a national concern ”because they can carry and transmit various diseases that can have serious health consequences such as Zika virus, chikungunya, dengue and yellow fever.” The insect was found this summer in Jackson County while officials were monitoring other kinds of mosquitoes. Officials are continuing surveillance and OHA is working with other states to learn more about it. Infection risk from the mosquito is currently low. The insect, also known as the yellow fever mosquito, was found in California in 2013 and has been progressing northward since. DeBess joins us with more on this mosquito, why it’s important to track these insects with county and federal agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and how changing climates are playing a role in the insect’s spread.

Rachel Jervis, Foodborne, Enteric, Waterborne, and Wastewater Diseases Program Manager with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, discusses a recent CDC report on foodborne illnesses; Paolo Del Vecchio, Director of SAMHSA's Office of Recovery, outlines the upcoming observances of National Recovery Month; ASTHO welcomes new member Naomi Adeline-Biggs, who was recently appointed as the new Public Health Director for the Oregon Health Authority; and several ASTHO members were quoted in a recent Route Fifty article focused on ASTHO's recent respiratory virus season deskside briefing. CDC Report: Reported Incidence of Infections Caused by Pathogens Transmitted Commonly Through Food SAMHSA Web Page: National Recovery Month 2024 ASTHO Web Page: Naomi Adeline-Biggs Route Fifty News Article: How states can tackle vaccine hesitancy with data  

Measles was declared eradicated in the U.S. in 2000, but as vaccination rates have fallen, the disease has popped back up. Oregon is experiencing the worst outbreak in the state since the early 1990s. With kids returning to school and measles being one of the most infectious of diseases, public health concerns are running high. Joining us to talk about all of this and update us on the latest COVID-19 news, is Paul Cieslak, medical director for the Acute and Communicable Disease Prevention Section and the Oregon Immunization Program at the Oregon Health Authority.

Abbey Stamp is now in charge of the Oregon Health Authority's role in implementing Measure 110

Christine Schell, Manager for the Department of Environmental Protection at the Office of Environmental and Public Health Analysis in New Jersey, tells us about an online portal in New Jersey that explains to people the health impacts of hot summer temperatures; Dave Baden, Deputy Director for Policy and Programs at the Oregon Health Authority, says Oregon wants to get ahead of the heat by helping Medicaid members stay cool; ASTHO has released a set of four comprehensive resources to help agencies align their public health data and systems with their state's Medicaid Enterprise system; and Sara Black, Senior Advisor at the National Association for County and City Health Officials, dives into a new report to help agencies improve data sharing. Heat Hub NJ Webpage KFF Health News News Article: AC, Power Banks, Mini Fridges – Oregon Equips Medicaid Patients for Climate Change ASTHO Webpage: Sustaining DMI – Conditions for Enhanced Funding ASTHO Webpage: Sustaining DMI – A State Health Official's Guide to Enhanced Funding ASTHO Webpage: Sustaining DMI – Medicaid Advanced Planning Document Process ASTHO Webpage: Sustaining DMI – Leveraging Medicaid to Advance Public Health Data and Surveillance ASTHO Report: Policy Options to Improve Data Sharing Between State and Local Health Departments  

Today's West Coast Cookbook & Speakeasy Podcast for our especially special Daily Special, River City Hash Mondays is now available on the Spreaker Player!Starting off in the Bistro Cafe, JD Vance is so weird he tripled down on his attacks on women, cats and the American Way of Modern Life.Then, on the rest of the menu, the Oregon Health Authority reports the state is on the verge of measles outbreak caused by unvaccinated kids; Mark Meadows' legal team will argue that Trump's total immunity means the Supreme Court should toss the former chief of staff's Georgia election charges; and, a woman mauled on her porch by a ‘find and bite' police dog while talking to cops she called to report a crime, has sued the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.After the break, we move to the Chef's Table where three sisters of an Irish-born recipient of the Navy Cross, christened a US Navy warship bearing his name with a promise that the ship will visit Ireland; and, Edna O'Brien, one of the world's most admired and controversial writers who scandalized her native Ireland with her debut novel, “The Country Girls,” which was censored and even burned, has died at age ninety-three.Bon Appétit!The Netroots Radio Live Player​Keep Your Resistance Radio Beaming 24/7/365!"I was never a spy. I was with the OSS organization. We had a number of women, but we were all office help."-- Julia ChildBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/west-coast-cookbook-speakeasy--2802999/support.

The Ross Island Lagoon, which sits in the center of the four-island complex known as Ross Island, is a byproduct of decades of mining. In addition to industrial purposes, the lagoon also has a long history of being used recreationally and provides habitat for a variety of vulnerable plant and animal species.In 2015, researchers began to see cyanobacterial blooms in the lagoon. Cyanobacteria is a type of bacteria which can pose a serious threat to the health of animals and people who come into close contact with the water. When present, it gives the water a bright green appearance.Because the lagoon is a warm, stagnant pool, it’s an ideal breeding ground for cyanobacteria. And it’s only getting warmer due to climate change. The tide from the Willamette pulls the cyanobacteria out into the river’s main flow, contaminating the rest of the water. The Oregon Health Authority routinely releases warnings urging against recreational river use during warmer seasons because of this.Since 2017, Oregon State University and the Willamette River group the Human Access Project have been working on reducing these Lagoon blooms. There is work being done by different groups to address the cyanobacterial blooms in the Ross Island Lagoon. Desirée Tullos, professor of Water Resources Engineering at Oregon State University, joins us to share more.

Between 2012 and 2020, new HIV cases were generally declining, according to data from the Oregon Health Authority. But in recent years, the trend is headed in the opposite direction. What’s behind the change? How have attitudes shifted around HIV more recently? We dig into these details with Dean Sidelinger, health officer and state epidemiologist for OHA. 

It’s been just over a year since Oregon’s first regulated service centers began providing therapeutic psilocybin trips to clients. There are now 29 licensed service centers across the state, as well as 12 manufacturers, two testing labs and more than 300 facilitators who supervise clients during sessions. Angie Allbee is the manager of the Psilocybin Services Section at the Oregon Health Authority. She joins us with an update on how the first-in-the-nation program is going and its goals for the next year.

Authorities in Oregon have known for over three decades that groundwater in the eastern part of the state, a rural region where many people rely on domestic wells for drinking water, is contaminated with high levels of nitrates and unsafe to drink – yet, until recently, have done little to address the problem. Until 2022, many people in the region had no idea they had been drinking contaminated water for years. Some still don't know it because the state has tested only about half the affected domestic wells despite a 2023 deadline to finish the testing. Research has linked high nitrate consumption over long periods to stomach, bladder and intestinal cancers, miscarriages, as well as thyroid issues. It is especially dangerous to infants who can quickly develop “blue baby syndrome,” a fatal illness. In May and again earlier this month, three dozen nonprofits and two retired Oregon Department of Environmental Quality administrators sent a letter to Gov. Tina Kotek asking her to make good on her promises to test all domestic wells in the region, find a permanent source of water for those forced to rely on bottled water and take action to clean up the groundwater. Kotek had visited the area after becoming governor.The letter called the nitrate contamination in the Lower Umatilla Basin “among the most pressing environmental justice issues in Oregon.” Most of the population in the region is poor, Latino or Indigenous. Late on Friday, Kotek sent a response. In her letter, the governor said she has directed the Oregon Health Authority to, among other actions, complete the testing of the remaining wells and the retesting of some households identified as being at high risk by June 30, 2025.Kristin Anderson Ostrom, the executive director of Oregon Rural Action, and Kaleb Lay, the group's director of policy and research, talked on Beat Check about why the contamination has taken so long to address, what can be done about it in the short and long term and what the crisis says about Oregon's approach to environmental justice. The eastern Oregon nonprofit, alongside the Morrow County public health department, has been instrumental in testing domestic wells in the region and pushing the state to do more testing and to limit nitrate pollution.Allowing another full year to test the remaining wells and setting the bar low on retesting is not an adequate response, Ostrom said. And the state needs to take substantive action to rein in the sources of pollution, she added. Much of the nitrate contamination comes from farm fertilizer, animal manure and wastewater that are constantly applied to farm fields. “This is an ongoing emergency and it needs to be recognized as one – the lives and health of thousands of our neighbors are at risk and it's the State's responsibility to protect them from further harm,” Ostrom told The Oregonian/OregonLive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s been a year since the first licensed psilocybin service centers in Oregon opened – facilities where people 21 and older can legally ingest psychedelic mushrooms in a supervised, therapeutic setting. Oregon became the first state in the nation to approve and regulate the use of psilocybin through a legal framework set up and administered by the Oregon Health Authority. The agency has currently awarded licenses to 28 psilocybin service centers which continue to face regulatory and economic headwinds.  According to recent reporting in the Capital Chronicle, entrepreneurs are struggling with getting customers through the door, given state restrictions around using social media to advertise and waning interest since the market opened last year. The Oregon Health Authority is also threatening to revoke approval for a school in Ashland that is claiming religious exemption from state rules around the training of facilitators who supervise clients during their psychedelic trips. In March, OPB reported on the closure of the Synthesis Institute, a psilocybin training program that declared bankruptcy after charging students thousands of dollars for its curriculum. Joining us to talk about the state of the legal psilocybin industry in Oregon is freelance journalist Grant Stringer.  

Ever wondered how psilocybin could transform your mental health journey? Join us on "The Fully Mindful" as we sit down with Kat, a former corporate executive turned mental health advocate, who opens up about her personal and transformative experiences with psilocybin. Learn how she transitioned from microdosing for stress management and focus enhancement in her corporate career to leveraging higher doses for profound trauma healing and insightful revelations. Kat also demystifies the rigorous two-year process that led to Oregon's groundbreaking legalization of psilocybin, shedding light on the state's commitment to a safe and regulated therapeutic framework. Navigate through the intricacies of psilocybin therapy with us, focusing on the importance of personalized dosing, client preparation, and the overall journey. Kat provides valuable insights into the detailed intake and screening phases, preparation exercises, and the administration sessions where facilitators support but do not direct the experience. Discover how a tailored approach, especially for those on SSRIs or dealing with high anxiety, can make all the difference in achieving a safe and effective session. We also explore the therapeutic potential of psilocybin for neurodivergent individuals, with Kat sharing her own experiences to illustrate how this form of therapy can address deeply buried emotional wounds that traditional methods often miss.Finally, we discuss the spiritual and emotional connections fostered through repeated psilocybin sessions, offering listeners a glimpse into the lasting sense of connection and spiritual presence that can be cultivated. Kat emphasizes the importance of intentional and respectful use of psilocybin, contrasting it with recreational use, and shares exciting news about emerging insurance coverage options that could make this transformative therapy more accessible. Tune in to learn about Fractal Soul and Fractal Health Consulting, and discover how you can embark on your own journey with psilocybin therapy.For more about Kat, Fractal Soul, and Psilocybin Therapy:https://fractalsoulpdx.comhttps://fractalhealthpdx.comResearch: https://fractalsoulpdx.com/free-resources/latest-psilo-research/Oregon Health Authority: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/preventionwellness/pages/oregon-psilocybin-services.aspx Find out more about Melissa, breathwork, mindfulness and somatic coaching for individuals and organizations at:https://www.thefullymindful.comOr email me today at: info@thefullymindful.comAnd check out the socials too:)

 The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Oregon Department of Agriculture recently announced the closure of shellfish harvesting throughout the entire Oregon coast. In Washington, officials have also closed shellfish harvesting throughout the state’s Pacific Coast. Agencies are checking for a marine biotoxin which can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning. The naturally occurring biotoxin affects the nervous system. People with paralytic shellfish poisoning can experience tingling of the lips and tongue, nausea and difficulty breathing. The illness has been linked to the sickening of at least 20 people in Oregon last month.  The Oregon Health Authority is also asking people who recently harvested or ate any shellfish from the Oregon Coast to complete a survey. Officials are investigating illnesses linked to contaminated shellfish. We learn more about biotoxins and how climate change might be affecting algae that produce them from Vera Trainer, the marine program manager of the University of Washington’s Olympic Natural Resources Center. 

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin interviews Myles Katz, founder and executive director of Confluence Retreats. Find episode links, summary, and transcript here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-246-myles-katz/ They delve into the closure of Synthesis, a psilocybin retreat center in Amsterdam co-founded by Myles. From investment decisions to the pandemic's impact, they discuss the challenges faced and lessons learned. Myles shares his vision for conscious capitalism, introducing Confluence Retreats, a nonprofit psychedelic retreat in Oregon. This conversation sheds light on the evolution of psychedelic businesses amidst external forces like financial markets and the COVID-19 pandemic. Myles's professional journey has spanned three continents. During this time, he has launched and led five VC/Impact-funded startups dedicated to technological innovation, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability. Specializing in early-stage business strategy, Myles has successfully raised nearly $20 million USD for cutting-edge business models. As a co-founder and the Director of Business Development at The Synthesis Institute, Myles spearheaded the development of one of the world's initial legal psychedelic service models. This groundbreaking initiative supported over 1,000 individuals in their mental health journeys until its closure in 2023. His contributions in Oregon have also included significant roles in the state's landmark psilocybin legalization efforts, serving with the Oregon Psilocybin Training Alliance (OPTA) and on various Rule Advisory Committees for the Oregon Health Authority. Currently, Myles is leading the development of Confluence Retreats, a project under the Hi-U Foundation. This initiative seeks to integrate nature-based, multi-day psilocybin retreat experiences into Oregon's innovative legal framework, collaborating with indigenous communities to restore ancient healing practices to the Cascade Siskiyou National Monument. He also serves on the Advisory Board of Omnia Group Ashland, one of Oregon's premier licensed psilocybin service centers. Furthermore, Myles is a licensed psilocybin facilitator in Oregon, bringing his extensive expertise to ensure safe and transformative experiences for participants. Highlights: The closure of Synthesis: an overview Synthesis' growth period and pivoting during COVID Transition to a stewardship model Challenges with the company's training and retreat programs The impacts of financial markets Introduction to Confluence Retreats Episode Sponsor: KA! Empathogenics Kanna Supplements.

Amber Williams, ASTHO Senior Vice President for Leadership and Organizational Performance, previews next week's webinar about strategic skills for public health professionals; Dr. Sejal Hathi, ASTHO Member and Director of the Oregon Health Authority, tells us her new role in Oregon is the perfect assignment; Dr. Khalilah LeGrand, the new Vice President for Communications and Public Relations at ASTHO, outlines her goals for the role; and authentic community engagement is on the agenda at the first national meeting of the STRETCH 2.0 initiative planned for February 21. ASTHO Webpage: Building Strategic Skills for Better Health – A Primer for Public Health Professionals ASTHO Webinar: Lunch and Learn – Building Strategic Skills for Public Health Professionals ASTHO Webinar: Healing Relationships Authentically to Sustain a Healthy Community – A STRETCH National Convening ASTHO Webpage: Stay Informed

Oregon Health Authority recently awarded a grant of more than $600,000 to Oregon Institute of Technology, targeted to adding people to the mental healthcare workforce.

 Sejal Hathi recently took over as director of the Oregon Health Authority. An attending physician, Hathi previously served as New Jersey’s designated state health officer and deputy commissioner for public health services. She also advised the Biden-Harris administration on public health policy for two years. Hathi has held faculty positions in the schools of medicine and public health at Johns Hopkins University. She joins us to tell us more about her new role and her priorities for the OHA.  

Farmer protests in France wind down, protests in Riverland Australia pick up, Accolade Wines' debt is acquired by Australian Wine Holdco, the Oregon wine industry fumes over Oregon Health Authority's anti-alcohol campaign, and 67 Pall Mall launches the Global Wine Communicator Awards. Read the transcript of this episode at https://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/farmer-led-protests-accolade-buyout-oregons-alcohol-tax-uproar-and-more.

Homeowners, potential homebuyers, and renters, if you plan on renovating or demolishing a home in Oregon you need to think about asbestos – a natural mineral that might be in your building materials. Hillarie and Dylan help make asbestos regulations relatable by talking with two inspectors from DEQ, and an Oregon Health Authority toxicologist explains why asbestos is a health concern in the first place.

In November, the Oregon Health Authority began offering all middle and high schools in the state free kits containing naloxone, a medication used to reverse overdoses from opioids, including fentanyl. Fake prescription pills laced with fentanyl have been linked to accidental overdose deaths among multiple teens in Oregon. Amid this backdrop, a new investigative series from The Lund Report, University of Oregon's Catalyst Journalism Project  and OPB takes a look at what drug prevention messaging looks like in Oregon’s school districts. The investigation revealed that what students are being taught varies widely, and that many school districts don’t use programs backed by evidence that they are effective at delaying or preventing substance use.  Emily Green is the managing editor of The Lund Report and the lead reporter on the series. She and Amelia Templeton, OPB’s health reporter, join us to talk about what they heard from district officials, educators and high school students around addiction prevention education in Oregon.

Brandon and Jadryn continue their discussion exploring the role of a facilitator in psychedelic experiences and how to find them through GoodFacilitators.com, emphasizing the facilitator's responsibility to create a safe and supportive environment, specifically in regards to the legalities of psilocybin use in Oregon and how to find the right facilitator. The difference between facilitation and therapy is explored, as well as the importance of preparing for the experience. The facilitator's role in controlling the speed and direction of the experience is highlighted. Topics covered  include such things as finding a facilitator, the importance of understanding trauma, the high stakes of psychedelic therapy, creating the right container for therapy, the benefit of a former Mormon facilitator, comparing different religious traumas, how guides work at multiple service centers, the vibe and setup of service center rooms, the legal approval process for service centers, creating the right environment for a psychedelic journey, and addressing the fear of peeing during a trip. Brandon and Jadryn then cover the legal aspects of using mushrooms in different states, including the potential legal consequences of using mushrooms in Utah after visiting Oregon where they are legal. It explores the gray area of possessing mushrooms in Utah and the decriminalization of mushrooms in Oregon. The importance of legal and safe use of mushrooms is emphasized, along with resources for understanding the legal parameters of psilocybin. The conversation also discusses the facilitation of psilocybin experiences in different states where it is legal, such as Colorado, Oakland, and Jamaica. It mentions the lack of legal options in states where mushrooms are illegal and provides guidance on finding underground communities and resources. The conversation concludes with information on how to contact Jadryn for facilitation and mentions the upcoming Psychedelics in the Beehive Conference in Salt Lake City.Takeaways- Family background and personal experiences can shape one's perspective on psychedelics and facilitation- A facilitator's role is to create a safe and supportive environment for individuals to explore their inner selves- Facilitation is different from therapy, as it focuses on creating the right conditions for self-exploration rather than providing direct guidance or analysis- The facilitator's presence and ability to control the speed and direction of the experience are crucial for a positive outcome- Mushrooms are legal in Oregon, but using them in states where they are illegal, even when obtained in Oregon can have legal consequences- Importance of using mushrooms in a legal and safe manner, such as through licensed facilitators and service centers- Resources ike the Oregon Health Authority website can provide information on the legal parameters of psilocybin- Psilocybin is legal in some regards in the state of Colorado, the city of Oakland and the country of Jamaica, with each location having their own ways in which mushrooms are legal- In states where mushrooms are illegal, it can be challenging to find legal and safe options to use them, but underground communities with facilitators may exist- Jadryn can be contacted through goodfacilitators.com or vis email at jadrynfacilitations@gmail.com- Meet Jadryn in person at the Psychedelics in the Beehive Conference January 19th in Salt Lake City

In this episode of Jaw Talk, host Dr. Tiffany Lamberton chats with the inspiring Dr. Alayna Schoblaske, a trailblazing dental director at La Clinica in Southern Oregon. Dr. Schoblaske, a passionate advocate for health equity and patient education, brings her rich experiences, including an honor-filled graduation from the Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry and a formative General Practice Residency at the VA Hospital in Washington, DC. Her contributions as an Editor for the Oregon Dental Association and active roles in the American Dental Association and Oregon Health Authority epitomize her commitment to shaping the future of dentistry.The episode offers an insightful exploration of Dr. Schoblaske's approach to organized dentistry, her motivations for encouraging new dentists to join the ADA, and her perspectives on the importance of benefits and the role of women in the dental field. This episode of Jaw Talk is not just a deep dive into dental care but also a testament to the power of dedication and the impact of visionary professionals in healthcare.We talk about:[00:00] Intro[01:59] Dr. Schoblaske's passion for dentistry[03:41] Organized dentistry[07:58] The call to action: why new dentists should join the ADA[12:36] Uncovering the hidden value of ADA benefits[15:16] The importance of fluoridated water[19:28] Trailblazing women in the dental profession[27:03] Dental education today[29:20] Service learning in underserved areas[33:04] Student loans and finding support[36:39] Dr. Schoblaske's 2024 plansMentions1. National Health Service Corps (NHSC): https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/2. Oregon Dental Association: https://www.oregondental.org/3. American Dental Education Association:https://www.adea.org/4. Oregon Dental Conference: https://www.oregondental.org/meetings-events/oregon-dental-conference5. American Dental Association (ADA): https://www.ada.org/6. National Dental Association:https://ndaonline.org/7. Hispanic Dental Association: https://www.hdassoc.org/8. National Network for Oral Health Access: https://www.nnoha.org/9. Academy of General Dentistry: https://www.agd.org/Connect with Alayna here:https://laclinicahealth.org/locations/east-medford-dental-clinic/https://www.instagram.com/alaynathedentist/Connect with Tiffany here:Courses: https://www.tmdcollective.com/courseshttps://www.instagram.com/tmd.collective/Support the Show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2170917/supportSupport the show

In this 206th in a series of live discussions with Bret Weinstein and Heather Heying (both PhDs in Biology), we talk about the state of the world through an evolutionary lens.In this episode, we discuss new year's resolutions. The Oregon Health Authority has requested, using data kind of but not really from the CDC, that we resolve to get vaccinated! Then: a short reading from Natural Selections. And: What happened to Claudine Gay, the now-resigned president of Harvard, and why is anyone surprised? In light of the largest solar flare since 2017, which, had it been angled differently, could have wreaked havoc on Earth, why don't we have systems in place to prevent such havoc? Are any of our institutions or systems functional? What is driving the lack of functionality?*****Our sponsors:Helix: Excellent, sleep-enhancing, American-made mattresses. Go to www.HelixSleep.com/DarkHorse and use code HELIXPARTNER20 to get up to 20% of all mattress orders AND 2 free pillows.ARMRA: Colostrum is our first food, and can help restore your health and resilience as an adult. Go to www.tryarmra.com/DARKHORSE to get 15% off your first order.American Hartford Gold: Get up to $5,000 of free silver on your first qualifying order. Call 866-828-1117 or text “DARKHORSE” to 998899.*****Join us on Locals! Get access to our Discord server, exclusive live streams, live chats for all streams, and early access to many podcasts: https://darkhorse.locals.com/Heather's newsletter, Natural Selections (subscribe to get free weekly essays in your inbox): https://naturalselections.substack.comOur book, A Hunter-Gatherer's Guide to the 21st Century, is available everywhere books are sold, including from Amazon: https://a.co/d/dunx3atCheck out our store! Epic tabby, digital book burning, saddle up the dire wolves, and more: https://darkhorsestore.org*****Mentioned in this episode:Resolve to get vaccinated: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/ORHA/bulletins/3822af9CDC report from 12-22-23: Influenza, Updated COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccination Coverage Among Adults — United States, Fall 2023: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7251a4.htmEra of the False Narrative: https://naturalselections.substack.com/p/era-of-the-false-narrativeSocial Justice Elevator Music: https://rumble.com/v3zxpmt-bret-and-heather-202nd-darkhorse-podcast-livestream.htmlClaudine Gay's 1997 Dissertation: https://www.proquest.com/openview/724b4099916954afb2cda76a12deb066/12023 ends with a massive solar storm: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2024/01/01/2023-ends-with-strongest-x-class-solar-flare-for-six-years-get-ready-for-aurora/Support the show

Fentanyl has taken over the illegal drug market largely due to its low cost and abundant supply. It’s fueling rising addiction rates, and those in need of treatment often have no options. Enter the Confederated Tribes of the Grande Ronde’s Great Circle Recovery program. Great Circle runs two clinics in Portland and Salem, as well as a mobile clinic. It serves not just tribal members, but anyone who’s struggling with addiction and wants help. We hear more about the nonprofit’s mission and how the program works from Executive Director Kelly Rowe, Medical Director Dr. James Laidler and Operations Director Jennifer Worth. We also talk with James Smith, a urinalysis technician at Great Circle who is working to become one of their peer mentors; as well as Albert Mendez, who is in recovery and receives regular treatment from the clinic. Oregon Health Authority’s Behavioral Health Director Ebony Clarke also joins the conversation.

Earlier this month, the Oregon Health Authority announced plans to offer free naloxone to middle and high schools throughout Oregon. In Oregon City schools, naloxone is already available. The district has also hosted public awareness events about fentanyl, counterfeit pills and drug overdoses. Michele Stroh is a board member of the Oregon City School District. She’s rallied behind these efforts, she says, to help keep students safe. Her son died from fentanyl poisoning in 2020. And she hopes that young people continue to receive education about these issues. Stroh joins us with more on what she’d like to see from schools in Oregon.

Dr. Jerome Adams, former United States Surgeon General, says businesses learned from the pandemic that public health is a worthy investment; Destani Bizune, an Epidemiologist in the Office of Antibiotic Stewardship at the CDC, discusses the CDC's guidance for public health agencies based on its Core Elements of Antibiotic Stewardship framework; Vanessa Iheanachor, a Health Communication Specialist at the CDC, tells us health inequities are another concern to address; and Cara Biddlecom is now the Interim Public Health Director at the Oregon Health Authority's Public Health Division. CNN News Article: The US has a mental health crisis that could undermine our democracy, US surgeons general say CDC Webpage: Core Elements of Antibiotic Stewardship for Health Departments CDC Webpage: About U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week (USAAW) ASTHO Webpage: Cara Biddlecom, MPH

During the pandemic, alcohol consumption increased more than it has in the last 50 years. Alcohol related deaths have also been increasing, according to the National Institute of Health.  In Oregon, six people die each day on average from alcohol related causes, according to the Oregon Health Authority. As the holiday season approaches, the state agency wants Oregonians to talk to their loved ones about excessive drinking. Tom Jeanne is the deputy state healthy officer and epidemiologist at the public health division of OHA. Mike Winer is the associate medical director at Hooper Detox Center in Portland and is an assistant professor in addiction medicine at OHSU. They both join us to share more on the increase in alcohol consumption in the state and share the best ways to navigate difficult conversations with loved ones about drinking. 

Center for Disease Control and Prevention data published earlier this year shows that Oregon has some of the highest rates of syphilis infections, landing ninth out of all states. At the same time, more than 3,700 babies were born with congenital syphilis in the U.S. last year — the highest count in more than 30 years. Tim Menza is the medical director of the HIV/STD/TB section of Oregon Health Authority. They join us to share more on what the current trends are in the state and what’s being done to address them.

At the beginning of the year, test exam fees for anyone seeking a social worker license were temporarily waived with funds allocated by the Oregon Legislature. The Oregon Health Authority told KLCC this was meant to address the number of social workers who left the industry during the pandemic and increased demand. The funds have also allowed fees for some license renewals and new applications to be waived as well.  But with technology, communication and backlog issues facing the Oregon Board of Licensing and Social Work, some applicants have been waiting months to get their license to practice in the state. Currently, the board estimates that process and approval time for a license can take upwards of three months. Nathan Smith is a licensed clinical social worker who waited five months for his application to be approved. He joins us to share his experience. Lou Savage is the interim director of the Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers, the state agency that processes and approves social worker licenses. He also joins us to share what the demand has been like the past few years, why wait times are so long and what the agency is doing to address delays.

Only five states in the U.S. require sex education to be made accessible to people with disabilities. Oregon has no such requirements, but a partnership between Oregon Health Authority, Oregon Department of Education, the University of Alaska Anchorage and Oregon Health and Science University aim to fill this gap though a program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Friendships and Dating Program provides participants the skills to promote healthy relationships and sexual health in their communities. Lindsay Sauvé is the program and evaluation manager with the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities at OHSU.  Morrigan Hunter is a community research liaison with the center. They both join us to discuss the impact this program is having and what it takes to make sex education more accessible. 

Oregon is the third state in the nation to seek federal approval for a basic health plan under the Affordable Care Act. Last week, the Oregon Health Policy Board unanimously approved the state’s blueprint for the program. Dave Baden is the interim director for the Oregon Health Authority. He joins us to share more on BHP, who could potentially qualify and what makes this program different than the Oregon Health Plan.

Joanne McClure, ASTHO Senior Analyst for State Policy, explains an ASTHO webpage that tracks legislation to authorize overdose centers in some states; Dr. Laura Chisolm, Section Manager for Injury and Violence Prevention with the Oregon Health Authority, outlines her state's response to the overdose crisis; an ASTHO webinar will help participants address barriers to treatment that have a negative impact on pregnant people with substance use disorder; and a tranquilizer used by veterinarians is making its way into the drug supply. ASTHO Webpage: ASTHO's Public Health Legal Mapping Center Oregon Health Authority Webpage: Reducing Opioid Overdose and Misuse ASTHO Blog Article: Xylazine – What Health Agencies Need to Know ASTHO Webinar: Advancing Perinatal Substance Use Policy with People with Lived Experience  

 In 2020, Oregon voters passed Measure 109, a ballot initiative that made Oregon the first state in the nation to legalize the use of the psychedelic drug psilocybin. It directed the Oregon Health Authority to create a framework to regulate and issue licenses for the manufacture, testing, sale and use of psilocybin in supervised settings. Clients 21 and older can buy and consume psilocybin in licensed service centers in Oregon without a doctor’s prescription. In 2021, the Oregon Health Authority Psilocybin Advisory Board reviewed clinical trials, medical studies and other scientific data on the use of psilocybin and concluded that it “holds promise as an option to address mental health issues,” but it remains classified as an illegal drug at the federal level.  In May, EPIC Healing Eugene became the first licensed service center in Oregon and began seeing clients in June. Satya Therapeutics in Ashland is another licensed service center and also has a license to manufacture psilocybin to its clients whom it started seeing in July. We hear from Cathy Jonas, the owner of EPIC Healing Eugene, and Andreas Met, the co-founder and CEO of Satya Therapeutics, about their client experiences so far operating in the uncharted business of offering psychedelics as a service.  

In this episode of Psychedelics Weekly, Joe and temporary-Colorado-resident Kyle once again record in-person, discussing how psychedelics could change business, the drug war and safe supply, and more.  They cover:  -a Rolling Stone profile on David Bronner, who makes the case for multi-stakeholder capitalism; where businesses are accountable to their workers, customers, the environment, and surrounding Indigenous communities instead of just investors – an idea more people would likely align with after a psychedelic experience;  -The first psilocybin service center in Oregon (EPIC Healing Eugene) finally receiving their license via the Oregon Health Authority; -A man who saw his color blindness improve for four months after a 5g mushroom experience; -Delaware officially legalizing recreational cannabis;  -The opening of 'The Drugs Store' in Vancouver, British Columbia: a mobile store selling drugs illegally as a response to the opioid epidemic and constant influx of untested and laced drugs – the "inevitable result of the government doing nothing" towards offering a safe supply;  -and a survey from the CDC showing that cannabis use among teenagers has declined since legal dispensaries began opening, disproving one of the most common prohibitionist arguments that legalization would only increase use.  And of course, these topics bring on a lot of conversation: how businesses need to be more reflective on how they're operating; concern over if too much regulation is nerfing the world; the human cost of the drug war and the ever-escalating amount of ODs and drug poisoning cases; HPPD and the need for research around psychedelics and vision/perception; why we will always need both clinical access and the recreational underground, and more. www.psychedelicstoday.com