News from the PCH and Our Partners
Read about news and events from the PCH and community health improvement activities in the region.
Do you have a news item or update from your organization to share? Contact us!
IHN-CCO member guidance
Read more: IHN-CCO member guidanceIn July 2025, a new federal law was passed. This law changes Medicaid (OHP) and SNAP (food help). These changes could affect your benefits. We understand that these changes can be confusing, and you may have questions. IHN is committed to helping everyone get the care they need – no matter their income, race, background, gender, immigration status, or who they love. You matter. You belong. You are not alone.
Primary Care Strategy Committee call for applications
Read more: Primary Care Strategy Committee call for applicationsAnnouncement from the Oregon Health Authority The Oregon Health Policy Board is launching a Primary Care Strategy Committee beginning April 2026. Applications are due February 6. The committee’s scope includes developing and recommending evidence-based strategies, developing a statewide definition of “primary care,” and ensuring the voices of those access primary care inform decision-making. OHA is…
Samaritan Health Services publishes 2026 Community Health Needs Assessments
Read more: Samaritan Health Services publishes 2026 Community Health Needs AssessmentsAs a nonprofit organization, all Samaritan hospitals complete a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). These assessments guide Samaritan’s efforts to improve the health of the communities in the region. The 2026 needs assessments were developed in collaboration with the Partnership for Community Health. The community health priorities identified in the CHNA algin with the Community…
Oregon’s Rural Health Transformation Program
Read more: Oregon’s Rural Health Transformation ProgramOregon has been awarded $197.3 million for the Rural Health Transformation Program grant (RHTP). Read the full press release from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). OHA will invest the federal funding in community-driven projects that improve healthcare access, boost chronic disease management and prevention, grow and sustain the healthcare workforce, and expand the use of…
Recent News
Samaritan Health Services publishes 2026 Community Health Needs Assessments
Read more: Samaritan Health Services publishes 2026 Community Health Needs AssessmentsAs a nonprofit organization, all Samaritan hospitals complete a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). These assessments guide Samaritan’s efforts to improve the health of the communities in the region. The 2026 needs assessments were developed in collaboration with the Partnership for Community Health. The community health priorities identified in the CHNA algin with the Community…
Oregon’s Rural Health Transformation Program
Read more: Oregon’s Rural Health Transformation ProgramOregon has been awarded $197.3 million for the Rural Health Transformation Program grant (RHTP). Read the full press release from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). OHA will invest the federal funding in community-driven projects that improve healthcare access, boost chronic disease management and prevention, grow and sustain the healthcare workforce, and expand the use of…
Rural Population Health Incubator Program
Read more: Rural Population Health Incubator ProgramThe Oregon Office of Rural Health is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Incubator grant cycle! The deadline to apply is Jan. 23, 2026 (by 5:00 p.m. PT). The mission of the Rural Population Health Incubator Program (the Incubator) is to strengthen community health in rural Oregon by providing grants to support population health initiatives…
Lincoln and Benton County Public Health Departments Maintain National Accreditation Status
Read more: Lincoln and Benton County Public Health Departments Maintain National Accreditation StatusThis December, the health departments of Lincoln and Benton Counties both announced that they had successfully completed a comprehensive review process to maintain national accreditation status through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). By maintaining these accreditation status for another five years, these organizations demonstrate a continued commitment to meet PHAB’s quality standards and measures and…
Health-related services changing name to flexible services
Read more: Health-related services changing name to flexible servicesIn January 2026 the Oregon Health Authority changed the health-related services program name to flexible services. This change was based on feedback from coordinated care organizations (CCOs), community partners and Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members to alleviate confusion with OHP covered benefits for health-related social needs. For more information and the full announcement, visit the…
Oregon Health Authority and West Coast Health Alliance continue to recommend hepatitis B vaccination for newborns
Read more: Oregon Health Authority and West Coast Health Alliance continue to recommend hepatitis B vaccination for newbornsThe West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) strongly supports that hepatitis B vaccination continue to be routinely offered to all newborns, with the first dose of the vaccine given within 24 hours of birth for newborns weighing at least 2,000 grams (4 pounds, 7 ounces), followed by completion of the vaccine series. This recommendation aligns with…
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