This is Public HealthThe opportunity to live a healthy life is a human right. Every Oregonian deserves to live in a safe and healthy place with access to the resources and information they need to actively participate in decisions that affect their wellbeing. Those places are created and protected by public health. A passion for prevention drives our work. As public health professionals, we educate about nutritious food and physical activity and ensure all Oregonians have access to healthy options where they live, learn, work and play. We inform them about the dangers of tobacco, alcohol and drugs, and teach them how to improve their children’s health. We advocate for, and help write the policies that make our streets, buildings, parks, schools and neighborhoods safe and active for everyone regardless of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or income status. OPHA Statement on CoronavirusOn March 20, OPHA leadership shared the following statement with members and government leaders: The Oregon Public Health Association calls on Oregon leaders to enact stricter physical distancing measures, such as a shelter-in-place order, to slow the spread of the Coronavirus. In addition, we should make every effort to expand testing for Coronavirus, so that we know how much the virus has spread. We must also consider the economic needs of all Oregon residents, with a focus on populations most impacted by this crisis. We support leaders taking action against Coronavirus, with an understanding of, and compassion for, their residents.
Contact OPHA Executive Director Jessica Nischik-Long with questions.
COVID-19 ResourcesThe novel coronavirus outbreak has arrived in Oregon and accurate, timely and helpful information is important for both combatting the illness and the spread of misinformation. The Oregon Health Authority has set up a COVID-19 webpage with videos, multiple fact sheets in nine languages, guidance for schools, housing services, local public health authorities and tribes, and more. The American Public Health Association (OPHA is the Oregon Affiliate of APHA) also has created a COVID-19 webpage with many resources and links as has the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your Local Health Department may also have their own local information. Public Health, Oppression and Healing: Looking Through An Indigenous LensPOSTPONED Due to ongoing uncertainty about COVID-19, we are postponing this workshop until we can be more confident in the safety of gathering together. OPHA is partnering with one of the 2019 conference keynote speakers, Jillene Joseph, to continue the learning we started at the conference. This full day, interactive training is an opportunity for public health professionals to better understand their work through an Indigenous lens. Click here to learn more about this training. EVENT DETAILS - TBD *If your employer is not able to cover the registration cost, please contact Jessica or Tabitha. NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK WEBINARUnseen implications of COVID-19 in Oregon: Rarely discussed populations & implementing emergency preparedness plansWHEN: April 9, 2020, 10:00 - 11:00 amWHERE: Register for the Zoom webinar to participate in chat and Q&A or watch and listen live on OPHA's Facebook page.COST: This is a free event.As part of National Public Health Week, join OPHA board members Yesenia Castro, April Lawless, and Tabitha Jensen for the webinar Unseen implications of COVID-19 in Oregon: Rarely discussed populations & implementing emergency preparedness plans. In this webinar, the panelists will discuss how their work here in Oregon has been affected by the steps our state and local government have taken to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. They will also discuss the implications of these same actions on the populations they serve and the workers on the front lines of protecting some of our most vulnerable residents. Questions? Contact OPHA Executive Director, Jessica Nischik-Long |