The latest news stories and stories of interest in the Willamette Valley from the digital home of Southern Oregon, from Wynne Broadcasting’s WillametteValleyMagazine.com
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
Willamette Valley Weather
Lane County Ranked No. 1 on List of Oregon’s Healthiest Employers
Lane County has been recognized as the #1 healthiest employer in Oregon (1500-4999 employees) by the Portland Business Journal.
The County’s dedication to wellness: 1) reduces health care related costs, allowing Lane County to invest more of its limited resources into direct services for the community, and 2) increases employee productivity, engagement, recruitment and retention.
The Live Well Center, Lane County’s employee health and wellness center, continues to help employees maintain and improve their overall wellbeing at a reduced cost to the County. The County is continuously looking for low-cost, creative and effective ways of engaging employees in their personal wellbeing. Also, highlighted in the award is Lane County’s proactive approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion by examining internal structures, policies, and experiences through the lens of equity.
“Lane County provides a wide array of critical services to our community,” said County Administrator Steve Mokrohisky. “The work is hard and our employees are tireless in their efforts to improve the lives of our residents. Over the past decade, Lane County has consistently increased its investment in the health and wellbeing of our employees. From our employee wellness clinic, to physical activity challenges, to behavioral health supports, we have created a culture of wellness and belonging that seeks to meet every human need.”
In 2017, 2018 and 2019, Lane County was ranked third healthiest large employer in Oregon, and in 2018 was listed within the top 100 healthiest employers nationally. In 2020, Lane County was ranked second healthiest larger employer. In 2021 and 2022, Lane County was ranked the #1 healthiest larger employer and in 2022 was listed sixth on the healthiest 100 workplaces in America.
Employers are ranked on six categories which include: culture and leadership, foundational components, strategic planning, communication and marketing, programming and interventions and reporting and analytics. There are five employer size categories: small (2-99 employees), medium (100-499), large (500-1499), larger (1500-4999), and largest (5000+).
For the Portland Business Journal article: https://bizj.us/1qiya3 — For the full list: https://bizj.us/1qiy1e
Lane County Human Services Releases 2023 Homeless Count Data
Every year on the last Wednesday of January, the Lane County Human Services Division, in partnership with numerous agencies and groups, conducts the annual one-night Homeless Point in Time (PIT) Count. The PIT Count is a three part survey which includes a count of the unsheltered and sheltered population of people experiencing homelessness, as well as a Housing Inventory Count (HIC). The 2023 PIT Count was conducted for the night of January 25, 2023.
The Point-In-Time Count provides a useful tool for understanding homelessness and year-over-year trends in our community. One-night counts are required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and Oregon Housing and Community Services (State of Oregon) which provides funding for housing and services related to homelessness. The Point in Time Summary is used year-round by planning boards, nonprofits, community organizations, and policy makers on local, state, and federal levels to inform their work on this issue.
Information about the Count: This year’s unsheltered count was primarily conducted by generating a report from Lane County’s Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). A modified version of the Homelessness By-Name List was used, which includes homeless individuals in any HMIS-participating program. Programs include street outreach, day access centers, food pantries, and other services for people experiencing homelessness. This is the third year Lane County has been approved by HUD to use this method.
To supplement this count, trained outreach workers collected surveys in areas where it was most likely that people who are unsheltered were not engaged in other services. During this year’s count, surveyors approached nearly 260 individuals and asked them to participate in the count. Approximately 35 declined to be surveyed, so were not included in the count. Another 61 individuals completed the survey but had already been counted through HMIS. Finally, 163 individuals completed the survey and were not in the HMIS count, so they were added to this year’s unsheltered count.
Consistent with prior years and HUD recommendations, the sheltered count was conducted using HMIS data. A small number of providers who do not participate in HMIS, like domestic violence service providers, sent their own sheltered counts to be included in the county-wide Point-in-Time Count.
Highlights of the Count
Of the 2,824 people counted:
• 640 individuals were staying in Emergency Shelter
• 74 individuals were living in Transitional Housing designated for people who are homeless
• 2,110 individuals were without shelter
o 491 of these individuals were staying in alternative shelter programs like Safe Sleep Sites, Rest Stops, and sanctioned car camping. While these provide much-needed safe places to sleep, they do not meet the HUD definition of shelter.
Characteristics:
• 411 homeless individuals were in households with children (117 households); 108 of those were sheltered (33 households) and 303 individuals were unsheltered (84 households)
• 197 homeless individuals were veterans; 51 were sheltered and 146 were unsheltered
• 14 homeless children were unaccompanied by adults; an additional 154 homeless youth age 18-24 were unaccompanied
• 1,170 individuals (41% of all individuals counted) were chronically homeless
• 1,114 people self-reported a mental health condition; 651 people self-reported substance use disorder
• This is the first year that HUD has asked communities to collect the age of adults. 552 homeless individuals were age 55-64 (165 sheltered and 387 unsheltered); 248 individuals were age 65 and older (89 sheltered and 156 unsheltered)
Trends:
• The total number of individuals experiencing homelessness has increased by 72% in the past 5 years, from 1,641 individuals in 2018 to 2,284 individuals in 2023
• 75% of homeless individuals were unsheltered, which is significantly higher than the last pre-COVID count (65% in January of 2020)
• The percentage of homeless individuals who had experienced domestic violence increased significantly this year, from 7.8% of people counted in 2022 to 19.7% of people counted in 2023
• The percentage of chronically homeless individuals who were sheltered increased significantly from 2020 to 2023, from 24% to 43%
• The percentage of homeless individuals who were veterans decreased, from 10% of all homeless individuals in 2022 to 7% in 2023.
The Homelessness By-Name List — Each month, Lane County uses HMIS data to publish an estimate of the number of people experiencing homelessness in the county at some point during the month. This is published on the Human Services Division’s Tableau page. The criteria for this report is more expansive than what is used for the HUD PIT Count, because it looks at all services and data collected during the month rather than on one night. This year, 4,816 people were on the By-Name list during the month of January. This is significantly higher than the 2,880 individuals included in the count for the night of January 25, 2023.
Housing Inventory Count — Lane County also submitted the number of shelter and permanent housing beds used on the night of January 25, 2023. 640 of 823 Emergency Shelter beds were utilized (78%), 74 of 115 Transitional Housing beds (65%), and an additional 1,172 individuals were not homeless the night of the PIT Count because they were residing in permanent housing. The 224 available beds in Emergency Shelter and Transitional Housing is much smaller than the 2,110 individuals who were unsheltered the night of the count. Additionally, some of these unoccupied beds have eligibility requirements that unsheltered individuals may have been unable to meet.
Oregon State of Emergency Due to Homelessness (All In)
Due to the increase of unsheltered homelessness in the Point in Time Count from 2017 to 2022, Lane County was included in the governor’s state of emergency due to homelessness. As a result, more than $15 million of state funding have been allocated to local agencies targeting homelessness. There is more information about All In on the county’s All In page, and more information about the Human Services Division’s work at lanecounty.org/HSD.
Eugene Police Department · Seeking tips in Lumen/Century Link wire thefts
Eugene Police and Lumen/Century Link are seeking leads in multiple copper wire thefts at the company’s utility boxes (pedestals) around the city. Since June 7, 2023 Lumen/CenturyLink has been the victim of 35 separate acts of these thefts, totaling more than $132,000 in damages.
The suspect(s) could be posing as contractors, using a van or a truck with a temporary magnetic sign to steal copper from pedestals and cross boxes around Eugene. The suspect(s) could also approach on foot with no vehicle, possibly wearing some sort of safety vest to appear official. They use this method as to conceal their theft and vandalism activity. Above and beyond the financial and physical damage, this activity could damage Central Lane’s 911 system and may prevent access to emergency services because of the damage. Lumen/CenturyLink desires prosecution and will actively participate in bringing charges.
SUSPECT/VEHICLE DESCRIPTION Vans and/or trucks with temporary magnetic signs doing work around pedestals and cross boxes in industrial areas and neighborhoods. Lone pedestrians, possibly wearing a safety vest. (Note: The white van included is a photo from a case in Arizona.) Lumen/Century Link technicians normally use marked Lumen/CenturyLink vans or trucks when we work on pedestals and cross boxes.
If anyone has information about these cases, please contact Detective Aaron Johns, 541.682.5843, or Ajohns@eugene-or.govhttps://www.eugene-or.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=6155
LCSO CASE #23-3684 — Fatal Traffic Crash on London Rd.
Tuesday morning shortly after 3:00am, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office received the report of a two-vehicle traffic crash on London Rd. near milepost 11.
Preliminary investigation reveals that a white Ford pickup had been driving southbound on London Rd. when it failed to negotiate a curve. The pickup crossed into the oncoming lane and struck a northbound Dodge pickup head-on.
The driver of the Dodge pickup died at the scene.
The driver of the Ford pickup was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.
This crash is still under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4179 opt. 1.
LCSO Case #23-3599 – Sheriff’s Office Seeks Assault Suspect
On July 6th Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the report of an assault in a wooded area near the 5300blk of Franklin Blvd. 53-year-old Matthew Lawrence Kubal reportedly struck two different people in the head with rocks before fleeing the scene on a bicycle. Both victims were transported to an area hospital and treated for head injuries.
Kubal is described as a white male adult with brown hair and brown eyes. He stands approximately 5’07” and weighs approximately 180lbs. Kubal’s whereabouts are currently unknown and he is believed to be transient.
Anyone with information regarding this case or Matthew Kubal’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150 opt. 1.
White Bird Clinic is expanding the flock and now hiring for multiple positions and departments! It takes a wide range of amazing people to achieve the mission of White Bird Clinic and to be successful in the work that we do. What exactly do we do? Well, for 50 years we have been providing compassionate humanistic healthcare and supportive services to individuals in our community, so everyone receives the care they need.
If you think you possess qualities such as level-headedness, patience, empathy, self-awareness, humor, active listening, and can approach challenging situations in a creative and neutral way then please apply and tell us more by visiting https://www.indeed.com/cmp/White-Bird-Clinic/jobsQuestions? Feel free to reach out by e-mail info@whitebirdclinic.org or by calling 458-239-1162
$103.5 Million Awarded To 10 Affordable Housing Developments Across The State
SALEM, OR – The Oregon Housing Stability Council approved $103.5 million in Local Innovation Fast Track (LIFT) funding to go to 10 affordable housing developments across the state. Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) will provide 646 additional homes with these developments for individuals and households living on low incomes. Half of the funded projects will be built in rural communities and half in urban areas.
“Lack of affordable housing is a top concern for many people across the state and we must continue to pursue measurable progress. These investments will help improve the futures and quality of life for thousands of Oregonians in rural and urban areas of the state,” said OHCS Director Andrea Bell. “We are grateful to Governor Kotek and the Oregon legislature for having the foresight to invest in the LIFT program. Together we recognize that investments in safe, affordable housing are also investments in communities where everyone can thrive.”
OHCS received a total of 23 applications, amounting to over $221.6 million in LIFT funding requests, more than LIFT funds available. Special consideration was given to developments that serve communities affected by the 2020 Labor Day Wildfires and those who have a Qualified Culturally Specific Organization on the development team. After careful review, 10 projects emerged for funding recommendation.
The developments receiving awards include:
- College View Apartments in Bend, receiving $8.3 million
- Depoe Bay Townhomes in Depoe Bay, receiving $2.3 million
- Estacada Apartments Phase II in Estacada, receiving $11.9 million
- Ollie Court in Eugene, receiving $11.3 million
- Pacific Flats in Phoenix, receiving $13.5 million
- Phoenix Corner in Phoenix, receiving $15.3 million
- Rand Road Affordable Housing in Hood River, receiving $15.1 million
- Rivergreen Apartments Phase II in Corvallis, receiving $5.6 million
- Salem Apartments in Salem, receiving $17.9 million
- Unicorn Bed in Portland, receiving $2.3 million
OHCS is grateful to the internal and external scoring committees for their diligent evaluation of the applications. Assessment considerations included multiple factors such as: readiness to proceed, financial viability, development capacity, service to communities of color, innovation, replicability, minority-, women-, veteran-owned business participation, use of affordable rents, family-sized units, and the involvement of Qualified Culturally Specific Organizations.
“By approving these funding recommendations, OHCS is taking a crucial step forward in addressing the pressing housing needs of communities across Oregon,” said Bell. “The LIFT program continues to make a significant positive impact on affordable housing development in Oregon.
For more detailed information about each recommended project, please refer to the Housing Stability Council packet from July 7, 2023. —– El comunicado de prensa en español
ODF and OSU to begin updating wildfire hazard map with changes from SB 80
Oregon Dept. of Forestry – 07/11/23 8:43 AMOregon Department of Forestry will soon begin work with Oregon State University to update the wildfire hazard map based on direction provided in Senate Bill 80, passed by the 2023 Oregon Legislature. This is in addition to the work ODF and OSU have been doing to incorporate feedback provided by landowners and local governments following last year’s initial map rollout.
Senate Bill 80 advances Oregon’s wildfire programs established by the 2021 Legislature’s Senate Bill 762. Senate Natural Resources Committee Chair Jeff Golden (D-Rogue Valley), guided SB 80 towards passage. “The revisions this bill makes,” said Golden, “address the plain fact that we’ll meet the massive wildfire challenge ahead only through a rock-solid collaboration between state and federal agencies, local officials, community leaders and affected property owners. We’ll succeed if Oregonians see this as their program, not the government’s. SB 80 takes big strides in that direction. The bill wouldn’t have been possible without the careful work of the Wildfire Programs Advisory Council—19 citizens from different backgrounds, professions and locations—who are charged with guiding us over time towards a more effective wildfire program. We’re lucky to have their service.”
After passage of SB 762 in 2021, ODF worked with a rulemaking advisory committee on administrative rules to govern the map. Those rules, passed by the Board of Forestry, along with scientific expertise on modeling wildfire occurrence and behavior from OSU, led to the mapping of wildfire “risk” at a property tax-lot level for 1.8 million parcels in Oregon. However, lack of clarity about the map’s purpose and limited time for outreach and education about what it would mean for property owners resulted in concern about and opposition to the map. ODF plans to engage communities throughout the upcoming revision process to better inform Oregonians on the process, science, and purpose of the updated hazard map.
While the updated map is still required to use climate, weather, topography, and vegetation in assessing wildfire potential, SB 80 brings a few significant changes to the map:
• Clarifies the purpose of the map as being a tool to:
o Inform Oregon residents and property owners about their wildfire exposure by providing transparent and science-based information.
o Assist in prioritizing fire adaption and mitigation resources for the most vulnerable locations.
o Identify where defensible space standards and home hardening codes will apply.
• Changes from five “risk” classes to three “hazard” classes.
• Requires eight meetings with county and local officials to review local draft maps.
• Limits the hazard class notification requirements to those in high hazard zones that are also inside wildland-urban interface boundaries. Updated notifications will be reviewed by the Wildfire Programs Advisory Council for recommendations on tone, clarity of language and presentation of information.
• Changes the appeal process: Properties in a high hazard class may be appealed as a contested case hearing described in Oregon Revised Statute Chapter 183.
ODF and OSU are still working on the process and timeline for revising the map. However, the following activities are planned:
• Complete a draft revision of the map that includes both previously voiced concerns and changes from SB 80.
• Attend eight county meetings across the state as described in SB 80 to share community-level revised maps with county representatives, gather local feedback, and provide clear information on how wildfire hazard is assessed.
• Convene a rulemaking advisory committee to amend the existing administrative rules to conform with the new law and incorporate lessons learned during county meetings.
• Schedule and attend community meetings across the state—with a focus on the highest hazard areas—to discuss how wildfire hazard was determined, what it means for property owners, share updated community-level draft maps, and get public input.
• Draft property owner notifications and solicit input from the Wildfire Programs Advisory Council.
• Publish a draft map online.
• Send notifications to property owners in high hazard zones inside the wildland-urban interface boundary, including instructions on how to appeal the designation.
• Publish the final map online, including the results of successful appeals.
“ODF appreciates direction from the Legislature and the time to get the map right. We’re eager to engage communities and discuss the increasing hazard of wildfire across Oregon,” said State Forester Cal Mukumoto. “Having the time to solicit and incorporate community input is critical to Oregonians understanding the environmental hazard of wildfire.”
Merkley, Wyden Announce Nearly $20 Million Coming to Oregon for Forest Conservation and Management
Funding to go toward the Tualatin Mountain Forest, Minam Conservation and Connectivity Projects
Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that the U.S. Forest Service will be awarding $19,999,000 for the Tualatin Mountain Forest project and the Minam Conservation and Connectivity project through the Forest Legacy Program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These projects will help conserve and manage economically and ecologically significant forestlands in Oregon.
“It’s great news that these two amazing Oregon sites will be protected thanks to the Forest Legacy Program. This funding to conserve Oregon’s valuable forests will help to ensure this land remains healthy, well managed, and accessible to Oregonians, visitors, and future generations,” said Merkley, a longtime supporter of the Land and Water Conservation Fund and Chair of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee that funds the U.S. Forest Service. “These projects will bring benefits to the state, and I will keep working to make sure the federal government does its part to create and conserve healthy, resilient forests across Oregon.”
“Federal investment in managing forest health is a must for our state to lower wildfire danger and continue to protect our natural treasures,” said Wyden. “I’m gratified to see these federal funds go toward economically and ecologically viable conservation in the Tualatin Mountain Forest project and along the Minam River. I will continue battling for similar investments statewide that conserve our forests and support quality of life throughout Oregon.”
The U.S. Forest Service’s Forest Legacy Program (FLP) is funded historically through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The FLP also received a significant boost from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Through FLP, the U.S. Forest Service partners with state agencies to encourage the protection of privately-owned forest lands through conservation easements or land purchases. The awards coming to Oregon are part of a larger $188 million investment to conserve forestlands across the nation.
“The Tualatin Mountain Forest project has great potential to develop a research and demonstration forest with expanded community benefits,” says Kristin Kovalik, the Trust for Public Land Oregon program director. “At over 3,000 acres, and an established trail network, this site would provide an opportunity to combine sustainable forest management, urban youth education and workforce development, and improved recreational opportunities and access to nature. This project is possible thanks in large part to Senator Merkley, who has championed Tualatin Mountain from his post as chair of the Senate subcommittee that funds forest conservation. We thank the Senator for his leadership in passing landmark investments for the Forest Legacy Program through the Inflation Reduction Act and the Great American Outdoors Act, which enable projects like this.”
“This commitment of Forest Legacy funding is a vital step toward completion of a landmark conservation project that will conserve and protect habitat for elk, mule deer, fish, birds and other wildlife, while also providing access by hunters, anglers and others,” said Kyle Weaver, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation president and CEO. “We would like to recognize our partners at Manulife, ODFW and the U.S. Forest Service as well as support from elected officials, both locally and in Congress, for making this conservation victory possible.”
Information on the awards coming to Oregon can be found below:
- $10,245,000 in IRA funds for the Tualatin Mountain Forest Project to establish a 3,111-acre working research forest to be owned by Oregon State University to pioneer climate-smart forestry methods.
- $9,754,000 ($460,000 of which are IRA funds) for the Minam Conservation & Connectivity Project, Phase 2, to protect 10,964 acres of working forestland and a corridor along the Minam River. This is the second part to an acquisition by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife in 2021, funded by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Together, Phases 1 & 2 (15,573 acres) connect the nationally designated Minam and Wallowa Wild and Scenic River corridors.
A link to the U.S. Forest Service’s funding announcement can be found here.
Life-Changing Electric All-Terrain Trackchairs coming to Pacific City for Dory Days and beyond.
July 11, 2023 Pacific City, Oregon – David’s Chair Outdoor Mobility Systems (David’s Chair) has added another location for one of their electric all-terrain electric actiontrack chairs to be used for free. PC Pour in Pacific City will be the new home and the fourth location where a track chair provided by David’s Chair will be permanently stationed along the beautiful Oregon Coast. CEO and Founder Steve Furst said, ”PC Pour is the perfect location with easy beach access and wonderful community support. Bob and Tina Papke (The owners of PC Pour) have been amazing to work with. Their enthusiasm to provide this service is inspiring.” David’s Chair and Oregon Parks Forever have been working at providing this new way to get out on the beach and into nature for people with mobility challenges. On July 14 & 15 David’s Chair is bringing 6 electric all-terrain track chairs to Pacific City along with their team. You will find them set up at the end of Hungry Harbor Rd. for mobility challenged guests to try for free. When David’s Chair departs Pacific City, they will be leaving a track chair at PC Pour to be used by people with mobility challenges for free.
From 10am to 4pm on Friday July 14 and Saturday July 15, people who register at https://davidschair.org can have a chance to buckle in and experience the freedom to travel along the beach without having to be concerned about the sand or water.
Anyone with mobility impairments, requiring the assistance of wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes or crutches, will be able to use these chairs at no charge.
David’s Chair and PC Pour are working with local volunteers from the Nestucca Rural Fire Protection District and others from the community to meet with the guests using the track chairs and get them on their way to the beach. CEO and Founder Steve Furst said, “We rely on volunteers at all of our locations and without them we could not provide this service. We are grateful for the support we have received and the commitment to community service here in Pacific City”. This track chair can also be used in the standing position like the track chair they have at the Seaside, Oregon Elks Lodge 1748.
David’s Chair Outdoor Mobility Systems and Oregon Parks Forever are collaborating to add 10 additional locations where mobility challenged visitors can pick up and use an electric all-terrain wheelchair at no charge.
These chairs will provide a new freedom for a mobility challenged park visitor – to get off the pavement and out into nature.
With increased accessibility to trails, lakes, rivers and beaches, through demanding conditions like sand, snow and mud, mobility-impaired visitors will be able to participate in activities never-before possible.
From birdwatching and fishing, to riding along the beach, to simply enjoying the fresh air and solitude of nature, these all-terrain chairs will invite many new people to share the wonders of the great outdoors in our parks.
See these chairs in action at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4KIrqu47WY
Chairs are currently available for free use at Seaside, Manzanita and Netarts. In the next few weeks, they will also be available in Newport.
Reservations for free use can be made at: https://davidschair.org.
About David’s Chair Outdoor Mobility Systems — David’s Chair is a 501 C(3)non-profit based in White City, Oregon with a mission to provide people with mobility challenges the free use of electric all-terrain track chairs offering freedom and independence to get outdoors and experience terrain and conditions that would otherwise be unavailable to them. The organization currently has 20 electric all-terrain track chairs and 7 trailers, available in many areas of Oregon for use for free by people with mobility challenges who reserve them at www.davidschair.org.
Contact: Steve Furst, CEO 541/941-8976 steve@davidschair.org
About Oregon Parks Forever — Since 1995, Oregon Parks Forever has been raising funds to help fund programs and projects that enhance the experience and accessibility of Oregon’s parks & forests. Emphasis is placed on projects that protect existing facilities and amenities, increase park accessibility, provide healthy activities and educate the future stewards of our public lands. Oregon Parks Forever is a statewide nonprofit organization whose mission includes working with federal, state, local and tribal public land managers to enhance and preserve special places and experiences in all Oregon parks. For more information, visit orparksforever.org/
Bout PC Pour Wine Bar — PC Pour is a local wine bar in Pacific City, Oregon located at 33310 Cape Kiwanda Drive. Bob and Tina. Papke own this LLC Corporation and love to serve their community. Their location is so close to the beach it makes it a great place to maintain a track chair. Bob and Tina have a passion for their community and are inspired by the David’s Chair mission because of a personal friend impacted by ALS.
Losses Mount For Hospitals in Q1 2023 As Costs Continue to Outpace Revenue
Lake Oswego, Ore. – July 11,2023 – While Oregon hospitals saw modest improvement in their operating margins and revenue in the first quarter of 2023, they continue to be financially stressed by rising expenses and a decline in hospital visits.
A new report by Apprise Health Insights (attached) shows that more than two-thirds of Oregon’s hospitals lost money in the first quarter of 2023. Faced with strong financial headwinds, some hospitals were forced to tap into their reserves to continue providing services to their communities.
Though hospitals’ median operating margin increased by one-half of a percentage point to -2.2%, the first quarter of 2023 marks the fifth consecutive quarter of negative overall operating margins. Oregon hospitals have lost a total of $414 million from operations since the first quarter of 2022.
Operating expenses went up by $255 million in the first quarter, a 6% increase, reflecting rising wages and prices for supplies and services. At the same time, patient volumes were down across the state, suggesting that bed capacity and workforce shortages continue to limit patients’ access to care.
“Patients are feeling the impact of workforce shortages as we see reduced access to care throughout Oregon,” said Becky Hultberg, president and CEO of the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems. “That’s why it’s so important to begin the hard work of rebuilding our health care workforce.”
First quarter 2023 total hospital visits dropped by 2.3% when compared to the previous quarter and are down 7.2% when compared to the first quarter of 2022. Emergency Department visits saw a substantial drop from the fourth quarter of 2022 to the first quarter of 2023 at -7.2%.
The Apprise report also shows the average length of stay (ALOS) was flat but remains high at 5.64 days. ALOS has risen 20-25% compared to levels of 4.5-4.7 days seen in the years prior to the pandemic. High ALOS is another byproduct of the staffing shortage, as patients are unable to be discharged to a post-acute care facility to continue their recoveries. Due to fixed reimbursements for many patients, the broken care continuum is also a strain on revenue and hospital margins.
“As I have often said, a local hospital with an open front door and a closed back door does not work even with the best efforts of our teams,” Hultberg said. “We are grateful to the lawmakers who supported our package of workforce investments this legislative session, but there are no easy and quick fixes to this generational challenge.”
Attached Media Files: Q1 2023 HUFA Report
Oregon Likely Won’t See Aurora Borealis This Week After Forecast Has Been Updated
Local and national news outlets had suggested that Oregonians would have a chance Thursday to see an exceptionally large aurora borealis because of a massive solar storm.
The rare chance to see the Northern Lights in Oregon created a buzz on social media. Unfortunately, it almost certainly won’t happen.
Jim Todd, director at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, said the forecast changed, just like weather forecasts do.
“It turned out to be less than what was expected,” Todd said. “We see that sometimes. We say, ‘We’re going to get a big snowfall.’ And it turns out to be a trace.”
News stories about the lights were based on predictions by the University of Alaska’s aurora forecast. But the forecast was scaled back and activity on Thursday is now predicted to be low at best.
Oregonians may have a chance to see the celestial display in the future, however. Solar activity is expected to increase over the next few years as the sun goes through its usual solar cycle.
The aurora is usually seen around the magnetic poles of the northern and southern hemispheres. It is caused by particles streaming out of the sun and colliding with molecules in the Earth’s atmosphere. (SOURCE)
July recognized as National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month
Salem – In recognition of July as National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month, the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), urges vehicle owners to be aware of the ongoing threat of vehicle theft.
Vehicle theft continues to be a significant concern in the U.S., costing vehicle owners more than $8 billion in 2022 alone. Shockingly, more than 1 million vehicles were stolen in the same year, reflecting a 25 percent increase in vehicle theft totals compared to previous years. Of all stolen motor vehicles, passenger cars historically accounted for more than 74 percent, with an estimated occurrence of one motor vehicle theft happening every 32 seconds.
In 2021, Oregon ranked fifth in the country for stolen vehicles based on the highest rate of vehicle theft per 100,000 residents, according to data provided by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). The states with the highest theft rates were Colorado, District of Columbia, California, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, Missouri, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Theft of vehicles is covered – subject to the deductible – if you have comprehensive insurance coverage. Talk to your insurance company or agent to make sure you have the correct coverage for your needs.
To ensure the safety of your vehicle, it is essential to adopt preventive measures. Always remember to:
- Park in well-lit areas
- Close and lock all windows and doors when parking
- Conceal your valuables
- Avoid leaving your keys inside your vehicle
- Refrain from leaving the area while your vehicle is running
- Check with your vehicle’s manufacturer to make sure the vehicle’s software is up to date
While some vehicles come equipped with alarm and anti-theft systems, those without such features should consider purchasing additional layers of protection. Anti-theft systems are readily available for purchase online or in stores and can provide an extra level of security for your vehicle.
For more comprehensive information on motor vehicle theft prevention, visit www.NHTSA.gov/theft. Also, more resources can be found at www.NICB.org, providing further guidance and tips on safeguarding your vehicle from potential theft.
### About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and www.dcbs.oregon.gov.
