The latest news stories of interest in the Rogue Valley and the state of Oregon from the digital home of Southern Oregon, Wynne Broadcasting’s RogueValleyMagazine.com
Monday, November 11, 2024
Rogue Valley Weather
During World War I, the fighting ended on Nov. 11, 1918 when an armistice went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
Nearly twenty years later, legislation passed on May 13, 1938, officially making Nov. 11 of each year a federal holiday, originally known as “Armistice Day,” the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs explains on its website.
The holiday was first created to honor veterans of World War I, but then in 1954, the original legislation was amended to change the holiday’s name to Veterans Day, to honor American veterans of all wars.
Join us for our annual Veterans Day Commemoration on Monday, November 11th at 9am at Don Jones Oregon Fallen War Heroes Memorial in Central Point. The event will feature Veterans and local speakers. Nov. 11, 2024, 9:00 a.m. PT: Veterans Day Commemoration – Central Point, OR
A Salute to Our Veterans
When:
Mon. Nov 11, 2024, 10:30 am – 1:30 pm PT
Where:
Eagle Point High School
203 N Platt Ave
Eagle Point, OR
Featuring speakers, music, and donated lunch, this event promises to be well-attended, drawing Veterans, their families and communities from the surrounding rural areas. It’s a prime opportunity to connect with Veterans and show your support.
VA program staff and community partners will be in attendance to offer information about VA services.
The parade begins at 10:30 AM from the Eagle Point High School parking lot.
The program begins at 11:30 AM in the Eagle Point High School gymnasium. Admission is free. Nov. 11, 2024, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. PT: A Salute to Our Veterans – Eagle Point, OR
Veterans Day Events in Oregon
Nov. 7, 2024, 6:00 p.m. PT: Veterans Day Benefit – Castaway Portland, OR
Nov. 10, 2024, 2:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. PT: Veterans Day Celebration – Albany, OR
Nov. 11, 2024, 10:00 a.m. PT: Veterans Day Parade – Portland, OR
Nov. 11, 2024, 11:00 a.m. PT: Veterans Day Parade – Roseburg, OR
Nov. 11, 2024, 11:00 a.m. PT: Veterans Day Ceremony – Salem, OR
Nov. 11, 2024, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. PT: Veterans Day Observance Ceremony – Wilsonville, OR
Nov. 11, 2024, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. PT: Veterans Day Ride – Cascade Locks, OR
Nov. 11, 2024, 11:00 a.m. PT: 73rd Annual Veterans Day Parade – Albany, OR
Nov. 11, 2024, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. PT: Veterans Day Parade – Bend, OR
Nov. 11, 2024, 12:30 p.m. PT: Veterans Day Parade – Madras, OR
Nov. 11, 2024, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. PT: Veterans Day Parade – Florence, OR
Nov. 11, 2024, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. PT: Veterans Day TOPGOLF Tournament – Hillsboro, OR
Two Arrested and 20 Pounds of Meth Seized in Ashland
On November 5, 2024, following a long-term investigation, the Medford Area Drug and Gang Enforcement (MADGE) team made contact with several individuals and a vehicle in Ashland, Oregon. These individuals were suspected of trafficking methamphetamine from California into Southern Oregon.
After executing a search warrant on the involved vehicle, MADGE seized approximately 20 pounds of methamphetamine.
Both men were lodged in the Jackson County Jail and face charges for Unlawful Delivery, Unlawful Manufacture, and Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine.
The MADGE team is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force focused on identifying, disrupting, and dismantling local, multi-state, and international drug trafficking organizations. Utilizing an intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach with prosecutorial support, MADGE operates in coordination with the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program.
The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program, sponsored by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), provides critical resources to multi-agency initiatives like MADGE to combat drug trafficking and enhance public safety. The MADGE team includes members from the Medford Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Eagle Point Police Department, the District Attorney’s Office, Parole and Probation, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the FBI.
Central Point Police Department conducting major crimes investigation Friday morning after an incident along Bush Street left one person dead and another in the hospital.
A suspect is in custody.
CPPD is investigating two scenes along Bush Street including a silver Honda.
Central Point Elementary School was placed on a temporary lockdown around 7:30. CPPD has confirmed there is no threat to the school and lifted the lockdown.
Police state they will release more information later.
Josephine County Animal Shelter — We are OVERFLOWING!
Update – Medford Police Investigate Shooting on Bullock Rd.
Update MPD Case 24-17581 – 11/7/24 at 8am
On Wednesday, November 6, Medford Police arrested two 17-year-olds connected to a shooting on Sunday, October 27. The juvenile suspects reportedly entered a private event, were escorted out following a disturbance, and then one of them retrieved a handgun from their vehicle and fired at those who removed them. A 17-year-old and a 37-year-old security guard were struck and taken to a hospital, later released.
Detectives identified the suspects, both Josephine County residents, and arrested them in Grants Pass. One is believed to be the shooter, the other the driver. Both suspects have been lodged at he Jackson County Juvenile Detention Center on multiple charges of Assault in the First Degree, with the driver also facing charges of Hindering Prosecution.
Anyone with video of the incident is asked to contact Medford Police Detectives at 541-774-2230.
Initial Release
On Sunday, October 27th, 2024 at approximately 2:53 a.m. Medford Police were dispatched to the report of a shooting in the 2600 block of Bullock Rd. Multiple agencies responded to assist. Upon arrival, it was determined the shooting occurred at a private event attended by approximately 80 people.
The unidentified suspects fired rounds towards the security guard, striking the security guard and a juvenile in attendance. Both were transported to local hospitals with non life-threatening injuries. The juvenile has since been treated and released.
This case is currently under investigation and further details will be released as they become available. MPD is asking anyone with information to contact Detective Dennis at 541-774-2242. —
MPD case 24-17581
Jackson County Public Health Issues Overdose Alert for Fentanyl
According to a news release from Jackson County Public Health, there was an increase in medical service responses, emergency department admissions and suspected fatal overdoses between Oct. 27 and Nov. 2.
“Illicitly manufactured fentanyl can be sold as counterfeit pills, such as oxycontin, or in a powder form, which can look like other drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamine,” the release said. “Fentanyl can also be mixed with other illicit opioids, such as heroin. The increased presence of fentanyl in the drug supply increases the risk of poisoning or overdosing for people who are experimenting with drugs, who use recreationally and not intentionally using fentanyl.”
Health officials say the best step to protect yourself is to abstain from illicit opioids altogether.
“There is no safe way to use illicit opioids, such as fentanyl, but there are steps that can be taken to help reduce the risk of overdosing,” the release said. “The street drug supply is unpredictable and inconsistent. Assume there is a risk of drug poisoning or overdosing no matter what drug is used.”
Authorities also urge residents to call 911 when someone is overdosing.
“The Good Samaritan Law protects someone from being arrested or prosecuted for drug-related charges or parole/probation violations based on information provided to emergency responders,” the release said.
Residents can also use drug testing strips to test their drug supply for fentanyl, the release said. Fentanyl test strips are available through Jackson County’s Syringe Exchange Programs.
Those who do use opioids should have an overdose plan, the release said, making sure someone can get to them. If they are alone, they can use the 24/7 Never Use Alone Hotline at 1-877-696-1996.
Finally, they recommend carrying naloxone with you. According to the release, naloxone is available over the counter at most pharmacies and is also available through Max’s Mission and HIV Alliance.
For locations closest to you that have naloxone, click here.
For help with drug addiction, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). This hotline is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can also find a list of resources here.
Marine Board Seeks Written Public Comments on Proposed Upper Rogue River Rules
The Oregon State Marine Board recently opened rulemaking for the Upper Rogue River in Jackson County and seeks written public comments on the proposed rule language.
The agency filed a Notice of Rulemaking with the Oregon Secretary of State, being published in the November 1st Oregon Bulletin to establish a new rule for the Upper Rogue River:
Oregon Administrative Rule 250-020-0151, Boat Operations in Jackson County
The rule preserves traditional boating uses along the Upper Rogue River. The horsepower restrictions will limit the size and speeds at which boats may operate on sections of the river. This will prevent conflicts between motorized and nonmotorized boaters and allow other river users to access sections of the river without interference from high-speed boats.
The agency will also host a public hearing on December 4, in Medford at the Rogue Community College. More information will be forthcoming in advance of the hearing.
The Board will meet on January 23, 2025, and may make a motion to adopt, amend, or take other action on the proposed rulemaking.
Written comments will be accepted until December 20, by 12:55 pm. Comments can be submitted by email to .rulemaking@boat.oregon.gov“>osmb.rulemaking@boat.oregon.gov or by U.S. Mail to Jennifer Cooper, Administrative Rules Coordinator, Oregon State Marine Board, 435 Commercial Street NE, Salem, OR 97301. Testimony will not be accepted by telephone.
To view the public hearing notice and proposed rule language, visit https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/info/Pages/Rulemaking-and-Public-Notices.aspx.
Another Woman Missing in Prospect Area
Sheriff’s Deputies, Search & Rescue Attempting to Locate Missing Woman Last Seen in Prospect Area
JCSO Case 24-5775 —
PROSPECT, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies along with Search and Rescue (SAR) are attempting to locate a woman missing out of Prospect since early Sunday morning, October 20. April Larson is described as a 41-year-old white woman, 5’6” tall, weighing 120 lbs. She has purple and blue dyed hair with brown eyes.
April was last seen around 1:00 AM going for a walk in the 1st Street area of Prospect. She had a flashlight and is believed to be wearing dark clothing and blue shoes. April was with a friend visiting the area. It is believed that she does not know anyone in the area.
If you have any information on April’s whereabouts, call @Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon ECSO 911 dispatch at (541)776-7206 and reference case 24-5775.
Sheriff’s Office issues advisory about motorhome and possible link to missing Prospect woman
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) is asking for help identifying the owner a motorhome. It could be associated with a missing person from the Prospect area.
JCSO says 68-year-old Deenah Padgett has been missing since August 30 from Prospect, described as a white woman, 4’ 8” tall, weighing approximately 95 pounds with brownish red/greying hair.
JCSO issued an advisory this weekend asking anyone with information about the owner of the pictured motor home or Padgett’s whereabouts to call Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon (ECSO) dispatch non-emergency phone number at 541-776-7206.
Child Sexual Predator Eluded Capture in Idaho, Has Ties to Southern Oregon, He May Be Dressed as a Woman
– A fugitive with ties to the southern Oregon region is on-the-run after eluding capture Tuesday, October 22 in Idaho. Christian Bert Fischer, 42, is wanted in Florida for Traveling to Meet a Minor After Use of a Computer to Lure a Child.
Fischer is a white male, 5’10”, 200 lbs., has blonde hair and blue-colored eyes. He is also known to dress like a woman. Before heading to Idaho, Fischer was in the Portland area. This June and July, he was in Ashland, Lake of the Woods, and Wolf Creek.
U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) task forces throughout the country have joined the search, including the local Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force (PNVOTF). If you have any information on Fischer’s whereabouts, contact the local USMS office at (541) 776-4277, the USMS Communication Center at 1-800-336-0102, or USMS Tips at www.usmarshals.gov/tips.
PNVOTF includes personnel from the U.S. Marshals, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and Central Point Police Department. The task force specializes in locating and arresting fugitives wanted for offenses including, but not limited to, murder, assault, sex crimes, failure to register as a sex offender, firearm violations, and probation violations.
Forest Service officials are seeking information about the person or group that have been placing homemade spike strips and other dangerous traps across roads and trails in remote southwest Oregon.
The federal agency said that in addition to spike strips, meant to puncture tires, there have also been wires across roads and trails reported in the Taylor Creek and Shan Creek areas of Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.
“Reports have stated that the boards that hold the spikes have been covered with leaves, so it may be difficult to see them,” a Facebook post from the national forest said on Monday.
Some on social media indicated the issue has been an ongoing problem.
The traps have been reported by “hunting and mining interests,” the post said. However, the Taylor Creek area, located west of Grants Pass, has other recreation including hiking, mountain biking and camping.
The post asked anyone that saw anything taking place to contact the Grants Pass Interagency Office at 541-471-6500 or the Wild Rivers Ranger District at 541-592-4000.
Did you get help from FEMA, insurance, or others after the 2020 Almeda and South Obenchain Fires?
https://firebrandcollective.org/harp/
Many pets have benefited from the community’s generosity, and we can’t thank you enough for your kindness.Hearts with a Mission, a program to help local seniors who need assistance, is seeking volunteers.
David Grubbs’ Murder Investigation Remains Active
The Ashland Police Department’s investigation into the murder of David Grubbs on November 19, 2011 remains open and active. Recently two new detectives have been assigned to look into new leads that have come in.
It has been more than Four Years since Fauna Frey, 45, disappeared in Oregon on a road trip, June 29, 2020, following her brother’s death
PART 2 – Newsweek Podcast Focusing on The Disappearance of Fauna Frey From Lane County
Here One Minute, Gone the Next —– PART 2 – Josephine County Sheriff Dave Daniel joins investigative journalist Alex Rogue to speak with Here One Minute, Gone the Next about the disappearance of Fauna Frey, the growing friction between citizen investigators and law enforcement, and the lack of resources in missing persons cases. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-disappearance-of-fauna-frey-pt2-feat-sheriff/id1707094441?i=1000630100040 PART 1 – John Frey joins Newsweek to discuss exclusive details about the case of his missing daughter that until now have been unavailable to the general public. READ MORE HERE: https://www.newsweek.com/exclusive-what-happened-fauna-frey-new-clues-uncovered-1827197?fbclid=IwAR3Z3Glru5lIgqiYXbs_nA1Fj8JuCIzM11OHSVHfwIucfq2f_G5y9y5bnmQ If you have any information on the whereabouts of Fauna Frey, call the anonymous tip line at 541-539-5638 or email FindFaunaFrey@gmail.com. —- Help Find Fauna Frey #FindFaunaFrey FACEBOOK GROUP
Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs to Host Statewide Veterans Day Ceremony at Oregon State Capitol Park
The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs will honor all veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces during its Statewide Veterans Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, in view of the Oregon State Capitol Building.
This event will feature remarks by dignitaries and special guests along with ceremonial elements including a color guard, singing of the national anthem, a wreath laying and the playing of “Taps.”
The celebration will honor Oregon veterans of all eras and will be hosted at the Oregon State Capitol State Park located on Court Street Northeast in Salem — directly in front of the main entrance of the Oregon State Capitol Building.
The event is open to the public and uncovered seating will be provided for attendees. Accessible pathways and seating areas for those needing accommodations will also be provided. Attendees are reminded to plan accordingly for Oregon weather.
For those unable to attend, the event will also be livestreamed on ODVA’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/odvavet.
If you have any questions about this event, please contact ODVA at (800) 692-9666 or visit www.oregon.gov/odva.
Groundbreaking Dedication Event for Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Oregon State Capitol- Friday, November 22, 2024 | 2:00 p.m.
The Oregon State Capitol will be the site of the highly anticipated dedication ceremony for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Friday, November 22, at 2:00 p.m. This momentous event will be the formal dedication of Phase 1 of the memorial, which honors the service and sacrifice of Oregon’s Vietnam veterans. The public ceremony will occur at Salem’s Willson Park memorial site on the Capitol grounds, at the corner of State and Cottage Street, with a reception to follow at the nearby Withnell Family YMCA.
The memorial pays tribute to 710 Oregonians who lost their lives in the Vietnam War, along with the more than 180,000 Oregonians who served in Vietnam and around the world from 1955-1975. The design features 46 black granite columns engraved with the names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It creates a reflective space for veterans, families, and the public to honor their memory.
The event will include comments from local veterans, state officials, and Vietnam War Memorial Fund members, who have been instrumental in making this project a reality. The event is hosted by the Oregon Vietnam War Memorial Fund and is supported by a grant of Transient Occupancy Tax from the City of Salem.
The Importance of the Memorial – The Vietnam War remains one of the most challenging and divisive periods in American history. Veterans returning from the conflict were often met with indifference or hostility, making this memorial an overdue recognition of their service. The memorial offers a space for healing and remembrance, honoring both the sacrifices of the fallen and the resilience of those who served. Steve Bates, President and co-founder of the Vietnam War Memorial Fund (VWMF), emphasized the emotional impact of this project. “This is about giving our veterans a place of rest and, for all of us, a place to heal,” Bates said. The memorial will not only commemorate the service of Vietnam veterans but also serve as a reminder of the war’s lasting impact on the state and its people.
Beyond its role as a place of remembrance, the memorial will also serve as an educational resource when Phase 2 is completed. Phase 2, the Exhibit Phase, aims to help future generations understand the human cost of war and the bravery of those who fought.
For more information, see a virtual tour or donate, visit ocvvm.com.
About the VWMF: Vietnam War Memorial Fund’s website at www.ocvvm.com. The Vietnam War Memorial Fund is a recognized 501(c)3 organization, and all donations are tax-deductible to the extent of applicable tax law. You can donate by sending a check to the Vietnam War Memorial Fund – P O Box 1448 – Boring, Oregon 97009 or by credit card at www.ocvvm.com.
Officer Involved Shooting – Waldport, Oregon
On Sunday, November 10, 2024, at approximately 7:40pm, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office responded to a disturbance involving a subject firing a rifle from 1015 SE Rolph Court in Waldport, Oregon. A Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy arrived on scene and took up an observation position south of the residence. The subject walked out of the residence with a firearm and was ultimately shot by the deputy. The suspect’s firearm was recovered from the scene.
Responding deputies rendered medical aid and the subject was transported by ambulance. The subject was pronounced deceased while enroute to Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital.
The Lincoln County Major Crimes Team was activated in accordance with the Lincoln County Deadly Force Plan. The Lincoln City Police Department is leading the investigation. Detectives from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Newport Police Department, and Oregon State Police Criminal Investigations Division are assisting. Additionally, officers from the Corvallis Police Department assisted with crime scene processing.
Any further media inquiries should be referred to the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office.
Shooting Investigation – Hamilton Street in Roseburg
On November 9th at 0315 hours, the Roseburg Police Department responded to multiple reports of gunfire in the 1200 block Hamilton Street, in Roseburg. The responding officers located and identified the shooter as 25 year old Austin Adrian Wall. The responding officers also located Ryan Dale Burchell ( 50 years of age), who sustained several gunshot wounds. The officers on scene began life saving efforts for Burchell until relieved by paramedics. Burchell was transported to Mercy by ambulance, but ultimately succumbed to his injuries at approximately 0921 hours.
The Douglas County Major Crimes team, which includes the Roseburg Police Department, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, and the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office, has been activated and a comprehensive and ongoing investigation is occurring. Based on the preliminary investigation, Wall was taken into custody for Murder II and was lodged at Douglas County Corrections.
Former Police Officer Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing Child Pornography
PORTLAND, Ore.—A former police officer from Pendleton, Oregon was sentenced to federal prison today for possessing child pornography on the Umatilla Indian Reservation.
Cameron Jacob Sheoships, 57, was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release. Sheoships’ sentencing follows a prior guilty plea that included a pattern enhancement for his repeated sexual abuse of a minor beginning in the 1990s.
According to court documents, in August 2022, the FBI received a tip that suspected child pornography had been traced to the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Eastern Oregon. By mid-September 2022, investigators received additional tips associated with Google and Twitter accounts later linked to Sheoships, a former tribal police officer. In May 2023, the FBI executed federal search warrants on Sheoships’ residence and person, and located numerous photos and videos depicting child sexual abuse on Sheoships’ cellphone.
On June 13, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Sheoships with possessing child pornography and, on April 24, 2024, he pleaded guilty to the single charge.
This case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Cassady A. Adams, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at (503) 224-4181 or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Fatal Crash — Hwy. 97 — Klamath County
KLAMATH COUNTY, Ore. 8 Nov. 2024 – On Friday, November 1, 2024, Oregon State Troopers responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy. 97 near milepost 228 in Klamath County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a white Cascadia Freightliner, operated by Gurvinder Singh (32) of Stockton (CA), was traveling northbound when the operator lost control of the vehicle due to icy conditions. The Freightliner crossed into the southbound lane then jack knifed causing the vehicles tractor to collide with the trailer.
A southbound black Subaru WRX, operated by Leonides Jimenez Mendoza (24) unknown residence, went under the Freightliner severely damaging the vehicle.
The operator of the Subaru (Mendoza) and passenger, Humberta Hernandez Hernandez (43) unknown residence, were declared deceased at the scene.
The highway was impacted for approximately six hours during the on-scene investigation by OSP’s Collision Reconstruction Unit.
OSP was assisted by Chiloquin Fire District and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
Oregon Forestry second-in-command fired over ‘drama filled and volatile’ relationship with subordinate
The second highest-ranking official at the state Department of Forestry was fired last week after an investigation determined he had a sexual relationship with a subordinate for about two years, records released Monday by the the agency show.
Deputy Forester Mike Shaw had been on paid administrative leave since Aug. 6. His last day with the department was Thursday, according to his termination letter. Shaw was paid an annual salary of $192,288.
Oregon begins rollout of new housing benefits for eligible OHP members with health conditions
SALEM, Ore. – Starting today, Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members with specific health conditions may qualify for new, first-in-the-nation benefits to keep their current housing and access other housing services.
The housing benefits include rent assistance for up to six months, utility set-up and payments for up to six months, home modifications and upgrades for health or safety reasons (e.g., grab bars, ramp installation, pest control), and rental navigation services. Unlike other state and local prevention services, eligible members can request these benefits ahead of receiving an eviction notice.
Not all OHP members will qualify for these new benefits. To qualify, OHP members must meet specific requirements, including at least one of the following health conditions: a complex physical or behavioral health condition; a developmental or intellectual disability; difficulty with self-care and daily activities; experience of abuse or neglect; be 65 years of age or older; be under the age of six; currently pregnant or gave birth in the past 12 months; or repeated use of emergency room or crisis services.
OHA Director Dr. Sejal Hathi, MD, MBA, said, “Oregon’s health inequities are inextricably linked to our state’s housing crisis. Individuals and families who become homeless face a significantly higher risk of mortality and higher rates of behavioral and physical health conditions – even as they report poorer access to care. These Medicaid benefits can help stop that cycle and, in a model for the rest of the country, make it possible for Oregonians to maintain their current housing, connect with providers and access additional resources that support their well-being.”
Oregon received permission from the federal government to test whether and how addressing health-related social needs improves health outcomes. While other states have launched similar benefits, Oregon is the first in the nation to roll out rent assistance as a statewide Medicaid benefit for eligible OHP members.
“Housing plays a pivotal role in our physical and mental wellbeing. And yet, so many of our neighbors are living paycheck to paycheck, where an unexpected issue can lead to a loss of income and loss of a home,” said Emma Sandoe, Medicaid Director at Oregon Health Authority. “These benefits are one more tool to keep Oregonians housed during short-term disruptions and prevent negative health outcomes of homelessness.”
Of renters across Oregon, 22% have extremely low income, with $30,560 being the average income limit for a four-person household. Adults living with housing insecurity, including threat of eviction, are 19% more likely to lack access to a primary care provider and 35% more likely to postpone preventative health care even if they have chronic health conditions. Evictions and loss of housing can lead to negative health outcomes including:
- Increasing an individual’s risk for physical and mental health conditions
- Making an individual’s existing health condition worse
- Creating barriers to accessing medical care, medications and food
“Housing is a critical driver of health outcomes, significantly impacting social mobility and economic opportunity,” said Oregon Housing and Community Services Executive Director, Andrea Bell. “Stable housing serves as a catalyst for expanding access to preventive care, while reducing the monumental costs associated with emergency care. This is what transformative, integrated care looks like.”
Starting this month, housing providers are contracted to begin connecting with eligible members and delivering these new benefits across the state. Housing benefit applications may take up to two weeks to be reviewed. If approved, additional time may be needed to provide the benefit. These turnaround timeframes will depend on the capacities of individual CCOs and housing service providers as well as the volume of housing applications received. OHA is working closely with CCOs to continue to expand the network over the next year.
Fostering healthy families and environments is one of the five pillars to achieving OHA’s strategic goal of eliminating health inequities in Oregon by 2030. The housing benefits are one of several new health-related social needs benefits Oregon is piloting to meet this goal. In March, the state launched climate benefits including air conditioners, air filters and other equipment to keep eligible members healthy amid extreme weather events. Nutrition benefits will be available for eligible OHP members starting in January 2025.
OHP members interested in receiving housing benefits can work with their health plan (coordinated care organization or Open Card), health care provider or a local OHP community partner to see if they qualify and apply.
OHP members should contact their coordinated care organization (CCO) to learn more. OHP Open Card members can call 1-888-834-4304 or email ORHRSN@acentra.com. If an OHP member is not sure which plan or CCO they are in, they can call the OHA Client Services Unit at 1-800-273-0557 or email Ask.OHP@odhsoha.oregon.gov.
For OHP members who are currently unhoused, resources may be available through 211. — For more information about these benefits, visit the OHP housing benefits web page.
Bureau of Land Management recreation managers are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to fill host positions at six unique locations for the 2025 summer recreation season.
Volunteer hosts play a critical role at BLM recreation sites. They are the primary, daily connection between public land users and BLM staff. Hosts also assist BLM staff to open and close sites each day, manage campground and shelter reservations, answer visitor questions, encourage visitor rule adherence, and generally maintain the sites.
A paved RV pad is provided at each site for host volunteers. Sites have varying degrees of amenities from full electric, water, and sewer hook-ups to completely primitive sites with only public potable water access. The selected volunteer(s) must provide their own trailer, motorhome, RV, or tent set-up.
Each host will receive a modest daily stipend to off-set some living costs and incidental expenses. Hosts are expected to live on site during the region’s busiest recreation season, typically from April through September. (The start date for the selected host at Sharps Creek will likely be earlier in the year.)
For more information and to apply for these volunteer opportunities, please visit Volunteer.gov. If you have further questions, contact Kendra Barat at kbarat@blm.gov or (720) 591-68
Oregon Aging and People with Disabilities offers free help for Medicare Open Enrollment
(Salem) — Medicare Open Enrollment for the 2025 plan year begins Oct. 15 and remains open through Dec. 7, 2024. Medicare beneficiaries seeking to compare or change their existing Medicare plan can receive free help from the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS).
During the Medicare Open Enrollment period, people with Medicare can make changes to their health plan or prescription drug plan, pick a Medicare Advantage plan or choose Original Medicare. The ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities’ (APD) Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program is available to help Oregonians understand their Medicare options and benefits, provide enrollment guidance and help people detect and avoid Medicare scams. Additionally, there are some key changes coming to Medicare in 2025 that APD’s SHIBA program counselors can assist people in understanding including:
- The new Manufacturer Discount Program which addresses the coverage gap, also known as the “donut hole;”
- The lower maximum to pay for covered drugs. The maximum amount for 2025 will be $2,000;
- Coverage for weight loss drugs when doctors prescribe them for people who meet certain conditions;
- Expanded coverage for family caregiver services through the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) model; and
- Increased access to mental health services by allowing more providers to bill Medicare for services.
“Our APD SHIBA team is devoted to helping people prepare for open enrollment and understand changes,” said Jane-ellen Weidanz, who oversees SHIBA as APD Deputy Director of Policy.
Oregonians who need help navigating Medicare open enrollment are encouraged to call SHIBA at 800-722-4134 (toll-free) or learn more by visiting the SHIBA website at SHIBA.Oregon.gov. The 2025 Oregon Guide to Medicare Insurance Plans will be available on the SHIBA website in the coming days and will be translated to multiple languages.
SHIBA certified counselors can also help people report scams to Medicare and educate people on how to avoid Medicare scams or fraud. According to the Senior Medicare Patrol, common scams include promising free durable medical equipment, such as knee braces and catheters, or offers of free genetic testing. The ultimate goal for the scammer is to get the beneficiary’s Medicare number to commit Medicare billing fraud. “SHIBA counselors are committed to ensuring Oregonians have the information they need to avoid becoming victims of fraud and report scams or suspected Medicare fraud,” said APD Director Dr. Nakeshia Knight-Coyle.
Help from SHIBA is available over the phone and through virtual and in-person appointments. Because high call volume during Open Enrollment may result in longer than usual wait times, Oregonians are also encouraged to access free resources on the SHIBA website such as Medicare frequently asked questions, an agent locator tool, a list of free virtual and in-person Medicare presentations and videos to help people understand their Medicare options. People who need Medicare help in a language other than English, including sign language, can call 833-685-0841 or send an email to odhs.languageaccess@odhsoha.oregon.gov; after placing a request, a translator will reach out in the requestor’s preferred language to provide assistance in communicating with SHIBA.
About the Oregon Department of Human Services – The mission of the Oregon Department of Human Services is to help Oregonians in their own communities achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity.
About the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance program – The Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program is part of the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities. It is a statewide network of certified counselors volunteering in their community to help all Oregonians make educated Medicare decisions. SHIBA offers free, objective, confidential and local one-on-one health insurance counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families.
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