To the OHA team:

As we plan to gather with friends and family over the holidays, or just spend some quiet hours alone, this is a good time to consider the benefits of home. Housing is a social determinant of health and a challenge for some of the Oregonians we serve. Our partners are paying attention.

AllCare Health, a coordinated care organization in Grants Pass, recognized a critical housing problem in their region: a lack of quality and affordable housing, which results in homelessness. AllCare knows that many of its members are gravely challenged by not having a place to call home, which has an adverse effect on their health. AllCare recently granted Curry County $100,000 to complete a housing assessment and plan for low-income residents—convening partners, assessing resources and developing partnerships—to accomplish the goal of low-income and affordable housing.

AllCare wants to improve the overall health of its members and communities as a whole, and is planning additional housing initiatives. This is an example of how we can all work together, consider the many factors that influence health, collaborate, and achieve our goal of access to good health for everyone in Oregon, no matter where they live.

I hope you enjoy your days off, whether you travel or stay home. And I wish you all a very happy and healthy New Year.

Thank you,
Lynne

To your health: December is Drunk and Drugged Driving Awareness month. Driving drunk is never OK. Choose not to drink and drive and help others do the same. Prevent drunk and drugged driving by making responsible choices, such as:

• Use Uber or Lyft for an easy and fun way to get to holiday gatherings and back home again.
• Designate a sober driver before celebrations begin.
• Never serve alcohol to those under the age of 21.
• Plan safe parties, including providing non-alcoholic drink options to guests and not serving alcohol the last hour of the gathering.
• Be prepared to get everyone home safely in case your plans or individual circumstances change.

Our PEBB employee assistance program (EAP) is once again reimbursing a taxi or Uber/Lyft ride. For details, visit our EAP page.