EUGENE, Ore.—A Lakeside, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Bradley Vernon Mullanix, 50, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison and 5 years’ supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.

According to court documents, on February 5^th Mullanix purchased two pounds of Methamphetamine from an undercover agent, believing he was a drug dealer. Mullanix paid $2,400 for the drugs and intended to sell them. Upon placing the drugs on a scale, he was arrested.

Mullanix previously illegally possessed and sold firearms in June 2024. Mullanix sold the firearms to a confidential informant. Those firearms were seized by law enforcement and will be forfeited.

On February 6, 2025, Mullanix was charged by criminal complaint with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

On May 14, 2026, Mullanix pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by ATF and the South Coast Interagency Narcotics Team. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Huynh.

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BEND, OR — The High Desert Museum has selected writer and anthropologist Alexa Hagerty as the winner of the 12th annual Waterston Desert Writing Prize. Hagerty is the author of “Still Life with Bones: Genocide, Forensics, and What Remains,” a New York Times Editors' Choice, and was named one of The New Yorker's Best Books of the Year in addition to winning the 2024 Juan E. Méndez Book Award for Human Rights in Latin America.
 

“We are honored to welcome this year’s Waterston Desert Writing Prize winner, Alexa Hagerty, alongside acclaimed writer and performer Joy Harjo,” said High Desert Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “Together, they embody the spirit of the Prize through their profound engagement with landscape, place, and the human experience, reminding us of the enduring power of literary nonfiction to deepen our understanding of desert environments.”
 

Hagerty’s winning submission is titled Salt, Cloud, Ghost: A Journey through Desert, Deep Time, and Digital Age, which is a project focused on Chile’s Atacama Desert. She explores technology, memory, and loss in her writing. Her proposal journeys through the Atacama Desert, where the extraction of minerals and data for AI meets the region’s long history of colonialism, dictatorship, and disappearance.
 

An affiliate of the University of Cambridge's Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy, she holds a PhD in anthropology from Stanford University. Hagerty’s writing has appeared in Wired and the Los Angeles Review of Books, and The New York Times, the BBC, and The Guardian have covered her research.

The 2026 Waterston Desert Writing Prize finalists are C. J. Alvarez and Caprice Gray.
 

Alvarez, who holds a Ph.D. in history and teaches at the University of Texas at Austin, uncovers the 12,000-year history of the Chihuahuan Desert in his book project Another Kind of Clay. The project focuses on one of the largest and least-known expanses of dryland in North America to remember, to look beyond the false claims and real damage of conquest, and to readapt to the drylands.
 

Originally from the traditional Wecksquaesgeek territory in Harlem, New York, Gray holds a Bachelor of Arts from Yale, a Master of Science from Harvard University, and a Master of Fine Arts in Writing from New York University. Her proposal, The Once and Future Desert, is a proposed love letter to the desert written on a planet facing ecological crisis. It explores the complicated, yet paradoxically symbiotic, relationship between the desert and humankind throughout history.
 

The Waterston Advisory Committee and a guest judge review proposals. This year’s guest judge is Charles Hood, a five-time Waterson Award finalist and 2025 Obsidian Award Winner who has spent a career living and working in the Mojave Desert of Southern California. Hood’s nature study has taken him around the world and to the South Pole. He has published 22 books, including “Wild L.A.”, which is now in its fourth printing. His most recent books are “Nature at Night, “Double Hyenas and Lazarus Birds,” and “Acorns: In a Nutshell.”
 

The Waterston Desert Writing Prize, established in 2014 by author and Oregon Poet Laureate Ellen Waterston, honors and fosters literary nonfiction that celebrates desert landscapes. In 2020, the High Desert Museum, which has long hosted events for the Prize, adopted the program. The mission and goals of the Prize complement those of the High Desert Museum, emphasizing the importance of protecting deserts and creating important conversations about the issues affecting them.
 

To learn more about the Waterston Desert Writing Prize, and to purchase your tickets to the Waterston Desert Writing Prize Ceremony, visit: highdesertmuseum.org/waterston-prize.
 

ABOUT THE MUSEUM
The HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

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PRIVATE SECURITY/INVESTIGATOR POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 1:30 p.m., in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST or Department) located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167.

To view the Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee's live-stream and other recorded videos, please visit DPSST’s official YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery. Click or tap if you trust this link.">https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.

Amended Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve May 19, 2026, Meeting Minutes

3. Darryl Fink, PS No. 058027

   Notice of Intent to Propose Civil Penalty

   Presented by Michael Holsapple

4. Joseph Sanchez Sr., PS No. 086458

   Notice of Intent to Propose Civil Penalty

   Presented by Michael Holsapple

5. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-060-0015, 259-060-0030, and 259-060-0145

   Relating to Interpretation of a Reasonable Request

   Presented by Jennifer Howald

6. Sub-Committee Appointments

• Ryan Loosli - Private Investigator, Appointment to the Private Investigator Sub-Committee, 1st term effective August 18, 2026.

7. Agency Update

8. Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting – November 17, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.

Administrative Announcement

This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and it will be recorded. Deliberation of issues will only be conducted by Private Security/Private Investigations Policy Committee members unless permitted by the Chair. Individuals who engage in disruptive behavior that impedes official business will be asked to stop being disruptive or leave the meeting. Additional measures may be taken to have disruptive individuals removed if their continued presence poses a safety risk to the other persons in the room or makes it impossible to continue the meeting.

DPSST provides reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access for people with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency. To request a sign language interpreter, translation services, or other accommodations, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167 or at nandez@dpsst.oregon.gov">juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

DPSST proporciona acomodaciones rasonables para asegurar el acceso igual para personas con descapacidades y para personas con competencia limitada de inglés. Para pedir un interprete de lengua de señas, servicios de traducción, u otras acomodaciones, por favor de contactar a Juan Lopez marcando al (503) 551-3167, o a nandez@dpsst.oregon.gov">juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov, al menos de 48 horas antes de la reunión.

Salem – The Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) has issued final 2027 rate orders for Oregon’s individual and small group health insurance markets. As the trend continues to show decreased enrollment of the individual market and greater than expected financial losses in recent months, DFR is taking action to stymie even higher rates by using available state dollars for the state’s reinsurance program.

In the individual market, DFR approved individual market increases that averaged 21.6 percent based on the new data and updated rate requests. DFR scrutinized the rate requests under actuarial standards to ensure that the rates were actuarially sound and justified based on additional market changes.

In the small group market, final orders reflected DFR’s 1.5 percent reduction of insurer’s proposed average rates of 17 percent to 15.5 percent, including some reductions of up to 8 percent.

The finalization of rate orders comes as carriers gained more experience in the market and re-evaluated their market presence. Continued marketplace uncertainty with the loss of the enhanced federal Affordable Care Act subsidies, heightened medical costs, tariff pressures on durable medical equipment and pharmaceuticals all caused greater cost pressures that were reflected in the rates. Statewide, in the individual market, two carriers are available statewide, seven counties will see four choices, 23 counties will see three choices, and six counties will have two choices. A table of county participation and final rate decisions for both the individual and small group markets can be found on our website.

To help stabilize the market in 2027, DFR is budgeting for an additional $15 million in reinsurance funds from the Oregon Reinsurance Program to offset anticipated higher-than-usual claims costs. DFR will also explore enrollment caps to certain plans to balance consumer choice with marketwide financial stability.

The Oregon Reinsurance Program is one of the tools Oregon uses to hold down health insurance premiums. The state helps insurers absorb the cost of the most expensive medical claims, which reduces their risk and means lower premiums for people who buy insurance on their own. The reinsurance program lowered rates by an average of 10.7 percent, including 1 percent reduction due to the additional budgeting of $15 million for the 2027 plan year. Reinsurance minimizes the price increases felt by consumers and operates to lowered rates for the ninth straight year. Oregon has resubmitted a renewal request to the federal government to maintain this program. The Oregon Legislature adopted Gov. Kotek’s 2025-27 funding plan, which continued revenue streams that keep the reinsurance program stable.

Consumers seeking information and assistance with individual market plans can reach out to the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace at OregonHealthCare.gov or by phone at 855‑268‑3767 (toll‑free).

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About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Tri-Cities Man Found Guilty of Large-Scale Fentanyl Trafficking

Nominate the individuals, organizations, communities and businesses shaping the state’s creative and cultural life ahead of December events

SALEM, Oregon — Oregon’s revitalized Arts & Culture Awards and Summit returns to the Oregon Convention Center Dec. 1-2, 2026, and nominations for the 2026 Arts & Culture Awards are open now.

Oregon’s cultural sector is a powerhouse, supporting more than 50,000 jobs and contributing $8.9 billion to the state’s economy each year. Oregon is also consistently ranked as one of the top 10 most culturally vibrant states in the nation, according to Southern Methodist University’s DataArts Index.

The Arts & Culture Awards and Summit will bring people together from across Oregon to innovate, collaborate and celebrate this vital sector and its intersections in economies and communities.

“This gathering of arts and culture leaders with our friends and supporters comes at an extraordinary moment for our state," said Amy Lewin, Oregon director of arts & culture. "Arts, culture, heritage and humanities have the power to unite and uplift communities. This new summit creates an opportunity to celebrate generational impact and shape how we contribute to Oregon’s future with collaboration, connection and fearless determination.”

Through September 4, Arts & Culture Awards nominations for the people, organizations, communities and businesses that elevate Oregon’s cultural life are being accepted across seven award categories:

• Emerging Cultural Innovator Award: Honors an early‑career artist or cultural worker showing exceptional promise and community impact. Eligibility: Individuals

• Traditional Arts and Culture Keepers Award: Honors a traditional/folk artist or culture bearer in passing living traditions and cultural heritage to communities. Eligibility: Individuals

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Honors an individual or organization for sustained decades‑long contributions that have shaped Oregon’s cultural landscape. Eligibility: Individuals and organizations

• Community Catalyst Award: Recognizes an organization or community whose arts and culture work meaningfully improved a specific community or region. Eligibility: Communities or organizations

• Youth Engagement Award: For an organization engaging and expanding equitable arts and culture learning opportunities for K-12 youth. Eligibility: organizations

• Art and Culture in Public Places Award: Celebrates outstanding public art and cultural projects that enrich Oregon’s shared spaces. Eligibility: Individuals, projects, organizations

• Business of the Year Award: Distinguishes a business that has demonstrated consistent and significant support of arts and culture in a meaningful way. Eligibility: For-profit businesses

The awards recognize contributions ranging from Indigenous culture-keeping to fine art to historic preservation. Nominations can be submitted at culturaltrust.org/awards-nominations.

A selection committee will review submissions and choose one awardee per category. Winners will be honored Tuesday, Dec. 1 at the Arts & Culture Awards Celebration from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Oregon Convention Center. The evening will also mark 25 years of the Oregon Cultural Trust--a funding model unique to Oregon--and celebrate its impact and vision for the future.

The convening continues Wednesday, Dec. 2 with the Arts & Culture Summit from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The full-day gathering will bring together cultural organizations, funders, educators, Tribal representatives, tourism and business leaders, policymakers, statewide partners and more for learning, alignment and conversation. The Summit will feature the release of a new Creative Economy Report, breakout sessions on education and cross-sector collaboration, a keynote and time for connection. A networking gathering will follow the close of the Summit at 3 p.m.

The Arts & Culture Awards and Summit is an effort of Oregon’s Arts and Culture Program, which supports the state’s cultural infrastructure through the Oregon Cultural Trust and the Oregon Arts Commission. Registration opens Sept. 14, and those interested in attending can sign up to be notified when it opens at culturaltrust.org/summit.

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About the Oregon Cultural Trust

Created in 2001 by the Oregon Legislature, the Oregon Cultural Trust serves as an ongoing funding engine for arts, heritage and humanities. Funding comes through the Cultural Tax Credit, which empowers Oregonians to direct a portion of their state taxes to support cultural opportunities. A percentage of donations go directly to 45 county and Tribal Cultural Coalitions and qualified nonprofits, and a portion goes toward helping grow a permanent endowment. Nested within Business Oregon, the Cultural Trust’s investments support the economies, educational opportunities and vibrancy of communities throughout the state. Learn more at CulturalTrust.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

About the Oregon Arts Commission

The Oregon Arts Commission provides leadership, arts programs and funding for nonprofits and artists through its grants, special initiatives and services. Commissioners appointed by the Governor establish policies and provide advisory support for public investment in the arts. Nested within Business Oregon, the Arts Commission works to support the economies, educational opportunities and vibrancy of communities throughout the state. The Arts Commission is supported with funds appropriated by the Oregon Legislature, as well as by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Oregon Cultural Trust. Learn more at oregonartscommission.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

SALEM, Oregon — Oregon’s revitalized Arts & Culture Awards and Summit returns to the Oregon Convention Center Dec. 1-2, 2026, and nominations for the 2026 Arts & Culture Awards are open now.

Oregon’s cultural sector is a powerhouse, supporting more than 50,000 jobs and contributing $8.9 billion to the state’s economy each year. Oregon is also consistently ranked as one of the top 10 most culturally vibrant states in the nation, according to Southern Methodist University’s DataArts Index.

The Arts & Culture Awards and Summit will bring people together from across Oregon to innovate, collaborate and celebrate this vital sector and its intersections in economies and communities.

“This gathering of arts and culture leaders with our friends and supporters comes at an extraordinary moment for our state," said Amy Lewin, Oregon director of arts & culture. "Arts, culture, heritage and humanities have the power to unite and uplift communities. This new summit creates an opportunity to celebrate generational impact and shape how we contribute to Oregon’s future with collaboration, connection and fearless determination.”

Through September 4, Arts & Culture Awards nominations for the people, organizations, communities and businesses that elevate Oregon’s cultural life are being accepted across seven award categories:

• Emerging Cultural Innovator Award: Honors an early‑career artist or cultural worker showing exceptional promise and community impact. Eligibility: Individuals

• Traditional Arts and Culture Keepers Award: Honors a traditional/folk artist or culture bearer in passing living traditions and cultural heritage to communities. Eligibility: Individuals

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Honors an individual or organization for sustained decades‑long contributions that have shaped Oregon’s cultural landscape. Eligibility: Individuals and organizations

• Community Catalyst Award: Recognizes an organization or community whose arts and culture work meaningfully improved a specific community or region. Eligibility: Communities or organizations

• Youth Engagement Award: For an organization engaging and expanding equitable arts and culture learning opportunities for K-12 youth. Eligibility: organizations

• Art and Culture in Public Places Award: Celebrates outstanding public art and cultural projects that enrich Oregon’s shared spaces. Eligibility: Individuals, projects, organizations

• Business of the Year Award: Distinguishes a business that has demonstrated consistent and significant support of arts and culture in a meaningful way. Eligibility: For-profit businesses

The awards recognize contributions ranging from Indigenous culture-keeping to fine art to historic preservation. Nominations can be submitted at culturaltrust.org/awards-nominations.

A selection committee will review submissions and choose one awardee per category. Winners will be honored Tuesday, Dec. 1 at the Arts & Culture Awards Celebration from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Oregon Convention Center. The evening will also mark 25 years of the Oregon Cultural Trust--a funding model unique to Oregon--and celebrate its impact and vision for the future.

The convening continues Wednesday, Dec. 2 with the Arts & Culture Summit from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The full-day gathering will bring together cultural organizations, funders, educators, Tribal representatives, tourism and business leaders, policymakers, statewide partners and more for learning, alignment and conversation. The Summit will feature the release of a new Creative Economy Report, breakout sessions on education and cross-sector collaboration, a keynote and time for connection. A networking gathering will follow the close of the Summit at 3 p.m.

The Arts & Culture Awards and Summit is an effort of Oregon’s Arts and Culture Program, which supports the state’s cultural infrastructure through the Oregon Cultural Trust and the Oregon Arts Commission. Registration opens Sept. 14, and those interested in attending can sign up to be notified when it opens at culturaltrust.org/summit.

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About the Oregon Cultural Trust

Created in 2001 by the Oregon Legislature, the Oregon Cultural Trust serves as an ongoing funding engine for arts, heritage and humanities. Funding comes through the Cultural Tax Credit, which empowers Oregonians to direct a portion of their state taxes to support cultural opportunities. A percentage of donations go directly to 45 county and Tribal Cultural Coalitions and qualified nonprofits, and a portion goes toward helping grow a permanent endowment. Nested within Business Oregon, the Cultural Trust’s investments support the economies, educational opportunities and vibrancy of communities throughout the state. Learn more at CulturalTrust.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

About the Oregon Arts Commission

The Oregon Arts Commission provides leadership, arts programs and funding for nonprofits and artists through its grants, special initiatives and services. Commissioners appointed by the Governor establish policies and provide advisory support for public investment in the arts. Nested within Business Oregon, the Arts Commission works to support the economies, educational opportunities and vibrancy of communities throughout the state. The Arts Commission is supported with funds appropriated by the Oregon Legislature, as well as by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Oregon Cultural Trust. Learn more at oregonartscommission.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

TYGH VALLEY, Ore. — Oregon National Guard senior leaders flew from Salem to the Grasshopper Fire camp aboard an HH-60M Black Hawk helicopter with Golf Company, 1st Battalion, 189th Aviation, Aug. 17, 2026, to visit Air National Guard members supporting wildland firefighting operations, thanking the airmen for volunteering to fight one of the state's largest active wildfires.

Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, Oregon's adjutant general, led the visit alongside Brig. Gen. Jenifer E. Pardy, director of the Joint Staff; Chief Warrant Officer 5 Lenora Landwehr, command chief warrant officer; Chaplain (Col.) Jacob Scott, the state chaplain; and Chief Master Sgt. Brent Cavanias, command senior enlisted leader. Jonna Papaefthimiou, resilience officer for Gov. Tina Kotek's office, also joined the visit to meet with the airmen on the governor's behalf.

"This is a big deal for Oregonians, big deal for the Guard, to go out and see National Guardsmen out fighting fire, doing what we're trained to do," Gronewold told the group. "What we're here to do is protect Oregonians and their property, and you guys are doing that."

The Grasshopper Fire had burned more than 90,000 acres and was 47% contained as of Aug. 17. The fire camp supporting the response has grown to approximately 1,800 personnel, with about 1,550 directly engaged in firefighting operations.

Among the airmen Gronewold and the other leaders met with were Senior Airman Colby Shoals and Senior Airman Connor Carlson, both assigned to the 270th Air Traffic Control Squadron, nicknamed "Chaos," out of the 173rd Fighter Wing. Shoals said the physically demanding work of wildland firefighting fits naturally with the team's usual training.

"It's right up our alley," Shoals said. "What we do day to day at the base, we're already working together out in the field, so it's pretty much another day on the job for us."

Carlson said the team has taken on some of the more physically demanding tasks on the fire line, including carrying water on their backs to perform wet mop-up work.

"We've been able to pick up a lot of those heavier tasks, like carrying a bladder pack on us, so we can do that wet mop-up where it's easier rather than doing dry mop-up," Carlson said.

Shoals said the mission mirrors the teamwork and mutual accountability the airmen already rely on in their day-to-day work.

"Everybody's like a big family there, so everybody has each other's backs," Shoals said. "If somebody looks like they're not doing so well or getting a little tired, everybody's checking on each other."

Released B-Roll Video: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/1019106/oregon-guard-senior-leaders-visit-airmen-fighting-grasshopper-fire

Released Photos: 

260817-Z-ZJ128-1001
Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, Oregon's adjutant general, addresses Oregon Air National Guard airmen supporting wildland firefighting operations at the Grasshopper Fire camp near Tygh Valley, Ore., Aug. 17, 2026. From left, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Lenora Landwehr, Jonna Papaefthimiou, resilience officer for Gov. Tina Kotek's office, Gronewold and Chief Master Sgt. Brent Cavanias, command senior enlisted leader, joined the airmen during the visit.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

260817-Z-ZJ128-1002
Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, Oregon's adjutant general, right, shakes hands with Giovanni Carranza, a California smokejumper serving as a crew boss for one of the Oregon National Guard's hand crews, as fellow crew boss Daniel Schroth looks on at the Grasshopper Fire camp near Tygh Valley, Ore., Aug. 17, 2026. Crew bosses work closely with fire resource advisors to direct where Guard hand crews are employed each day.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

260817-Z-ZJ128-1003
Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, Oregon's adjutant general, fist-bumps an Oregon Air National Guard airman while visiting hand crews supporting wildland firefighting operations at the Grasshopper Fire camp near Tygh Valley, Ore., Aug. 17, 2026.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

260817-Z-ZJ128-1004
Chief Master Sgt. Brian Brown, 173rd Fighter Wing, briefs Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, Oregon's adjutant general, on hand crew employment using an operations map at the Grasshopper Fire camp near Tygh Valley, Ore., Aug. 17, 2026.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

260817-Z-ZJ128-1005
Oregon National Guard senior leaders join Oregon Air National Guard hand crews, California smokejumpers and Oregon Department of Forestry personnel for a group photo at the Grasshopper Fire camp near Tygh Valley, Ore., Aug. 17, 2026.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

Good afternoon,

A week from today, August 24, we will have a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new PACE High School.  Please see the details in the attached release.

If you are planning to attend please email me an RSVP.

Thanks

Governor Tina Kotek has officially proclaimed August 2026 as National Emergency Management Awareness Month in Oregon, recognizing the vital work of emergency managers and the role they play in helping communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters.

The proclamation supports a national campaign spearheaded by the International Association of Emergency Managers to increase public awareness and appreciation for the emergency management profession. In Oregon, the campaign is being led by the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), in partnership with local, Tribal, regional, and state emergency management agencies.

“In Oregon, emergency management brings together state, local, tribal, and private partners to safeguard our communities long before disaster strikes. ,” OEM Director Erin McMahon, said. “We’re proud to spotlight the field of emergency management and the dedicated professionals who work every day to prepare for our worst day, protect lives, strengthen community resilience, and coordinate help when it’s needed most.”
OEM’s Role in Supporting Emergency Management Statewide

OEM plays a key leadership role in supporting and strengthening emergency management across the state. Through its Regional Emergency Management Coordinators Program, OEM employs specialized field staff to support all 36 counties and Oregon’s nine federally recognized Tribes. These coordinators provide on-the-ground guidance and technical assistance across all phases of emergency management—from preparedness to long-term recovery.

Additionally, OEM’s Tribal Liaison works closely with Tribal Nations to coordinate emergency management initiatives and ensure Tribal needs are represented in state planning and response efforts. The OEM Public Private Partnership Program Manager coordinates and collaborates with business and industry stakeholders across emergency preparedness, response and recovery operations, serving as a liaison between the private sector and local and state agencies. This collaboration is further reinforced by the Private Sector Security and Resilience Seminar Series, a recurring program of educational sessions designed to inform and engage private sector participants and better equip them to navigate crises effectively and recover swiftly.

OEM also manages the State Emergency Coordination Center (ECC), which is activated during large-scale or multi-jurisdictional emergencies. The ECC serves as a central hub for coordination and communication among state agencies and emergency support partners, ensuring that local needs are met efficiently and effectively.

With responsibility for coordinating Oregon’s 18 Emergency Support Functions and supporting more than 50 local and Tribal emergency management offices, OEM works in partnership with emergency management leaders and professionals across state agencies who provide critical expertise, resources and support within their respective organizations. Together, these partners contribute to a resilient, collaborative and well-coordinated emergency management system across Oregon.

How to Celebrate Emergency Management Awareness Month

There are many simple ways people in Oregon can show support for emergency managers and become more prepared:

• Find out who your local emergency manager is—reach out to learn how your community prepares for disasters.
• Say thank you to your emergency management staff, volunteers, or CERT team members.
• Get prepared: Make or update your emergency kit, sign up for local alerts at ORAlert.gov, review your household emergency plan, and take the next step by becoming Be 2 Weeks Ready.
• Share your story: Use social media to highlight how you or your community prepares and tag #EMAwarenessMonth.

Follow OEM throughout August for resources to help celebrate and share the value of emergency management.

Salem, Ore. – The Salmonberry Trail Executive Council will meet virtually to discuss the proposed Salmonberry Trail corridor on Aug. 20, 2026. The council will be in executive session will be held from 1 p.m. to 1:40 p.m. The public can join the public meeting at 1:40 p.m. via Zoom webinar.

On the agenda:

• Public comment.
• Continue clarifying new governance roles.
• Discuss strategic planning and corridor-wide policy development.
• Trail projects updates and sponsor roundtable.

The proposed Salmonberry Trail is an 82-mile corridor that follows the Port of Tillamook Bay Railway from Tillamook to Banks, Oregon. The proposed route connects eight cities and two counties, passing by the Oregon coastline, fisheries, farmland and the Oregon Coast Range.  More information about the Salmonberry Trail is at salmonberrytrail.org.

The Salmonberry Trail Executive Council was established to promote and facilitate coordinated direction and guidance in the planning, development and maintenance of the multi-use trail. 

To submit public comment for council members to review during the meeting, use the public comment form or email .Horning@oprd.oregon.gov">Jessica.R.Horning@oprd.oregon.gov.

Florence, Ore. – Oregon State Parks will remove over 150 dead or unhealthy trees in Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park campground and day use area. During the removal work, the campground will be closed for several days. The length of the closure and exact timing is still being determined.
 

“OPRD implements a hazard tree inspection program that is crucial for identifying trees that are exhibiting signs of health decline and could become hazardous to people and infrastructure,” said Kathryn Charlton, Coastal Region Forester.

The project will take about a month and a half beginning in January 2027.  A hired contractor will remove approximately 20 dead and unhealthy trees from Cleawox day use area around Cleawox Lake. They will remove about another 145 trees with declining health and structural issues from the campground area. Specifically, Loop H will see the removal of around 55 shore pines and several large Sitka spruce with decay and structural issues will be removed in Loops A, B and C.

As part of Oregon State Parks’ commitment to safety and stewardship, tree maintenance and removal is a regular occurrence. Information about the closure will be posted on the park web page and Oregon State Parks social media.

“We are providing this early notice so folks can plan accordingly with their camping plans,” said Park Manager Ryan Warren. “This campground is a popular destination, so we wanted to give visitors advance notice of this hazard tree project.”

Oregon State Parks will donate some of the logs from these trees to Suislaw Soil and Water Conservation District and Smith River Watershed Council l to place in streams for riparian and aquatic habitat restoration efforts. For some of these large trees, a short portion of the lower stem will be left standing to become snag. Snags provide food, nesting and denning resources for wildlife such as birds and small mammals that use the park as habitat.

The Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation (OLSHF) is proud to partner with the Tribal Charitable entities of Oregon to support Oregon’s K-12 students. During the coming 2026-2027 school year the Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation will receive generous grant funding from the Wildhorse Foundation, (Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla); the Three Rivers Foundation (Coos, Umpqua and Siuslaw); the Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund; the Coquille Tribal Community Fund and the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation in support of the School Vision Screening Program (SVS).

All of the mentioned Tribal Foundations understand how important vision is to learning in K-12 students. Studies consistently show that 80% of learning in K-12 students is visual and that 25% of those students have correctable vision issues, yet only about 10% have the glasses they need. OLSHF’s School Vision Screening Program, with the help of tribal support, provides highest quality objective, efficient, equitable and safe vision screening to students throughout Oregon. The screenings are followed by resources for student families for low-cost/no-cost vision exams and eyeglasses. With the help of Oregon’s Tribes, OLSHF provided this service to over 200,000 students last school year, (2025-2026) and screened the 2-millionth student in 2024!

Funding from all five of the Oregon Tribal Foundations helps cover the costs of OLSHF School Vision Screening in almost 60% of Oregon Counties, including urban centers as well as rural and remote communities. When students can see to their potential, they have a greater ability to learn to their potential and have a better chance to contribute to their families, themselves and communities.

The Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation shares a long history of partnership with Oregon’s tribes, going back many years. OLSHF and the Lions of Oregon look forward to continuing to help students achieve their potential with their partners at the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation, the Coquille Tribal Community Fund, the Three Rivers Foundation, the Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund and the Wildhorse Foundation, into Oregon’s future.

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Supporting documents are available via the following link:  https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/997

Board of Directors Meeting Schedule & Information:  https://www.wwps.org/district/information/school-board/board-meeting-schedule

SALEM, Ore. — The Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee meets virtually at 10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 21. To join, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda.

Agenda items will include:

• Update on Performance Measures for Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan
• FTLAC upcoming meetings

Public comment is scheduled at the beginning of the meeting. To submit written comment, email ftlac.comment@odf.oregon.gov. Written comments sent at least 48 hours before the meeting will give the FTLAC time to review and consider information. Comments submitted after that window of time will be sent to the FTLAC after the meeting, entered into the record and posted online. Comments are not accepted after the meeting concludes.

The Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee is comprised of seven county commissioners representing 15 Oregon counties where state forestlands are located. The FTLAC is a statutorily established committee that advises the Board of Forestry on matters related to forestland managed by ODF. View more information on the FTLAC webpage.

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at ftlac.comment@odf.oregon.gov.

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Mexican national was sentenced to federal prison today for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Eduardo Misael Garcia-Sanchez, 29, was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison and 4 years’ supervised release announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. In imposing the sentence, the court found that the defendant, based upon his prior drug dealing convictions, qualified as a career offender.

“This case showed true teamwork amongst our law enforcement agencies to bring this drug dealer to justice. I am grateful for the partnership and hard work of our law enforcement. With these brave men and women, we are able to disrupt the distribution of dangerous drugs in our Oregon communities,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

According to court documents, On August 5, 2025, investigators with Clackamas County Interagency Task Force (CCITF) were investigating a Portland, Oregon area drug dealer. During the investigation, a vehicle operated by Garcia-Sanchez was identified as likely supplying various drug dealers. Investigators followed Garcia-Sachez’ vehicle as it travelled out of Portland, Oregon. An Oregon State Police (OSP) Trooper was able to conduct a traffic stop of Garcia-Sanchez. During the stop investigators observed a large bundle of cash and apparent heroin in the vehicle.

Investigators then placed Garcia-Sanchez in custody. Garcia-Sanchez’ vehicle contained a clear plastic bag underneath the driver’s seat containing approximately 10 individual bindles of fentanyl, which appeared pre-packaged for sale. Investigators recovered from the vehicle the approximate totals of; 120.9 grams of fentanyl powder, 51.8 grams of heroin, and $5,349 in U.S. Currency.

Following the seizure and arrest, Garcia-Sanchez was taken to the Multnomah County Detention Center in Portland, Oregon and placed on a federal hold for these offenses.

On May 12, 2026, the defendant pleaded guilty to Count 1 of the Indictment which charged him with Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl

On September 3, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 2-count indictment charging Garcia-Sanchez with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute heroin.

This case was investigated by FBI and CCITF with assistance from OSP. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Kerin.

The Clackamas County Interagency Task Force (CCITF) — led by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office — works to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations operating in and around Clackamas County, and reduce illegal drugs and related crimes throughout the community. The task force comprises members from the Canby Police Department, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, the FBI, and the Oregon National Guard Counterdrug Task Force. CCITF is supported by funding from the Public Safety Levy and grant funding from the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program.

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Portland comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, USMS, IRS-CI, ATF, USPIS, CBP, TSA, U.S. Coast Guard, Oregon Air, Army National Guard Counterdrug program, and Oregon-Idaho HIDTA with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

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Salem, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has deployed Complex Incident Management Team (CIMT) 1 to the ODF Southwest Oregon District to assume command of the Fielder Mountain Fire outside of Grants Pass.

The Fielder Mountain Fire originally began Thursday afternoon and quickly grew due to hot, windy conditions. The fire is in the foothills adjacent to the town of Rogue River and visible from I-5. The fire was last estimated to be 550 acres and burning in timber. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

“Our top priorities in fighting this fire are limiting its growth, while protecting the surrounding communities and ensuring all our firefighters go home safe at the end of their shift,” said Dan Quinones, ODF Southwest Oregon District Forester.  

ODF CIMT 1 will in brief today at 12 p.m. and transfer command will be at 6 p.m. tonight.

For the latest evacuation information, follow the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Josephine County Sheriff’s Office.

“Every new spark matters and increases the risk to our communities, as well as our firefighters,” said Michael Curran, ODF Fire Protection Division Chief. “I am urging Oregonians to do their part. Check local fire restrictions, remain aware of weather conditions and stay up to date on emergency alerts.”

Check local fire restrictions at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx.

APPLICANT REVIEW COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Applicant Review Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez (503) 551-3167.

To view the Applicant Review Committee's live-stream and other recorded videos, please visit DPSST’s official YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve July 22, 2026, Meeting Minutes

3. Juan Gonzalez, DPSST No. 67518; DOC/Two Rivers Correctional Institution

    Presented by Victor Sanchez

4. Inquiry Closure Memos – Information Only

    Presented by Victor Sanchez

5. Next Applicant Review Committee Meeting – September 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

Administrative Announcement

This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and it will be recorded. Deliberation of issues will only be conducted by Applicant Review Committee members unless permitted by the Chair. Individuals who engage in disruptive behavior that impedes official business will be asked to stop being disruptive or leave the meeting. Additional measures may be taken to have disruptive individuals removed if their continued presence poses a safety risk to the other persons in the room or makes it impossible to continue the meeting.

DPSST provides reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access for people with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency. To request a sign language interpreter, translation services, or other accommodations, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167 or at nandez@dpsst.oregon.gov">juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

DPSST proporciona acomodaciones rasonables para asegurar el acceso igual para personas con descapacidades y para personas con competencia limitada de inglés. Para pedir un interprete de lengua de señas, servicios de traducción, u otras acomodaciones, por favor de contactar a Juan Lopez marcando al (503) 551-3167, o a nandez@dpsst.oregon.gov">juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov, al menos de 48 horas antes de la reunión.

EUGENE, Ore. – (August 13, 2026) – Oregon Folklife Network is accepting applications until Thursday, October 1, 2026 for the Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program (TAAP) for projects in 2027. 

The program offers folk and traditional artists (also known as culture keepers) a $3,500 stipend to teach their art form to apprentices from their same communities, Tribes, sacred or occupational groups. The stipend supports mentor artists in sharing their knowledge, skills and expertise with apprentices of great promise, empowering them to carry on and strengthen Oregon’s living cultural traditions.

Oregon Folklife Network encourages applications from Oregonians practicing cultural traditions emerging from their heritage or Tribes. This program does not fund historic reenactments or cultural appropriation.

To learn more about application procedures and eligibility or to recommend a TAAP applicant, view our guidelines online, email ofn@uoregon.edu, or call 541-346-3820. Oregon Folklife Network staff members are available to provide application advice and will provide feedback on draft applications up to two weeks prior to the deadline.

The Oregon Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Oregon Arts Commission. This program is also supported by The Jayanthi Raman Foundation. 

$3,500 is typically funded to each mentor/apprentice team, the exact amount has yet to be confirmed.

Completed applications are due no later than 5 pm on Thursday, October 1^st.

About Oregon Folklife Network

Oregon Folklife Network (OFN) is administered by the Museum of Natural and Cultural History at the University of Oregon and is the state’s designated Folk and Traditional Arts Program. OFN is supported in part by grants from the Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Cultural Trust, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Roundhouse Foundation. OFN works to increase public investment in cultural traditions and those who practice them.

About the Museum of Natural and Cultural History  

The Museum of Natural and Cultural History enhances knowledge of Earth’s environments and cultures, inspiring stewardship of our collective past, present, and future. With collections representing millions of years and each of the planet's continents, it's a place for digging into science, celebrating culture, and joining together to create a just and sustainable world. The museum is located on the University of Oregon campus near Hayward Field. Oregon Trail and other EBT cardholders receive admission discounts. Visit mnch.uoregon.edu or call 541-346-3024 for current hours and other admission information.

Source:

Kait Glasswell, Oregon Folklife Network, kaitg@uoregon.edu, 541-346-2375

Media Contact:

Kait Glasswell, Oregon Folklife Network, kaitg@uoregon.edu, 541-346-2375

Links:

Oregon Folklife Network: https://mnch.uoregon.edu/oregon-folklife-network

TAAP Program: https://mnch.uoregon.edu/traditional-arts-apprenticeship-program

Museum of Natural and Cultural History: https://mnch.uoregon.edu/ 

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PORTLAND, Ore.—A Honduran national unlawfully residing in the United States was sentenced to federal prison today for distribution of fentanyl resulting in the fatal overdose death of a Portland man and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. Gomez-Soto had more than two prior deportations and a prior drug dealing conviction.

Hugo Gomez-Soto, 51, was sentenced to 21 years in federal prison and a lifetime term of supervised release.

“This case is a stark reminder of the danger fentanyl poses to our community. The defendant was peddling death, and this time it resulted in the tragic loss of a young man’s life.” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Our hearts go out to the victim’s family. Fentanyl is deadly and leaves devastation for families in its’ wake. As this case shows, my office will do everything we can to hold these merchants of death accountable for the destruction they cause to the community and pursue justice for the victims and their families.”

“While this sentence is truly justified, no amount of prison time and no amount of restitution will bring back a lost loved one,” said Acting HSI Seattle Special Agent in Charge April Miller.  “We want to thank our Portland Police Bureau partners for their work on this case.  Together, we can make an impact against those like Mr. Gomez-Soto, who harm our communities with fentanyl and other illegal narcotics.”

According to trial testimony, Gomez-Soto sold the victim illicit fentanyl, in the form of powder and counterfeit pills. The following day the victim, a 29-year-old resident of Southwest Portland, used some of the fentanyl and died moments later.

On January 25, 2024, a Portland Police Bureau (PPB) officer used the victim’s phone, pretending to be the victim, to buy drugs from Gomez-Soto. When Gomez-Soto arrived at the deal, he was arrested on state charges. At the time of the arrest, Gomez-Soto possessed both fentanyl powder and counterfeit pills containing fentanyl.

The police referred the case to the Multnomah District Attorney’s Office who charged Gomez-Soto with negligent homicide and multiple counts of delivery of a controlled substance.

On May 5, 2025, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office asked the U.S. Attorney’s Office to review the case for federal prosecution. On May 9, 2025, with the assistance of an Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and PPB, a federal criminal complaint was filed charging Gomez-Soto with the distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

On June 18, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a two-count indictment charging Gomez-Soto with distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

On April 13, 2026, after a six-day trial, a federal jury found Gomez-Soto guilty of distributing fentanyl that resulted in death and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

This case was investigated by the PPB Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit with assistance from HSI and the FBI. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott M. Kerin and Nicole Bockelman.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 2-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is enough to kill an average adult male. The wide availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has caused a dramatic increase in overdose deaths throughout the state.

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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The Oregon State Marine Board recognized the tireless efforts of Hood River County Sheriff’s Office Marine Deputy Joel Carmody during its quarterly meeting held in Madras on July 30.

Deputy Joel Carmody received the Oregon State Marine Board’s “Service Excellence Award” for his consistent and exemplary efforts in his marine career, leading through the 2025 boating season.

“Deputy Carmody has consistently gone above and beyond in youth education, community outreach, and public engagement,” said Brian Paulsen, Boating Safety Program Manager for the Marine Board. “His initiative, dedication, leadership, and passion for marine patrol have made a meaningful and lasting impact on recreational boating safety across our communities. His efforts exemplify the highest standards of service, professionalism, and commitment, and he truly deserves this recognition.”

Carmody served the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office for over 20 years, including 4 years as its Marine Deputy. He embraced his assignment to marine patrol and leapt from a beginner with boat operations to a mastery skill level within months. Carmody’s aptitude was recognized early, and he quickly advanced to a Marine Board instructor, serving in marine law enforcement training for Personal Watercraft (PWC) school and annual two-week Marine Law Enforcement Academy.

The Hood River area and robust windsports community on the Columbia River offer water recreators a mecca of opportunities, beyond boating. Carmody took the initiative to embed within the tourist-driven community to learn from locals, look for education gaps, and find ways to engage with local businesses, schools, clubs, and nonprofits. Never afraid to try new experiences, Deputy Carmody even participated in Wylde Wind and Water programs to learn SUP wing foiling and other windsports to understand the community’s perspectives better. He even volunteered with the Hood River Aquatics Center and Viento y Agua camp, which he continues in his newly retired status, helping kids learn skills to love, not fear -the water.

Visit Boat.Oregon.gov for information about the Marine Board’s partnership with 30 county Sheriff’s Offices and the Oregon State Police for on-water marine patrol services.

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View Boating Safety Video from Hood River Sheriff’s Office Marine Deputy Joel Carmody 

August 13, 2026

Media contact: Erica Heartquist, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Wildfire smoke and evacuation threats can take a toll on mental health

Staying connected, taking breaks from the news and seeking support can help people cope during wildfire season

PORTLAND, Ore - Wildfires can affect more than the air we breathe. The uncertainty of an approaching fire, evacuation warnings, disrupted routines, loss of property or community, and prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke can create stress, anxiety, grief and other emotional responses.

As wildfires and smoke continue to impact communities across Oregon, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is reminding people that supporting mental health is an important part of wildfire preparedness and recovery.

“It's completely understandable to feel uneasy when wildfires are threatening our communities or when smoke is affecting the air we breathe,” said Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., OHA health officer and state epidemiologist. “These conditions can take a real toll on our physical and mental health. Taking care of ourselves, staying connected with others and knowing where to turn for support can help us cope during these difficult times.”

Wildfire stress can affect anyone.

People may experience a range of emotions during and after a wildfire, including fear, sadness, anger, grief, helplessness, trouble sleeping or difficulty concentrating. Children and teens may also have strong emotional reactions, even when they do not directly experience a fire or evacuation.

People who have experienced previous disasters or wildfire losses may find that a new fire or smoke event brings back difficult memories.

OHA recommends several ways people can support themselves and others:

Check in with neighbors, friends and coworkers

A simple conversation can help people feel less alone. Reach out to people who may need additional support, including older adults, children, people with disabilities and those who may have difficulty evacuating or accessing resources.

Create space to express emotions

Give people permission to talk about what they are experiencing at their own pace and without judgment. This can be especially important for children and teens.

Encourage rest and recovery

Healing takes time. Maintaining routines when possible, getting enough rest and reconnecting with people and activities that bring comfort can help restore a sense of stability.

Take breaks from the news and social media

Staying informed is important during an emergency, but continuously monitoring wildfire coverage can increase stress and anxiety. Check trusted sources for updates, then give yourself permission to step away.

Prepare for evacuation

Having a plan can reduce some of the uncertainty that comes with a wildfire threat. Know your evacuation zone and routes, sign up for emergency alerts, keep important medications and documents accessible, and have a go-bag ready.

Protecting mental health during smoke events

People do not have to navigate the emotional effects of wildfire alone.

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free, confidential crisis support.
• Lines for Life: 800-923-HELP (4357) provides emotional support and help connecting with resources. Oregon's wildfire recovery resources also direct people to Lines for Life for emotional support, with interpreters available.
• YouthLine: Young people can call 877-968-8491 or text teen2teen to 839863 for support.
• The AgriStress HelpLine is a free, 24/7 hotline for Oregon's agricultural and forestry communities, including farmers, ranchers, fishermen, foresters, and their families. Call or text: (833) 897-2474. Helpline operators are trained to understand the unique stressors and situations of agriculture, forestry, and fishing. All calls are answered within 30 seconds.

People affected by a wildfire who need help finding food, shelter, health care, emotional support or other services can also connect with 211 for local resources.

Support for children and teens

Parents and caregivers can help children feel safer by providing reassurance, maintaining routines when possible and giving children opportunities to ask questions and express their feelings.

During a wildfire or evacuation, children may need additional reassurance and opportunities to reconnect with familiar people and routines. Adults can model healthy coping behaviors by taking breaks, getting rest, talking with others and asking for help when needed.

Additional resources:

• Wildfires and smoke: Oregon Health Authority wildfire resources
• Crisis and trauma resources: OHA Resources for Crisis and Trauma Response
• Wildfire recovery assistance: Oregon Department of Human Services – Get Help After a Wildfire
• Oregon wildfire preparedness and evacuation information: Oregon Department of Emergency Management

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August 13, 2026

Contact: Larry Bingham, ry.Bingham@oha.oregon.gov" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Larry.Bingham@oha.oregon.gov, 971-239-6499.

OHA statement: West Coast Health Alliance continues to endorse AAP-recommended child, adolescent immunization schedules

PORTLAND, Ore. — The West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) bases its recommendations for vaccinations on guidelines from trusted professional medical and health organizations representing millions of healthcare providers, reflecting a broad consensus on the safety and benefits of the recommended immunizations.  The Executive Order (EO) issued by the White House regarding childhood vaccine schedule recommendations does not change the WCHA’s position on evidenced-based vaccine guidance.

Earlier this year, the WCHA endorsed the 2026 Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics. This evidence-based schedule reflects the most current science-based safety and benefits of immunizations that protect children and adolescents from infectious diseases and have saved millions of lives in the United States.

The WCHA also endorses the 2026 Maternal Immunization Schedule issued by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which recommends routine vaccination during pregnancy to protect pregnant people and infants from serious illness. These immunizations are the most effective way to reduce the risk of infection and complications for both parent and child.

The WCHA believes that immunization guidance from trusted healthcare organizations should continue to serve as the foundation for routinely recommended immunizations and guide conversations between healthcare providers and families. The WCHA also believes that coverage of vaccines, particularly through government programs, is important to allow choice. Our communities deserve vaccination recommendations based on the best available evidence, reviewed by experienced health and science professionals and access to those recommended vaccines.

If you have questions about childhood vaccines and best practice for your family, we encourage you to seek information from your child’s doctor. For more information about immunization guidance, please visit: 

• American Academy of Pediatrics
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 
• American Academy of Family Physicians 
• Vaccine Integrity Project

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