News
Recent Health News
- Saving lives and remembering lives lost: Benton County to host overdose awareness & prevention activities
* Español a continuación * During Overdose Awareness Month, Benton County Health Department will hold free community events to increase awareness and prevention of drug overdose. The events coincide with International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), the world’s largest campaign to end overdose by raising awareness and reducing stigma. International Overdose Awareness Day occurs every year… Read more: Saving lives and remembering lives lost: Benton County to host overdose awareness & prevention activities - Coordinated Homeless Response Office (CHRO) News and Updates – Summer 2026
* Español a continuación * This newsletter includes… HOPE Board Summer Meeting The Home, Opportunity, Planning, and Engagement (HOPE) Board had their summer quarterly meeting on July 8, 2026. All meeting materials are available on our website. Coordinated Homeless Response Office (CHRO) staff shared key updates, including: The fall quarterly HOPE meeting will be October… Read more: Coordinated Homeless Response Office (CHRO) News and Updates – Summer 2026 - Health Services News – July 2026
* Español a continuación * This newsletter includes… Bats and rabies: know what to do Benton County has confirmed its first case of a rabid bat this summer 2026 season. While bats are important to our ecosystem and eat many insects we consider pests, it is important to avoid direct skin contact with bats. Bats… Read more: Health Services News – July 2026 - Bat confirmed positive for rabies in Benton County
* Español a continuación * Public health officials from the State of Oregon and the Benton County Health Department have confirmed that a local bat has tested positive for rabies. This is the first positive bat for rabies in Benton County in 2026. On June 15, Benton County’s Environmental Health program learned that a resident… Read more: Bat confirmed positive for rabies in Benton County - Health Services News – June 2026
* Español a continuación * This newsletter includes… Planning for a mobile food unit? Know the rules! When summer hits, outdoor events and festivals are everywhere. These events are great opportunities for mobile food vendors looking to sell refreshing and delicious treats to attendees. But did you know that Oregon has specific requirements for selling… Read more: Health Services News – June 2026 - Vaccination rates for Benton County students reach new low; nonmedical exemptions at new high
* Español a continuación * Benton County Health Department urges parents and caregivers to check their school’s vaccination rate to better understand local risk of disease outbreaks, especially for children who are not up to date on the MMR vaccine for measles. School-specific immunization rates are available through OHA’s School Immunization Data Dashboard. Across Oregon, more students than ever are attending school without some or all… Read more: Vaccination rates for Benton County students reach new low; nonmedical exemptions at new high - Coordinated Homeless Response Office (CHRO) News and Updates – Spring 2026* Español a continuación * This newsletter includes… HOPE Board Update The Home, Opportunity, Planning, and Engagement (HOPE) Board has evolved to meet the needs of our growing Coordinated Homeless Response System. Key changes: HOPE meetings are now quarterly (instead of monthly) in January, April, July, and October on the second Wednesday of the month from 4-5pm virtually. Meeting information and materials are posted on… Read more: Coordinated Homeless Response Office (CHRO) News and Updates – Spring 2026
- Benton and Lincoln counties highlight health and safety during wildfire season
* Español a continuación * May is Wildfire Awareness Month. Benton and Lincoln counties are highlighting the health impacts of wildfire smoke and the importance of evacuation planning, particularly for vulnerable populations. Wildfire smoke can have serious health impacts for everyone, but especially for pregnant people, young children, older adults, people with chronic health conditions,… Read more: Benton and Lincoln counties highlight health and safety during wildfire season - Mental Health Awareness Month Highlights Local Support in Benton County
* Español a continuación * Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to remind people they are not alone. In Benton County, crisis workers say support, connection and early help can make a real difference. In honor of the nationally recognized month, the Benton County Board of Commissioners publicly proclaimed Mental Health Awareness Month in… Read more: Mental Health Awareness Month Highlights Local Support in Benton County - Update on Andes Hantavirus Outbreak
* Español a continuación * The Benton County Health Department wants to share an update about the Andes hantavirus outbreak. This situation is changing quickly, and public health agencies continue to monitor developments closely. Here is what we know at this time: What is Andes Virus? Andes virus is a type of hantavirus found in South America. It can cause a… Read more: Update on Andes Hantavirus Outbreak