News
Recent Health News
- Health Services News – May 2026
* Español a continuación * This newsletter includes… Oregon school vaccine exemptions reach record high The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) recently released vaccine data for the 2025-2026 school year which shows the rates of nonmedical exemptions (NME) for school-required vaccines at a record high. This means that more students in Oregon have NME and fewer… Read more: Health Services News – May 2026 - 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 - Mental Health Awareness Month in Benton County
Mental health challenges can affect anyone. The Benton County Crisis Center is here to help. * Español a continuación * Benton County is celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to promote open conversations about mental health. Throughout May, the Benton County Health Department (BCHD) will host, co-host, sponsor and participate in various events and… Read more: Mental Health Awareness Month in Benton County - Health Services News – April 2026
* Español a continuación * This newsletter includes… Measles update: new resources Measles cases continue to rise. There have been 18 confirmed cases in Oregon in 2026 so far. There have not been any confirmed cases in Benton County yet, but the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) believes only a small portion of cases are being… Read more: Health Services News – April 2026 - Health Services News – March 2026
* Español a continuación * This newsletter includes… Introducing… BCHS News Benton Health News has a new look! As Benton County Health Department (BCHD) and the Community Health Centers of Benton & Linn Counties (CHC) continue to integrate, we are officially rebranding our newsletter as Benton County Health Services (BCHS) to represent both of our… Read more: Health Services News – March 2026 - Health Department News – February 2026
* Español a continuación * This newsletter includes… Measles in Corvallis-Lewisburg wastewater In January, measles was detected in the Corvallis-Lewisburg area through wastewater monitoring. This means that there recently has been at least one person with the measles virus within the Corvallis-Lewisburg area. Currently, no confirmed measles cases have been reported in Benton County and… Read more: Health Department News – February 2026 - Measles detected in Corvallis wastewater
Local public health officials act quickly to monitor and contain spread of measles through community partnership and communication * Español a continuación * The Benton County Health Department (BCHD) was recently notified that measles has been detected in wastewater sampling in an area that includes Corvallis and Lewisburg, Oregon. This means that there is, or… Read more: Measles detected in Corvallis wastewater