The Oregon Primary Care Association and our members are part of a national movement to provide medical, dental, and behavioral health care to more than 32.5 million Americans. We trace our origins back to the 1960s, but our natural instinct to care for those around us stretches back to the dawn of civilization. The obstacles and opportunities around us may change, but our intended destination remains the same – health equity for all.
We encourage our team and our members to move forward with gentleness and grace in the coming days. National elections can evoke a host of feelings in the face of uncertainty about the future. If you are reading this, then please remember that you are part of a movement with deep community roots and a network of incredible, hardworking people who are dedicated to helping those around them on the path towards health.
If the news cycle is overwhelming to you or your loved ones, there are resources available to help. SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental health crisis: 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Additionally, please see below for opportunities to stay informed about political news affecting health centers and ways to work closely with us to advance policies which reflect the health needs of our communities in the coming months.
Remember, OPCA is your professional association that speaks with one voice on behalf of Oregon’s health centers. Your engagement will be critical in the days ahead. Stay tuned for more election analysis, ways to engage newly elected officials, and how we can collectively amplify the health center voice in our state and nationally.
Election Information
OPCA’s Policy Update will be updated (online) regularly to reflect ongoing election results as they are posted as well as analysis of potential impacts and changes expected under a new administration. We’ll break down close races where out-of-state volunteers who were bussed in to knock on doors and bring you state and local ballot measure results – including a few hyper-local “advisory votes”. Don’t miss important updates on all this and more that matter to health centers.
Read the full OPCA Policy Update
Get Involved with National Partners
NACHC Post Election Webinar
Health centers, PCAs, HCCNs, and CHC partners are invited to next week’s webinar to learn about how the election results will impact health center priorities.
Political Checkpoint 2024
This webinar will explore election results and discuss both confirmed outcomes and remaining uncertainties, along with what to watch over the first 100 days.
Be the Voice of FQHCS: Become a Legislative Liaison
OPCA strives to advance policies which reflect the needs of Oregon’s community health centers. Any Oregon FQHC employee can join our efforts as a Legislative Liaison! We’ll teach you how to read and track bills so you can become a subject matter expert and offer your professional insights on key legislation directly impacting FQHCs and patients.
To join the program, mark your calendars for these upcoming events.
Legislative Liaison Orientation
Date: November 14
Time: 1:30 – 2:30 PM
Learn the basics of reading and interpreting bills, and how your role as a liaison can make a difference.
BillTracker Boot Camp
Date: November 19
Time: 1:00 – 2:00 PM
Learn to use BillTracker, a tool to stay updated on legislative developments and provide timely feedback.
Please reach out to Erin Woods at ewoods@orpca.org to be added to the upcoming trainings. If you have a scheduling conflict, please let OPCA staff know. We are happy to work with you!
