Oregon is a picturesque landscape of vast forests, volcanic peaks, fertile valleys, plateaus, and a rugged ocean coastline. With its large reserves of standing trees, Oregon is a leading producer of lumber and plywood, having to consistently balance the needs of the timber industry with environmental concerns. Oregon covers 95,997 square miles, with a 2010 estimated population of 3,831,074 people – 852,523 living in rural Oregon (USDA-ERS). Salem, the capital, is located in the northwestern region of the state. The state’s largest cities are Portland, Eugene and Salem. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 83.6% of the state’s population is white, 3.7% is Asian, 1.8% is Black/African American, 1.4% is American Indian & Alaska Native, and 11.7% is of Hispanic/Latino origin (2010).
According to the Oregon Office of Rural Health there are 58 hospitals in the state with 29 of these being identified as rural hospitals. 25 of the rural hospitals are designated as Critical Access Hospitals (Sept. 2010). Also, there are 60 Rural Health Clinics in Oregon (Kaiser, 2011), and 25 Federally Qualified Health Centers provide services at 165 sites in the state (Kaiser, 2010). Most Oregonians have some form of health insurance coverage, although 17.0% of its residents lack health insurance (Kaiser, 2008-2009).
According to the USDA Economic Research Service, the average per-capita income for Oregonians in 2009 was $36,191, although rural per-capita income lagged at $30,733. 2010 estimates indicate a poverty rate of 18.3% exists in rural Oregon, compared to a 15.1% level in urban areas of the state. 2010 ACS data reports that 13.7% of the rural population has not completed high school, compared to 10.8% of urban populations. The unemployment rate in rural Oregon is at 12.2%, while in urban Oregon it is at 10.5% (USDA-ERS, 2010).
For a national comparison, please see an overview of the United States.
Data Sources
U.S. Census Bureau: State & County QuickFacts; USDA Economic Research Service: State Fact Sheets; Kaiser Family Foundation State Health Facts; Oregon Office of Rural Health; Flex Monitoring Team: Critical Access Hospital List
Organizations
Community Action Directors of Oregon (CADO)
State/regional organization
A private, non-profit association comprised of the Executive Directors of Oregon's Community Action Agencies, the Oregon Human Development Corporation and associate member agencies. Mission is to eradicate the causes and conditions of poverty that exist in Oregon.
Community Health Priorities (CHP)
State/regional organization
Goal is to engage people all over the state of Oregon to articulate a vision of a healthier life for everyone, and then develop policies that help us achieve that vision.
HUD Community Development Block Grants: Oregon
Federal government
Contact information for the State CDBG program. Provides funding for community development projects.
National Network of Libraries of Medicine, Pacific Northwest Region (NN/LM-PNR)
State/regional organization
Supports collaboration among regional libraries and information centers in the states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.
Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB)
Tribal organization
Works to assist Northwest tribes to improve the health status and quality of life of member tribes and Indian people in their delivery of culturally appropriate and holistic health care. A Native American Research Center on Health site.
Northwest Regional Telehealth Resource Center (NRTRC)
State/regional organization
One of five telehealth resource centers. Assists health care organizations, health care networks, and health care providers in the implementation of cost-effective telehealth programs to serve rural and medically underserved areas and populations. Includes Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
Oregon Area Health Education Centers (AHEC)
Academic/Research
Purpose is to improve the education, training and distribution of health care professionals in Oregon through a statewide network of centers.
Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (OAHHS)
State/regional organization
A statewide, nonprofit trade association that works closely with local and national government leaders, business and citizen coalitions, and other professional health care organizations to enhance and promote community health and to continue improving Oregon's innovative health care industry.
Oregon Dental Association (ODA)
State/regional organization
Dedicated to advancing the dental profession and promoting the highest standard of oral health and oral healthcare.
Oregon Department of Education: Special Education (ODE)
State government
Supports and monitors special education programs.
Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS)
State government
Assists people to become independent, healthy and safe.
Oregon Department of Human Services: Developmental Disabilities (DD)
State government
Provides a variety of programs, support and resources for people with developmental disabilities.
Oregon Department of Human Services: Health Systems Planning
State government
Strengthens the ability of Oregon's health system to serve Oregonians by improving access to primary care, reducing disparities in health care services, improving quality, patient safety, and the level of patient centered care.
Oregon Division of Child Support
State government
Dedicated to establishing paternity and child support orders, and enforcing child support obligations in cases involving families who are receiving or have received public assistance, and in certain non-assistance cases.
Oregon Economic and Community Development Department (ECDD)
State government
Provides economic and community development and cultural enhancement throughout the state, and administers programs that assist businesses, communities and people.
Oregon Employment Department
State government
Supports economic stability for Oregonians and communities during times of unemployment through the payment of unemployment benefits. Serves businesses by recruiting and referring the best qualified applicants to jobs, and provides resources to diverse job seekers in support of their employment needs. Develops and distributes quality workforce and economic information to promote informed decision making. Provides access to child care that is safe, high quality, and affordable.
Oregon Health Authority (OHA)
State government
Supports the health care system in Oregon by:
improving lifelong health; increasing the quality, reliability, and availability of care; and lowering or containing the cost of care of health care for all Oregonians.
Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)
State government
Oregon's housing finance agency, providing financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of lower and moderate income.
Oregon Office of Mental Health and Addiction Services
State government
Provides services and information for mental health care consumers and providers.
Oregon Office of Rural Health
State/regional organization
Coordinates efforts to improve rural health systems, provides technical assistance to rural communities, recruits health care providers, advises hospitals about the Critical Access Hospital option, and serves as a clearinghouse for information on rural health issues.
Oregon Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (OVRS)
State government
Assists Oregonians with disabilities to achieve employment and independence.
Oregon Primary Care Association
State/regional organization
A nonprofit member association, provides advocacy on public policy and assistance to members in order to help decrease health disparities and increase access to comprehensive health care for low income and vulnerable people in Oregon.
Oregon Public Health Division: Office of Multicultural Health
State government
Works to improve the health status of under-served and under-represented populations in Oregon through multicultural and culturally-competent approaches that influence the way in which health services are designed and delivered.
Oregon Regional Extension Center (O-HITEC)
State/regional organization
Oregon State Health Information Technology Regional Extension Center (REC) that helps health care providers become meaningful users of electronic health records by providing information and technical assistance.
Oregon Rural Health Association (ORHA)
State/regional organization
Works to improve the health of rural Oregonians by providing leadership on rural health issues through advocacy, communication and education.
Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network (ORPRN)
Academic/Research
An active clinical research network spanning rural communities throughout the state of Oregon. The mission is to improve the health of rural populations in Oregon through conducting and promoting health research in partnership with the communities and practitioners we serve.
Oregon State Protective Services
State government
Responsible for administering adult protective services for all adults with developmental disabilities who receive services in the community. Protective services are those steps taken to prevent abuse or neglect and to keep people safe.
Oregon State Commission for the Blind
State government
A resource for visually impaired Oregonians, as well as their families, friends, and employers.
Oregon State Public Health
State government
Protects and promotes the health of all the people of Oregon; protects individuals and communities against the spread of disease, injuries, and environmental hazards; promotes and encourages healthy behaviors; responds to disasters and assists communities in recovery; and assures the quality and accessibility of health services.
Oregon State University Rural Studies Program
State government
Studies multi-disciplinary issues and policy analysis about the challenges facing rural communities. Supports the Sustainable Rural Communities Initiative.
Pacific Health Association (PHA)
State/regional organization
PHA is comprised of the California Association of Hospitals and Health Systems, Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems and Washington State Hospital Association. Formed to provide information, support and representation to current members of the three state associations and future members. PHA provides a vehicle for the three state associations to collaborate and provide better service to their members on a multi-state basis.
Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU)
State government
Educates and trains health professionals in allied health and osteopathic medicine. Focuses on increasing access to primary health care services to rural communities in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana.
Regence Foundation
Nonprofit/Foundation
Committed to building healthier communities, transforming health care and supporting end-of-life issues.
Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC)
Nonprofit/Foundation
Helps rural communities in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming to improve community infrastructure. Offers numerous services including loans for housing and environment.
Rural Development Initiatives, Inc. (RDI)
Nonprofit/Foundation
Helps build the capacity of rural leaders and facilitates the development of collaborative partnerships that undertake economic and community development initiatives. Works with local community leaders, volunteers, and partners to proactively address opportunities and challenges.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Oregon (HUD)
Federal government
Works to increase homeownership, support community development and increase access to affordable housing. The HUD state office provides information about HUD housing programs and local contacts for the state.
USDA Rural Development Oregon State Office
Federal government
Committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in all of rural America. The Rural Development State Office provides information about Rural Development programs and applications for financial assistance.
Western Rural Development Center (WRDC)
State/regional organization
One of four regional development centers in the nation. Participates in rural development research and extension (outreach) projects cooperatively with universities in the West. Serves a 13 state area in the Western region and 4 U.S. Pacific Territories, which includes WA, UT, WY, NV, ID, HI, CA, AZ, AK, OR, NM, MT, and CO.
Tools
ERS State Fact Sheet: Oregon
Web site
Lists statistics on population, educational attainment, employment, income, farm characteristics, and farm financial indicators for the state.
Indicators Northwest
Web site
A source of statistics by region, state, county, reservation, and tribe for Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. Users can find indicators and trends in areas like: demographics, economic well-being, and health.
National Healthcare Quality Report State Snapshot: Oregon
Web site
Health care quality report for the state, based on the National Healthcare Quality Report.
NN/LM Pacific Northwest Region: Oregon Resources
Web site
Overview of the state, with links to state agencies, health associations, and other resources for Oregon.
Oregon Dental Association's List of Community Access Resources
Web site
A directory of statewide and regional dental resources.
Oregon Health Centers Data
Web site
Provides access to information on Federally Qualified Health Centers for the state. Includes a map of FQHC locations, as well as information on the populations served by health centers, services provided, staff, patient visits, costs of care, and use of electronic health information.
Oregon Health Connect
Web site
Helps Oregonians who are looking for medical care or health insurance connect with local programs and information to meet their needs.
Oregon KIDS COUNT Data Center (KCDC)
Web site
Provides data on child well-being for the state.
Oregon QuickFacts
Web site
Basic demographic and economic statistics for the state, with links to county-level data.
Oregon State Health Facts
Database
The latest state-level data on demographics, health, and health policy, including health coverage, access, financing, and state legislation. Individual state profiles and 50-state comparisons.
Returning Veterans Project
Web site
Serves as conduit for mental health and health care practitioners who wish to volunteer their professional services to veterans and their families of the current Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns. The Project works to create a supportive network of community resource for returning veterans and their families.
See also: Resources for All States: Tools Documents, Reports and Other Publications
2012 WICHE Workplan: It's All About Outcomes
Sponsoring organization: Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education
Discusses WICHE's focus in 2012 which includes finance, access and success, workforce and society, technology and innovation, and accountability. Highlights students exchange programs in rural and underserved areas, rural healthcare initiatives, and rural primary care clinics.
Date: 09 / 2011
Changing West: A Regional Overview
Author(s): Don E. Albrecht
Sponsoring organization: Western Rural Development Center
Provides baseline data for identifying population changes in the western states for use in advancing rural development.
Date: 2008
Demographic and Economic Profile: Oregon
Sponsoring organization: Rural Policy Research Institute
Presents demographics, economics, and research on Oregon. Includes statistics, data, maps, charts, and graphs.
Date: 10 / 2008
Education: A Regional Overview
Author(s): Don E. Albrecht
Sponsoring organization: Western Rural Development Center
Explores education characteristics in the western states and examines how it impacts rural development.
Date: 2008
Employment, Income and Poverty: A Regional Overview
Author(s): Don E. Albrecht
Sponsoring organization: Western Rural Development Center
Examines and compares employment and income in western states with both rural and urban data.
Date: 2008
Exploring the Role of Regional Transportation Projects as Rural Economy Drivers
Sponsoring organization: National Association of Development Organizations
Describes case studies in Alabama, Oregon, and Vermont that demonstrate successful partnerships between regional development organizations (RDOs) and local governments in transportation-led economic development projects.
Date: 2011
Health and Longevity: A Regional Overview
Author(s): Don E. Albrecht
Sponsoring organization: Western Rural Development Center
Examines health and longevity for states in the western region.
Date: 2008
Land Use and Resources: A Regional Overview
Author(s): Don E. Albrecht
Sponsoring organization: Western Rural Development Center
Examines land use and resources in the western states.
Date: 2008
Oregon Domestic Violence Program Meets Frontier Funding Challenges
Sponsoring organization: National Center for Frontier Communities
Describes a federally-funded program in rural frontier Oregon providing coordinated support for
victims of domestic violence. Discusses the special challenges of funding a social service program in a frontier community.
Date: 08 / 2006
Oregon Federally Certified Rural Health Clinics, 2011
Author(s): Sarah D. Young, Justin Valley, Troy Soenen, Jo Johnson, Emerson Ong
Sponsoring organization: Oregon Office of Rural Health
Discusses results of a survey of Oregon Rural Health Clinics (RHCs). Includes data on staffing, financial issues, and use of technology.
Date: 2011
Small Business Profile: Oregon
Sponsoring organization: Small Business Administration
Profile of the state's economy, covering the number of firms, industry composition, small business income, banking, women and minority business ownership, and employment.
Date: 02 / 2011
State of Oregon: Population Brief
Author(s): Don E. Albrecht
Sponsoring organization: Western Rural Development Center
Access baseline information for the advancement of rural development that examines population changes and characteristics within Oregon. Files are available for each county or as a statewide overview.
Date: 2008
Student Exchange Programs: Statistical Report, Academic Year 2011-12
Sponsoring organization: Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education
Discusses WICHE's three student exchange programs: Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP), and Professional Student Exchange Program (PSEP). Covers Fall 2011 enrollment, discusses health workforce shortages, and the funds that flow between students' home states and the enrolling institutions in these programs.
Date: 01 / 2012
See also: Resources for All States: Documents Journals
Oregon - ORH Newsletter
Electronic newsletter providing information on news, events, funding opportunities, legislation and more.
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