Some of Oregon’s most vulnerable get help before heat wave

PORTLAND, Ore (KPTV) – The state of Oregon is making strides to help accommodate people who are the most vulnerable to the heat.

The Oregon Health Authority said in the span of several months they’ve been able to distribute potentially lifesaving equipment to nearly one thousand people.

Over the past several years, OHA said the Pacific Northwest has been seeing weather like never before.

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“Oregon has recorded it’s hottest days in state history over the past five years,” said Dave Baden, OHA’s Deputy Director for Policy and Programs. “The climate models show the severity of heatwaves is likely to increase.”

Baden said OHA is trying a federal first for Oregon Health Plan members. He said Medicaid funds are being directed as a benefit to qualifying members, who are receiving long-term heat-related help with the installation of potentially life-saving equipment like air conditioning units or refrigerators to keep medications cool.

Baden said the program will last for at least a couple of years.

Oregon Health Plan members can call +1 (888) 834-4304 or email ORHRSN@acentra.com to see if they are eligible for heat-related equipment.

Some Portlanders might also qualify for an air conditioning unit. https://www.portland.gov/bps/cleanenergy/how-request-cooling-unit

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