Southern Oregon communities are included in a new rural healthcare funding initiative that could expand school nursing services, support local hospitals and clinics, and create new grant opportunities for regional providers.

Oregon will receive $197.3 million in federal funding beginning in 2026 to strengthen rural healthcare, with investments focused on access to care, workforce support, disease prevention, and health technology across rural and frontier communities.

OHA is encouraging Oregonians to get their flu vaccinations as positive tests rise ahead of holiday gatherings and flu activity is expected to increase into early spring.