www.oregonpublichealth.
org
Quarterly Newsletter of the Oregon Public Health Association
People with disabilities hit hard by hurricane
BYWILLI HORNER-JOHNSON
MARJORIE MCGEE
AND
OPHA DISABILITY SECTION
A mid the tragic losses in the
aftermath of Hurricane
Katrina, news reports indicate
that people with disabilities were
among the hardest hit. Failure to
effectively evacuate individuals
needing assistance before the
flooding began, inaccessible
emergency shelters, and lack of
access to needed medications
combined to put people with
disabilities at high risk.
Particularly disturbing are the
accounts of people with disabili-
ties, the elderly, and critically ill
patients being left to die in
nursing homes and hospitals. In
one New Orleans nursing home,
34 bodies were found. Louisiana
officials have filed charges
against the owners for failing to
evacuate the nursing home.
Forty-five bodies were dis-
covered at Memorial Medical
Center, where staff reportedly did
OPHA Mission
• Protect and promote the health
of all Oregon residents
• Educate and support public
health workers
• Advocate for just and equitable
health policies
Probe
THE
New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina,
Aug 29, 2005. Photo by U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer
2nd Class Kyle Niemi (public domain – Wikipedia).
SPECIAL ISSUE: 2005 OREGON HEALTH LAWS
PLUS: APHA Conference Highlights Oregon ™
OPHA Updates ™ Genius Awards ™
Examination of Violence ™ More ...
Fall 2005
everything they could to save
critically ill patients in the absence
of electricity to run ventilators and
dialysis machines. At Charity
Hospital, staff worked in shifts to
hand-pump air to patients on
portable respirators after auxiliary
generators ran out of fuel.
On Sept 11, 2005, The Mail on
Sunday reported that, in some
cases, doctors in New Orleans
hospitals gave terminally ill
patients overdoses of morphine,
because there were no resources
to keep them alive. An unnamed
doctor described her torment at
being forced to choose between
killing her patients and leaving
them to die in agony.
Criticism has focused both on
the slow response to people in
desperate need after the city
flooded, and the failure to evac-
uate the city before the hurricane
hit. Given that a mandatory evac-
uation order was in place, how is
it that hospitals and nursing
homes had not already moved
(continued on page 3)
2 The Probe

U N D E R T H E E A S Y C H A I R

You can help us

The abyss calls forth the abyss
BY TERRY HAMMOND
R eflecting on the “insurrection” in
France, as the news is calling the riots
there during the first weeks of November,
it occurred to me that if war should ever
occur in Oregon, we will need to create a
new priority, and examine root causes and
recommendations for public safety and
health. The idea of a local war may sound
far-fetched, but terror at home is an
increasing area of concern – as indicated
by the 2005 Legislature creating a Depart-
ment of Homeland Security (see p. 11).
weakened state of social consciousness,
however (believing we are classless), the
idea of class typically focuses solely on
socioeconomic variables and health
disparities. Along with these obvious
physical concerns, a spiritual condition,
or subjective attitude, is also vital, as
illustrated by a few historical examples.
When Captain James Cook explored
the Pacific Ocean in the 1770s, he insisted
that his crew treat the natives they
encountered with respect and a peaceful
spread the word
Please consider distributing
The Probe to colleagues and
friends interested in Oregon
public health. With office
technology, the best way to
achieve a magazine format is
by double-sided copying, with
two automated staples on the
left side.

In France, the initial reaction of the
interior minister, calling the rioters “scum,”
reflects the common U.S. reaction to the
9/11 attackers and the attitude against
“insurgents” in Iraq. Nevertheless, an
imperial shock-and-awe strategy to
subdue resistance has been an utter
failure, and in fact, incites the “scum” to
increased violence, as we see also in
Israel, where suicide bombers appear
each time Israel sponsors a terrorist act
of assassination or massacre against
Palestinians.
The minister in France has apparently
recognized the point, and seeking efficacy
over attitude, the other day ordered police
officers to address youth on the street
politely, with the formal form of “you”
(vous). If enacted, this would mark an
historic change in the behavior of the
French police, who very often seem to
take a perverse pride in chauvinistic
tyranny – much like the police in the USA.
In August, a shocking military-style raid
by police in Utah (www.indybay.org/
news/2005/08/1761428.php) corresponds
to incidents of police violence in Oregon
(http://educate-yourself.org/cn/
portalndpolicegestaporaid14aug05.shtml).
Like riots among blacks on several
occasions in Los Angeles, the French
riots were sparked by police violence.
Richard Hofrichter, speaking at the
OPHA conference in October, was in-
spiring with his emphasis on class as a
vital concept in public health. In our
Probe
Terror at home is an THE
increasing area of
concern
TERRY HAMMOND Editor
demeanor as much as possible. He knew MARJORIE MCGEE Communication
they could not survive otherwise. The Chair
attitude worked on Tahiti, but not, notably,
on many of the Maori of New Zealand,
who remained hostile, regardless of the News published in The Probe aims to
sailors’ smiles. On his third and final provide information. Views expressed in
voyage, Cook was more authoritarian,
this newsletter do not necessarily
and apparently ill and foul-tempered, and
was killed in an altercation with natives represent the views of OPHA members
in Hawaii. or its board of directors.
Cook may have gained his original
wisdom about pacific relations from the
experience of earlier mariners. Before the
Pilgrims arrived in Massachusetts in the Give us your news!
early 1600s, ships often traded with the We invite you to send stories, news
Indians, until one captain invited leaders and graphics. Submission dates:
on board, killed several, and kidnapped
the rest to sell in Europe. The next ships ISSUE STORY DEADLINE
to enter the area, the Indians boarded and Winter Dec 21
burned. Spring Mar 21
Summer Jun 21
In the 1820s, when Juan de San Martin
Fall Sep 21
led his revolutionary army from Chile to
for publication on the 10th of
fight the Spanish in Peru, he insisted, like
January, April, July, and October
Cook, that his soldiers treat the citizens
with the utmost courtesy. Upon arriving,
he assured local leaders that he and his Contact editor at terryh@pdx.edu
army would leave the country whenever Oregon Public Health Association
they asked, for his role was not to 818 SW 3rd Ave, #1201, Ptd 97204
(continued on page 4)
Fall 2005
APHA conference highlights Oregon activities
Adolescent Risky Behavior Section presents results in Philadelphia, Dec 11-14
BY OPHA
ADOLESCENT RISKY BEHAVIOR SECTION
T he Adolescent Risky Behavior
Section is pleased to announce that
Katie Riley, ARB chair, will present two
sessions at this year’s APHA conference
in Philadelphia. These sessions are the
direct result of work accomplished by
ARB members and partners under Katie’s
direction and guidance over the past 2
years. Abstracts from the two sessions
follow.
1. The Parent/Teen Communication
Enhancement Project is designed to
improve communication between parents
and their teenagers, and through im-
proved communication to reduce the risk
of negative behaviors. Studies have
shown that teens who talk with their
parents are less likely to engage in risky
behaviors. In a panel of high-school
students conducted by the Adolescent
Risky Behavior Section of the Oregon
Public Health Association at the OPHA
fall 2003 conference, the students on the
panel overwhelmingly agreed that the
best prevention for risky behaviors
involves increasing parent/youth commu-
nication. During the first phase of this
project, parents of teenagers were invited
to participate in focus groups for a 1-1½
hour period. Parents in the focus groups
addressed the topics of patterns of
communication with their teenager,
barriers to communication, the ability to
discuss the topics of substance use and
abuse, and desired ways to break down
communication barriers. The focus
groups were conducted in English, and
in Spanish for Spanish-speaking parents.
A second phase of the project will involve
the development of an intervention to
break down barriers to communication
between parents and their teens.
2. Adolescent Risky Behavior Legislative
Handbook was distributed to all Oregon
state legislators in 2005 during a legisla-
tive visit attended by about 30 teens and
11 adults. Tracking of legislation and
contacts with key legislators to advocate
for specific bills followed the legislative
visit. The legislative handbook was
developed by the Adolescent Risky
Behavior Section of the Oregon Public
Health Association, employing evidence-
based policy recommendations. Adoles-
cent risky behavior is the precursor of
many unhealthy adult behaviors. Advo-
cacy with legislators to pass laws that
will prevent risky behavior and intervene
early with adolescents who are already
engaged in risky behavior can benefit
both the adolescents themselves as well
as society. Research has shown that
adolescents who engage in one kind of
risky behavior often participate in other
Hurricane victims still need help
(from page 1)
their patients to safety before the flooding
began and the generators failed?
Evacuation efforts were also in-
adequate for many people with disabilities
living at home who had no means of
transportation and who required assis-
tance to leave New Orleans.
Francie Moeller, chair of the California
Democratic Party Disabilities Caucus, has
alleged that buses used in evacuation
efforts were not accessible, and that
people with disabilities who could not
climb on independently were left behind.
Moeller also stated that rescue workers
insisted that people with disabilities leave
without their wheelchairs, scooters, and
service animals, and that many shelters
were not accessible to people with
disabilities and were denying entry to
service animals.
Moeller and other disability advocates
have called for an accurate count of the
number of people with disabilities who
died in the aftermath of Katrina to
“guarantee that never again will the
disabled community be left at such a risk
and ignored in disaster planning”.
For those who did reach safety,
managing to obtain supportive care,
disability benefit payments, and prescrip-
3
risky behaviors as well (e.g., alcohol and
tobacco use, inappropriate sexual con-
tacts, violent actions, poor nutrition, lack
of exercise). Legislation, and strategic
interventions through community
schools, school-based health centers, and
other relevant sites can support activities
that promote positive youth development.
Further reading
Clark, R., & Shields, G. (1997). Family
communication and delinquency. Adolescence,
32; 81-92.
Kumpfer, K. L. & Alvarado, R. (2003).
Family-strengthening approaches for the
prevention of youth problem behaviors.
American Psychologist, 58( 6/7), 457-465.
tion medications has been difficult. Dr.
Irwin Redlener has predicted that short-
ages of drugs like insulin could continue
for months. The Atlanta Journal-
Constitution reported that there is little
or no coordination of services for people
with disabilities evacuated to other states.
The Interagency Coordinating
Council on Emergency Preparedness and
Individuals with Disabilities is working
with disability advocates in affected areas
to identify specific needs, concerns, and
resources. A website has been set up to
provide information about resources and
ways to help.
http://katrinadisability.info
The long-term impact of Hurricane
Katrina on people with disabilities remains
to be seen. How many people will have
more severe disabilities, due to the trauma
they experienced? How many will die in
the weeks or months to come as a result?
What also remains to be seen is how
we will respond to future disasters. As
Hurricane Rita approached, officials did
work to evacuate people who were unable
to leave on their own, though a tragic bus
accident marred the efforts. Hopefully, we
will find safe ways to conduct future evac-
uations so that people with disabilities
will never again be left behind to die.
4 The Probe

Hubris and tyranny prepare paroxysm of violence

(from page 2)
subjugate, but to liberate the inhabitants
from oppression.
Violence clearly works well enough in
the short term to encourage its continued
use. Most notorious, the Mongols were
known to offer their opponents an
alternative: to either open their gates and
offer tribute, or be annihilated. “To
disappear like the Avars” was a saying
that entered Eastern Europe in the wake
of the Mongols. Shock and awe works
best on the dead. The early Pilgrims and
many other white armies in America
regularly offered a similar alternative to
the Indians, and were quick to kill whole
villages with a thoroughness unknown
and repugnant to the Indians.
Violence that stops short of annihila-
tion is more likely to result in deep-seated Fallujah - the gates of Hell, 2004
resentment that can last generations. The
people of Iraq and Iran, for example, threw
out the Mongols after a century of Never before as in the past 18 months was the
uneasy rule. Likewise, the infamous
Cortez would never have conquered blockade enforced with so much viciousness and
Mexico without the assistance of Indian
allies willing to revolt against the long brutality
tyranny of Tenochtitlan.
Of critical importance in the Americas,
only the decimation of the Indian inhabit- the downfall of ancient Athens. desperate need or provocation – in
ants by disease opened an opportunity A fresh example of U.S. hubris appears armies, the police, business, crime, and
for the Pilgrims and others to land at all in the news today (Nov 9), announcing families – apparently for the pleasure, or
on the once thickly populated coastline. that the United Nations voted for the 14th merely incremental benefits of asserting
Timely decimation of the Indians by consecutive year to call for an end to the mastery.
smallpox was a major factor that favored 43-year-old U.S. trade embargo against Following this brief exploration, in
Cortez, as it favored Pizarro against the Cuba. The vote was unanimous, with all order to promote public safety and health,
Inca, and favored early Oregon armies countries in the world opposed to the please consider the following recommen-
against the Nez Perce and other tribes in embargo, except (as usual) the USA and dations regarding the threat and use of
the Pacific Northwest. Israel. The Cuban foreign minister de- violence.
Disease destroyed an estimated 90% scribed the current situation.
or more of original Indian populations. “Never before as in the past 18 • We must be concerned with violence
The use of force by whites in these months was the blockade enforced with that arises from territoriality and
instances succeeded only fortuitously, by so much viciousness and brutality. There tribalism, much alive today as ever.
proceeding against an opponent with all has been a hysterical, unprecedented Eradication is probably impossible, but
civilized organization, energy, and will to escalation and enforcement of new and it may be recognized and controlled.
resist depleted by a natural catastrophe aggressive measures, including the threat • We must protect populations from the
of holocaust proportions. to use military means against Cuba.” undue use of force by those with available
The experience of successful empire In some cases, violence may be used power, including corporate despotism
building led the USA to adopt an attitude as a strategy for survival and prosperity, and state-sponsored terrorism, which
of manifest destiny and hubris, effulgent like brigands blocking a highway for a are too commonly approved.
with a false idea that war works. In a toll, or lords managing estates of serfs or
classic account, the Greek Thucydides slaves. Presently worrisome in the USA • We must promote civility and justice
observed how imperial hubris precipitated is the use of superior force without to avert terrorism.
Fall 2005
T he past 18 months have been
State of the
challenging. It was just a
year ago that the Executive
Committee reached the point of
recommending dissolution of the
Oregon Public Health Asso-
ciation, and called a special
membership meeting for Dec. 3,
Association
2004, to vote on the proposal.
With input from members, the
full board at its November 2004
meeting recommitted itself to
making OPHA a viable organ-
ization, and recommended against
dissolution. The board made some
changes in leadership and I became
president, along with several new board
members appointed to vacancies.
A Vigorous Renewal
Since the crisis period, the board has
focused on key activities that would lead
to their goal of being both a viable and a
vibrant organization. The buzz I heard at
the Annual Conference in October told
me the board, along with committed OPHA
members and supporters, achieved the
goal of becoming both viable and
vibrant.
Attendance of 209 people at the
conference surpassed our expectations.
The wide range of sessions and topics
were thought-provoking, gave new
insights, and stimulated discussion.
Thank you to Tom Engle and the Program
Committee for preparing an exciting
Annual Conference.
OPHA has come a long way in the past
year, and the future looks promising. New
state-level public health leadership is
bringing renewed energy and interest to
public health in Oregon.
Notably, Susan Allan arrived as the
state public health director earlier this
year; and Bruce Goldberg, former OPHA
president (among many other illustrious
titles), was recently appointed director of
the Department of Human Services.
Goldberg was unanimously approved in
his new position by state senators, 25-0,
on Oct. 28. He was among the roster of
great speakers at the Annual Conference,
sharing lessons from Oregon’s past
decade of experience with the Oregon
Health Plan.
BY JAN WALLINDER
OPHA PAST PRESIDENT
Successes and Highlights of
the Past Year
• The OPHA website has become a
more useful resource for members. Thank
you Marjorie McGee.
• The Probe continues, with stimulating
articles and information under the terrific
guidance of editor Terry Hammond.
• OPHA co-sponsored a symposium on Board election and transition.
“Genomics in Public Health Practice” last
spring, with the Oregon Master of Public
Health program and the Office of Family
Health. Thanks to Tom Engle.
• OPHA increased collaboration with
academic networks, including the Oregon
MPH program, and especially with
Oregon State University in partnership
for the Annual Conference. Thank you
Marie Harvey.
• Two new OPHA sections began
operation, focusing on Epidemiology &
Biostatistics, and Disability.
Challenges for the Board to
Work on Next Year
• Incoming board members, officers,
and new President Vicki Wegener need
your involvement and support to sustain
the rebuilding of OPHA to become an
association capable of achieving our
mission.
• Improve ongoing communication with
members.
• Clarify the role and work of sections, • Jocelyn Warren, PhD student, OSU
and how to support them.
• Stimulate the association’s role in
health policy.
5
Section note: The Nutrition
Section membership has fallen
below the member threshold
required in the bylaws for the
past couple years. After thought-
ful review and deliberation, the
section has decided to disband.
The Nutrition Section helped
improve nutrition policy and
resources in Oregon, including
success in 1999 promoting a new
law that affirms women’s legal
right to breastfeed in public. Half
of the existing funds for the section will
be used to develop materials on limiting
TV time for children. The remainder will
return to the treasury. Thank you to past
President Jennifer Young, and Treasurer
Robin Stanton.
OPHA Board Update
The Annual Meeting is the time of
Board members who completed their
terms: Dora Asana, Crista Whittington
Board members who were unable to
complete their terms and resigned this
past year: Mary Ann Evans, Rebecca
Landau, Laura Brennan. Thanks to Laura
for her years of service on the board and
as president
Welcome to new board members: Tom
Engle, Don Austin, Billi Odegaard, Gloria
McClendon, Shirley Orr, Marie Harvey,
Bill Beamer, Sylvia Mangan.
And congratulations to Katie Riley,
our new President Elect.
Annual Meeting Awards
OPHA Lifetime Achievement Award
winner announced at the fall conference
is Mitch Greenlick. Reflections on his
achievements are in the article about
Genius Awards (see p. 14) as Mitch was
also the recipient of the Community
Health Partnership Genius Award.
Winners of OPHA Student Poster Awards
• Stephen Mellor, MPH student, OSU
• Carissa Eastham, MPH student, OHSU
6 The Probe
EPIDEMIOLOGY & BIOSTATISTICS
T hank you to the many people who
have expressed interest and joined
the new Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Section! We are excited that our members
include a rich mix of public health
professionals working in various public
health settings in Oregon, including
students.
If you are not yet a member of the
Oregon Public Health Association, we
continue to encourage you to join OPHA
and our section.
During the last several months, the
section has had several organizing
meetings, including a meeting in late July.
We are staying in touch via an e-mail list.
In the July meeting, as required by the
OPHA Bylaws, section members elected
our first section officers: Dr. Jim Gaudino,
section chair; and Dr. Ken Rosenberg,
section vice chair.
Jim and Ken are both senior medical
epidemiologists with the Office of Family
Health, Oregon Department of Human
Services-Health Services. As section
chair, Jim also joins the OPHA board of
directors.
As a top priority, during the summer
months the section was very active in the
planning of the annual OPHA meeting in
October, facilitating the planning of a
good number of the breakout sessions,
other conference logistics, and signing
up as session organizers and presenters.
Thanks to all of you who are leading
sessions, and special thanks to Dr.
Rosenberg for his work with the OPHA
annual meeting planning committee this
year.
To assist OPHA in understanding
member priorities, and to better serve its
members, the Epi section is also gearing
up to conduct a survey of OPHA members
of former and current OPHA members
soon after the annual meeting.
Finally, the section has begun to
brainstorm and discuss what our future
priorities and activities as a section might
be. Many ideas were discussed, with a
clear consensus that our activities should
be value-added to those already available,
and will depend on the energy and work
of our members. Also, section members
in the discussion really want the section
to reach out to all colleagues and engage
our student members actively.
We need your input as we continue
this discussion Please join us and help
shape our section’s direction.
For more information, please contact: Jim
Gaudino (james.a.gaudino@state.or.us) or
Ken Rosenberg (ken.d.rosenberg@state.or.us)
PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING
P ublic health nurses in Oregon have a
new resource to increase leadership
skills. In 2002, the Oregon Public Health
Nurse Leadership Institute (OPHNLI) was
conceived in collaboration with the
Association of Oregon Public Health
Nursing Supervisors, an informal group
of practicing public health nurses at both
state and county levels, representative
faculty from the local schools of nursing,
and the OPHA Public Health Nursing
Section. Emerging from this collaboration,
three public health nurses developed the
institute, and continue to serve as
OPHNLI staff.
OPHNLI is a yearlong experiential and
learning program that builds and
improves leadership skills of public
health nurses. Influenced by the national
agenda around leadership development,
workforce development, and the aging of
the public health nurse workforce in
Oregon, the institute was designed to
respond to the need to nurture and
prepare younger nurses to assume
leadership positions.
OPHNLI provides scholars with
opportunities to gain practical experience
and support by working with an experi-
enced public health nursing leader as a
mentor. Additionally, scholars develop a
public health project and participate in
conferences, phone conferences, and
web-based conferencing. Content areas
include management, leadership, politics
of public health, media advocacy,
systems thinking, risk taking, cultural
competency, coalition building, data
analysis, the future of public health
nursing, and more.
OPHA
SECTION
UPDATES
The OPHNLI study year begins each
January, and runs for 12 months. Scholars,
mentors, and staff come together for 2
consecutive days initially, and then for 5-
6 all-day, in-person sessions scheduled
throughout the year. The sessions consist
of formal and informal presentations,
scholar-mentor planning and meeting
time, and full-group discussions. Confer-
ence calls are scheduled during the
months when in-person sessions are not
scheduled. Additionally, a web-based
learning environment has been created
to develop and stretch technology skills.
Recruitment for the fifth OPHNLI
cohort will be starting soon.
“I am finding that I have some power
and can make decisions. You know my
project went to the state and from there
to other counties.”
– OPHNLI graduating scholar
“It gave me permission to be more of
a leader, more assertive. It is like finding
your voice.”
– OPHNLI graduating scholar
“The challenge to me is to find ways
to promote professional growth and
development that benefits the individual
and the program. When I do find that
kind of opportunity, I do everything I can
to make it work and I would say this was
one of those.”
– OPHNLI mentor
For more information, please contact any of
the following persons:
Janet.L.wallinder@co.multnomah.or.us
Kathleen.oleary@state.or.us
Tom.r.engle@state.or.us
Fall 2005 7

ADOLESCENT RISKY BEHAVIOR COMMUNITY

T he 2005 Oregon legislative session sentence-review opportunities for juve-
was an amazing exercise in frustra- niles incarcerated under Measure 11. The HEALTH
tion for public health in Oregon. The legis- reason? Committee leadership did not
lative agenda for OPHA’s Adolescent want to pass a bill they felt was doomed PROMOTION
Risky Behavior Section met the same fate to fail in the house.
as most public health priority areas. A few Some bills received a hearing, but AND HEALTH
public health issues emerged as high subsequently were either denied a vote
points, such as achieving parity in mental on the floor of the house or were so
and physical health insurance coverage, radically modified as to become in-
EDUCATION
and obtaining HIV testing for pregnant effectual. A case in point includes SB228, The Community Health Promotion/
women. However, legislation involving the bill to increase the amount of time Education section has been inactive the
prevention or early intervention with schools are required to provide students past year, but at the
adolescent issues was a real disap- with physical education (to prevent and/ Annual Meeting, three
pointment. or reduce child obesity). The bill passed members came forward
In preparation for the 2005 legislative the senate, but never got to the floor of to revitalize it. Thank
session, the ARB section sponsored a the house for a vote. you to Lesa Dixon-
legislative visit day in January at the state SB560, the bill to prohibit the sale of Gray, Nhu To-Haynes,
capitol. Along with section members, junk food in schools, received a hearing, and Andrew Epstein.
more than 30 youth participated by dis- but the substance was gutted in the final Interested section
tributing the Adolescent Risky Behavior modification due to pressure from school members, watch for
Legislative Handbook. The handbook board and administrator lobbyists. The more information from
outlines legislative recommendations for resulting bill was weakened to the point these folks for new
key issues related to adolescent risky of a simple request for school districts to initiatives.
behavior. During the session, section develop healthy food policies.
members tracked legislation and advocat-
ed for bills that fit the recommendations.
On a more positive note, the welfare
of homeless youth was finally assigned B Y L AW S
Some of the valuable lessons learned in to a state agency for oversight – the
the process are summarized below: Oregon Commission on Children and The revised OPHA bylaws are now
The structure of the legislative pro- Families. However, no funds were allo- posted on the website. The bylaws will
cess determine the fate of all legislation. cated for this responsibility. contain answers to a number of frequent
The leadership in the senate and the What do these results tell us? It is questions, such as the following (and
House are controlled by the political party extremely important that we work to create many more).
that holds the majority of seats in each a majority in both houses for the party • What region do I belong to?
chamber. The leader representing the we believe will be most successful in
controlling party decides the fate of all advancing progressive ideas and most • When is my membership up for
proposed bills (e.g., assigning a bill to a beneficial for the state of Oregon as a renewal and when do I pay dues?
particular committee, preventing a bill from whole. If we are to have a progressive • How does one get a special interest
receiving a hearing, etc.). This person can government, we must work not only to group operating as an official OPHA
influence his or her own party members’ elect progressive candidates, but also to section?
votes by withholding important privi- keep them in office through future
leges, such as committee membership or elections. • What is an affiliate representative
other positions, and future campaign In closing, we have also learned that and why do we have one?
financial support. while public health problems stay with The bylaws will also help guide the
Many bills that would have protected us for long periods of time, political parties organization and the board in conducting
or promoted the health of adolescents do not. They change periodically. Thus, day-to-day business.
never received a committee hearing. In persistence in advocating on behalf of In 2006, the board anticipates review-
the house, these bills included actions to our public health priorities is critical to ing the role of sections in organization
increase taxes on alcohol and tobacco, achieving our goals. activities. If you are interested in
increase penalties for providing alcohol working with the Bylaws Committee on
Review further details of 2005 state legislation
to minors, and limit the type of beverages tracked by ARB, and download the ARB this topic, or you just want to be on a
that may be sold in schools. In the senate, Legislative Handbook and other reports, great committee, please contact Connie
the Judiciary Committee denied a hearing under “Sections” on the OPHA website Guist, Bylaws chair (connie.l.guist
for a bill which would have provided (www.oregonpublichealth.org). @co.multnomah.or.us).
8 The Probe

eptiles
from uter
pace
in the eg
islature
Translation:
Reptiles from Outer Space
in the Legislature

R eviewing legislative measures is always apt to astonish. Observing the array of

wild ideas seriously proposed to weld onto the social body is a lot like an experience
I had a few months ago on holiday in New Zealand, finding my dinner companion
narrating in vivid detail a myth of ancient Sumer related to reptiles from outer
space invading Earth and creating human beings as slaves, and then living among us
as a shape-shifting master race. And then discovering he totally believed it. Once I
recovered my composure, the only option was to patiently outline the nature of
myths and ancient human consciousness, making the story impossible to take literally;
and then, following the political maxim “You can’t beat something with nothing,”
make an alternative proposal with the idea of evolution and natural selection.
The fanciful bills proposed by legislators may be, in some cases, the result of a
similar strategy to beat down “something” with another “something,” but I am
afraid, too, that a good many of our fellow Oregonians, with utter conviction, harbor
ideas as strange as reptiles from outer space. Facing such alien proposals, one can be
grateful for the bicameral obstacles embedded in our legislative process that make
success so difficult.
Nevertheless, as the 2005 Oregon session shows, a divided legislature also fails to
pass sound ideas. The divided legislature this session is one reason the summary of
passed laws related to public health on the following pages appears rather unambitious.
Additionally, legislators were also facing financial bedrock. As usual, many of the bills
have no financial impact, but this session several carry the odd caveat “if moneys
are available” – forcing approved programs to rely on donations and grants from any
sources they can find, other than the General Fund. Welcome to Oregon, humans.
Fall 2005
2005 Health Laws in Oregon
T he following measures related to public health were passed
into law during the 2005 session of the Oregon Legislative
Assembly. Descriptions are abridged from staff summaries
available online. Measures were excluded that had some
relation to health, but were more directly involved with fiscal
matters, legal technicalities, or administrative convenience.
Certain merely administrative arrangements, such as the
reorganization of the Insurance Pool Governing Board, are
included for their intrinsic, historical interest. Interpretation
of boundaries is unavoidable. Apologies for any particular
issue of concern that may have been missed or excluded.
CATEGORIES
• DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
• TOXIC HAZARDS
• PUBLIC SAFETY
• VULNERABLE POPULATIONS
• HEALTH INSURANCE
• MEDICAL WORKFORCE
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
SB2 Develop Seismic Needs Assessment
Directs Department of Geology and Mineral Industries to
develop a statewide seismic needs assessment. Specifies and
identifies scope of the assessment. Appropriates $500,000 from
the General Fund to conduct the needs assessment.
BACKGROUND
Oregon Laws 2001 require the evaluation of seismic
vulnerability of public schools and critical-response facilities,
such as hospitals, fire stations, and police stations, and to
rehabilitate such buildings as necessary to a standard of seismic
safety. The Department of Geology and Mineral Industries works
with federal and state funding partners and stakeholders to
complete earthquake risk assessments, but no single federal or
local funding partner has the capacity to fulfill the mandate to
complete a statewide assessment. The current bill directs the
department to perform a statewide seismic needs assessment
and develop geographic information system (GIS) databases.
SB3 Fund Grants for Seismic Rehabilitation
Requires director of Office of Emergency Management to
develop a grant program for seismic rehabilitation of certain
critical public buildings.
9
BACKGROUND
In response to public concerns about seismic safety after
the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, the legislature created the
Oregon Seismic Safety Policy Advisory Commission. Ballot
measures approved by voters in 2001 amended the consti-
tution to allow the state to lend credit through general obligation
bonds for seismic rehabilitation of public schools and emergency
facilities. In 2004, the advisory commission convened a task
force to implement a grant program. The task force recommended
three actions: (a) develop a grant program to allocate bond
funds for earthquake rehabilitation in schools and emergency
facilities, (b) perform a statewide needs assessment and develop
a geographic information system database, and (c) authorize
and appropriate bonds to provide stable, long-term funding to
meet requirements on earthquake safety in communities.
SB557 Develop Tsunami Warning
Requires the Office of Emergency Management, in
consultation with the Department of Geology and Mineral
Industries, to develop tsunami warning information and
evacuation plans, and establish a uniform tsunami warning signal
if money is available from specified sources. Tsunami warning
information and evacuation plans are to be distributed to
transient lodging facilities located in tsunami inundation zones
if moneys are available from specified sources. Directs OEM to
adopt rules no later than March 1, 2006; however, the assigned
duties are not required if sufficient moneys are not available
from gifts, grants, and/or donations.
BACKGROUND
Tsunamis affecting the Oregon Coast result from earth-
quakes in the Cascadia Subduction Zone offshore. The Depart-
ment of Geology and Mineral Industries has found evidence
that the Oregon Coast has weathered 13 Cascadia earthquakes
and tsunamis in the last 7,500 years. The department has focused
for several years on determining the scope of the tsunami hazard
to the Oregon coast and has produced maps of the inundation
zone hazard from a Cascadia tsunami along the entire coast;
and has worked with coastal communities to produce maps for
evacuation routes in the event of a tsunami-causing earthquake.
TOXIC HAZARDS
SB290 Confirm Pesticide Reporting System
Makes the pesticide use reporting system permanent.
Requires the Department of Agriculture to report annually on
the use of pesticide in Oregon and establishes requirements for
contents of report.
(continued on page 10)
10
2005 Health Laws in Oregon
(from page 9)
BACKGROUND
In 1999, the Legislative Assembly implemented the Pesticide
Use Reporting System. After an initial pilot program during the
1999-2001 biennium, a temporary electronic reporting system
went online in early 2002. Due to budget cuts in 2002, the program
was scaled back before the data was transferred to a planned
permanent system. Since June 2003, the program has been
essentially nonfunctional, due to lack of funding. The current
bill requires that pesticide use be publicly reported only by
watershed if the pesticide is applied on private property used in
an agricultural or forestry operation, and by zip code if the
pesticide is used on other private property. This change from
the original bill seeks to address concerns that pesticide
reporting information might be misused to target individual
landowners with vandalism and other illegal actions.
SB962 Prohibit Toxic Flame Retardants
Defines penta- and octa-brominated diphenyl ether as
hazardous substances, and prohibits introduction or delivering
for introduction into commerce of any product containing more
than 0.001% of such chemicals used as flame retardants. Exempts
used products and replacement parts for products in commerce
prior to effective date of Act. Requires Department of Human
Services to submit a report related to certain types of brominated
flame retardants to an appropriate legislative interim committee
in January of even-numbered years. The report must include a
review of any new studies and federal government findings
related to such flame retardants and recommendations regard-
ing disposal. Allows DHS to impose civil penalties of up to
$2,000 for violations of the Act.
BACKGROUND
Penta-, octa-, and deca-BDE are the most common types of
polybrominated diphenyl ethers used as flame retardant in
consumer products: penta-BDE is used in the foam of
upholstery cushioning; octa-BDE is used in plastics for business
equipment; and deca-BDE is mainly used for enclosing
electronics. The chemicals are present in the environment and
have been found in human blood, breast milk, and body fat.
Animal studies related to exposure have identified liver and
thyroid problems, including cancerous tumors. Deca-BDE,
though not addressed in the current bill, makes up about 82%
of total usage, and is classified as a possible human carcinogen.
HB2485 Target Meth Labs
Expands list of places declared to be public nuisances subject
to enjoinder and abatement. Expands crimes of Arson in the
First and Second Degrees to include starting fire or causing
explosion while engaging in manufacture of methamphetamine.
Creates felony crimes of Possessing or Disposing of
methamphetamine manufacturing waste, and Distribution of
Equipment, Solvent, Reagent or Precursor Substance with intent
to facilitate manufacture of methamphetamine. Creates
misdemeanor crime of Unlawful Possession of Lithium Metal or
The Probe
Sodium Metal. Directs the Board of Pharmacy to adopt rules
classifying products containing ephedrine, pseudoephedrine,
and phenylpropanolamine as Schedule III controlled substances
by July 1, 2006. Creates affirmative defense for pseudoephedrine
possession under certain circumstances. Modifies crime of
unlawful possession of iodine in its elemental form to prohibit
possession of any amount. Expands recording requirements
for sales or transfers of iodine in its elemental form and iodine
matrix. Increases penalties. Directs State Department of
Agriculture to certify brands of nontoxic dye or other additive
that distributor may add to anhydrous ammonia. Authorizes
Department of Human Services, under certain conditions, to
suspend food stamp benefits of person who has been con-
victed of manufacture or delivery of controlled substance.
BACKGROUND
The current bill is one half of a “methamphetamine package,”
culled from 30 pending bills this legislative session. SB907,
below, composes the other half.
SB907 Target Meth Lab Children
Modifies crimes of Criminal Mistreatment in the First Degree
and Child Neglect in the First Degree to include leaving
individual in place where methamphetamine is manufactured.
Modifies definition of abuse to include exposure to controlled
substances. Clarifies court’s ability to suspend child visitation
if parent’s controlled substance abuse not in best interests of
child. Elevates Manufacture of Methamphetamine to a level 8
offense. Creates new sentencing scheme for certain repeat
methamphetamine offenders. Authorizes Department of
Corrections to modify programs based on need for drug
treatment.
HB2507 Prevent Toxic Air Bag Disposal
Requires motor vehicle air bags containing sodium azide to
be removed from vehicles prior to wrecking or dismantling, and
that such air bags be deployed within 7 days unless properly
stored by a vehicle dealer, automobile repair facility, or a certified
wrecker. Other persons may not possess more than two
undeployed air bags.
BACKGROUND
Since 1994, air bags have been mandatory equipment on all
new vehicles. Sodium azide is the ingredient that activates the
air bags. A small electronic trigger causes the sodium azide to
decompose into a harmless nitrogen gas. Sodium azide in its
solid state is a poisonous, odorless substance that dissolves
in water. Ingesting small amounts of sodium azide can result in
death. Sodium azide can also be converted to a poisonous gas
if it comes in contact with certain metals. Concern has been
expressed about the hazard of sodium azide being released into
the environment from dismantled vehicles. Oregon will be the
first state to require deployment or removal of sodium azide air
bags prior to disposal of the vehicle.
Fall 2005
HB3479 Require Trojan Accountability
Requires any entity that acquires all or a portion of Portland
General Electric to assume a proportionate share of the
obligations and liabilities related to the construction, ownership,
operation, and closure of the Trojan Nuclear Plant.
BACKGROUND
Portland General Electric is currently responsible for about
67% of the costs associated with the management of the Trojan
nuclear waste storage facility (formerly, the Trojan Nuclear Power
Plant). The pending sale or breakup of PGE has raised concern
that the terms of the sale or breakup could allow the new owner
or owners to reduce or eliminate their responsibility for PGE’s
existing obligations related to the ongoing operation of the
Trojan nuclear waste storage facility. The bill would clarify that
any new owner of PGE would retain PGE’s proportional share
not only of its assets but also of its liabilities, including
management of and responsibility for the Trojan nuclear waste
storage facility.
PUBLIC SAFETY
SB568 Penalize High-speed Driving
Allows a court to suspend a person’s driving privileges for
up to 30 days if a person exceeds a speed limit by more than 30
miles per hour and has had one or more speeding violations
within 12 months of the current offense. If the person drives
100 miles per hour or greater, requires the court to impose a fine
of $1,000 and suspend the person’s license for not less than 30
days nor more than 90 days.
BACKGROUND
Law enforcement in Oregon reports more drivers are
exceeding the speed limit and at greater speeds; it is not
uncommon to have motorists drive at speeds in excess of 100
miles per hour. This presents a serious risk to the motoring
public. In 2003, 533 drivers were stopped by the state police for
going over 100 miles per hour; in 2004, 590 drivers were stopped
for going over 100 miles per hour.
HB2101 Create Oregon Homeland Security Department
Creates the Oregon Homeland Security Department,
responsible for coordinating and facilitating private sector and
governmental efforts to prevent, prepare for, respond to and
recover from emergencies. Abolishes the Office of Emergency
Management in the Department of State Police and transfers its
duties to the new Homeland Security Department, along with
the office of the State Fire Marshal, and divisions that administer
federal grant programs aimed at reducing drug use and violent
crime, and improving the effectiveness of the criminal justice
system; and offices that conduct and coordinate investigations
of international and domestic terrorism, and offices involved in
domestic preparedness issues and intelligence matters. Also
abolishes the Interagency Hazard Communication Council and
transfers its duties to the new department.
11
HB2142 Specify Use of Deadly Force
Specifies circumstances under which corrections officers
or other officials employed by the Department of Corrections
may and may not use deadly physical force. Deadly physical
force can be used to prevent the escape of an inmate from
custody in certain circumstances, to maintain or restore order
in the event of a riot or other disturbance that threatens the
safety of inmates, employees, or other persons, or to prevent
serious physical injury or death of an officer, official, or another
person. Deadly physical force cannot be used to prevent escape
from stand-alone minimum security facilities, when a minimum
custody classified inmate is at a colocated facility, when a
minimum custody classified inmate is outside of a DOC
institution assigned to work crew, or during transport or other
supervised activity if the inmate is classified as minimum
custody, unless the minimum custody inmate is being
transported with medium or higher classified inmates as well.
BACKGROUND
Currently, Oregon law specifies only that a guard or other
peace officer employed in a correctional facility is justified in
using physical force or deadly physical force when the guard
or peace officer reasonably believes it is necessary to prevent
the escape of a prisoner from a correctional facility. The current
bill clarifies those situations where deadly physical force is
justified.
VULNERABLE POPULATIONS
SB289 Fund Farmers Market Nutrition Program
Appropriates $49,000 from the General Fund to the
Department of Human Services for the purpose of providing
coupons for fresh Oregon-grown fruits and vegetables from
farmers’ markets to eligible persons in the Women, Infant and
Children Program.
BACKGROUND
The WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program has been in
operation for 9 years, and requires a match of 5% of state funds
before federal funds can be leveraged to cover the additional
95% of program costs. Oregon currently has 62 farmers markets
operating from June through October. The program’s target
populations are low-income, nutritionally at-risk women and
children, including pregnant women, new mothers, and children
up to their fifth birthday.
HB2202 Plan Policy for Homeless Youth
Directs the State Commission on Children and Families to
work with certain state agencies and advisory committees to
develop state policy regarding runaway and homeless youth
and their families. Directs the commission to include youth,
nonprofit organizations, and statewide runaway and homeless
youth services and support representatives in the statewide
planning process. Requires that the policy be developed by
January 1, 2007, with a prior report to the legislature.
(continued on page 12)
12
2005 Health Laws in Oregon
(from page 11)
BACKGROUND
In 2003, the House Committee on Health and Human Services
recommended the formation of the Oregon Homeless and
Runaway Youth Work Group, including the Oregon Homeless
and Runaway Youth Coalition, Oregon Commission on Children
and Families, and Department of Human Services Children,
Adults and Families. The work group was directed to study and
report back to the 73rd Legislative Assembly on the nature and
scope of problems and solutions involving homeless and
runaway youth.
HB2221 Clarify Child Abuse Team
Establishes a Child Abuse Multidisciplinary Intervention
Program in the Department of Justice. Specifies members and
responsibilities of the multidisciplinary child abuse team,
including authorization to access medical records from health
care providers in connection to a child abuse investigation
BACKGROUND
The purpose of the CAMI Program is to ensure that the
appropriate state agencies are involved in child abuse
investigations and that their work is coordinated in order to
best protect the child victims. The CAMI Account, established
by legislation between 1989 and 1993, was transferred from the
Department of Human Services to the Department of Justice in
2002. The changes requested in this bill are in response to the
evolution and development of the CAMI Program and are not
intended to make significant changes from current practice.
SB781 Add Senior Mental Health Prevention
Establishes that county mental health and developmental
disability programs, subject to availability of funds, include
preventive mental health services and early identification of
problems for older adults. Establishes that specific mental health
needs of older adults are documented and provided through
local planning, monitoring, and outreach. Requires the
Department of Human Services, subject to availability of funds,
to develop guidelines for older-adult mental health programs
with professionals trained in geriatrics, and also to include
potential for risk assessment and priority services for suicide
prevention. Directs DHS and the Department of Corrections to
dispense mental health prescription drugs “as written” for
persons in the custody of an institution until a health care
professional with prescriptive authority becomes responsible
for the person’s treatment.
BACKGROUND
Current statute requires local mental health authorities to
develop a local plan that addresses the needs of children,
families, and adults, but does not specify services for seniors.
Oregon has a growing number of seniors, and reports indicate
that this population is at increasing risk of mental health and
substance-abuse problems. The current bill is not anticipated
by the Governor’s recommended budget, and DHS Office of
Mental Health and Addictive Services does not plan to provide
The Probe
any new services beyond what is currently funded in the
program’s 2005-2007 budget.
SB106 Expand Reporting of Elderly and Disabled Abuse
Includes firefighters and emergency medical technicians
within the definition of public and private officials for purposes
of mandatory reporting of abuse of elderly or disabled persons.
Extends the definition of abuse for reporting and restraining-
order purposes to include wrongful taking or appropriating of
money or property, and nonconsenting sexual contact of elderly
persons or persons with disabilities. Specifies type of relief
available to prevent abuse. Prohibits elderly or disabled person
from filing restraining order against guardian or conservator.
Requires state agencies and registered sex offenders to notify
long-term and residential-care facilities of predatory sex
offenders seeking admission. Permits care facilities to refuse
admission and discharge or transfer registered sex offenders
who are on probation, parole or post-prison supervision for a
sex crime under certain circumstances.
SB870 Extend Home Care to All Ages
Establishes that Oregon Project Independence is to provide
help to eligible clients of any age in their home when they can
no longer take care of themselves without assistance; as well
as provide public information and education on long-term-care
planning; and offer long-term-care case management for a fee
for those who are not otherwise eligible for services. Allows a
person with disabilities to be eligible for OPI. Appropriates
General Funds to the program beginning July 1, 2005. Repeals
separate fund accounts for people over age 60 and those with
Alzheimer’s disease.
BACKGROUND
Oregon Project Independence is a General Fund program
that receives no federal match like Medicaid services. It provides
in-home services to seniors who require the same level of care
as people in nursing homes, but who typically do not qualify
for Medicaid. Services include meal preparation, shopping, home
heath care, housekeeping and similar services. In December
2004, 1,386 people were served through OPI.
HB2416 Expand Definition of Disabled Persons in Abuse
Protection
Extends a cause of action for physical and financial abuse
to financially incapable persons and persons with disabilities.
BACKGROUND
ORS 124.100 provides for a cause of action for financial or
physical abuse of elderly or incapacitated persons. Remedies
include treble damages for both economic and noneconomic
losses, and recovery of attorney fees. The current bill extends
the list of individuals who are protected under this statute
HEALTH INSURANCE
SB1 Mental Health Parity and Standards of Utilization Review
Requires group health insurance policies to cover expenses
Fall 2005
for treatment of chemical dependency, mental, or nervous
conditions at the same level as and subject to limitations no
more restrictive than those imposed on coverage or reimburse-
ment of expenses for treatment of other medical conditions.
Allows coverage to be limited to treatment that is medically
necessary as determined under the policy for other medical
conditions. Establishes that coverage is not required for
educational, correctional or sheltered living provided by school
or a halfway house; long term in a residential program that lasts
more than 45 days; psychoanalysis or psychotherapy as part
of an educational or training program; court-ordered sex offender
treatment, or a screening interview or treatment program.
Removes nurse practitioners from list of those who can
perform utilization reviews. Requires that utilization reviews
adhere to standards set by National Committee for Quality
Assurance or Medicare. Requires noncontracting providers to
cooperate with same standards as contracting providers in utili-
zation review procedures. Applies to group health insurance
policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2007.
BACKGROUND
Congress approved a federal Mental Health Parity Act in
1996, providing that employer group health plans and health
insurance companies offering mental health benefits are not
allowed to set annual or lifetime dollar limits on mental health
benefits lower than dollar limits on surgical benefits. Prior to
1996, five states had approved parity legislation, and in 2003
more than 30 states had some form of mental health parity law.
SB115 End Care for Irradiated Inmates
Repeals a 1987 law requiring the Department of Corrections
to provide ongoing medical care to individuals who, as inmates,
participated in radiation experiments.
BACKGROUND
During its anticommunist crusade, the federal government
sponsored hormone and radiation treatment studies on inmates
in prisons around the nation, including Oregon. Experiments
were conducted by Dr. Carl Heller and others at the Oregon
State Penitentiary from 1958 until the early 1970s. As part of
their participation in these experiments, Oregon law gave these
inmates the right to ongoing medical monitoring and treatment
at the expense of the state, which continued after their release.
In October 2000, a class of 67 surviving inmates settled a class-
action lawsuit against the State relating to the experiments. The
settlement agreement required the State to pay the class
approximately $700,000, and also removed the State’s obligation
to provide further paid compensation or medical care. The
current bill makes clear that the State is relieved of its statutory
duty of ongoing treatment for the individuals who were part of
these experiments.
SB303 Insurance Pool Governing Board
Establishes the Office of Private Health Partnerships, and
transfers the duties, functions, and powers of the Insurance
Pool Governing Board to the new office. The transfer does not
affect any action or proceedings begun before the transfer.
13
BACKGROUND
The Insurance Pool Governing Board was created in 1987
as a fundamental component of the Oregon Health Plan. The
agency provides information about health insurance to small
employers, designs and markets affordable health insurance
plans, and administers the Family Health Insurance Assistance
Program with matching federal funds. FHIAP subsidizes private
health insurance for lower-income, uninsured Oregonians. IPGB
also trains insurance producers and others in general health
insurance information.
HB2064 Expand Family Eligibility
Allows applicants for the Family Health Insurance
Assistance Program to include dependent elderly relatives and
dependent disabled adult children living in the family home.
Also clarifies which income and investments are counted for
purposes of determining a family’s financial eligibility. Authorizes
the Insurance Pool Governing Board to establish residency
requirements by rule.
BACKGROUND
The Family Health Insurance Assistance Program was
established by the 1997 Legislature. The board has been advised
that the current definition of resident in the statutes governing
FHIAP is too broad. Federal requirements under the Medicaid
waiver allow federal matching funds only for U.S. citizens and
noncitizens who meet specific federal qualifications.
HB2497 Renew Mandates
Eliminates sunset of required health insurance coverage for
pregnancy and childbirth expenses; mammograms; pelvic
examinations; and. Pap smear examinations.
BACKGROUND
In 1993, the Legislative Assembly established a mandate
that health insurers cover mammograms and gynecological
examinations. In 1999, the Legislative Assembly continued the
requirement that health insurers cover annual gynecological
exams for women aged 18-64, and annual mammograms,
changing the baseline age for mammograms to age 40, and
extended the sunset to 2005.
MEDICAL WORKFORCE
SB404 Add Pharmacists to Rural Loan Repayment Program
Expands participation in the Rural Health Services Program
to include pharmacists. The program provides loan repayments
on behalf of physicians, physician assistants, nurse
practitioners and pharmacists who agree to participate in the
program by practicing in rural hospitals, rural health clinics, or
in a medically underserved rural community. Allows Oregon
Student Assistance Commission to enter into agreements with
no more than 10 prospective pharmacists to participate in the
program. Adds pharmacy school to list of qualifying institutions
for loan repayments. A pharmacist agrees to practice for at least
3 years in a designated rural or underserved community.
14
2005 Public Health Genius Awards
Community Health Partnership established the Public Health Genius Awards in 2002 to recognize and inspire commitment to
public health in Oregon. Award recipients are distinguished by their creativity, risk-taking, and boldness in forging collaborative
solutions to public health problems. Award recipients receive a cash award, half of which is donated to a community health
organization or charity of their choice. The 2005 Genius Awards, announced at the end of October at a breakfast meeting and
ceremony at the Multnomah Athletic Club, recognize the following leaders in public health in Oregon.
Merwyn (Mitch) Greenlick
Genius Award
Mitch Greenlick PhD, health policy leader, researcher, educator,
and state representative (District 33), is a familiar and respected
name in public health, both in Oregon and nationally. For over
40 years, Greenlick has been active in academic work, education,
and many significant achievements in health policy innovation.
He is founding director of the Kaiser Permanente Center for
Health Research. As chair of the Department of Public Health
and Preventive Medicine at Oregon Health and Science
University, he was a major force in the creation of the Oregon
Master of Public Health Program, a unique three-university
collaborative graduate program that ranks among the top three
MPH programs in the nation. Upon retiring from OHSU, Greenlick
turned his policy experience directly to the political arena,
winning a seat in the Oregon House of Representatives. As a
member of the Health and Human Services Committee, he has
been instrumental in putting several health policy measures on
the legislative agenda. He is currently working to qualify an
initiative for the November 2006 ballot, aiming to place a clause
in the Oregon Constitution that defines health care as a basic
right for all Oregon residents.
Barbara Alexander-Brown
Exceptional Achievement Award
Barbara Alexander-Brown is a third-year medical student at the
Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine,
and is already working diligently to shape the future.
Recognizing access and outcome disparities for minorities,
Alexander-Brown took the initiative to apply for a grant from
the drug company Pfizer, and was awarded a $50,000 unrestricted
educational grant for multicultural activities. It was the largest
grant Pfizer awarded in 2004, and the first ever awarded to a
medical student. Alexander-Brown has used the money to
organize and stage the “Bridging the Gap Health Care
Conference” in September 2005. The conference addressed
healthcare disparities among Oregon minorities with a practical,
hands-on approach. Attendees had the opportunity to explore
reasons for disparities in morbidity and mortality among
different ethnic and cultural groups, including physician-
patient interactions and subsequent treatment choices. The
conference included free screenings, and training in fitness,
nutrition, and sexual health for minority individuals. Upon
The Probe
graduation, Alexander-Brown is considering a career in
emergency medicine and public health research related to
minority health access and outcome disparities.
Thomas Aschenbrener
Merit Award
Thomas Aschenbrener, president of the Northwest Health
Foundation, has been instrumental in establishing a new model
of philanthropic investment in communities that involves
partnership rather than passive distribution of funds.
Aschenbrener has genuine concern for the success and viability
of community organizations. He understands the difference
between project-to-project funding and strategic investment to
build an organization’s capacity for program services and
sustainability. Under his leadership, among a wide range of
stimulating projects, NWHF has supported nascent organiza-
tions serving minority and underserved populations, numerous
avenues of health workforce development, quality of care, and
mental and rural health. Educational sessions for grantmakers
span the state. NWHF works to enhance the technical
knowledge and expertise of grant-seeking organizations by
providing training in program development, grantwriting,
business planning, and program evaluation. NWHF has
performed groundbreaking work in defining and confronting
the nursing shortage in Oregon and is currently exploring new
partnerships with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to
address the nursing shortage and other critical issues in nursing
at the state and national level.
Sharon Johnson
Merit Award
Sharon Johnson is recognized for her dedication and leadership
in addressing the health needs of older adults in Jackson and
Josephine counties. As an assistant professor and field faculty
member at the Oregon State University Extension in Central
Point, Johnson identifies needs, and develops practical, well-
evaluated programs with broad community impact. This
approach is exemplified in a program called “Maximizing Brief
Encounters: Realizing Measurable Gains,” an 8-week training
course for community volunteers who deliver food to home-
bound elders. Volunteers perform simple health-related
interventions to assist seniors in continuing to live independ-
ently. Training topics include communication, memory loss,
Fall 2005
depression, medication management, as well as food and home
safety. Volunteers trained in this program are currently serving
800 seniors in the two counties. Johnson also writes a weekly
column in the Medford Mail Tribune, “Healthy Aging,” and is
host of a monthly community cable television program, “Healthy
Aging Through the Lifespan.” For the past 2 years, she has
organized an Optimal Aging Conference, which attracts 200
seniors from Southern Oregon. Program topics at the conference
are incorporated into the community at senior and community
centers, related to medications, prevention, health promotion,
driving, sensory changes, depression management, and
maintaining independence.
Elaine Severson
Merit Award
Elaine Severson BSN has spent the past 23 years identifying
needs of women and children in Deschutes County, and creating
sustainable programs that respond to those needs with
compassion and creativity. Identifying a lack of support for
teen parents, she worked with school personnel to develop the
Bend Teen Parent Program, which provides counseling, tutoring,
parent education, and case management. Severson also brought
together a diverse community coalition to create Grandma’s
House, a residential program for homeless and/or abused
pregnant teens, and teen mothers and their babies. She created
an ongoing role for public health nurses in the program, assisting
clients with case management and parenting skills. Severson
was instrumental in developing a school-based health center in
LaPine to serve low-income, medically underserved students,
and has worked to have the clinic certified as an expanded
school-based center with state, school district, and community
partners. Recognizing the lack of dental services for low-income
children, she became involved in the development of the Oral
Health Coalition of Deschutes County, and dental patient-
education brochures she developed have been duplicated by
the Oregon Health Division for statewide distribution. Although
recently retired from the Deschutes County Health Department,
Severson continues to serve teens with her involvement in the
county’s Teen Suicide Prevention Project.
15
Foster Memorial Scholarships
Laurence R. Foster Memorial Scholarships for 2005 have been
awarded to the following eight outstanding Oregon students,
directing their education toward careers in public health.
Jennifer Gould graduated from South Eugene High School,
and is pursuing a BSN at Linfield College. Her career goal is to
become a public health nurse for Oregon Latino communities.
Jennifer Holliday graduated from Grant Union High School in
John Day, and is pursuing MD and MPH degrees at OHSU. Her
career goal is to become a public health physician and advocate
for rural communities.
Lindsey Reynolds graduated from South Eugene High School,
and is pursuing an MPH at Johns Hopkins. Her career goal is to
develop prevention and care programs to address public health
issues in developing countries.
Carrie Wales graduated from Canby Union High School, and
is pursuing an MPH at OHSU. Her career goal is to conduct
public health research with a focus on maternal and child health.
Shawnie Lavelle graduated from Dayton High School, and is
pursuing a BSN at OHSU. Her career goal is to become a public
health nurse for Oregon Latino communities.
Jacquelyn Martin graduated from Hensley High School in
Klamath Falls, and is pursuing a BSN at OHSU. Her career goal
is to become a nurse practitioner for teenagers.
Suzan Nguyen graduated from Sunset High School in Beaverton,
and is pursuing a DMD at Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral
Health, which she hope to follow with an MPH. Her career goal
is to be a dentist, with a focus on expanding dental access.
Penny Schumacher graduated from Champlain Valley High
School in Vermont, and is pursuing a BSN at Linfield College.
Her goal is to combine public health and nursing.
New Oregon MPH graduate
wins APHA planning award
Natalie Steele, a recent graduate from the Master of Public Health
Program at Portland State University, won the 2005 Masters
Student Abstract Submission Award from the Community
Health Planning and Policy Development Section of the
American Public Health Association. She will give her
presentation at the December APHA conference in Philadelphia.
Steele’s abstract for “Peer-centered services for homeless
youth: Creating effective systems” reflects her commitment to
expand access to medical care, preventive services, and health
promotion to more people in the community. Her research
interests lie in continuous quality improvement and safety, and
health care finance.
Steele is working as the quality-improvement coordinator
and contracts administrator at the Office of Medical Assistance
Programs, which administers the Oregon Health Plan.
16 The Probe

The Multidimensional Causes Symposium on Northwest

of Accidents and Injuries American Indian/
Co-sponsored by
Center for Research on Alaska Native Health
Occupational and Environmental Toxicology
Oregon Health and Science University Sponsored by
and Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board
Occupational Health Psychology Program and
Portland State University Center for Healthy Communities
Oregon Health & Science University
Friday, Nov 18, 2005 Friday, Nov 18, 2005
9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 2:00-5:00 PM
PSU Smith Memorial Center, Rm 296/298 OHSU School of Nursing Auditorium
Information: 503-494-2514 $75 at the door Information: 503-494-1126 FREE

2005 Research!America
American Public Health Prevention Research
Association Annual Meeting Advocacy Training Workshop
Theme: Evidence-based Policy and Practice Presented by
Research!America and OHSU Family Medicine
Dec 11-14, 2005
Pennsylvania Convention Center Friday, Dec 2, 2005
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Emma Jones Hall, Rm 28, OHSU
For more information, visit the APHA website
http://apha.org/meetings/highlights.htm Information: 503-494-7595 Preregistration: $15

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