Oregon Health Authority Director Patrick Allen hospitalized after fall

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The Oregon Health Authority director and a leader of the state's COVID-19 response has been hospitalized after a serious fall.

The authority said in a Tuesday news release that Patrick Allen was taken to a hospital early Sunday morning. The news release said Allen was being evaluated for subsequent heart issues and was expected to be discharged from the hospital soon.

OHA Deputy Director Kris Kautz is temporarily overseeing agency operations for at least this week during Allen’s absence.

News release:

OHA Director Patrick Allen hospitalized with non-COVID medical issue

Patrick Allen, director of the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), was transported to a hospital early Sunday morning in response to a serious fall. He is undergoing evaluation for subsequent heart issues and expected to be discharged to home soon. Director Allen does not have COVID-19.

Oregon Governor Kate Brown said, “Director Allen has helped Oregon get through the COVID-19 pandemic with among the lowest rates of hospitalizations and deaths in the nation. I’m grateful for the difficult, life-saving contributions he’s made to Oregon’s pandemic response. He is in my thoughts and I wish him a very speedy recovery.”

OHA Deputy Director Kris Kautz will temporarily oversee agency operations for at least this week during Director Allen’s absence. No other details are available at this time.