Here comes the heat: OHA tips to stay well, state distributes air conditioners, OSHA urges employers to protect workers
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- With much of Oregon facing triple-digit temperatures in coming days, state agencies are working to help residents avoid the potentially negative impacts of the extensive heat:
Oregon Health Authority - 07/02/24 4:01 PM
July 2, 2024
Heat advisories prompt OHA warning about heat-related illness
Tips for staying cool include limiting sun exposure, wearing light clothing, knowing signs of heat stroke
PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon Health Authority is encouraging people to take steps to avoid heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion as advisories predicting triple-digit temperatures go into effect this week.
Older adults, infants and children, those who live or work outdoors, have low incomes, or who have a chronic medical condition are particularly vulnerable to the effects of extremely high temperatures. Heat-related illnesses among these groups are likely to increase as heat waves occur more often than usual – and at higher temperatures – around the state.
OHA offers these tips to stay safe and healthy during extreme heat:
1. Stay cool.
- Stay in air-conditioned places, if possible.
- Limit exposure to the sun from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. when temperatures are hottest, and avoid direct sunlight. Schedule outdoor activities in the early morning and late evening.
- Open windows to allow fresh air to circulate if it cools off in the morning and evening hours. Close shades on south and west-facing windows during afternoon hours.
- Use portable electric fans to push hot air out of rooms or draw in cooler air, but don’t rely on a fan as a primary cooling device.
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing to keep cool and protect skin from the sun. Dress infants and children similarly.
- Use cool compresses, misting and cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature.
- Avoid hot foods and heavy meals, which increase body heat.
- Never leave infants, children or pets in a parked car
- Check on at-risk friends, family and neighbors several times a day. Heat-related illnesses can make it hard to think clearly. This means people may be in danger without realizing it. Make sure loved ones have what they need to stay cool.
2. Stay hydrated.
- Regardless of your level of activity, drink plenty of fluids, even if you are not thirsty, and especially when working outside.
- Avoid alcohol or liquids containing large amounts of sugar, which can increase dehydration. Alcohol can be especially dangerous when used as a substitute for water hydration, and increases risks of alcohol-related injuries.
- Make sure your family, friends and neighbors drink enough water.
3. Stay informed.
- Keep up to date on the heat risk and heat index when planning activities so you can find ways to stay cool and hydrated.
- Learn how to prevent, recognize and treat heat-related illnesses.
- Heat-related illness can develop in as little as 10-15 minutes. It can happen indoors and outdoors.
- Some heat-related illnesses can be managed at home or at urgent care. However, if you or someone you see is experiencing confusion or unconsciousness due to heat exposure, call 911. It is a medical emergency.
Ways to stay cool without an air conditioner:
- Air conditioners can help you stay cool, but not everyone has one. Visiting friends with an air conditioner or going to cooling centers in your community can help you stay cool.
- Local houses of worship and libraries may be open to the public during times of extreme heat. Splash pads and shopping centers can also be places to cool off.
- Water is also great for cooling you off when it’s hot. Drape yourself with a damp towel, take a cool bath or shower or take a dip in a fountain. These actions can help cool you off in a hurry and work better when it’s not humid.
- If you have a cooler part of the house, such as a basement, spend time there during the hottest parts of the day.
For more information, visit OHA’s website: www.oregon.gov/heat.
Air conditioners for eligible OHP members
Oregon launched new climate-related benefits as part of the state’s federally funded expansion of Oregon Health Plan (OHP) coverage, which includes health-related social needs (HRSN) services that help maintain health and well-being but are not traditionally thought of as medical services. New services include providing climate-control devices such as air conditioners, air filters, mini refrigeration units and portable power supplies to eligible OHP members.
OHP members interested in receiving climate devices should contact their coordinated care organization (CCO) to learn more. OHP Open Card members can call 1-888-834-4304 or email ORHRSN@acentra.com. If an OHP member is not sure which plan or CCO they are in, they can call the OHA Client Services Unit at 1-800-273-0557.
OHP members who don’t qualify for HRSN climate devices can still contact their CCO to see if climate supports are available through “flexible services” (also called “health-related services”). OHP Open Card members who don’t qualify for HRSN climate devices can still contact 1-888-834-4304 or their county to learn about local programs providing climate supports this summer. For non-OHP members in Oregon, some cities and counties have similar programs with a limited supply of devices.
Contact 211
During periods of extreme heat, counties often open cooling spaces for local communities to seek relief from high temperatures; these will be listed here, by county, based on the information shared with 211 by the shelter providers. Opening hours are based on specific counties' and individual agencies' criteria.
Methods to contact 211:
- CALL 211 or 1-866-698-6155 or TTY: dial 711 and call 1-866-698-6155, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
- TEXT your ZIP code to 898211 (TXT211), Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- EMAIL help@211info.org, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Language interpreters available by phone; text and email in Spanish and English)
If there is a shelter that is not listed online, or information that needs to be edited, please email 211’s resource team: t@211info.org">support@211info.org.
During times of emergency incident response, 211’s answer rate may vary
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Oregon Health Authority - 07/02/24 3:21 PM
July 2, 2024
Oregon distributes nearly 1,000 air conditioners, air filters and other climate-control devices to Oregon Health Plan members
SALEM, Ore. – Three months after Oregon launched the nation’s first climate-related benefits tied to Medicaid coverage, nearly 1,000 eligible Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members have received vital devices to help keep them healthy.
These devices include air conditioners, heaters, air filters, mini refrigeration units for storing medications, and portable power supplies to operate medical equipment (i.e., ventilators during power outages). Air conditioners made up 44% of the 939 devices distributed from March 1 to May 31.
OHA and partners are working to distribute climate devices to eligible OHP members ahead of heat waves and wildfires this summer. Oregon recorded its hottest years in state history during the last five years, and climate models show the severity of heat waves are likely to increase.
The new climate-related benefits are part of Oregon’s federally funded expansion of OHP coverage, which includes health-related social needs (HRSN) services that help maintain health and well-being but are not traditionally thought of as medical services.
The state is first extending eligibility for climate devices to people who are experiencing life transitions. This includes people who are: currently or previously involved in the Oregon child welfare system; homeless or at risk of becoming homeless; transitioning to dual eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid; adults and youth recently discharged from Institutions for Mental Disease (IMDs) or released within the last year from incarceration. To be eligible, members cannot live in a group setting or shelter and need access to consistent and safe power to use these devices. Climate resources must also be part of a member’s health need or treatment.
“Our climate is changing and the way we deliver health care has to change with it,” said Dave Baden, deputy director of OHA. “People with lower incomes and chronic conditions are among those most likely to experience heat exhaustion, heat stroke or complications of other health conditions related to extreme climate events. Access to these services will reduce health disparities and offer life-saving resources to people in Oregon.”
OHP members interested in receiving climate devices should contact their coordinated care organization (CCO) to learn more. OHP Open Card members can call 1-888-834-4304 or email ORHRSN@acentra.com. If an OHP member is not sure which plan or CCO they are in, they can call the OHA Client Services Unit at 1-800-273-0557.
OHP members who don’t qualify for HRSN climate devices can still contact their CCO to see if climate supports are available through “flexible services” (also called health related services). OHP Open Card members who don’t qualify for HRSN climate devices can still contact 1-888-834-4304 or their county to learn about local programs providing climate supports this summer. For non-OHP members in Oregon, some cities and counties have similar programs with limited supply of devices.
HRSN services are part of Oregon’s 2022 - 2027 1115 Medicaid waiver, which helps provide more federal funding and expanded coverage to OHP members. Medicaid waivers give states the flexibility to test new ways to deliver and pay for Medicaid benefits, with approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS). Oregon’s 1115 waiver includes several first-in-the-nation benefits tied to Medicaid coverage.
To learn more about OHA’s new climate-related resources, visit the web site.
Data included is taken from three sources:
- CCO "Exhibit L" Quarterly Report for January - March 31, 2024;
- Open Card contractor settlement reports for March, April and May 2024; and
- A supplemental survey of CCOs to report climate devices delivered to CCO members in April and May 2024.
All data is preliminary and may be subject to change, so should be interpreted with caution.
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As temperatures rise, Oregon OSHA reminds employers to protect workers from the potential dangers of heat illness (Photo)
Oregon Dept. of Consumer & Business Services - 07/02/24 1:11 PM
Salem – As temperatures rise and the risk of heat illness in the workplace increases, Oregon OSHA reminds employers to follow requirements designed to help protect workers from the hazards of extreme heat. The division offers free resources to help employers comply with the requirements.
Oregon OSHA maintains a heat illness prevention rule under which employers must provide adequate water, rest, shade, training, acclimatization – which involves gradually adapting the body to work in the heat – and additional protective measures.
“Employers need to take the potential dangers of heat illness seriously, which means exercising vigilance and focusing on prevention,” said Renée Stapleton, administrator for Oregon OSHA. “We have many free resources to help them comply with our specific requirements, including practical guidance and helpful online trainings they can use now.”
Oregon OSHA’s heat illness prevention requirements apply across industries and where employers provide housing, including on farms. Under the Oregon Safe Employment Act, workers have a right to a safe and healthy workplace, the right to raise concerns free of retaliation, and employers must maintain safe and healthy workplaces.
The division urges employers to refresh their knowledge of the general workplace requirements and employer-provided housing requirements in these fact sheets:
- Key requirements for general workplaces – English/Spanish
- Key requirements for employer-provided housing – English/Spanish
All heat illness prevention resources are available on Oregon OSHA's A-to-Z topic index page. They include a video training in English and Spanish that satisfies certain training elements of the heat rule.
Oregon OSHA also offers:
Consultation services – provides free and confidential help with safety and health programs, including how to control and eliminate hazards, and hands-on training. The services involve no fault, no citations, and no penalties.
- Phone (toll-free in Oregon): 800-922-2689
- Field offices
- Online
- Email: consult.web@dcbs.oregon.gov
Technical staff – helps employers understand requirements and how to apply them to their worksites
- Phone (toll-free in Oregon): 800-922-2689
- Online
- Email: tech.web@dcbs.oregon.gov
The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, which includes Oregon OSHA, maintains the Multicultural Communications Program that provides outreach to communities with limited English proficiency. That outreach encompasses information about on-the-job safety and health.
The Ombuds Office for Oregon Workers provides help with understanding workplace safety and health rights, and workers’ compensation rights.
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About Oregon OSHA: Oregon OSHA enforces the state's workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit osha.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.
