Measles Exposure Reported at Oregon City ER; Behavioral Health Grant Expands Support for Older Adults
Portland, OR – March 10, 2026 – A measles exposure tied to a Providence Willamette Falls ER visit and a new behavioral health grant are affecting Portland-area care.
Public health officials have identified a new measles exposure site in the Portland metro area, while regional health leaders announced new federal support aimed at expanding behavioral health services for older adults.
Measles exposure tied to Oregon City emergency department
The Oregon Health Authority and Clackamas County Public Health said people may have been exposed to measles in the emergency department waiting room at Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center in Oregon City late on February 25 into early February 26.
According to state officials, the exposure window runs from 9:57 p.m. on Wednesday, February 25, to 12:22 a.m. on Thursday, February 26. Anyone who was in the waiting room during that time is advised to contact a health care provider to review their vaccination status, age, or any lab evidence of prior infection to determine immunity.
Health authorities reiterated that measles spreads through the air and can linger for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. They also encouraged people with measles symptoms or known exposure to call ahead before visiting a clinic or hospital to help limit potential spread in waiting rooms.
$1.25 million award to expand behavioral health support for older adults
Portland State University announced that the PSU-OHSU Oregon Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health and Aging received a three-year, $1.25 million award from the U.S. Administration on Community Living.
The funding is intended to expand a chronic disease self-management education program tailored for older adults who are also navigating behavioral health conditions, including depression and substance use disorders. The initiative is designed to strengthen evidence-based health promotion efforts and broaden access across Oregon.
Local health leaders have frequently cited workforce shortages and uneven access as ongoing barriers for older adults seeking coordinated physical and behavioral health services. The new funding is aimed at increasing reach and support for that population.
What Residents Should Know
Residents who were at Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center during the identified timeframe should review official guidance from the Oregon Health Authority and consult a health care provider regarding immunity questions.
Older adults and caregivers interested in behavioral health and chronic disease self-management resources can monitor updates from PSU, OHSU, and community partners as the expanded program rolls out.
If you have urgent symptoms, seek medical care. For general questions, talk with a licensed clinician.
