Monkeypox Cases
The number of Monkeypox cases continues to grow in Oregon. The latest numbers have reached 95 cases. 92 of those cases are in men, but Dr. Dean Sidelinger with the Oregon Health Authority says while some are dubbing this a disease that effects a certain segment of the population more than others it is a health concern that surpasses any stigmatism.
“While most identify as gay or queer and report close contact with people assigned male at birth some cases identify as straight and report close contact with people assigned female at birth. This means that anyone can be affected by monkeypox and this is not a gay disease.”
Lane County’s senior public health official, Dr. Patrick Luedtke says efforts in Lane County have been swift and vaccines and treatments are available for the county.
“I’ve been quite impressed with the over-nighting of these products when we have needed them very quickly down in Lane County…but we’ve been very very fortunate to have thos products arrive in a timely manner.”
Dr. Luedtke also says that while the virus can be mild, some are experiencing severe conditions and it is important for all to seek appropriate medical care as they can cause additional health problems if left untreated. A new website has been created by the OHA to answer question. Follow the links at Oregon.gov/oha/ph/monkeypox
Habitat Build
Habitat to break ground on first new home since 2018. There are a couple of “firsts” involved in the next home to be built by Habitat for Humanity. Janell Morgan, the executive director, says all previous homes they’ve constructed from the ground up have been for younger families.
“This is the first time that we’ve selected a senior family and he is a veteran, so this is the first time that we’re doing a veteran build as well.”
The other ‘first’ she says is that this will be the first large project in four years.
“Last time we did a build from the ground up, we broke ground in 2018.”
Unfortunately Morgan added, it may be a while before they’re able to break ground again.
“Right now with land prices so high and building costs so high, we don’t have another plan built.”
A ground-breaking ceremony is planned for Tuesday morning at 9 AM. The new home on West Park Drive off 18th Street is expected to take about six months before completion.
Beach Cleanup
Oregonians are being asked right now to register for one of the oldest annual beach cleanups in the country. SOLVE’s Fall Beach and Riverside Cleanup is set for Saturday, September 17th. SOLVE, a statewide non-profit organization was formed as a small grassroots group in 1969. Originally known as “Stop Oregon Litter and Vandalism” the group began holding an annual spring beach cleanup. Within a few years a fall cleanup was added and eventually efforts expanded to include river banks across the state. Interested volunteers can go to the SOLVE website, solveoregon.org, to sign up with organized efforts. Or, you can go to your favorite beach September 17th between 10 AM and 1 PM with a garbage bag.