FEATURE STORY
Asking For Help Is a Sign of Strength
Feeling stressed, sad, anxious or overwhelmed is common. Many people deal with these feelings at some point in their lives. The good news is that mental health conditions can be treated. And as an Oregon Health Plan (OHP) member, you can get that treatment at no cost to you.
You do not need a referral from your regular doctor to get mental health care. You can call your care team or look up a provider and make an appointment.
The sooner you reach out, the sooner things can start to feel better. You do not have to wait until things feel out of control.
Counseling and therapy
Talk therapy — one on one, with your family, or in a group — is covered. Many providers offer video visits so you can meet from home.
Peer support
Peer support workers have been through their own mental health journey. They can help you find care and connect with others.
Crisis help
Oregon has free crisis lines open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can call, text or walk in — no insurance card needed.
Schedule your yearly checkup before summer
May is also a great time to book your yearly wellness visit with your regular doctor. This visit is fully covered by your OHP plan.
Your yearly checkup is a chance to talk about both your body and your mental health. Your doctor can connect you with more support if you need it.
- Full physical exam and basic lab work
- Blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol checks
- Cancer screenings based on your age
- Vaccines that are right for you or your child
- Review of your current medicines
- A mental health check-in — your doctor can help connect you to support
Remember: The best medicine is care before something goes wrong. A yearly visit helps catch problems early — when they are easier to treat.
PROGRAMS & BENEFITS
Where to Go for Care
When you are sick or need care, it can be hard to know where to go. Choosing the right place can help you get care faster and avoid extra stress.
Start With Primary Care
Your primary care provider is the best place to start for most health needs.
Go to primary care for:
- Regular checkups and preventive care
- Ongoing health conditions
- Mild illness, like a cold or sore throat
- Refills for medicines
- Questions about your health
Your primary care provider knows you and helps coordinate your care.
Use Urgent Care When You Need Care Soon
Urgent care is for health problems that need attention quickly but are not life-threatening.
Go to urgent care for:
- Minor cuts or burns
- Sprains or strains
- Fever or flu symptoms that cannot wait
- Infections that are getting worse
Urgent care can often see you faster than a doctor’s office.
Go to the Emergency Room for Emergencies
The emergency room is for serious or life-threatening problems.
Go to the emergency room or call 911 for:
- Chest pain or trouble breathing
- Signs of a stroke
- Severe bleeding or serious injury
- Sudden confusion or loss of consciousness
If you think it is an emergency, do not wait.
Still Not Sure?
If you are not sure where to go:
- Call the Nurse Line to talk with a nurse about your symptoms
- Call Customer Care if you have questions about coverage or need help finding care
Both services are free for members and can help you decide what to do next.
Getting Ready for Your Appointment
Get a Ride
Umpqua Health Alliance members can get free rides to covered medical, dental, mental health and pharmacy visits. You can schedule a ride online or by phone.
Find an Interpreter
Language should never be a barrier to care. You have the right to a qualified medical interpreter at no cost to you.
If you need help setting up a ride or interpreter, call Customer Care before your appointment.
Skip the Trip. Get Your Medicine Delivered.
UHA works with mail order pharmacies so members can have their medicines delivered right to their home. By using a mail order pharmacy, you can get your medicines mailed safely to your mailbox, often in a 90-day supply. This can save time, make refills easier, and save you a trip to the pharmacy.
New Benefits Coming Soon! Fruit & Vegetable and Pantry Stocking
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has moved the start date for the Fruit & Vegetable and Pantry Stocking benefit to July 1, 2026. Members can submit an application after this date.
These benefits will provide food boxes delivered to approved members’ homes. The Fruit & Vegetable box may include fresh, frozen, dried, or canned fruits and vegetables. The Pantry Stocking box will include a variety of healthy groceries to help support better nutrition every day.
UHA is getting ready to start this new benefit. Like other Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) services, members must meet certain rules to qualify. These rules include being part of a certain group and having specific health and social needs.
Additional Rules
- Members can only receive one nutrition benefit at a time:
- Fruit & Vegetable, or
- Pantry Stocking , or
- Medically Tailored Meals
- Approved members can receive a benefit for up to 6 months.
- After the 6 months ends, members may apply for a different nutrition benefit.
- More than one person in the same household can receive benefits if they qualify.
- Each member must complete and submit their own application.
- Members can only receive one nutrition benefit at a time:
- Fruit & Vegetable, or
- Pantry Stocking , or
- Medically Tailored Meals
Who Can Get Pantry Stocking?
Pantry stocking rules are different than the other nutrition benefits. To qualify for Pantry Stocking, members must meet the health and social needs rules and be part of one of these groups:
- Under age 21
- Under age 26 with special health care needs
- Pregnant members
Medically Tailored Meals
This benefit has been available since 2025 for members with certain health conditions. These meals are made to help support a member’s health needs. To qualify, members must also be part of a certain group and have specific health or social needs.
If you think this benefit could help you, ask your primary care provider about seeing a registered dietitian. The dietitian can make a nutrition plan and recommend medically tailored meals.
You can also fill out an application on the UHA website. If you qualify for the benefit, UHA will help connect you with a dietitian.You can find application forms and more information on our website: https://www.umpquahealth.com/members/benefits-programs/health-related-social-needs/
Get A Ride
For Medical Appointments:
Non-emergency medical transportation can give you a ride to medical appointments. This benefit is available through Bay Cities Brokerage (BCB).
To set up a ride by phone, call 1-877-324-8109 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please call at least two business days before your appointment, if possible.
You can schedule a ride up to 30 days in advance. Rides may not be approved without enough notice.
Be ready with this information before you call:
- The date and time of your appointment
- The name and phone number of your doctor or pharmacy
- Your Member ID number (found on your ID card, included in your Member Packet)
For Non-Medical Rides:
You can contact Bay Cities Brokerage (BCB) to see what options are available. You may be able to stop by some places like the grocery store or pharmacy if they are on the way to your medical appointment. BCB can also help apply for Flex rides if your request meets the rules. If you do not qualify to get a ride, they can help you find other alternatives such as a bus pass. More information about getting a ride is available on our website: https://www.umpquahealth.com/members/benefits-programs/get-a-ride/
Pride Month Events in Douglas County
The Umpqua Valley Rainbow Collective and community partners are hosting free Pride Month events from late May through August. Activities include social gatherings, art exhibits, outdoor events and educational workshops — all open to the public.
UVRC Peer Support Groups Expanding in June
Starting in June, the Umpqua Valley Rainbow Collective is adding virtual peer group options for youth, adults, and transgender and nonbinary community members. Groups are free and open to all. Contact kristen@umpquavalleyrainbow.org to register.
Connecting Point Brings Services to You
Connecting Point is a free mobile program serving Douglas County communities including Roseburg, Winston, Sutherlin, Myrtle Creek, Reedsport and Drain. Services include hygiene supplies, naloxone, food, clothing, mental health connections and more. Call 541-228-8074 for more information.
UCAN Family Connects
Every family with a new baby in Douglas County can receive extra support at no cost through Family Connects Oregon. This program provides up to three in-home visits from a registered nurse during your baby’s first three months of life.
During each visit, the nurse will:
- Check the health of both baby and parent
- Offer guidance on feeding, sleep, and recovery
- Screen for postpartum depression and anxiety
- Connect families to local resources such as child care and family planning
Who can participate?
- All families, including foster and adoptive, are welcome
- No referral is required
- Insurance status does not affect eligibility
Family Connects is designed to give parents peace of mind and connect them to the right resources early, so every child has a healthy start.