Practice Tactics
New Nutrition Benefits Coming to Oregon Health Plan Members July 1
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) will offer new nutrition benefits to support members who are managing certain health conditions and may have limited access to healthy food. These benefits are part of a statewide effort to help Oregonians stay healthy and well.
What’s New?
Fruit and Vegetable Benefit
Members who qualify may receive fruits and vegetables for up to six months. Depending on their health plan, this may come as a grocery box delivered to their home or as a pre-loaded card they can use at participating stores. Items may include fresh, canned, or frozen fruits and vegetables, fresh herbs as well as dried fruits without added sugars.
Pantry stocking benefit Members who qualify may receive a variety of pantry staples for up to six months, either delivered or through a pre-loaded card. Foods may include fruits and vegetables; meats, fish, and other proteins; dairy; legumes; breads and cereals; cooking oils and spices; snacks and non-alcoholic beverages; and even seeds or plants that produce food.
Who can Receive These Benefits?
To be considered, OHP members must meet all the following:
- Be experiencing a qualifying life circumstance
- Have low or very low food security
- Have a qualifying health condition
Each benefit has its own specific eligibility criteria. Members can apply through their coordinated care organization (CCO) or open card provider, who will help determine eligibility.
How It Works
If approved, members will receive food either as a home-delivered grocery box or through a pre-loaded card, depending on what their health plan offers.
How To Apply
If you’re enrolled in a CCO:
Visit your CCO’s website for instructions on applying. Not sure if you are in a CCO? Call OHP Client Services at 1-800-273-0557 or email Ask.OHP@odhsoha.oregon.gov.
If you’re not enrolled in a CCO:
Fill out the HRSN Nutrition Request Form and email it to ORHRSN@Acentra.com. You can also talk with a care coordinator at 888-834-4304 or email ORHRSN@Acentra.com for help.
A Few Important Notes
- These benefits are available only for OHP members who meet specific criteria based on health and life circumstances.
- Not all members will qualify.
- These benefits are not meant to replace general or emergency food assistance. If you’re looking for additional food resources, the Oregon Department of Human Services offers many options on its Food Resources in Oregon webpage.
THW Connections Corner
No announcements this month
CME for Thee
No announcements this month
Clinical Corner
UHA Partners With Providers to Optimize Pharmacy Costs and Member Access
As part of ongoing pharmacy optimization efforts, Umpqua Health Alliance is partnering with providers to support cost-conscious prescribing strategies that maintain high-quality care while improving affordable medication access for members.
A new provider resource flyer highlights opportunities to prioritize generics, use preferred formulary alternatives, support biosimilar adoption and consider mail-order 90-day supplies for maintenance medications when clinically appropriate. These efforts are intended to reduce avoidable delays, minimize administrative burden and support sustainable pharmacy spending while preserving access to essential therapies.
View the cost-conscious prescribing flyer here.
Community Announcements
Ongoing and Recurring Wellness Activities
Community programs offer a practical way to bridge clinical guidance with daily routines. The ongoing activities described here are free, locally available and designed for consistent participation. These options can be aligned with care plans when community-based support is appropriate.
Wellness Walks
- When: Saturdays, 9–10 a.m. (April–September)
- Where: 556 SE Jackson St., Roseburg
Weekly group walks led by a local medical provider. Open to all fitness levels. No registration required.
Mindful Movement Yoga
- When: Wednesdays, noon–1 p.m.
- Where: The Vortex Center, 865 SE Court Ave., Roseburg
Ongoing yoga sessions focused on mobility, breathwork and stress reduction. Suitable for all levels. No registration required.
Restorative Yoga: A Monthly Rest Ritual
- When: Second Saturday of each month, 4–5:15 p.m.
- Where: The Vortex Center, 865 SE Court Ave., Roseburg
Monthly restorative yoga session focused on relaxation and stress reduction.
Community Well-Being Challenge
Encourage your patients to join the FREE Community-Wide Challenge to Thrive!
Join anytime and complete at least six well-being activities by December 31, 2026.
- Win monthly prizes
- Earn chances for grand prizes at the end of the challenge
- All participants receive a FREE t-shirt
To learn more and register, visit:
thriveumpqua.com/wellbeingchallenge
Eagles Park Pop-Up Series
- When: Third Saturday of each month (April–October), 12–2 p.m.
- Where: 782 SE Jackson St., Roseburg
Monthly community event featuring art activities and games for all ages.
Help Your Patients Earn Rewards Through UHA’s New Prevention First Program
What is the Prevention First Incentive Program?
A data-driven pilot initiative designed to improve population health outcomes for adult UHA members by encouraging and incentivizing completion of key preventive services tied to 2026 quality measures and population health priorities.
What eligible services are included?
- Annual physical exam
- Colon cancer screening
- Flu shot
- A1c test (diabetes control)
- Mammogram
- Cholesterol (lipid) panel
- Dental cleaning and exam
- Depression screening (and follow-up if indicated)
What incentives do members receive?
Members can earn a $15 Sherm’s Thunderbird Market gift card per completed service, up to $75 total, if services are completed by December 31, 2026.
How and when are incentives distributed?
Gift cards are mailed quarterly to allow time for claims processing and verification.
What are the program goals?
- Improve diabetes control and cardiovascular risk detection
- Increase depression screening and follow-up
- Promote oral health and preventive screenings
- Boost flu vaccination rates
- Enhance early detection of cancer and chronic disease
How does this benefit patient care?
Encouraging preventive care supports early diagnosis, timely intervention, and better management of chronic conditions. It also strengthens care coordination and helps identify social drivers of health (SDoH), ultimately reducing avoidable emergency department utilization and urgent care visits.
Why should providers engage patients in this program?
Provider engagement directly improves quality metrics, patient outcomes, and preventive care adherence. Actively promoting the program during visits increases patient participation, supports value-based care goals, and strengthens patient-provider relationships through proactive, preventive health management.
Questions?
Please contact Dani Everson, Population Health Program Manager: deverson@umpquahealth.com
Connecting Point Mobile Navigation Program
Connecting Point is a mobile navigation program bringing essential services directly to Douglas County community members in need. Available Monday through Friday at locations across the region — including Roseburg, Winston, Sutherlin, Reedsport, Myrtle Creek and Drain — the program offers shower facilities, naloxone, hygiene kits, mental health and substance use service connections, employment services, veteran services, clothing, food and more. The program is a collaborative effort among HIV Alliance, Oregon Department of Human Services, Adapt, UCAN, Umpqua Health Alliance, DPHN, HADCO, and Easterseals. For questions, call (541) 228-8074 or email dzahner@allianceor.org.
UVRC Peer Groups Are Growing
The Umpqua Valley Rainbow Collective is expanding its peer group offerings with new virtual options beginning in June. Groups meet twice monthly and include a Youth Group for ages 12-17, an Adult Group for ages 18 and older, and a Trans/NB/GNC Group for adults 18 and older. In-person options remain available. To register or receive a virtual link, contact kristen@umpquavalleyrainbow.org.
Pride Month Events in Douglas County
The Umpqua Valley Rainbow Collective and community partners have a full lineup of Pride Month events through August. Highlights include a Harvey Milk Day documentary watch party, a youth pride art exhibit, a free pancake breakfast, a Pride Picnic and Field Day at Stewart Park, and an LGBTQ2SIA+ Student Success Plan Engagement Session with the Oregon Department of Education. Events are open to the community. For a full schedule, contact UVRC directly.
Network News
Network Changes
Termed Providers
The following providers have been removed from the Umpqua Health Alliance network:
| Provider Name | Effective Date | Group |
| Kayci Jones, QMHA | 04/16/26 | Adapt – Gold Beach |
| Tayah Burton, CHW | 03/01/25 | Aviva Health – Roseburg |
| Callie Preston, QMHA | 04/16/26 | Adapt – Gold Beach |
| Sierra Miller, EPDH | 04/10/26 | Advantage Dental – Outreach |
| Callie Preston, QMHA | 04/16/26 | Adapt – Gold Beach |
| Bryan Collard, CRM | 04/16/26 | Adapt – Gold Beach |
| Catrina Dzambik, CADC | 04/16/26 | Adapt – Gold Beach |
| Shannon Johnson, PSS | 04/16/26 | Adapt – Gold Beach |
| Sandra McCracken, CADC | 04/16/26 | Adapt – Gold Beach |
| Justin Anderson, CADC | 04/16/26 | Adapt – Gold Beach |
| Ruben Acevedo, DC | 11/20/25 | Umpqua Chiropractic PC |
| Brenda Butterfield, QMHA | 08/04/25 | Adapt – MH Division |
| Vanessa Davis, CADC | 06/27/25 | Adapt – SUD Division |
| Christy Beck, CHW | 11/01/25 | Evergreen Family Medicine |
| Bart Bruns, MD | 11/02/24 | CEP America |
| Lance Caddy, MD | 09/26/24 | CEP America |
| Julia Coppi, MD | 02/28/25 | CEP America |
| Clayton Stuart, DO | 10/05/23 | CEP America |
| Lorinda Wahto, MD | 09/24/24 | CEP America |
| Jacob Watters, PA | 04/01/25 | CEP America |
| Laura Dunn, LCP | 05/12/26 | Oregon Outreach Clinic |
| Camilo Zamora, PAC | 10/09/24 | CEP America – Roseburg |
| Inga Giske, NP | 05/01/26 | PeaceHealth – Florence |
| Sheryl Eldredge, CRM | 05/05/26 | Adapt – MH Division |
| Aleksandr Lyashenko, DDS | 03/31/26 | Advantage Dental – Roseburg |
| Olaifa Turner, DMD | 03/31/26 | Advantage Dental – Reedsport |
| Syed Umer, DMD | 04/16/26 | Advantage Dental – Reedsport |
| Kimberly Brent, LPC | 05/08/26 | Cow Creek Health & Wellness – Roseburg |
| Cristina Maria Vieira, MSW | 04/17/26 | Valley View Mental Health Services |
| Patti LeBouef, PSS-AMH | 05/14/26 | Adapt – Mental Health |
| Jennifer Rebecca Schenk, MSN, FNP | 05/26/26 | Cow Creek Health and Wellness |
| William Townsend, MD | 05/31/26 | Umpqua Valley Internists |
New Providers
The following providers have joined the Umpqua Health Alliance network:
| Provider Name | Effective Date | Facility |
| Keryssa Powell, CHW | 04/23/26 | EFM – Harvard |
| Kyle Matz, LMFT | 03/03/26 | Kyle Matz, LLC |
| Jennifer Frost, FNP | 04/16/26 | Creekside Health and Wellness |
| Charlotte Ransom, MD | 05/06/26 | PeaceHealth – Cottage Grove |
| Sara Baxter, LCSW | 04/21/26 | Adapt Integrated Health – Mental Health Division |
| Safaa Elnour, QMHP | 05/06/26 | Adapt Integrated Health – Mental Health Division |
| Julia Goldburt, LPC | 05/12/26 | Adapt Integrated Health – Mental Health Division |
| Austin Hunsaker, QMHA-R | 04/08/26 | Adapt Integrated Health – Mental Health Division |
| Heath Kylee Marlow, CADC-R | 05/11/26 | Adapt Integrated Health – Mental Health Division |
| Miranda Mitchell, CADC-R | 05/11/26 | Adapt Integrated Health – Mental Health Division |
| Tyler J Rowland, CADC-R | 05/11/26 | Adapt Integrated Health – Mental Health Division |
| Vedrick Alfredo Silva, CADC-R | 05/11/26 | Adapt Integrated Health – Mental Health Division |
| Gary Christopher Willis, QMHA-R | 05/11/26 | Adapt Integrated Health – Mental Health Division |
| Arley Voves, MD | 05/26/26 | CEP America – Anesthesia |
| Cameron E Burrup, MD | 06/01/26 | CEP America – Anesthesia |
| Jaymin Chang, MD | 05/18/26 | CEP America – Anesthesia |
| Karen Caldemeyer, MD | 05/19/26 | Roseburg Radiologists, PC |
| Ian Chamberlain, PA | 05/19/26 | Advanced Skin Center |
| Lloyd Durbin II, MA-CHMC | 05/19/26 | Cow Creek Health & Wellness |
| Sada Harvey-Sallak, LBA | 05/19/26 | Positive Behavior Supports |
| Autum Mann, PCA | 05/19/26 | Aviva Health |
| Daniel Morrow, MD | 05/19/26 | Neonatal Specialists, PC |
| Marissa Parr, MS | 05/19/26 | Positive Behavior Supports |
| Jordan Schaefer-Limbach, MS | 05/19/26 | Oregon Outreach Clinic |
| Alexander Spritzer, NP | 05/19/26 | Healing Harbor Psychiatry |
| Ashley VanVleck | 05/19/26 | Aviva Health |
| Stephen Williams, MD | 05/19/26 | Steelhead Specialty Group, PC |
| Jonathan Williams, LPCA | 05/19/26 | Valley View Counseling |
Set Up Your Interpreter Vendor Account Before You Need It
Umpqua Health Alliance encourages clinics to establish interpreter vendor accounts before services are urgently needed to help avoid delays in patient care.
Clinics must create accounts directly with Linguava and OCIN before scheduling services. There is no cost to create an account. While UHA contracts with both vendors for streamlined billing and reporting, clinics must set up their own accounts to schedule services and maintain HIPAA-compliant privacy practices.
Clinics that choose not to use Linguava or OCIN should ensure they have another qualified interpreter vendor and a clear internal process for accessing interpreter services when needed.If your clinic is unable to access interpreter services in an urgent situation, please contact UHA for support. Questions about interpreter vendor setup can be directed to UHQualityImprovement@umpquahealth.com.
On the Lookout
Experts Speak About Public Health Topics
Join Douglas Public Health Network (DPHN) for this month’s free online lunch and learn webinar on all things related to summer water safety. A panel of four presenters will include a pediatrician to discuss water safety for children, a Sgt. with Douglas County Sheriff’s Department to present information about marine patrol and recreational water safety, a veterinarian will speak to the dangers of cyanobacteria (blue/green algae) in our local open water for pets and livestock and an epidemiologist to present about water-borne pathogens. The webinar is cosponsored by DPHN and Thrive Umpqua and is part of an effort to provide valuable information on public health topics. To register for this webinar on June 12th, please click on this link or the QR code on the attached flyer.
DPHN has provided nearly 20 free webinars with national and local experts, reaching over 1500 people living in Douglas County over the last year and a half. The “as Medicine” track has covered topics from national researchers and published authors. A few of the topics included Movement as Medicine, Sleep as Medicine and Food as Medicine. The emergency preparedness and safety track has had topics such as wildfire preparedness with local experts speaking about hardening your home, fire resistant plants, evacuation levels and seasonal fire restrictions. The health promotion track has had experts talk about growing and preserving food safely and summer food borne illness. Many of the past webinars have been recorded and are found on the DPHN website. All of the webinars are free for attendees and language interpretation is also provided upon request.
To sign up to get alerts of upcoming webinars or to suggest topics and expert speakers that you’d like to see in the future, please email: vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org Follow DPHN on Facebook and view past webinars and recordings on the DPHN website here
Dental Digest
How to Deal with a Disgruntled Patient
If you work with people long enough, there is a good chance you’ll come across a disgruntled customer or patient at one point or another. This can be difficult to handle, as your first reaction may be to get defensive or angry, or you may be one of those people that doesn’t like conflict at all and completely shuts down when faced with it. Read on to learn more about how to improve communication in healthcare.