Neighborhood Health Center

Did you know you don't have to wait until you're sick to see a doctor?

Preventive care is all about staying healthy BEFORE problems start. That means checkups, screenings, vaccines, dental visits, and mental health support — all working together to keep you feeling your best.

At NHC, preventive care is part of how we look at your whole health. Not just when something is wrong, but all year long.

And the best part? Many preventive services are covered by the Oregon Health Plan and Medicare (often at no cost to you).

Whether you are a baby, a teen, an adult, or an older adult, preventive care looks a little different at every stage of life.

Check out our latest article to learn what preventive care means, what it includes, and how it can help you stay healthy at every age: https://bit.ly/care_preventive

Ready to schedule your next preventive visit? Call your NHC clinic or request an appointment through MyChart. We are here for you!

What Is Preventive Care? Learn what preventive care means, why it matters at every age, what Medicare and OHP usually cover, and how to schedule preventive care at NHC.

Happy Memorial Day! All NHC locations are closed today. We'll resume our normal hours of operation tomorrow. Have a healthy and safe holiday!

Heads up — SNAP changes are coming June 1. That's just around the corner. 📢

If you receive SNAP benefits in Oregon, now is the time to get ready. Here's what you can do this week:
✅ Gather proof of your rent or mortgage and utility bills
✅ Update your address with ODHS if you've moved recently
✅ Watch your mail, email, and notices from ODHS closely
✅ If ODHS contacts you, respond as quickly as you can

If you're a household where all adults are 60 or older or have a disability and no one has earned income, check your mail especially closely. Renewal interviews are starting again on June 1.

Questions? Contact ODHS or your local office for help.

Learn More:

Oregon Department of Human Services : SNAP Work Rules : Food Benefits : State of Oregon Some adult SNAP participants need to meet work requirements to get SNAP benefits for longer than three months

If you're a parent in Oregon, you're not imagining it — young people are struggling more than ever. 💙

According to Mental Health America's 2025 report, Oregon ranks among the worst states in the country for youth mental health. It's a reality we think about every day at NHC.

As a parent, it can be hard to know when your child is just going through a rough patch or when something more is going on.

Here are some signs to watch for:
🔹 Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities they used to enjoy
🔹 Changes in sleep — sleeping too much or too little
🔹 Dropping grades or avoiding school
🔹 Increased irritability, sadness, or anger
🔹 Talking about feeling hopeless or worthless

If you notice these signs, you don't have to figure it out alone. NHC has Behavioral Health Consultants in our primary care clinics and in our school-based health centers so students can get support right where they already are.

Learn More: https://bit.ly/health_behavioral

Important Note: The information in this post is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please talk with your care team about questions or concerns related to your health.

Behavioral Health Access behavioral healthcare support to manage difficult situations, chronic pain, or new diagnoses. Our qualified providers use patient-centered care to help.

If you have Oregon Health Plan, there are some important changes coming in the next few years.

We're still waiting on more details from the state, but here's what you can do right now to protect your coverage:
✅ Make sure your mailing address, phone number, and email are up to date with OHP
✅ Check your mail regularly for letters from OHP
✅ If OHP contacts you, respond as quickly as you can

These simple steps can make a big difference in keeping your coverage, no matter which changes affect you.

We'll keep sharing updates as we learn more. In the meantime, you can visit oregon.gov/oha/hsd/ohp/pages/federal-changes.aspx to read about what's coming.

Questions about your OHP coverage? Our team is here to help. Call (503) 941-3030.

If you or someone you love is struggling with drugs or alcohol, this is for you. 💙

Substance use disorder is a health condition — not a moral failure, not a lack of willpower. And help is closer than you might think.

We put together a guide that explains what substance use disorder is, what signs to look for, how it's treated, and how NHC can support you (without judgment).

Read the full article:

Understanding Substance Use Disorder in Oregon Substance use disorder is a health condition, not a moral failure. Learn the signs, treatment options, and how NHC can support you or someone you love.

Did you know you can have high blood pressure and feel completely fine?

It's true. High blood pressure has no symptoms, which means the only way to know is to get checked. And it's not just an adult problem. Anyone can have it, including kids.

Certain things can raise your risk, like diabetes, excess weight, anxiety, or not getting enough exercise. But even without any of those, your numbers could still be high.

The good news? Your care team can check your blood pressure at your next visit. If your numbers are high, we can help you figure out next steps together.

Learn more about knowing your numbers:

Do You Know Your Numbers and What They Mean for Your Health? Learn why blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar matter and how knowing your numbers can help you stay healthy and prevent serious conditions.

Attention Oregon SNAP recipients — two important changes are coming June 1. 📢

1. You may need to provide proof of housing and utility costs. Are you applying for SNAP or renewing your benefits? You'll need to provide proof of rent or mortgage payments and utility costs, such as electricity, gas, and water. If you've moved recently, you'll need to provide updated proof too.

If you don't provide proof, your benefits won't automatically stop, but they may be lower.

2. Some households will need a renewal interview again. A temporary rule that allowed certain households to skip interviews ends May 31. Starting June 1, interviews are required again for households in which all adults are 60 or older or have a disability, and no one has earned income.

About 187,000 Oregonians may be affected by this change.

What you can do right now:

✅ Gather proof of rent, mortgage, and utility bills

✅ Update your address with ODHS if you've moved

✅ Watch your mail, email, and notices from ODHS

Questions? Contact ODHS or your local office for help.

Learn More: https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/ODHS/Posts/Post/odhs-shares-how-oregonians-can-regain-snap-benefits-as-impacts-of-federal-work-rule-changes-begin-to-show

Allergy season is here. And us Oregonians know it can be rough. 🌿

The Willamette Valley has some of the highest pollen counts in the country, especially in late spring and early summer. Congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing — sound familiar?

NHC Family Physician Dr. Carrasco shares his top tips for getting through allergy season, including:
✅ Which over-the-counter medicines actually help
⚠️ What to avoid, especially if you have high blood pressure
📅 When it's time to make an appointment
💡 Pro tip: Check pollen counts in your area at pollen.com by entering your zip code.

Read the full post: https://bit.ly/spring_allergies

Ask a Provider: How to Get Through Allergy Season Learn which medications are the best to combat allergies during allergy season.

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. 💙

Here's something worth knowing: according to the American Cancer Society, when oral cancer is caught early, the survival rate is over 86%. Early detection makes a real difference.

That's why regular dental checkups matter (and why our dental team screens for oral cancer as part of your routine visit).

We have dental clinics in Tanasbourne, Canby, Oregon City, and Milwaukie, and our Community Dental team travels out into the community too.

OHP accepted. Sliding fee discounts available for those who qualify.

Call (503) 941-3033 to schedule your dental visit today. 📞