A barrage of climate-related emergencies has continuously put Oregon’s most vulnerable residents at risk. To tackle this challenge, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) turned to Acentra Health. Together, they crafted a dynamic strategy that addressed immediate health-related social needs (HRSN) and fortified the state’s emergency response systems. This partnership has measurably improved health outcomes—while building resilience in communities most impacted by climate change.
Due to climate change, Oregon’s climate has become increasingly unpredictable. Rising temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns have led to more frequent and intense weather events resulting in an uptick in wildfires, heatwaves, and ice storms—events that disproportionately endanger the elderly, children, and those with chronic health conditions. Not only do these events devastate landscapes but also severely impact air quality. This deterioration in air quality poses serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations, especially those living with asthma, who face dangerous conditions due to increased airborne pollutants. The unpredictable nature of these climate shifts complicates efforts to manage resources and plan for future challenges, making it harder for communities to adapt and thrive.
Recognizing the urgent climate crisis, OHA committed to ensuring that at-risk populations received life-saving services and resources. To address this challenge, OHA sought statewide partners capable of delivering rapid, scalable responses to protect public health during emergencies. By collaborating with the Public Health Division, OHA engaged community partners across the state who provided essential support, such as food and climate devices, during the COVID pandemic. These partners identified individuals in need of climate support and worked with Acentra Health to screen them for eligibility.
They also assisted directly with device installation and utility support. Additionally, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and the Office of Resiliency and Emergency Management (OREM) provided warehousing and delivery of climate devices during crises, ensuring a reliable supply when online and store inventories were often depleted. This unified front allowed OHA to respond swiftly with a dependable supply of devices. OHA applied a Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) approach with an environmental equity lens, ensuring the right solutions were provided at the right time and right place for their members.
To address these challenges, OHA partnered with Acentra Health, an industry leader with extensive expertise in the public sector healthcare delivery system and issued a call for support from other state agencies, including ODHS, community partners, and Coordinated Care Organizations. Following a thorough analysis, OHA and Acentra Health led the implementation of several key strategies:
Between July 2020 and September 2023, our strategic partnership led to substantial improvements in Oregon’s emergency response and health outcomes:
In the summer of 2021, during an unprecedented heatwave, Acentra Health’s rapid action had a profound impact. A young girl with severe cardiac issues and asthma was able to remain safely at home thanks to the swift delivery and installation of an air conditioner, dramatically improving her quality of life. In another instance, a foster child with Type 1 Diabetes and ADHD received vital support through the provision of cooling and air filtration devices, ensuring her health needs were met despite the extreme heat. These stories are just a glimpse of how Acentra Health’s interventions have saved lives and provided peace of mind to Oregonian families.
Oregon is Now Setting a New Standard for Emergency Response: Safeguarding Health Amid Climate Crises
Acentra Health’s partnership with OHA in managing health-related social needs during Oregon’s climate emergencies has set a new standard for what is possible in emergency response. By combining cutting-edge technology, strategic foresight, and a commitment to health equity, Acentra Health has not only protected vulnerable populations but also strengthened the state’s overall resilience to future crises. This partnership is a powerful example of how proactive, data-driven strategies can lead to transformative outcomes, ensuring that even in the face of climate adversity, the health and well-being of the community are safeguarded.
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