Being well-informed is essential, and knowing how to access accurate and timely information from your local government is important. Here’s how to do that in Benton County:
Beyone the E-newsletter, Benton County offers a range of other publications and updates tailored to your interests and needs. For more information reach out to pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.
Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact Cory Grogan at 541-745-4468 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.
COVID-19 vaccines have received an update this respiratory season and Benton County Health Department recommends everyone ages 6 months or older receive the updated vaccine.
The newest vaccines were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this September, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) moved quickly to recommend the updated vaccines.
According to the CDC, the newest vaccines (made by Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax) were created to more closely target currently circulating strains of coronavirus. These vaccines significantly reduce the risk of developing severe COVID-19 complications and hospitalization, ultimately protecting against avoidable severe illness or death.
The newest COVID-19 vaccines are effective at saving and protecting lives and health system dollars, while also reducing strains on healthcare resources and the workforce. Vaccination is especially important as we head into the winter, a common time when COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases circulate in high volume across the country.
Shipments of the newest vaccines have continued to arrive at local pharmacies and healthcare providers, though the commercialization of the vaccines has resulted in some shipping delays so supplies may still be limited in some locations. To find a vaccine near you, ask your health care provider, local pharmacies, visit vaccines.gov, or call 211.
Since the federal public health emergency ended in May 2023, the COVID-19 vaccine is no longer provided at no-cost, however, most people can still get a COVID-19 vaccine for free.
For people with health insurance, most plans will cover COVID-19 vaccines at no cost, although you may need to use an approved, in-network pharmacy or healthcare facility. Check with your insurance provider if you have questions.
People who don’t have health insurance, or who have health plans that do not cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccines, may receive a no-cost vaccine through the CDC’s new Bridge Access Program. Providers will ask patients whether they have health insurance at the point of care to determine eligibility. Visit vaccines.gov to find a provider that offers no-cost COVID-19 vaccines through the Bridge Access Program.
Benton County Health Department also provides vaccines at no cost to eligible children and some adults through the Bridge Access Program and the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. Call 541-766-6835 to check availability.
Benton County Public Health continues to coordinate focused outreach efforts with community partners to offer COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations to Benton County residents who are uninsured.
Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact Cory Grogan at 541-745-4468 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.
La vacuna más nueva contra el COVID-19 disponible en el Condado de Benton para asegurados y no asegurados
Las vacunas contra el COVID-19 han recibido una actualización en esta temporada de enfermedades respiratorias y el Departamento de Salud del Condado de Benton recomienda que todas las personas de 6 meses o más reciban la vacuna actualizada.
Las vacunas más nuevas fueron aprobadas por la Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos (FDA) en septiembre y los Centros para el Control de Enfermedades (CDC) actuaron rápidamente para recomendar las vacunas actualizadas.
Según los CDC, las vacunas más nuevas (fabricadas por Pfizer, Moderna y Novavax) se crearon para atacar más de cerca las variantes de coronavirus que circulan actualmente. Estas vacunas reducen significativamente el riesgo de desarrollar complicaciones graves y hospitalización por COVID-19 y por último, protegen contra enfermedades graves que se pueden evitar o la muerte.
Las vacunas más nuevas contra la COVID-19 son eficaces para salvar y proteger vidas y ahorrar dinero del sistema de salud, al mismo tiempo que reducen la presión sobre los recursos y los trabajadores de la salud pública. La vacunación es especialmente importante a medida que nos acercamos al invierno, una época común en la que el COVID-19 y otras enfermedades respiratorias circulan en gran volumen por todo el país.
Los envíos de las vacunas más nuevas han seguido llegando a las farmacias y proveedores de atención médica locales, aunque la comercialización de las vacunas ha provocado algunos retrasos en el envío, por lo que los suministros aún pueden ser limitados en algunos lugares. Para encontrar una vacuna cerca de usted, consulte a su proveedor de atención médica, a las farmacias locales, visite vacunas.gov o llame al 211.
Desde que terminó la emergencia federal de salud pública en mayo de 2023, la vacuna contra el COVID-19 ya no se proporciona sin costo; sin embargo, la mayoría de las personas aún pueden recibirla de forma gratuita.
Para las personas con seguro médico, la mayoría de los planes cubrirán las vacunas contra el COVID-19 sin costo, aunque es posible que deban utilizar una farmacia o centro de atención médica aprobado dentro de la red. Consulte con su proveedor de seguros si tiene preguntas.
Las personas que no tienen seguro médico, o que tienen planes médicos que no cubren el costo de las vacunas contra el COVID-19, pueden recibir una vacuna sin costo a través del nuevo Programa Puente de Acceso de los CDC. Los proveedores preguntarán a los pacientes si tienen seguro médico para determinar si califican. Visite vacunas.gov para encontrar un proveedor que ofrezca vacunas contra el COVID-19 sin costo a través del Programa Puente de Acceso.
El Departamento de Salud del Condado de Benton también proporciona vacunas sin costo a niños que califiquen y a algunos adultos a través del Programa Puente de Acceso y el programa Vacunas para Niños (información sólo en inglés). Llame al 541-766-6835 para consultar disponibilidad.
El Departamento de Salud del Condado de Benton continúa coordinando con socios comunitarios esfuerzos enfocados en ampliar la atención para ofrecer vacunas contra el COVID-19 y la influenza a los habitantes del Condado de Benton que no tienen seguro.
El Condado de Benton es un empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades y acción afirmativa y no discrimina por motivos de discapacidad en la admisión o el acceso a nuestros programas, servicios, actividades, contratación y prácticas de empleo. Este documento está disponible en formatos e idiomas alternativos a pedido. Comuníquese con Cory Grogan al 541-745-4468 o pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.
Local service providers and law enforcement have teamed up to implement a new model aimed at coordinating efforts to support Benton County’s highest risk individuals that present impending or significant danger themselves or others.
For those struggling with issues like addiction and homelessness, dental care (like many other services) can be difficult to come by, but in North Albany the Communities Effectively Helping Addicts Negotiate Change (C.H.A.N.C.E) Dental Program stands out as a source of hope.
Join Benton County Natural Areas & Parks, Corvallis Parks & Recreation, Corvallis Environmental Center, Oregon State University Dept. of Botany & Plant Pathology, and The Mushroomery for an introductory exploration of Pacific Northwest mushrooms where participants can learn to identify different mushrooms in a natural setting.
Smiles filled the halls of Benton County Developmental Diversity the evening of Friday, Oct. 20. Clients, staff, and guests gathered for an open house at their new facility at the County’s Sunset Building at 4077 SW Research Way in Corvallis.
Developmental Diversity moved into their new office location this past February. Since 2015, it had been located at 2420 Professional Drive in Corvallis. The move has provided additional space for the program to better serve clients and bring staff closer to their peers in other County programs.
During Friday’s open house, attendees were invited to tour the office, visit with staff, learn about the programs, and take part in numerous fun activities. A meal featuring sandwiches and cake was provided.
“We’re excited to welcome folks in to share our new space, build community, and celebrate developmental diversity together,” said Developmental Diversity Division Manager Jasper Smith.
The open house coincided with National Disability Employment Month, celebrated every year in October to highlight the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities past and present and showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices that benefit employers and employees.
The County’s Developmental Diversity Program provides support for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities that meet state criteria for eligibility. The program serves as the point of access to services and support for people in Benton County, including employment connections and supports.
Benton County started as a pilot of the services coordination model in 1971 as the first county in Oregon along with Lincoln County. In 1973, the state legislature designated Oregon counties as the local authority for the coordination and delivery of services for people with developmental disabilities across the state. This initiated statewide developmental diversity services 50 years ago.
Inquire about the services provided at Benton County Developmental Diversity by visiting their website or calling 888-232-7192.
Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact Cory Grogan at 541-745-4468 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.
Benton County is thrilled to introduce its new County Administrator, Rachel McEneny, to the community. Rachel’s journey to Oregon, documented through an engaging video blog alongside her father Jack and trusty companion, Yaeger the dog, is an opportunity to learn a little about Rachel before she starts her leadership role with the County next week.
The Benton County Assessor’s Office has released the 2023 property tax statements. Certified property values are now available for property owners through the County Assessor’s website.
El Condado de Benton reconoció la importancia de la unidad y la diversidad durante el Mes de la Herencia Hispana de 2023 con una reunión significativa y una lectura de proclamación para honrar a los empleados del Condado de Benton y la herencia latina/hispana el 3 de octubre, en el edificio Kalapuya en Corvallis. Los empleados del Condado de Benton y los líderes locales de Casa Latinos Unidos se reunieron para conmemorar el Mes de la Herencia Hispana en Estados Unidos, del 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre.
Benton County recognized the importance of unity and diversity during 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month with a meaningful gathering and proclamation reading to honor Benton County employees and Latinx/Hispanic heritage on Oct. 3, at the Kalapuya Building in Corvallis. Benton County staff and local leaders from Casa Latinos Unidos came together to commemorate Hispanic America Heritage Month, September 15-October 15.
![[TEXT] Don't let COVID and flu get you down this winter. The newest vaccine is now available. Get your COVID and flu vaccines today. Visit vaccines.gov. [IMAGE] A BIPOC woman, little girl, father and son display pink and yellow bandaids on their forearms.](https://boc.bentoncountyor.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/COVID_flu-Winter-2023-ENGLISH-1024x600.png)
