Neighborhood Health Center

02/20/2026

Got OHP or a CCO? Here’s how it works at your clinic!

If you have the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) or are part of a Coordinated Care Organization (CCO), you might have questions about how it helps you get care.

Our guide explains how OHP and CCOs work with NHC — like how you choose a clinic, get care from your care team, and use your benefits. It’s written in plain language so it’s easy to understand.

Learn more:

Learn how Oregon Health Plan (OHP) Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs) work and how to choose a clinic that fits your needs. See why selecting NHC as your OHP clinic gives you access to medical, dental, and behavioral health services.

02/19/2026

Flu season can hit fast, and it can be tough on kids and adults alike.

The flu is a virus that spreads easily through coughs, sneezes, and shared surfaces. Symptoms often start suddenly and can include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and extreme tiredness. Kids may also have vomiting or diarrhea.

The best protection is a flu shot each year for everyone 6 months and older. Flu shots can’t give you the flu, and they help lower the risk of serious illness. Washing hands, covering coughs, staying home when sick, and cleaning shared surfaces also make a difference.

If your child gets sick, rest and fluids are key. Get medical care right away for trouble breathing, dehydration, confusion, bluish lips or face, or symptoms that improve and then get worse.

Not sure what’s right for your family? Talk with your provider. They know your health history and can help you decide what’s best.

Have questions or need a flu shot? Contact your NHC care team to learn more.

02/18/2026

Last week, NHC leadership joined Community Health Center leaders from across the country in Washington, D.C. for the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) Policies & Issues Forum.

This year marked 60 years of Community Health Centers serving communities nationwide, and important conversations about what’s next for primary care. A key focus was NACHC’s “Triple Double” strategy, which aims to strengthen access to care by doubling primary care spending, the number of patients served, and the primary care workforce.

Representing Neighborhood Health Center (NHC), our CFO/COO, Blain A. West, and Director of Advancement, Penny L. Moore, met with members of Oregon’s congressional delegation to advocate for sustained and expanded federal investment in Community Health Centers.

These conversations matter. Community Health Centers serve nearly 1 in 7 Americans, yet account for just 1% of total U.S. healthcare spending. Their integrated model delivers high-quality, cost-effective, and whole-person care in communities across the country.

Proud to be part of a national movement advancing access to care and supporting the future of primary care.

02/18/2026

Ever leave a medical visit confused by the words you heard? 🤔

Health care comes with its own language, and sometimes that makes it hard to understand what your provider is telling you. Our latest blog breaks down 12 common medical terms in easy-to-understand language so you can feel more confident at your next visit.

Read the guide: https://bit.ly/health-terms

Understanding your care helps you be a stronger partner in your health, and we’re here to help every step of the way. 💚

Learn 12 common medical and healthcare terms explained in simple language to help you feel more confident at your doctor’s visit.

02/16/2026

Please join us in welcoming Dina Garcia, LCSW, MSW, to Neighborhood Health Center!

Dina joins our Oregon City Medical Clinic as a Behavioral Health Consultant, bringing deep experience supporting children, families, and adults across community mental health, child welfare, residential, and outpatient settings. Her work is grounded in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and family-centered treatment planning.

At NHC, Dina partners closely with care teams to provide compassionate, integrated behavioral health support, helping patients feel heard, supported, and empowered as they work toward their health and wellness goals.

We’re excited to have Dina’s expertise, collaboration, and care on our team. Welcome to NHC, Dina!

02/13/2026

Does cold air make your teeth zing? ❄️🦷 You’re not imagining it! Winter can make sensitivity feel worse.

A few quick tips that can help:
🔹Try a soft-bristled toothbrush
🔹Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth
🔹Cover your mouth with a scarf outside

If it’s sharp or lasts more than a few weeks, it’s worth checking in with a dentist. We’ve got you. 💙

Which tip will you try out?

02/12/2026

Cold, flu, or COVID? 🤧 It’s not always easy to tell.

Many respiratory illnesses share the same symptoms (like cough, sore throat, or fatigue), but there are a few key differences that matter.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what symptoms are more common with:
• The common cold
• The flu
• COVID-19

Knowing what to watch for can help you decide when to rest at home, when to test, and when to reach out for care.

Learn how to spot the differences and what to do if you’re sick: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/covid-19-cold-flu-and-allergies-differences/art-20503981

If symptoms stick around, feel severe, or just don’t feel right, our care teams are here to help.

It's not easy to tell these health conditions apart based on their symptoms alone. Find out about the differences between these illnesses.

02/11/2026

Wondering how to keep your heart healthy? Or what signs to watch for? Our providers answered some of the most common questions about heart health in this blog. You’ll find easy-to-understand tips and clear answers that can help you take better care of your heart every day.

Read the full blog:

Take charge of your heart health! Learn when to get screened, how diet impacts your heart, and key risk factors to watch for.

02/06/2026

Want to make smarter food choices?

Reading a nutrition label on packaged foods can help you see what’s really inside what you eat and drink. A label tells you things like serving size, calories, fat, sugar, and more. That info can help you choose foods that help your body stay strong and healthy.

If you ever feel confused by nutrition info at the store, we’ve got you. Learn how to read a label and make choices that fit your goals and lifestyle.

Read more here:

Learn how to read nutrition labels, choose healthy foods, and find local resources if you're facing food insecurity. Support your health with smart choices.

02/06/2026

Sick and not sure what to do?

When you’re feeling under the weather, it can be hard to know if you should stay home and rest or see a doctor. Going to work sick can spread germs to others, and you probably won’t feel your best anyway.

Learn the signs that mean it’s okay to treat symptoms at home, when to stay home, and when it’s time to get medical care, including fever, cough, breathing trouble, or symptoms that don’t improve.

If you're ever unsure, always ask your healthcare provider. They're here to listen and help you get the care you need.

Important Note: This post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. For personalized care and recommendations, please talk to your healthcare provider.

02/05/2026

Do you need food? You can find free food markets, food banks, meal programs and more at https://needfood.oregon.gov

You can also find a flyer and a wallet card in multiple languages to share with your family, friends and community! Just scroll down to the bottom of the page and look under "Materials to print and share".

02/03/2026

February is Heart Health Month, and your heart deserves a little love. ❤️

Taking care of your heart doesn’t have to mean changing everything at once. Small choices can make a big difference over time.

🚶‍♀️ Move your body when you can
🥕 Add more fruits and veggies
😴 Get enough rest
🧠 Find ways to lower stress
🩺 Keep up with checkups

You don’t have to do it all. Start with one small change and build from there.

What’s one heart-healthy habit you’re working on right now?

Important Note: This post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. For personalized care and recommendations, please talk to your healthcare provider.