OHA release - OHA announces Oregon Health Forward Champions and new Move Oregon Health Forward Pledge - SALEM, Ore. -The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) announced a list of Champions for its Oregon Health Forward (OHF) effort and launched a new Move Oregon Health Forward Pledge, with a call to organizations across the state to sign the pledge and consider what commitment they can make to advance health for all.  The cornerstone of Oregon Health Forward, launched earlier this year, is the statewide Call to Action -- OHA’s initiative to galvanize a “whole of society” commitment to its 2030 strategic goal by building new public-private partnerships and cross-sectoral investments to address health disparities. OHA is proud to announce a list of Champions from across sectors and across the state who are leveraging their positions to improve the health and wellbeing of their employees, students, patients, and communities.  Each Champion brings to this effort a founding commitment to Move Oregon Health Forward, described below:  Marin Arreola, President, Advanced Economic Solutions Inc. - Advanced Economic Solutions will expand access to equitable and affordable behavioral health services across Oregon by investing in community-based workforce development, supporting and elevating Traditional Health Workers, strengthening culturally responsive care, and advancing integrated health navigation.  Julia Banks, Senior Vice President, Wells Fargo - Wells Fargo Foundation will invest $250,000 in housing stability, with grants to five organizations across the state focused on helping renters avoid eviction and stay housed.  Dr. Adrien Bennings, President, Portland Community College - Portland Community College has launched and will continue to refine a Behavioral Health Career Pathway, offering a clear and structured journey for students in the field, and diversifying Oregon’s behavioral health workforce for long-term growth.  David Drinkward, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hoffman Construction Company - Hoffman Construction Company will build out a Recovery Ready Workplace substance use prevention program, working with Care for Construction, a provider of a full range of prevention, awareness, and treatment services custom-built for people in construction.  Clarissa Etter-Smith, Health Care Executive Director, Genentech - Genentech will expand pathways into STEM education and careers for underrepresented youth in collaboration with community-based programs and continue to remove barriers to care by providing patient assistance, conducting inclusive clinical trials, and supporting patient advocacy organizations and other patient-serving social services nonprofits.  Peggy Maguire, President, Cambia Health Foundation - Cambia Health Foundation will award $200,000 in grants in 2025 focused on innovative whole-person primary care models, early intervention for young children and caregivers, and building a diverse primary care workforce with a focus on behavioral health.  Gustavo Morales, Executive Director, Euvalcree - Euvalcree will provide technical assistance and strategic support to organizations engaged in economic development activities in Eastern Oregon, seeking to improve regional health and wellbeing through shared economic advancement.  Dr. Jayathi Murty, President, Oregon State University - Oregon State University will invest in rural health, through placements for public health students, STEM and job readiness for high school students, and expand chronic disease and mental health programming in rural and underserved communities.  Now, for the first time, organizations interested in joining this effort may sign on to the Move Oregon Health Forward Pledge, which asks signatories to commit to the following principles:  Hold firm. In a time of rising demand and growing uncertainty, we commit to staying the course: Advancing health and opportunity is a smart investment in stronger communities and a more resilient future.  Act where we can. We will take steps — large and small — to strengthen the health and wellbeing of the people we employ, serve and impact.  Consider health in all decision-making. We will weigh how our policies, budgets, products, and services affect people’s ability to live well — especially those who face systemic barriers.  Support solutions. We will use our voice and resources to back efforts that help more Oregonians thrive.  Stand together. By adding our name publicly, we join a growing statewide network committed to Oregon’s health.  Organizations may also continue to make Oregon Health Forward commitments, which may take the form of financial investments in health, programmatic changes, or new partnerships.  All pledge signatories and partner commitments will be recognized and elevated by OHA and celebrated publicly in an end-of-year celebration.  “Now more than ever, it is the responsibility of all of us who care about health and wellbeing in Oregon to demonstrate to our communities that we are committed to making this state a place where everyone can thrive,” said OHA Director Sejal Hathi, M.D., MBA. “I’m proud to sign the Oregon Health Authority onto to the Move Oregon Health Forward Pledge and to announce commitments from our Champions Council that embody these principles. I hope that others see these actions and ask what their organizations can do – no matter their sector – to make it easier for all Oregonians to achieve their full potential for health and wellbeing.”  The first iteration of this work was supported by the CDC Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization that mobilizes philanthropic and private-sector resources to help extend the lifesaving work of the nation’s public health system.  To sign the pledge, make a commitment, or find out more information about the Call to Action.