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Flowers Along the North Umpqua River 

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Ryan Finlay

Fields of flowers and grass along the North Umpqua River this afternoon 🤙

Moses Finlay

"CORRECTION: The Douglas Forest Protective Association is retracting the Public Service Announcement (PSA) issued earlier this morning and replacing it with the attached updated version.

The increase to Extreme Public Use Restrictions will become effective Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 12:01 p.m. (noon).

PUBLIC USE RESTRICTION LEVEL INCREASE: EXTREME

DFPA NEWS RELEASE: Due to an increase in temperatures, decreased relative humidity, and critically dry fuel moisture conditions, effective TUESDAY, August 4, 2026, at 12:01 p.m. (NOON), the Fire Danger Level and Public Use Restriction Level will increase to EXTREME for all private, county, state, and Bureau of Indian Affairs lands within the Douglas District.

Industrial Fire Precaution Levels (IFPL) on lands protected by the Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) within the Douglas District will remain at IFPL LEVEL 3 in regulated use areas DG-1, DG-2, UA-1, UA-2, and all forestland within one-eighth mile thereof.

What does this change mean to the public?

The following activities are now PROHIBITED on protected lands within the Douglas District:

Non-industrial power saw use. Cutting, grinding, or welding of metal. Cutting, trimming, or mowing dried or cured grass. Operation of power-driven machinery for non-industrial improvement or development projects on private property.

The State Forester or an authorized representative may, in writing, approve a modification or waiver of these requirements. These restrictions will remain in effect until replaced or terminated by an additional Closedown Order issued by the State Forester or an authorized representative.

Fire Season Public Safety Reminders

As fire danger reaches EXTREME, everyone has a responsibility to help prevent human-caused wildfires.

Please remember:

Never park or drive over dry grass. A vehicle's hot exhaust system or catalytic converter can ignite dry vegetation in seconds.

Maintain your vehicle and trailer. Inspect for dragging safety chains, worn brakes, leaking fluids, and other mechanical issues that could produce sparks or start a fire.

Open fires are PROHIBITED, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires, and warming fires, except in designated locations where allowed.

Debris burning is PROHIBITED, including the use of burn barrels.

Fireworks, tracer ammunition, and exploding targets are PROHIBITED on protected lands.

Dispose of smoking materials properly. Never discard cigarettes or other smoking materials onto the ground or from a moving vehicle.

Know before you go. Check current fire restrictions and obey all posted closures and regulations before recreating outdoors.

Report smoke immediately by calling 9-1-1. Prompt reporting allows firefighters to respond quickly and increases the chances of keeping fires small.

With hot temperatures, low humidity, and dry fuels, a single spark can quickly become a fast-moving wildfire. Every fire prevented helps protect lives, homes, forests, and the firefighters who respond.

Maps of the affected area may be viewed at the State Forester's Office in Salem, Oregon, and at principal offices of the Forest Protection District. Definitions of words and phrases used in this proclamation may be found in ORS 477.001 and OAR 629-041-0005."

Via DFPA.

"CORRECTION: The Douglas Forest Protective Association is retracting the Public Service Announcement (PSA) issued earlier this morning and replacing it with the attached updated version.The increase to Extreme Public Use Restrictions will become effective Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 12:01 p.m. (noon).PUBLIC USE RESTRICTION LEVEL INCREASE: EXTREMEDFPA NEWS RELEASE: Due to an increase in temperatures, decreased relative humidity, and critically dry fuel moisture conditions, effective TUESDAY, August 4, 2026, at 12:01 p.m. (NOON), the Fire Danger Level and Public Use Restriction Level will increase to EXTREME for all private, county, state, and Bureau of Indian Affairs lands within the Douglas District.Industrial Fire Precaution Levels (IFPL) on lands protected by the Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) within the Douglas District will remain at IFPL LEVEL 3 in regulated use areas DG-1, DG-2, UA-1, UA-2, and all forestland within one-eighth mile thereof.What does this change mean to the public?The following activities are now PROHIBITED on protected lands within the Douglas District:Non-industrial power saw use. Cutting, grinding, or welding of metal. Cutting, trimming, or mowing dried or cured grass. Operation of power-driven machinery for non-industrial improvement or development projects on private property.The State Forester or an authorized representative may, in writing, approve a modification or waiver of these requirements. These restrictions will remain in effect until replaced or terminated by an additional Closedown Order issued by the State Forester or an authorized representative.Fire Season Public Safety RemindersAs fire danger reaches EXTREME, everyone has a responsibility to help prevent human-caused wildfires.Please remember:Never park or drive over dry grass. A vehicle's hot exhaust system or catalytic converter can ignite dry vegetation in seconds.Maintain your vehicle and trailer. Inspect for dragging safety chains, worn brakes, leaking fluids, and other mechanical issues that could produce sparks or start a fire.Open fires are PROHIBITED, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires, and warming fires, except in designated locations where allowed.Debris burning is PROHIBITED, including the use of burn barrels.Fireworks, tracer ammunition, and exploding targets are PROHIBITED on protected lands.Dispose of smoking materials properly. Never discard cigarettes or other smoking materials onto the ground or from a moving vehicle.Know before you go. Check current fire restrictions and obey all posted closures and regulations before recreating outdoors.Report smoke immediately by calling 9-1-1. Prompt reporting allows firefighters to respond quickly and increases the chances of keeping fires small.With hot temperatures, low humidity, and dry fuels, a single spark can quickly become a fast-moving wildfire. Every fire prevented helps protect lives, homes, forests, and the firefighters who respond.Maps of the affected area may be viewed at the State Forester's Office in Salem, Oregon, and at principal offices of the Forest Protection District. Definitions of words and phrases used in this proclamation may be found in ORS 477.001 and OAR 629-041-0005."Via DFPA.

Fire danger level rises to extreme on Tuesday

"CORRECTION: The Douglas Forest Protective Association is retracting the Public Service Announcement (PSA) issued earlier this morning and replacing it with the attached updated version.

The increase to Extreme Public Use Restrictions will become effective Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 12:01 p.m. (noon).

PUBLIC USE RESTRICTION LEVEL INCREASE: EXTREME

DFPA NEWS RELEASE: Due to an increase in temperatures, decreased relative humidity, and critically dry fuel moisture conditions, effective TUESDAY, August 4, 2026, at 12:01 p.m. (NOON), the Fire Danger Level and Public Use Restriction Level will increase to EXTREME for all private, county, state, and Bureau of Indian Affairs lands within the Douglas District.

Industrial Fire Precaution Levels (IFPL) on lands protected by the Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) within the Douglas District will remain at IFPL LEVEL 3 in regulated use areas DG-1, DG-2, UA-1, UA-2, and all forestland within one-eighth mile thereof.

What does this change mean to the public?

The following activities are now PROHIBITED on protected lands within the Douglas District:

Non-industrial power saw use. Cutting, grinding, or welding of metal. Cutting, trimming, or mowing dried or cured grass. Operation of power-driven machinery for non-industrial improvement or development projects on private property.

The State Forester or an authorized representative may, in writing, approve a modification or waiver of these requirements. These restrictions will remain in effect until replaced or terminated by an additional Closedown Order issued by the State Forester or an authorized representative.

As fire danger reaches EXTREME, everyone has a responsibility to help prevent human-caused wildfires.

Never park or drive over dry grass. A vehicle's hot exhaust system or catalytic converter can ignite dry vegetation in seconds.

Maintain your vehicle and trailer. Inspect for dragging safety chains, worn brakes, leaking fluids, and other mechanical issues that could produce sparks or start a fire.

Open fires are PROHIBITED, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires, and warming fires, except in designated locations where allowed.

Debris burning is PROHIBITED, including the use of burn barrels.

Fireworks, tracer ammunition, and exploding targets are PROHIBITED on protected lands.

Dispose of smoking materials properly. Never discard cigarettes or other smoking materials onto the ground or from a moving vehicle.

Know before you go. Check current fire restrictions and obey all posted closures and regulations before recreating outdoors.

Report smoke immediately by calling 9-1-1. Prompt reporting allows firefighters to respond quickly and increases the chances of keeping fires small.

With hot temperatures, low humidity, and dry fuels, a single spark can quickly become a fast-moving wildfire. Every fire prevented helps protect lives, homes, forests, and the firefighters who respond.

Maps of the affected area may be viewed at the State Forester's Office in Salem, Oregon, and at principal offices of the Forest Protection District. Definitions of words and phrases used in this proclamation may be found in ORS 477.001 and OAR 629-041-0005."

Douglas District Fire Danger Will Rise to Extreme

DFPA NEWS RELEASE: Due to an increase in temperatures, decreased relative humidity, and critically dry fuel moisture conditions, effective Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 12:01 a.m., the Fire Danger Level and Public Use Restriction Level will increase to EXTREME for all private, county, state, and Bureau of Indian Affairs lands within the Douglas District.

Industrial Fire Precaution Levels (IFPL) on lands protected by the Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) within the Douglas District will remain at IFPL LEVEL 3 in regulated use areas DG-1, DG-2, UA-1, UA-2, and all forestland within one-eighth mile thereof.

What does this change mean to the public?

The following activities are now PROHIBITED on protected lands within the Douglas District:

Non-industrial power saw use

Cutting, grinding, or welding of metal

Cutting, trimming, or mowing dried or cured grass

Operation of power-driven machinery for non-industrial improvement or development projects on private property

The State Forester or an authorized representative may, in writing, approve a modification or waiver of these requirements. These restrictions will remain in effect until replaced or terminated by an additional Closedown Order issued by the State Forester or an authorized representative.

Fire Season Public Safety Reminders

As fire danger reaches EXTREME, everyone has a responsibility to help prevent human-caused wildfires.

Please remember:

Never park or drive over dry grass. A vehicle's hot exhaust system or catalytic converter can ignite dry vegetation in seconds.

Maintain your vehicle and trailer. Inspect for dragging safety chains, worn brakes, leaking fluids, and other mechanical issues that could produce sparks or start a fire.

Open fires are PROHIBITED, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires, and warming fires, except in designated locations where allowed.

Debris burning is PROHIBITED, including the use of burn barrels.

Fireworks, tracer ammunition, and exploding targets are PROHIBITED on protected lands.

Dispose of smoking materials properly. Never discard cigarettes or other smoking materials onto the ground or from a moving vehicle.

Know before you go. Check current fire restrictions and obey all posted closures and regulations before recreating outdoors.

Report smoke immediately by calling 9-1-1. Prompt reporting allows firefighters to respond quickly and increases the chances of keeping fires small.

With hot temperatures, low humidity, and dry fuels, a single spark can quickly become a fast-moving wildfire. Every fire prevented helps protect lives, homes, forests, and the firefighters who respond.

Maps of the affected area may be viewed at the State Forester's Office in Salem, Oregon, and at principal offices of the Forest Protection District. Definitions of words and phrases used in this proclamation may be found in ORS 477.001 and OAR 629-041-0005.

Via DFPA.

DFPA NEWS RELEASE: Due to an increase in temperatures, decreased relative humidity, and critically dry fuel moisture conditions, effective Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 12:01 a.m., the Fire Danger Level and Public Use Restriction Level will increase to EXTREME for all private, county, state, and Bureau of Indian Affairs lands within the Douglas District.Industrial Fire Precaution Levels (IFPL) on lands protected by the Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) within the Douglas District will remain at IFPL LEVEL 3 in regulated use areas DG-1, DG-2, UA-1, UA-2, and all forestland within one-eighth mile thereof.What does this change mean to the public?The following activities are now PROHIBITED on protected lands within the Douglas District:Non-industrial power saw useCutting, grinding, or welding of metalCutting, trimming, or mowing dried or cured grassOperation of power-driven machinery for non-industrial improvement or development projects on private propertyThe State Forester or an authorized representative may, in writing, approve a modification or waiver of these requirements. These restrictions will remain in effect until replaced or terminated by an additional Closedown Order issued by the State Forester or an authorized representative.Fire Season Public Safety RemindersAs fire danger reaches EXTREME, everyone has a responsibility to help prevent human-caused wildfires.Please remember:Never park or drive over dry grass. A vehicle's hot exhaust system or catalytic converter can ignite dry vegetation in seconds.Maintain your vehicle and trailer. Inspect for dragging safety chains, worn brakes, leaking fluids, and other mechanical issues that could produce sparks or start a fire.Open fires are PROHIBITED, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires, and warming fires, except in designated locations where allowed.Debris burning is PROHIBITED, including the use of burn barrels.Fireworks, tracer ammunition, and exploding targets are PROHIBITED on protected lands.Dispose of smoking materials properly. Never discard cigarettes or other smoking materials onto the ground or from a moving vehicle.Know before you go. Check current fire restrictions and obey all posted closures and regulations before recreating outdoors.Report smoke immediately by calling 9-1-1. Prompt reporting allows firefighters to respond quickly and increases the chances of keeping fires small.With hot temperatures, low humidity, and dry fuels, a single spark can quickly become a fast-moving wildfire. Every fire prevented helps protect lives, homes, forests, and the firefighters who respond.Maps of the affected area may be viewed at the State Forester's Office in Salem, Oregon, and at principal offices of the Forest Protection District. Definitions of words and phrases used in this proclamation may be found in ORS 477.001 and OAR 629-041-0005.Via DFPA.

Douglas District fire danger rises to extreme August 5

DFPA NEWS RELEASE: Due to an increase in temperatures, decreased relative humidity, and critically dry fuel moisture conditions, effective Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 12:01 a.m., the Fire Danger Level and Public Use Restriction Level will increase to EXTREME for all private, county, state, and Bureau of Indian Affairs lands within the Douglas District.

Cutting, trimming, or mowing dried or cured grass

Operation of power-driven machinery for non-industrial improvement or development projects on private property

Maps of the affected area may be viewed at the State Forester's Office in Salem, Oregon, and at principal offices of the Forest Protection District. Definitions of words and phrases used in this proclamation may be found in ORS 477.001 and OAR 629-041-0005.

Fire Danger Level Rises to EXTREME in Douglas District Starting August 5

Level Up Frozen Yogurt will hold its 12th annual Froyo-Palooza on Friday, August 14, from noon to 5 p.m. at 1143 NE Stephens in Roseburg.

The event centers on games that give participants a chance to win discounts on frozen yogurt.

Level Up Frozen Yogurt will hold its 12th annual Froyo-Palooza on Friday, August 14, from noon to 5 p.m. at 1143 NE Stephens in Roseburg.The event centers on games that give participants a chance to win discounts on frozen yogurt.

Esther Finlay

Tricia P

Games and discounts on offer during the August 14 event

Level Up Frozen Yogurt will hold its 12th annual Froyo-Palooza on Friday, August 14, from noon to 5 p.m. at 1143 NE Stephens in Roseburg.

The event centers on games that give participants a chance to win discounts on frozen yogurt.

Level Up Frozen Yogurt Sets 12th Annual Froyo-Palooza

The 2026 Douglas County Fair runs Wednesday, August 5 through Saturday, August 8 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Roseburg, with four nights of headline entertainment included in the price of gate admission. Adult admission is $10 at the gate, or $8 during pre-sale, which ends July 18. A week pass costs $40, or $35 in advance. Children 12 and under enter free. Teens receive $2 off with a canned food donation. This year's theme, "Fair, Fun & Freedom," marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Organizers plan patriotic decorations and displays throughout the grounds. Gate Hours The main gate opens daily at 7 a.m. and closes at 11 p.m. The carnival gate operates from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and exhibit buildings are open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The livestock gate opens at 6 a.m. Carnival hours run noon to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, noon to 11 p.m. Friday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday. Advance carnival ride bracelets are available for $35 through Tuesday, August 4. During the fair, ride bracelets cost $45. Headline Entertainment All headline acts are free with gate admission. Reserved concert seating and a new VIP Pit Area are on sale for $30, which does not include gate admission. The lineup is: Wednesday, August 5: Challenge of the Champions Bull Riding, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, August 6: Country artist Aaron Lewis, 7:30 p.m. Friday, August 7: Rap artist Tone Loc, 8 p.m. Saturday, August 8: Country artist Niko Moon, 8 p.m. Junior Livestock Auction The Junior Livestock Auction takes place Friday, August 7 at 4 p.m. in the Beef Ring. Local businesses and community members bid on animals raised by 4-H and FFA youth, with proceeds supporting the exhibitors' agricultural education. Open Class entries and judging, featuring adult exhibitors in categories from livestock and photography to quilts and baked goods, begin Saturday, August 1. Free Attractions Several attractions are free with gate admission. They include Dock Dogs, Master Gardeners exhibits and demonstrations, a model railroad exhibit and BINGO. The Garden Park Stage features fire dancer Jodie Smalley, comedy stuntman Matt Barker, local bands, a senior talent show and a diaper derby. Roaming performers include Sterling the Bubblesmith, Arty the Circus Drummer and Lessa the Hula Hooper. The Rainer Amusement carnival midway offers rides, games and a Ferris wheel. Free shuttle bus service runs every 15 minutes from Roseburg High School at 400 Harvard Ave. to the main gate, and from the First Student bus lot in the Green District to the carnival gate. Buses run 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday. Additional discounts include free admission for seniors on Wednesday and free entry for armed forces members and first responders until 5 p.m. Thursday. More information is available at douglasfairgrounds.com. The fair has been held at the Roseburg fairgrounds since 1945, with the county's fair tradition dating to 1860 in Oakland.

The 2026 Douglas County Fair runs Wednesday, August 5 through Saturday, August 8 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Roseburg, with four nights of headline entertainment included in the price of gate admission.

Adult admission is $10 at the gate, or $8 during pre-sale, which ends July 18. A week pass costs $40, or $35 in advance. Children 12 and under enter free. Teens receive $2 off with a canned food donation.

This year's theme, "Fair, Fun & Freedom," marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Organizers plan patriotic decorations and displays throughout the grounds.

<h2>Gate Hours</h2>

The main gate opens daily at 7 a.m. and closes at 11 p.m. The carnival gate operates from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and exhibit buildings are open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The livestock gate opens at 6 a.m. Carnival hours run noon to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, noon to 11 p.m. Friday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday.

Advance carnival ride bracelets are available for $35 through Tuesday, August 4. During the fair, ride bracelets cost $45.

<h2>Headline Entertainment</h2>

All headline acts are free with gate admission. Reserved concert seating and a new VIP Pit Area are on sale for $30, which does not include gate admission. The lineup is:

<ul>
<li>Wednesday, August 5: Challenge of the Champions Bull Riding, 7:30 p.m.</li>
<li>Thursday, August 6: Country artist Aaron Lewis, 7:30 p.m.</li>
<li>Friday, August 7: Rap artist Tone Loc, 8 p.m.</li>
<li>Saturday, August 8: Country artist Niko Moon, 8 p.m.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Junior Livestock Auction</h2>

The Junior Livestock Auction takes place Friday, August 7 at 4 p.m. in the Beef Ring. Local businesses and community members bid on animals raised by 4-H and FFA youth, with proceeds supporting the exhibitors' agricultural education. Open Class entries and judging, featuring adult exhibitors in categories from livestock and photography to quilts and baked goods, begin Saturday, August 1.

<h2>Free Attractions</h2>

Several attractions are free with gate admission. They include Dock Dogs, Master Gardeners exhibits and demonstrations, a model railroad exhibit and BINGO. The Garden Park Stage features fire dancer Jodie Smalley, comedy stuntman Matt Barker, local bands, a senior talent show and a diaper derby. Roaming performers include Sterling the Bubblesmith, Arty the Circus Drummer and Lessa the Hula Hooper.

The Rainer Amusement carnival midway offers rides, games and a Ferris wheel. Free shuttle bus service runs every 15 minutes from Roseburg High School at 400 Harvard Ave. to the main gate, and from the First Student bus lot in the Green District to the carnival gate. Buses run 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday.

Additional discounts include free admission for seniors on Wednesday and free entry for armed forces members and first responders until 5 p.m. Thursday.

More information is available at douglasfairgrounds.com. The fair has been held at the Roseburg fairgrounds since 1945, with the county's fair tradition dating to 1860 in Oakland.

Steffanie Moore

Four days of headline acts, livestock auction and attractions

Douglas County Fair Returns to Roseburg August 5-8 With Free Concert Lineup

"ROSEBURG, Ore. – Aviva Health has been awarded more than $5 million through the Oregon Health Authority's Rural Health Transformation Program Catalyst Awards to expand access to healthcare across Douglas County through two transformative initiatives.

The Oregon Health Authority awarded Aviva Health $5,036,238.35 across two funded projects, making the organization one of only a handful of award recipients statewide to receive funding for multiple projects. The combined award ranks as the fifth-largest Catalyst Award allocation in Oregon and is the largest Catalyst Award investment awarded to any organization in Douglas County.

"This investment represents an extraordinary opportunity for Aviva Health and Douglas County," said Mark Tsuchiya, marketing and development director at Aviva Health. "These projects address two of the greatest challenges facing rural healthcare today: developing the workforce our communities need and ensuring providers can seamlessly share information to deliver coordinated, high-quality care. We're honored the Oregon Health Authority recognized the strength of these community-driven solutions."

The Catalyst Awards will fund two transformational initiatives designed to strengthen Douglas County's healthcare workforce and improve access to care for years to come.

The first award will support Aviva Health's Grow Your Own Dental Workforce Initiative, an effort to address Oregon's shortage of dental professionals by building a local pipeline of future providers. The project will expand clinical capacity by adding new dental operatories in Roseburg and Myrtle Creek while creating education and career pathways through partnerships with a variety of academic institutions across the state.

The initiative also will expand student clinical rotations, mentorships and preceptorships while supporting advanced certifications for dental assistants, helping more students train, live and ultimately practice in rural Oregon.

The second award will fund Aviva Health's transition to the OCHIN Epic Electronic Health Record (EHR), a platform also used by other Douglas County healthcare organizations and Federally Qualified Health Centers across the state. By improving interoperability among healthcare organizations, the collaborative will strengthen care coordination, streamline referrals, improve secure information sharing and provide clinicians with more timely access to patient information.

The project will enhance collaboration across primary care, behavioral health, dental, pharmacy, and specialty services, creating a more connected healthcare experience for patients throughout Douglas County.

The awards were made through the Oregon Health Authority's Rural Health Transformation Program, which supports innovative, community-driven projects that improve health outcomes, expand access to care and strengthen healthcare systems in rural Oregon.

The statewide competition was exceptionally competitive. The Oregon Health Authority received 583 proposals from 353 organizations requesting more than $830 million in funding. With only $160 million available, selected projects represented less than 17% of the total funding requested.

"Our success reflects the strength of our partnerships and our shared commitment to improving health in Douglas County," Tsuchiya said. "These projects will create lasting benefits by expanding educational opportunities, strengthening our local workforce and ensuring patients receive more coordinated, connected care close to home."

ABOUT AVIVA HEALTH

Founded in 1991, Aviva Health is an independent, board-governed, not-for-profit organization that cares for the people of Douglas County by providing high-quality, patient-centered, accessible and affordable medical, dental and behavioral health care, regardless of their ability to pay.

Aviva Health offers integrated services from 11 clinic sites in Roseburg, Myrtle Creek, Sutherlin, Glide and North Douglas County (Drain), including a Teen Health Center located on the campus of Roseburg High School. In partnership with CHI Mercy Medical Center, Aviva Health also serves as the family medicine practice site for the Roseburg Family Medicine Residency Program. The organization continues to expand its workforce development efforts, most recently starting an Advanced Practice Provider Residency Program that launched in the spring of 2025.

Aviva Health's commitment to the community and its mission to provide quality, compassionate care has earned it a variety of local, statewide, regional, and national recognition and awards."

via Aviva Health.

"ROSEBURG, Ore. – Aviva Health has been awarded more than $5 million through the Oregon Health Authority's Rural Health Transformation Program Catalyst Awards to expand access to healthcare across Douglas County through two transformative initiatives.The Oregon Health Authority awarded Aviva Health $5,036,238.35 across two funded projects, making the organization one of only a handful of award recipients statewide to receive funding for multiple projects. The combined award ranks as the fifth-largest Catalyst Award allocation in Oregon and is the largest Catalyst Award investment awarded to any organization in Douglas County."This investment represents an extraordinary opportunity for Aviva Health and Douglas County," said Mark Tsuchiya, marketing and development director at Aviva Health. "These projects address two of the greatest challenges facing rural healthcare today: developing the workforce our communities need and ensuring providers can seamlessly share information to deliver coordinated, high-quality care. We're honored the Oregon Health Authority recognized the strength of these community-driven solutions."The Catalyst Awards will fund two transformational initiatives designed to strengthen Douglas County's healthcare workforce and improve access to care for years to come.The first award will support Aviva Health's Grow Your Own Dental Workforce Initiative, an effort to address Oregon's shortage of dental professionals by building a local pipeline of future providers. The project will expand clinical capacity by adding new dental operatories in Roseburg and Myrtle Creek while creating education and career pathways through partnerships with a variety of academic institutions across the state.The initiative also will expand student clinical rotations, mentorships and preceptorships while supporting advanced certifications for dental assistants, helping more students train, live and ultimately practice in rural Oregon.The second award will fund Aviva Health's transition to the OCHIN Epic Electronic Health Record (EHR), a platform also used by other Douglas County healthcare organizations and Federally Qualified Health Centers across the state. By improving interoperability among healthcare organizations, the collaborative will strengthen care coordination, streamline referrals, improve secure information sharing and provide clinicians with more timely access to patient information.The project will enhance collaboration across primary care, behavioral health, dental, pharmacy, and specialty services, creating a more connected healthcare experience for patients throughout Douglas County.The awards were made through the Oregon Health Authority's Rural Health Transformation Program, which supports innovative, community-driven projects that improve health outcomes, expand access to care and strengthen healthcare systems in rural Oregon.The statewide competition was exceptionally competitive. The Oregon Health Authority received 583 proposals from 353 organizations requesting more than $830 million in funding. With only $160 million available, selected projects represented less than 17% of the total funding requested."Our success reflects the strength of our partnerships and our shared commitment to improving health in Douglas County," Tsuchiya said. "These projects will create lasting benefits by expanding educational opportunities, strengthening our local workforce and ensuring patients receive more coordinated, connected care close to home."ABOUT AVIVA HEALTHFounded in 1991, Aviva Health is an independent, board-governed, not-for-profit organization that cares for the people of Douglas County by providing high-quality, patient-centered, accessible and affordable medical, dental and behavioral health care, regardless of their ability to pay.Aviva Health offers integrated services from 11 clinic sites in Roseburg, Myrtle Creek, Sutherlin, Glide and North Douglas County (Drain), including a Teen Health Center located on the campus of Roseburg High School. In partnership with CHI Mercy Medical Center, Aviva Health also serves as the family medicine practice site for the Roseburg Family Medicine Residency Program. The organization continues to expand its workforce development efforts, most recently starting an Advanced Practice Provider Residency Program that launched in the spring of 2025.Aviva Health's commitment to the community and its mission to provide quality, compassionate care has earned it a variety of local, statewide, regional, and national recognition and awards."via Aviva Health.

Kathy Guentner

Aviva Health earns Douglas County's largest Catalyst Award

"ROSEBURG, Ore. – Aviva Health has been awarded more than $5 million through the Oregon Health Authority's Rural Health Transformation Program Catalyst Awards to expand access to healthcare across Douglas County through two transformative initiatives.

The Oregon Health Authority awarded Aviva Health $5,036,238.35 across two funded projects, making the organization one of only a handful of award recipients statewide to receive funding for multiple projects. The combined award ranks as the fifth-largest Catalyst Award allocation in Oregon and is the largest Catalyst Award investment awarded to any organization in Douglas County.

"This investment represents an extraordinary opportunity for Aviva Health and Douglas County," said Mark Tsuchiya, marketing and development director at Aviva Health. "These projects address two of the greatest challenges facing rural healthcare today: developing the workforce our communities need and ensuring providers can seamlessly share information to deliver coordinated, high-quality care. We're honored the Oregon Health Authority recognized the strength of these community-driven solutions."

The Catalyst Awards will fund two transformational initiatives designed to strengthen Douglas County's healthcare workforce and improve access to care for years to come.

The first award will support Aviva Health's Grow Your Own Dental Workforce Initiative, an effort to address Oregon's shortage of dental professionals by building a local pipeline of future providers. The project will expand clinical capacity by adding new dental operatories in Roseburg and Myrtle Creek while creating education and career pathways through partnerships with a variety of academic institutions across the state.

The initiative also will expand student clinical rotations, mentorships and preceptorships while supporting advanced certifications for dental assistants, helping more students train, live and ultimately practice in rural Oregon.

The second award will fund Aviva Health's transition to the OCHIN Epic Electronic Health Record (EHR), a platform also used by other Douglas County healthcare organizations and Federally Qualified Health Centers across the state. By improving interoperability among healthcare organizations, the collaborative will strengthen care coordination, streamline referrals, improve secure information sharing and provide clinicians with more timely access to patient information.

The project will enhance collaboration across primary care, behavioral health, dental, pharmacy, and specialty services, creating a more connected healthcare experience for patients throughout Douglas County.

The awards were made through the Oregon Health Authority's Rural Health Transformation Program, which supports innovative, community-driven projects that improve health outcomes, expand access to care and strengthen healthcare systems in rural Oregon.

The statewide competition was exceptionally competitive. The Oregon Health Authority received 583 proposals from 353 organizations requesting more than $830 million in funding. With only $160 million available, selected projects represented less than 17% of the total funding requested.

"Our success reflects the strength of our partnerships and our shared commitment to improving health in Douglas County," Tsuchiya said. "These projects will create lasting benefits by expanding educational opportunities, strengthening our local workforce and ensuring patients receive more coordinated, connected care close to home."

Founded in 1991, Aviva Health is an independent, board-governed, not-for-profit organization that cares for the people of Douglas County by providing high-quality, patient-centered, accessible and affordable medical, dental and behavioral health care, regardless of their ability to pay.

Aviva Health offers integrated services from 11 clinic sites in Roseburg, Myrtle Creek, Sutherlin, Glide and North Douglas County (Drain), including a Teen Health Center located on the campus of Roseburg High School. In partnership with CHI Mercy Medical Center, Aviva Health also serves as the family medicine practice site for the Roseburg Family Medicine Residency Program. The organization continues to expand its workforce development efforts, most recently starting an Advanced Practice Provider Residency Program that launched in the spring of 2025.

Aviva Health's commitment to the community and its mission to provide quality, compassionate care has earned it a variety of local, statewide, regional, and national recognition and awards."

Aviva Health Awarded Over $5 Million to Expand Douglas County Healthcare

A 64-year-old Roseburg man drowned while kayaking on the North Umpqua River near Winchester on Thursday, July 9, according to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies responded to a reported water rescue at Amacher Park at about 12:24 p.m. that day. The Sheriff's Office identified the man as Charles Robert Jensen.

A preliminary investigation found that Jensen and a friend were kayaking from Amacher Park to Hestness Landing when Jensen's kayak overturned in the first rapid, the Sheriff's Office said. Jensen went under and briefly resurfaced before going back beneath the water.

His friend pulled him from the water onto nearby rocks and began CPR. Investigators believe Jensen was submerged for about one minute.

Fire and EMS personnel continued lifesaving efforts at the scene, but Jensen could not be revived and was pronounced dead there, according to the Sheriff's Office. The Douglas County Medical Examiner's Office assumed responsibility for the death investigation.

The Sheriff's Office said Jensen's name was released after next of kin were notified.

Central Douglas Fire & Rescue and Oregon State Police assisted at the scene. The Sheriff's Office extended its condolences to Jensen's family and friends.

Via  Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

A 64-year-old Roseburg man drowned while kayaking on the North Umpqua River near Winchester on Thursday, July 9, according to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.Deputies responded to a reported water rescue at Amacher Park at about 12:24 p.m. that day. The Sheriff's Office identified the man as Charles Robert Jensen.A preliminary investigation found that Jensen and a friend were kayaking from Amacher Park to Hestness Landing when Jensen's kayak overturned in the first rapid, the Sheriff's Office said. Jensen went under and briefly resurfaced before going back beneath the water.His friend pulled him from the water onto nearby rocks and began CPR. Investigators believe Jensen was submerged for about one minute.Fire and EMS personnel continued lifesaving efforts at the scene, but Jensen could not be revived and was pronounced dead there, according to the Sheriff's Office. The Douglas County Medical Examiner's Office assumed responsibility for the death investigation.The Sheriff's Office said Jensen's name was released after next of kin were notified.Central Douglas Fire &amp; Rescue and Oregon State Police assisted at the scene. The Sheriff's Office extended its condolences to Jensen's family and friends.Via Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

Charles Robert Jensen died near Winchester on July 9

A 64-year-old Roseburg man drowned while kayaking on the North Umpqua River near Winchester on Thursday, July 9, according to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies responded to a reported water rescue at Amacher Park at about 12:24 p.m. that day. The Sheriff's Office identified the man as Charles Robert Jensen.

A preliminary investigation found that Jensen and a friend were kayaking from Amacher Park to Hestness Landing when Jensen's kayak overturned in the first rapid, the Sheriff's Office said. Jensen went under and briefly resurfaced before going back beneath the water.

His friend pulled him from the water onto nearby rocks and began CPR. Investigators believe Jensen was submerged for about one minute.

Fire and EMS personnel continued lifesaving efforts at the scene, but Jensen could not be revived and was pronounced dead there, according to the Sheriff's Office. The Douglas County Medical Examiner's Office assumed responsibility for the death investigation.

The Sheriff's Office said Jensen's name was released after next of kin were notified.

Central Douglas Fire & Rescue and Oregon State Police assisted at the scene. The Sheriff's Office extended its condolences to Jensen's family and friends.

Flowers Along the North Umpqua River

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