Oregon Health Forum

Healthcare isn't just treating Oregonians—it's powering Oregon's economy.

Tomorrow, join economic and public policy strategist John Tapogna for a virtual presentation that explains why healthcare has become Oregon's economic engine, the risks that come with that dependence, and what policymakers, employers and communities should be watching next.

Bring your questions for an extended Q&A.

📅 July 14, 2026
🕛 12:30–2 PM
💻 Virtual Lunch Forum

Register: tinyurl.com/2yx3zcp6

Healthcare has been one of the few sectors carrying Oregon’s post-pandemic job growth. Yet economist John Topagna has discovered that the state faces a troubling imbalance: Oregon pays among the highest wages in the nation for healthcare talent while maintaining a below-average supply of key healthcare workers.

That workforce strain is emerging just as demand for care is rising, public budgets are tightening, and the commercial insurance market is under increasing pressure. In a July 14 Oregon Health Forum virtual presentation, Topagna will connect Oregon’s broader economic challenges to the future of healthcare—and explain why the sector cannot thrive in a stagnating state.

“Oregon has entered a new era,” said Tapogna, president of Oregon Business Council. “We can no longer assume population, workforce, and tax-base growth will happen on their own. We have to compete—deliberately—for workers, families, employers, investment, and ideas.”

For anyone concerned about Oregon’s economic future, and the future of healthcare in the state, this presentation is not to be missed.

📅 July 14, 2026
🕛 12:30–2 PM
💻 Virtual Lunch Forum
Register: tinyurl.com/2yx3zcp6

Come ready to collaborate.

This isn't just a panel discussion.
We'll be asking participants from across Oregon's health care, public health, nonprofit and community sectors to help answer:

💠How do we reach people who may lose coverage?
💠What communication strategies actually work?
💠What lessons from COVID-era outreach can be applied now?
💠What expertise, resources or personnel can your organization contribute?

Join the conversation and help shape Oregon's response to the Medicaid cliff.

tinyurl.com/MedicaidCliff