Improving Rural Health Care
Holding a roundtable meeting in Hermiston to discuss local efforts to combat the opioid crisis in Oregon
Working to improve health care in Oregon’s rural communities has long been a priority of mine. Before I ran for Congress, I was a member of the Hood River Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees and the Oregon Health Sciences University Foundation Board. As Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee now, I’ve listened to what constituents, doctors, stakeholders, hospitals, care providers, and disease and treatment advocates alike have to say about the most pressing health care issues facing our country.
My top priority at the Energy and Commerce Committee is combating the opioid epidemic in Oregon and throughout America. Under my leadership, the Energy and Commerce Committee has put forth concrete proposals to get dangerous synthetic opioids like fentanyl off our streets, improve prescription drug monitoring programs, and make sure federal resources get to those on the ground in this fight.
I’ve also worked hard to support important public health priorities for our state and country. I introduced legislation to provide the longest and most generous extension of the Children’s Health Insurance Program in history, as well as a plan to provide two years of full funding and certainty for community health centers. Both pieces of legislation have been signed into law, ensuring these programs will be able to continue serving Oregonians.
More on Improving Rural Health Care
Greg Walden releases report detailing alleged opioid-dumping in rural communities
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Energy and Commerce Committee, chaired by Rep. Greg Walden (R-Hood River), today released a report summarizing its findings after concluding its bipartisan investigation into allegations of opioid-dumping in West Virginia. Walden's Energy and Commerce Committee spent more than 18 months investigating large quantities of opioids sent to rural towns.
Greg Walden’s historic bill to combat opioid crisis signed into law
Walden’s SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act represents largest effort to address a single drug crisis in history
Apparently there was a dirty little secret between the drug companies and the insurance companies about prescription costs for years.
Pharmacists could not inform customers, other than Medicare D patients, if their drug was cheaper if they paid out of pocket versus through their insurance, because of so-called "gag clauses."
Pharmacist Michele Belcher, who owns the Grants Pass Pharmacy, brought this to Oregon Rep. Greg Walden's attention.
Greg Walden bill to combat opioid crisis passes Senate
Walden’s SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act now heads to president
Greg Walden comprehensive bill to combat opioid crisis moves closer to President’s desk
Walden’s SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act clears final House vote in bipartisan fashion
Greg Walden leads passage of legislation to lower drug prices, increase control for patients
Patient Right to Know Drug Prices Act and Know the Lowest Price Act pass House with Walden’s support
Greg Walden highlights $17 million in new grants to combat opioid crisis in Oregon
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Greg Walden (R-Hood River) is highlighting new resources to combat the opioid crisis in Oregon. As part of newly released grant funding from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Oregon will receive more than $17 million to increase access to a wide range of opioid abuse and addiction treatment services across the state, specifically targeted to rural areas.
Greg Walden applauds Senate passage of opioid package
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Representative Greg Walden (R-Hood River), Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, today issued the following statement after the Senate passed the Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018.
Walden highlights legislation to reduce drug prices and increase control for patients
Bill to prohibit so-called “gag clauses” that limit pricing option disclosure to patients is moving through Walden’s committee
