Many Eugene residents have begun questioning the accessibility of local health care due to the changing landscape of services.
Eugene’s health care landscape has struggled to provide patients with adequate access to clinics and providers since the closure of PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center University District in late 2023.
Over 200 community members convened at the Willamette Christian Center on Sept. 26 to hear a panel of health care and policy experts answer community-provided questions about the state of health care in Eugene, Lane County and Oregon.
Here’s what you missed from the citywide health care forum.
Oregon health care leaders take on community questions
Eight panelists made up the forum moderated by Jensina Hawkins, Churchill Area Neighbors vice-chair. The event was hosted by the Churchill Area Neighbors.
The panel included:
- Julie Fahey, speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives
- Nancy Nathanson, District 13 Oregon House representative
- Dr. James McGovern, PeaceHealth Oregon Network chief medical officer
- Dr. Philip Capp, Oregon Optum executive medical director
- Dr. Jeanne Savage, Trillium Community Health Plan chief medical officer
- Eve Gray, Lane County Health and Human Services director
- Dr. Nick Jones, Clear Health Direct Primary Care founder
- Deleesa Meashintubby, Volunteers In Medicine of Lane County executive director