March 5, 2022 9:30 a.m.

State Representative Christine Goodwin recognized the end of the 2022 Oregon Legislative Session by highlighting what she says is an important investment coming to Douglas County through the state budget.

Goodwin said $5 million has been allocated to the Southern Oregon Workforce Medical Center to improve health care service for residents of both Douglas County, and the rest of Oregon.

Goodwin said benefits of the center will include:

*Training for high-demand health care positions

*Affordable and accessible post-secondary medical education

*Will serve as a pipeline of skilled allied and mental health providers

*Will keep affordable accessible healthcare in rural communities

*Provide medical workforce to support expansion of the Roseburg Veterans Affairs Health Care System scheduled for completion in 2029

*Ensure ongoing access to local quality healthcare

*Designates Douglas County as a Health Professional Shortage Area

*Will provide greater opportunity for the area to retain workforce

Goodwin said “I look forward to realizing the benefits from this important investment for the Southern Oregon Workforce Medical Center that will improve staffing in Oregon’s health care facilities to better serve patients and alleviate the burden on overworked staff”.

Goodwin said during the interim she plans to work further on legislation regarding the formation of predator control districts, and on a Veterans Mortuary bill for unclaimed veteran remains. Goodwin plans to bring both pieces of legislation back in 2023.