Wheeler County Public Health

09/08/2026

Do you know the levels of evacuation and what they mean? As we begin to transition back to school and into more fall weather, it can be easy to forget that we are still in peak fire season. Stay prepared!

09/04/2026

We hope you all have a wonderful and safe Labor Day! ✨
Public Health will be back to normal hours on Tuesday, September 8th.

08/24/2026

*POSTPONED*
Our first Envision EyeCare Clinic that was supposed to be 8.25.26 has been postponed! We are currently working with them to find a date within the next few weeks to reschedule this.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work to bring these clinics to our county.

*For anyone who has already been scheduled, we have you on a waitlist for this upcoming rescheduled date. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns, otherwise we will reach out soon to confirm your appointment date.*

Wheeler County Public Health is partnering with Envision EyeCare to bring FREE eye exams & glasses to our county! Join us on Tuesday, August 25th at 333 W Fourth St. Fossil, OR 97830

✔️OHP
✔️EOCCO
✔️No Vision Insurance

These Vision Clinics will be quarterly, with very limited availability. There will be 8 appointments available each clinic and we will have a waitlist available to schedule for future visits!

Call us to schedule at (P) 458-321-0248
*By appointment only*

08/20/2026

Wheeler County Public Health is partnering with Envision EyeCare to bring FREE eye exams & glasses to our county! Join us on Tuesday, August 25th at 333 W Fourth St. Fossil, OR 97830

✔️OHP
✔️EOCCO
✔️No Vision Insurance

These Vision Clinics will be quarterly, with very limited availability. There will be 8 appointments available each clinic and we will have a waitlist available to schedule for future visits!

Call us to schedule at (P) 458-321-0248
*By appointment only*

08/14/2026

As we navigate fire season it is important to check regularly for updates on air quality and fire locations in your area. Follow this link for a handy map with a breakdown of wildfire incidents as well as updated AQI. Be safe and stay prepared!

This map shows fine particle pollution (PM2.5) from wildfires and other sources. It provides a public resource of information to best prepare and manage wildfire season. Developed in a joint partnership between the EPA and USFS.

08/06/2026

An air quality advisory was announced Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, due to smoke from multiple wildfires in Oregon and Washington. The advisory is in place until further notice.

To stay safe from the smoke, Wheeler County Public Health has options for you. We have DIY air filtration kits with box fans to give out. See the image below for details. Please let us know if you would like one!

Also, if you received a GrovPure air filtration device during the 2024 Lone Rock fire, we have about 15 replacement filters to distribute. Please reach out if you would like a new filter!

08/04/2026

🔥 Fire weather watch in effect across much of Oregon.
🚫Prevent wildfires
🗺️Know evacuation levels
🧰Have your go‑kit ready
🔗https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/OEM/Posts/Post/2026-wildfires-be-informed-and-prepared

07/31/2026

WHEELER COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH IS HIRING

Opens: Immediately
Closes: Open until filled
Position: EMS Systems Coordinator
Location : Fossil, OR & around Wheeler County
Salary: $24-$26/hr DOE, with pro-rated benefit package
Hours : 0.80 FTE (32 hours per week)

Wheeler County Public Health is seeking an EMS Systems Coordinator to support countywide EMS planning, strengthen partnerships among EMS agencies and community organizations, and coordinate workforce recruitment, retention, training, and development initiatives. Coordinator will be employed by Wheeler County, but will work closely with the local ambulance agencies.

The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, an effective communicator, and able to work independently as part of a small, dedicated team. Experience coordinating projects or community initiatives and building cross-sector partnerships is preferred. EMT certification is preferred, or the successful candidate must be willing to obtain certification.

Applications and full job posting are available online at www.wheelercountyoregon.com or at Wheeler County Public Health at 333 Fourth Street, Fossil, OR 97830.

Submit applications by mail to Wheeler County Public Health, PO Box 4, Fossil, OR 97830; by email to [email protected]; or in person at the Public Health Office.

Please call Public Health at 541-359-3386 with questions.

Wheeler County is an equal opportunity employer. Please call (541) 763-2912 if you require reasonable accommodation or assistance with the application process.

Discover Wheeler County. The official web site for Wheeler County, Oregon.

07/18/2026

Air Quality Alert: Smoke from the local wildfires is affecting air quality throughout areas of the county.

Wildfire smoke is harmful, especially for children, pregnant people, and those with chronic medical conditions. Smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases. Limit prolonged exposure to smoke, when possible, by limiting prolonged outdoor activity, keeping windows and doors closed when possible, and using a NIOSH-approved respirator when outdoors.

Want to make a DIY air filter at home? Here are some instructions : https://www.epa.gov/sciencematters/do-it-yourself-air-cleaners-making-cleaner-air-more-accessible

We're working to secure additional air filtration devices for community members most vulnerable to wildfire smoke, including those who are medically fragile, older adults, pregnant individuals, and households with babies who have not previously received a device.

More information will be shared as soon as it becomes available.

07/15/2026

The Peaceful Presence Project is accepting applications for its Rural Oregon End-of-Life Doula Training — a free, 8-week online program for residents of select rural Oregon
counties. Tuition is fully covered for accepted applicants through grant funding.

End-of-life doulas provide non-medical support to individuals and families navigating serious illness, dying, and grief. In rural communities where access to palliative and hospice care is limited, trained doulas play a vital role in filling gaps, connecting people to resources, and ensuring that no one faces the end of life without support.

This training is designed for people who want to serve their home communities — no medical background required.

Eligible counties: Lake, Klamath, Harney, Wheeler, Grant, Wasco, Hood River, and Curry

Course dates: September 10 - November 5, 2026
Time commitment: 6–10 hours per week
Cost: Free for accepted applicants

Application deadline: Application cycle opened on July 6 and closes on August 9

For full details and application material, visit: https://thepeacefulpresenceproject.org/training-1

Questions? Reach out to [email protected]

“My vision is to be someone who can be called upon, who builds connections, and creates a stronger social web of health in my community. I plan to volunteer with hospice with this education I’ve received, and I plan to be a voice for end-of-life care in public health and community health improve...