Oregon
The PCO and PCA have a very positive working relationship in Oregon. The PCO Director is a member of the PCA’s Board, and the PCA Director is a co-chair of the Safety Net Advisory Council staffed by the PCO. The Directors of both the PCO and the PCA in Oregon are also board members of OCHIN, an organization that facilitates and supports the adoption and implementation of electronic health records and practice management systems in community health centers. The PCO and PCA, along with the Office of Rural Health, have also established the Community Site Development Committee, which provides a one-stop venue for communities looking for support to decide what kind of access solution fits their needs. In addition, several collaborating agencies in Oregon are working to promote the spread of medical homes by selecting community health center sites to be part of their Primary Care Home and Primary Care Renewal learning communities.
For individuals living with complex, often chronic conditions, and their families, palliative care can provide relief from symptoms, improve satisfaction and outcomes, and help address critical mental and spiritual needs during difficult times. Now more than ever, there is growing recognition of the importance of palliative care services for individuals with serious illness, such as advance care planning, pain and symptom management, care coordination, and team-based, multi-disciplinary support. These services can help patients and families cope with the symptoms and stressors of disease, better anticipate and avoid crises, and reduce unnecessary and/or unwanted care. While this model is grounded in evidence that demonstrates improved quality of life, better outcomes, and reduced cost for patients, only a fraction of individuals who could benefit from palliative care receive it. 
