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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 28, 2016)
December 28, 2016 Page 3 INSIDE The Week in Review Year in Review O PINION This page Sponsored by: page 2 page 4-9 pages 6-7 Andrea Miller, executive director of the Causa, a Latino immigrant rights organization in Oregon, testi- fies before the Multnomah County Commission in support of ‘sanctuary county’ resolution reaffirming the local government will not cooperate with federal enforcement of immigration laws. Sanctuary County Board on notice for welcoming immigrants C hrista M C i ntyre t he P ortland o bserver Multnomah County has reaf- firmed its commitment to serving all residents regardless of immi- gration status by passing a resolu- tion making it an official ‘sanctu- ary county.’ Joining hundreds of other coun- ties, cities and states across the by Arts & ENTERTAINMENT C LASSIFIEDS C ALENDAR page 16 S PORTS nation, the county board voted unanimously Thursday to adopt a sanctuary resolution meant to build trust with immigrants by as- suring them that the use of county services like health clinics, librar- ies and other services will not be used against them in the enforce- ment of federal immigration laws. President-elect Donald Trump joining hardline Republican law- makers in Congress are threaten- ing to pull federal funding from any county, city and state which adopts similar measures. The President has the power to divert funding, but it would take mea- sures passed by Congress to cut off federal funding to states, cities and counties, officials said. Commissioner Loretta Smith, commented: “I have no idea what the repercussions are, but when you are standing for the right thing, and to do the good thing for your community, you always are on the right side of policy, and politics, as well.” There is no precise legal defi- nition of “sanctuary,” but it has its roots in Jewish, Christian and Common Law. The Unit- ed States’ Sanctuary Movement C ontinued on P age 15 Flu Hits Oregon Strong and Early pages 10-13 pages 14 page 15 Still time for flu shot protection Influenza cases are rising in Or- egon, and although the increase is expected this time of year, Oregon Health Authority officials say it shows flu season is off to a strong and early start. Most of the cases have been influenza A, this sea- son’s predominant flu type. Hospitalizations for flu-like illnesses have jumped sharply in recent weeks. “While this is shaping up to be a heavy flu season, this uptick during this time of the year is fair- ly typical,” Dr. Paul Cieslak of the Oreogn Health Authority said. “Flu season doesn’t usually peak until late February or early March, so people can and should get their flu shots.” Flu is a virus that causes mild to severe respiratory illness. The virus kills thousands of people in the U.S. each year. People who are at higher risk of severe illness or death include children, adults old- er than 65, pregnant women and those with chronic medical con- ditions or weak immune systems. The flu vaccine is the best pro- tection against flu. It can take up to two weeks to become effective, so getting it earlier in the season is ide- al. That said, it’s not too late, since flu season usually lasts until spring. Vaccinations are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Other ways to help prevent flu includes staying at home and lim- iting contact with others if you are sick; that includes staying home from work or school when you are sick. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue out when you are done. Wash hands with soap and wa- ter. Use an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water are not available. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may have flu germs on them. Avoid getting coughed and sneezed on. Flu vaccine is available from health care providers, local health departments and many pharma- cies. To find a flu vaccine clinic, visit flu.oregon.gov.
