My name is Kalene Nollen-Wolf , and I am a type one diabetic who has relied on the Salem Clinic in Salem, Oregon, for the past 20 years. Over the years, I have entrusted my health to the expertise of not only a family doctor but also an endocrinologist and my OB-GYN. The Salem Clinic has been more than just a healthcare provider for me; it has been a lifeline that helps manage my diabetes effectively and improves my overall wellbeing.

However, I recently discovered that the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) is planning to terminate its contract with the Salem Clinic before 2030. This decision will leave nearly 10,000 local residents without access to their primary healthcare providers, including myself. For thousands like me who depend on the quality care that Salem Clinic offers, this cancellation threatens our health and well-being.

Salem Clinic has consistently provided essential healthcare services to our community, ensuring we receive timely and effective medical attention. The premature cancellation of this contract will force thousands of us into uncertainty, potentially requiring us to find new doctors who may not fully understand our history or special healthcare needs. This disruption can lead to delays in critical healthcare services and, in some cases, can pose severe risks to individuals with chronic conditions.

I urge Oregon Health Plan officials to reconsider and postpone the contract termination. Extending the partnership with Salem Clinic until 2030 will keep our community’s healthcare secure and uninterrupted. Such an extension would allow all affected patients adequate time to transition if necessary, and maintain continuity of care which is crucial for ongoing treatments and management of chronic diseases.

Your support is vital for the health and stability of the Salem community. Please join me in urging OHP to keep their contract active with Salem Clinic, safeguarding the well-being of over 10,000 local patients. Your signature can make a difference and help ensure we do not lose access to the healthcare we trust and need. Please sign this petition today.