A little help for new moms
Even if you’ve had a child before, it’s not easy being a new mom.
Photo by Eleanor Gorman
That’s why mothers like Bobbi Cunningham (here with daughter Johnee and son Bowdrie), are glad to talk with someone like Donita Smith.
Donita is a Health Care Guide for CareOregon. She reaches out to new mothers in the first weeks after CareOregon babies are born.
For some new moms, just the friendly voice on the telephone is enough.
For others, the information Donita and the CareSupport outreach team share is most important. Like guidance with feeding and immunizations or when to have well-child visits. Or who in the community can help with shelter or clothing needs.
“I’m a mom and a grandma,” Donita says. “I like being able to work with moms. We’re better together. We can help moms and their babies stay healthy as possible.”
If you are about to be a new mother, or your baby is younger than 13 weeks old, you may call us about the CareSupport new mothers outreach. Call our Health Care Guides: Donita Smith at 503-416-1435 or Anita Peterson at 503-416-1751. Or call Member Services toll-free 1-800-224-4840 or TTY/TDD 1-800-735-2900 and ask for the new moms’ Health Care Guides. |
 |
If you have trouble filling out tax forms, there may be help for you. The Internal Revenue Service has two programs to give low income and older people help with tax returns.
-
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program—For people of low- to moderate-income. To find a VITA location, call 1-800-829-1040.
-
Tax Counseling for the Elderly—For people age 60 and older. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Tax Aide program is part of TCE. For information on TCE call 1-800-829-1040. To locate the nearest AARP Tax-Aide site, call 1-888-227-7669 or visit www.aarp.org.
You will need to have certain documents and information when you get your taxes prepared, so it’s a good idea to call for help before the last minute. For a list of documents you'll need, click here.
 It’s important to be connected to your health care providers.
As a member of the Oregon Health Plan, you may be eligible for help with telephone bills. The Oregon Telephone Assistance Program can lower your residential bill by as much as $13.50 per month. Or you might qualify for Link Up America, which helps qualified low-income individuals by paying for one-half (up to $30) of the line-connection charges for new residential telephone service. You can fill out an application for these programs online at the PUC web site. You can also get a form from an Oregon Department of Human Resources office or print from a PDF. They are available in English, Russian, Spanish or Vietnamese. Send completed applications to P.O. Box 2148, Salem, OR 97308-2148. For more information, call 1-800-848-4442, or e-mail pur.otap@state.or.us. |
