The Issue
The Issue
Legacy Health is proposing to start a new health foundation with only their current board members in charge.
That’s not health equity.
Any new grant resources from the OHSU/Legacy merger should be led by and for the communities that face the worst health inequities.
The possibility of hundreds of millions of foundation dollars to address health equity across Oregon and Southwest Washington is exciting. But without a structure that prioritizes community voices and inclusive governance, there’s a risk that all this money may not align with the real needs of our communities.
We want a foundation committed to bringing about true health equity in our region: real change that repairs past harms, builds community voice, and changes policies and practices that keep us from health.
To get there, we need the State of Oregon to act while they still can. We’re here to see that they do.
Our Goals
Our Goals
The State of Oregon can help us achieve our goals through a variety of ways. You can view some of those in our FAQs.
Community-Led Governance
Whether it's a new foundation or an existing foundation(s), we want these resources governed by the community. That means community leaders from across a range of geographies and lived experiences who we know and trust on the board from the very beginning. It means reflective representation and true independence—not a majority of Legacy board members and executives.
A Commitment to Equity
Oregon's definition of Health Equity is clear: Achieving health equity requires addressing "the equitable distribution or redistribution of resources and power; and recognizing, reconciling, and rectifying historical and contemporary injustices." Any foundation (or foundations) that gets these resources must address the systemic issues and policies, both historic and current, that affect entire communities.
Accountability
Don’t just take a foundation’s word for it. The State needs to keep a steady watch on any foundation that gets these resources for the first 3-5 years to make sure they don’t stray from their promises.
Transparency & Time
Legacy has requested expedited approval of the foundation and its governance, which could limit time for community feedback. We’re calling for a thorough timeline and an open, transparent process to determine how community-led governance should happen. (See page 6 of their filing).
Foundation Focused & Merger Agnostic
The OHSU/Legacy merger may be a great thing for healthcare access and equity. It may not be. We don't know, but we support a robust public process to decide. IF the merger moves forward, we want these foundation resources to make good on their promise of health equity.
Merger Timeline
Merger Timeline
Key dates in the merger timeline that we'll keep updated when hearings are held.
AUG 2023
OHSU/Legacy Health announce their intent to merge, though began the talks in December 2022.
May 30, 2024
OHSU/Legacy Health announce they have signed a "Definitive Agreement" outlining the merger.
OCT 4, 2024
OHSU/Legacy Health file their HCMO application with OHA.
Oct 18, 2024
Legacy Health files their separate HCMO application for the foundation.
NOV 4, 2024
Oregon Health Authority announces they are doing a comprehensive review and forming a community review board for the OHSU/Legacy merger HCMO application.
NOV 18, 2024
Oregon Health Authority announces they are doing a comprehensive review and forming a community review board for the Legacy's HCMO application for the foundation.
April 2, 2025
Oregon Health Authority must make a decision on the OHSU/Legacy HCMO application by this date, unless all parties agree to pause the clock.
April 16, 2025
Oregon Health Authority must make a decision on the Legacy foundation HCMO application by this date, unless all parties agree to pause the clock.
Go Further
Go Further
