Coalition Statement on National Guard Deployment

11/3/2025

A statement from the Oregon Medical Association, Oregon Psychiatric Physicians Association, Oregon Nurses Association, American College of Physicians–Oregon Chapter, American College of Emergency Physicians–Oregon Chapter and Oregon Academy of Family Physicians:

As the frontline nurses, physicians and health care professionals who serve communities across Oregon, our greatest responsibility is to protect and promote the health and well-being of every patient. At a time when Oregon families need safety and stability, the threat of potential deployment of federal military resources such as the National Guard is likely to create fear and intimidation, undermine public safety and public health, and endanger people living in our local communities.

We know that when someone lives in fear, they may delay necessary care if they worry about harassment or intimidation simply by trying to access medical care. This is not hypothetical — the data is clear: When people fear seeking care, it leads to worse health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations.

No one should be made to feel that they need to delay preventive care, chronic disease management or emergency treatment because of fear. The consequences of delayed care are well documented and are devastating for our communities. In the case of a heart attack, even a few minutes delay could lead to permanent heart damage and can dramatically increase the risk of death. And research shows that delayed routine care disproportionately harms low-income communities and people of color, worsening existing health disparities.

Conditions that are manageable with regular treatment — like diabetes, hypertension and asthma — can escalate into emergencies if left untreated. Missed screenings for cancer or other diseases mean illnesses are often caught later, when treatments are less effective and outcomes are poorer. Simply put, fear keeps people from seeking care, and when care is delayed, lives can be lost.

Oregon's physicians, nurses and health care teams are bound by both ethical and legal obligations to advocate for our patients whenever and wherever we can. We stand united in meeting the health needs of our communities to the best of our ability and urge all of our patients to be vigilant and mindful of their personal safety.

No matter who you are, where you come from or what you are facing, everyone deserves safe, timely and compassionate health care. We remain committed to advocating for a health system that protects our communities, strengthens trust and puts patients at the center of care.