Health professionals warn we don’t have enough ventilators to treat the projected number of COVID-19 patients. Tell the Trump administration to use its emergency powers to dramatically ramp up ventilator production.
Health professionals warn we don’t have enough ventilators to treat the projected number of COVID-19 patients. Tell the Trump administration to use its emergency powers to dramatically ramp up ventilator production.
Democracy
PIRG urges states to adopt emergency absentee voting
The novel coronavirus outbreak is, understandably, causing many Americans to think twice about going to the polls. To protect public health and the integrity of our elections, PIRG is calling on states to make sure residents can cast absentee ballots for the 2020 elections.
COVID-19
Manufacturers should release service information for hospital ventilators
During this public health crisis, it is vitally important that qualified technicians be able to repair and maintain our ventilators. But some manufacturers don't provide easy access to the repair documentation needed to fix these lifesaving devices.
Health Care
Oregon drug prices five times higher than in other countries, report finds
A prescription medication in Oregon, on average, costs five times as much as the most expensive international price. OSPIRG is calling on the Department of Consumer and Business Services to improve transparency by compelling drug manufacturers to publish their profits, among other information.
Solid Waste
Eugene just banned plastic foam cups and takeout containers
Following the advocacy of OSPIRG Students, the City Council of Eugene voted unanimously on Nov. 26 to ban foam cups and takeout containers and plastic bags at restaurants. In 2019, a similar bill in the Oregon state Legislature that would have banned foam cups and containers statewide failed to pass by just one vote.
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News & Research
News Release | U.S. PIRG
Today, U.S. PIRG delivered 43,000-plus signatures to ventilator manufacturers -- including GE Healthcare, Phillips, Siemens, Drager, Hamilton, Medtronic and more -- calling for the release of all necessary repair information.
News Release | U.S. PIRG
A new investigation by ProPublica, along with reporting by numerous other outlets, has revealed that suppliers are using the COVID-19 public health emergency to drive up prices exorbitantly on medical equipment.
News Release | U.S. PIRG Education Fund
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a full recall Wednesday of all ranitidine, a heartburn medication known by the brand name Zantac.
News Release | U.S. PIRG Education Fund
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has left many Americans wondering how they’re going to pay their monthly bills. U.S. PIRG Education Fund new advice on how to negotiate with banks, utilities delaying payments, waiving of overdraft fees and other ways to stay financially secure.
News Release | U.S. PIRG
Marriott, the world’s largest hotel chain in terms of guest rooms, disclosed Tuesday that up to 5.2 million customers were impacted by a security breach related to the company’s loyalty app.
RESOURCE
Coronavirus update
In the midst of the coronavirus outbreak, we’ve taken steps for all of our staff to work remotely for safety reasons. But rest assured, we’ll keep advocating for you as we work for a healthier, safer world.
Learn more about how we can work together to address the COVID-19 pandemic.