DHM Research conducted its second survey of Oregonians about COVID-19. This is the third of three data releases from this survey. Key findings in today’s release includes:
Releasing people from jails and prisons
- Oregonians strongly oppose (68% oppose) a general release of people from jails and prisons to meet COVID-19 social distancing guidelines. A majority (56%) also oppose releasing inmates because they are medically fragile.
- Oregonians are split about whether to release inmates from Oregon’s jails and prisons who have less than 12 months remaining on their terms or who are deemed low risk to the community.
Experiences and opinions about the healthcare system
- 3 in 10 Oregonians have had the treatment of an important health issue delayed because it is not considered essential during the COVID-19 outbreak.
- A majority (59%) believe Oregon’s hospitals have capacity for the number of people expected to need care for COVID-19.
The typical Oregonian expects that it will take another two months before it is safe to go to the doctor’s office for routine care and three months to have surgery at a hospital.
The research was completed as a community service by DHM Research in partnership with the Oregon Values and Beliefs Center. Both organizations are independent and non-partisan. DHM Research is a Certified B Corporation and OVBC is an Oregon charitable nonprofit corporation.