C. Oregon health depts. offer help for those with chronic conditions, higher COVID-19 risks PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- More than half of Central Oregon adults has a chronic condition. There is growing evidence that many chronic conditions increase the risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death due to COVID-19. Chronic conditions are conditions that last for a year or more and require ongoing medical attention. They include conditions such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, depression, and lung disease. Nationwide, rural Americans have higher rates of chronic disease, including Type 2 diabetes. This is true in Central Oregon; Jefferson County has a diabetes prevalence rate of 20.4%, Crook County has a prevalence rate of 10.6%, and the more populous Deschutes County has a rate of 5.9%.