Madras vaccination clinic doubles as block party and resource fair

To improve access to vaccines and community resources, Thrive Central Oregon and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) recently held a Fiesta del Barrio – Community Block Party and Resource Fair – at an affordable housing property in Madras where many agricultural workers and their families live.

LoveOne offers ‘love, respect and dignity. One load of laundry at a time’

The man approaching LoveOne volunteer Stephanie posed something of a predicament. He needed to do his laundry, but everything he needed to wash he was wearing. Searching her car, Stephanie managed to rustle up a complete set of clothing. Problem solved. And more. That one act snowballed and LoveOne now offers a collection of clothing to its neighbors in need.

Magic COVID-19 team brings vaccination confidence to Oregon and across the world

When faced with the COVID-19 pandemic, Catholic Charities knew they needed to ensure that the refugees they serve could have access to vaccine information and education, and limited barriers to vaccination. They also knew that this was not the same work as the case management they did for newly arrived refugee families, so they had to create something new.

Creating opportunities for youth with disabilities and their families to get vaccinated

When they received the news that their organization would receive Health Equity Grant funds to reduce the sense of isolation in children with disabilities and their families, Creating Opportunities put on their khaki shorts and started planning a big drive-thru safari event. As a community-based organization for families of children and adults with developmental disabilities […]

Give it your best shot: NAMI Clackamas offers community vaccination celebration

Hope, health, acceptance and community make up NAMI Clackamas’s vision for everyone impacted by mental health issues. That same vision has led the organization’s efforts since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Originally founded as a fully volunteer-run organization, NAMI Clackamas is now staffed, but still relies on strong volunteer commitment to support and advocate […]

Hard work and community impact led the response in the Jackson County FEMA effort

Since April of this year, the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Unit (CRRU), FEMA, the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), Jackson County Health and Human Services, Jackson County Emergency Management and many more partners joined together in an effort to accelerate vaccination for historically underserved communities at high risk of infection in Jackson County. June 15 was the last day of the Jackson County Vaccination Equity Center at […]

Governor Brown, OHA leadership discuss vaccination goals, reopening

On May 11, Governor Kate Brown was joined by OHA Director Patrick Allen to talk about statewide vaccination targets, the County Risk Level framework and reopening the state’s economy. Here’s what you need to know. County Risk Level framework may soon be coming to an end Late last year, Governor Brown announced the creation of […]

OHA team finds a way to bring testing and vaccines to communities

Last fall, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Testing Program Manager, Kristen Donheffner came up with a plan to create more access to COVID-19 testing in Oregon.   “You know I had this kind of wild idea,” Kristen said. “How about we get some vans? They could drive to a farm and test people right where they are. They could […]

Nonprofit delivers badly needed hygiene products with love

LoveOne describes itself as a love-driven nonprofit serving neighbors in Clackamas County. The organization provides laundry services, showers, hygiene items, food and other services to people who need them in Oregon City, Milwaukie, Molalla and soon, Sandy.  They are one of the community-based organizations that Oregon Health Authority partners with to provide COVID-19 education, outreach and wraparound services. The urgent need for access to soap and running water […]

Dance company pivots to providing COVID-19 resources

Luisa Zaragoza is the artistic and managing director at Ballet Folklorico Ritmo Alegre in Medford. A project that started as a high school club in the ’90s has grown into a dance academy for children and youth in the Medford area. Luisa, originally from Mexico, takes great pride in providing opportunities for cultural movement and […]