News & Stories for Oregonians
Eight-year-old Emiliano Rangel couldn’t wait to get his COVID-19 vaccine. His mom, Maria Rangel, got hers first; next came sister and brother, Ruby, 15, and Giovanni, 14. But Emiliano was still too young. “Ever since he saw his brother and sister vaccinated, he asked ‘When is the vaccine coming for me?’” recalled Maria, bilingual programs coordinator for NW Disability Support. “He was extra cautious. He […]
When Antonio Gonzalez showed up recently for his COVID booster, it was all he could do not to turn and walk out. But intent on doing his part to keep himself and others safe, he stayed – even though it meant he could pretty much count on passing out. Gonzalez suffers from trypanophobia – the fear of needles, a fear that has plagued him nearly all his life.
With 500 vaccination clinics and counting, the Vaccine Operations Team Equity’s (VOTE) mission is to help communities throughout Oregon access, understand and feel more confident about getting vaccinated. VOTE’s work is especially critical for people in Oregon disproportionately affected by COVID-19, and those who have historically faced health disparities. To reach its goal, VOTE collaborates with more than 150 community-based organizations to reach people through trusted community partners that bring energy, […]
It was a season of strife in the U.S. with vandalism, violence and hurtful rhetoric making the news daily. So, when Sallie Cohen found herself feeling overwhelmed by the negativity, she decided to try something positive, posting this note on social media: “Is anyone interested in creating a group where all we do is good stuff?” They were, and they did.
Oregon communities continue to impress, coming together in thoughtful, creative and giving ways to stay connected and healthy. On Dec. 10, Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) and the Latino Community Association (LCA) hosted a fun and successful vaccination event at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. Nearly 250 adults and children received free COVID-19 vaccines, boosters and/or […]
While seated in the observation area following her COVID-19 booster dose, Carolyn Smith of Park Rose used the time wisely by posting information on social media about the experience. She was, in fact, inside a former Kmart building in Gresham that had been transformed into a winter wonderland vaccination clinic located at 440 NW Burnside Rd.
Demand for COVID-19 vaccination has been so high in many counties that local public health authorities have had to get creative in meeting the needs of their communities.
Senitila McKinley, founder and director of Seashore Family Literacy in Waldport, grew up in a village in Tonga, a group of islands located in the South Pacific Ocean. To this day, Senitila says any hesitancy she had about getting vaccinated against COVID-19 wasn’t about the vaccine, but the needle. She says her fear of needles began when she went to get her first vaccine as a child. When she saw the needle, Senitila ran home. But her father “believed in Western medicine,” and carried her back.
On a blustery day in October, Deborah “Debbie” Becker had just one mission—to get her COVID-19 booster. At 71, both Debbie and her husband Randy, 73, have underlying conditions and are committed to protecting their health. But it wasn’t looking good.
Crystal and Ron Phipps of Eugene did a lot of research and had many thoughtful discussions before making the decision to have their 13-year-old daughter, Emma, vaccinated.
