At the last minute the Redmond Senior Center was able to host a vaccine clinic with Walgreens in Redmond on March 13, said Brice Mercer, operations manager.
According to Mercer, many eligible seniors wanting the vaccination found themselves confused, frustrated and scared while navigating the systems to appointments. “Walgreens reached out to let us know they had a small batch of Johnson & Johnson vaccines and were looking to partner with a local organization to set up small-scale clinics specifically targeting those struggling to get vaccinated,” he said.
“We contacted every older adult on our Meals on Wheels program first since that group represents our most vulnerable homebound seniors,” Mercer continued. Volunteers called more than 140 people over two days and set up appointments. Redmond Walgreens Pharmacy Manager Derek Engebretson gave the first vaccine dose at 8am and by 2pm, 52 older adults and six volunteer Meals On Wheels drivers had received their vaccine. “I just feel so relieved,” said one senior.
“I thought I would not be able to get the vaccine until someone could come to my house.”
Read More from RSC Seasons
When is the Center Going to Open Up?
This is the number one question staff are getting from people these days. “June, we hope,” answered Brice Mercer, the Center's operations manager. By June the center will be in a ‘transitional’...
Connecting Youth and Seniors Via Meatloaf
Central Oregon Ranch Supply has found a unique way to connect two groups in our communities: youth and seniors. “My parents started the first store in 1976,” said Mark Malott, owner. “It was a few...
Gardening for All Ages
Jan Even, a 70-ish OSU Master Gardener who lives in Terrebonne, knows first-hand what it takes to get children interested in gardening. A few years ago, she and other Master Gardeners created a...