Another layer in how COVID-19 has affected our rural, farmworker, Spanish speaking communities is access to vaccine.  Now that everyone 16 and older is eligible for the vaccine, we decided to eliminate barriers to access and bring the vaccine directly to our residents in Salem and Silverton, with more communities planned in the coming weeks.

On Wednesday, April 21st for four hours at Colonia Libertad in Salem, FHDC, Evolve Workforce, Oregon Health Authority, and Santiam Hospital joined forces to vaccinate 247 people. 93% of the vaccinations went to FHDC residents, majority farmworkers and frontline communities.

A week later in Silverton, FHDC along with Legacy Health, Evolve, Mano a Mano, and Oregon Health Authority administered 59 vaccines in 3 hours, 66% of which were FHDC residents living at Colonia Jardines.

While achieving herd immunity is challenging, we know that the most effective way to ensure that essential workers get the vaccine is to bring it on site. Our residents were happy to have the service at their front door, bypassing the confusing online scheduling and appointment competition.

Thanks to all of our partners who made this possible!