OR Institute on Development & Disability Supports COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics

February 22, 2021

The Institute on Development & Disability at Oregon Health & Science University is working with our broader OHSU health system and community partners including Port of Portland, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the local Red Cross to offer a drive through vaccination site for people with disabilities and their caregivers.

"As the director of an institute that focuses on people with disabilities I am so thrilled that we're all coming together to make sure we're meeting the needs of this part of our community," said Kurt Freeman director of the OHSU Institute on Development and Disability

The clinic, held at Portland International Airport, is specifically for Oregonians with ID/DD, 18 years and older and the people who provide care for them.People with disabilities and their caregivers access the clinic by appointment only through their state developmental disability services coordinator or through registration on the OHA website. Cheers, happiness, and relief were all part of the inaugural clinic on January 24, 2021 that provided about 1,200 vaccinations by the end of the day. The clinic has ramped up to vaccinate about 3,300 people per day and continues increase capacity with the goal of vaccinating 7,500 to 10,000 people per day. The Institute, which includes the UCEDD/LEND, provides volunteer staffing and technical assistance to support all aspects of the drive through clinic including advising on accommodations and needs that may arise for participants in the moment. The Oregon Developmental Disabilities Network Partners are providing feedback to the Institute on how the clinic is working for participants and that information has been invaluable to improve the experience. We are a stronger community when all people have what they need to stay healthy.

Andy Henning, an OHSU nurse practitioner, rings a bell and cheers for a vehicle full of newly vaccinated people on Sunday, Jan. 24 during a drive-through vaccination clinic at Portland International Airport's Red Economy Parking Lot. OHSU is working to vaccinate as many Oregonians as quickly as possible to end the COVID-19 pandemic in Oregon. (Photo Credit: OHSU/Erik Robinson)

From left, April Cuprill-Comas, OHSU's executive vice president and general counsel, and OHSU research associate Kaylyn Devlin direct traffic on Sunday, Jan. 24 at a drive-through vaccination clinic at Portland International Airport. OHSU is collaborating with the Port of Portland and the American Red Cross to operate the site. (Photo Credit: OHSU/Erik Robinson)