Health care providers are urging people to get vaccinated against Influenza. One of the most vulnerable populations is the homeless. White Bird Medical Clinic is hitting the road Friday to offer free flu shots at a another non-profit agency in Eugene.
White Bird offers free flu shots to anyone who comes into their medical clinics in downtown Eugene. But in order to reach more people in need, Clinic Medical staff are going mobile to administer vaccinations at Catholic Community Services.
Chris Hecht is Executive Coordinator of White Bird Clinic.
“This is part of our medical outreach. White Bird is bringing medicine to the people—where they’re at. We know that sometimes it’s hard to get into the clinic," Hecht says. "So will vaccination, temporary clinics take care of acute problems. We’re starting to reach out into the community and be able to take care of them wherever they are.”
Preventative medicine is especially important for those who don’t have warm, dry shelter. When a homeless person gets sick, it can be catastrophic.
Hecht says a partnership with PeaceHealth will enable White Bird to provide up to 100 free flu shots during this one clinic.