covid-19 – United Way of Lane County Testing

COVID-19 Vaccine for Children: Let’s Keep Families Healthy and Schools Open

Posted on December 18, 2021 - 1:36 am by Early Childhood Hub

Parent comforting a masked child while a health worker gives a vaccine

by Jeanne Savage MDChief Medical Officer, Trillium Community Health Plan

As a physician and a parent, I know firsthand that making decisions about vaccinations for your child can be difficult. It’s important to do your research. It’s important to consult with trusted healthcare professionals, including your child’s practitioner. And it’s important to feel confident that you are making the best choice for your child and your family based on the available facts.

That includes COVID-19 vaccinations. The virus remains a very real threat here in Oregon, where cases are on the rise, hundreds of people are hospitalized, and victims continue to die from it. Since the start of the pandemic, more than 26,000 children under the age of 10 have tested positive for COVID-19 and at least 245 have been hospitalized.

In November 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that children ages 5 to 11 get vaccinated against COVID-19 with the Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric vaccine. Earlier, the CDC recommended vaccinations for children ages 12-15. In advance of making these recommendations, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the CDC carefully reviewed safety data from the clinical trials and authorized the COVID-19 vaccines after measuring the benefits and risks. COVID-19 vaccination was nearly 91 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 among children aged 5-11 years. In the clinical trials, children experienced mild side effects – most commonly a sore arm – similar to the side effects seen in adults and with other vaccines recommended for kids. In short, the COVID-19 vaccine for kids is safe and highly effective.

I understand that your child’s health and well-being is your top priority. As the pandemic continues to last far longer than we all hoped it would, there are compelling reasons to consider COVID-19 vaccination for your child. For instance, vaccinating children ages 5 years and older will not only protect them but can also help protect other members of your family, including siblings who are not eligible for vaccination and family members who may be at increased risk of getting extremely ill if they are infected. And as we know, opportunities for in-person learning and social experiences are key to improving your children’s education and mental health. Getting your child vaccinated can help them stay in school and safely participate in sports, playdates, and other group activities.

As a health partner to Oregon residents and the members we serve, Trillium Community Health Plan (Trillium) actively partners with our provider network to help our members, their families, and their communities stay healthy. We have implemented a coordinated outreach plan to connect members with vaccination sites, address vaccine hesitancy through education, and remove barriers to vaccine access. Trillium staff meet regularly with providers, state and local governments, and community-based organizations to support vaccination opportunities for Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and other underserved populations. We are here to help our communities connect to care.

As we enter the winter season, we’ll all be spending more time indoors where it is easier for the COVID-19 virus to spread. As new variants emerge, it’s more important than ever to protect our children and our communities by building strong immune systems against the virus. Let’s work together to help keep families healthy and schools open. Talk to your child’s doctor about the COVID vaccine today.

This article is brought to you by Parenting Now Parenting Educators and authors Amanda Bedortha, Claire Davis and Lynne Swartz, and consultant Jay Thompson. Parenting Now offers parenting groups and drop-in programs for families with children 0-8, and is passionate about happy, healthy families. For more information about Parenting Now, please visit their website or contact us at info@parentingnow.org.

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program

Are you interested in receiving more parenting advice? Triple P Online – Positive Parenting Program could be for you! This online parenting program allows you to take a parenting class in the comfort of your own home!

If you live in Lane County, you can get Triple P Online for free by filling out the form on the Triple P page. A staff person from Parenting Now will send you an access code within 24 hours and you’ll be able to start using the program right away! For more information about the program and to sign up visit the Triple P page.

2021 Winter Holiday Resource List

Posted on November 24, 2021 - 8:32 pm by Early Childhood Hub

Food Boxes

Food distribution centers are uncertain if they will be providing holiday-type food.

Food for Lane County Food Pantries
Call for nearest food box distribution site: (541) 343-2822
Eugene/Springfield Food Pantry Directory• Rural Food Pantry Directory
Burrito Brigade
Phone: (541) 632-3239
Food Pantry Hours: Monday – Thursday 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: You can pick up a free food box at Sonrise Christian Church, 1300 Irvington Drive Eugene, OR 97404.
Go onto website to sign up for a 5-minute food box pick-up slot. Registration for the week opens on Sunday evening, so please check the website. Please fill out the form to signup for food box delivery.
Questions? Email: info@burritobrigade.org or call 541-632-3239.
Catholic Community Services
Phone: (541) 345-3628
Food Pantry Hours: The Food Pantry is open to the public on Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Regular office hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Except Thursdays, we close at 3:30.
Locations:
Eugene Site: 1464 West 6th Avenue, Eugene
Springfield Site: 1025 G Street, Springfield
COVID-19 Response: Pre-made bags of food are available.
Community Food for Creswell
Phone: (541) 870-2252
Location: Cobalt Building, 364 Cobalt Lane, off N. 5th/N. Harvey Rd., Creswell
Food Pantry Hours: Every Thursday 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Closed on Thanksgiving). Income-eligible customers may receive fresh produce, canned and packaged foods, as well as frozen meat each week as needed. Grab and Go Meal Boxes are also available at the Food Pantry. Covid-19 Care Bags are also available with masks, hand sanitizer, and information on vaccinations.
COVID-19 Response: We ask that our customers form a vehicle line that begins at our entrance at 364 Cobalt Lane and runs eastward to First Street. Our staff will provide instruction regarding entrance to the parking lot, hands-free intake, and food loading while customers remain in their vehicle. We will be wearing face masks or shields and sanitizing our hands frequently.
Cottage Grove Community Sharing Holiday Food Box
Phone: (541) 942-2176
Location: 1440 Birch Ave., Cottage Grove
Office Hours: Mondays 1:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Tuesday – Friday 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Food-Box Distribution Hours: December 20th from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Applications Available: Nov 1st – Nov 24th. Applications are required for the annual Holiday Food Box and Tree of Joy programs. Proof of income will be needed! Pay stubs or award letters for social security will be accepted. A self-attestation paper can be provided to those with no income. Delivery of food boxes will be available as well. Applications are available online, by calling 541-942-2176, or filled out in person at the location listed above.
Junction City Local Aid
Phone: (541) 998-3992
Location: 210 E 6th Avenue, Junction City
Food Pantry Hours: Tuesdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Wednesdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Thursdays 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., and last Saturday of each month 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
COVID-19 Response: We offer hand sanitizer for our guests to use. Our staff and volunteers follow food handling best practices, including frequent hand washing for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Maintaining a safe environment in our pantry is of the utmost importance. This is why we must ask all clients who are ill to please stay home (even if they don’t have COVID-19). Folks can arrange in advance for an authorized representative to pick up their monthly or weekly food items for them. Just give us a call and we can help you make the necessary arrangements.
St. Matthews Episcopal Church – Food Distribution
Phone: (541) 689-4010
Location: 4110 River Rd, Eugene
Food Pantry Hours: November 20th and December 18th from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Starting in January, they will resume with the last Saturday of every month from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
In response to COVID-19: Everyone must maintain 6-feet of distance from each other. PRAY BiG Pantry is now operating a shopping style pantry. Masks are required. Physical distancing strictly enforced. Sorry-no use of the restroom.
Veneta/Elmira Kiwanis Holiday Food Box and To-Go Meals
Phone: (541) 935-4555 Ext. 100
Food Box: Love Project Food Pantry takes applications for a Drive Through/No Contact distribution of food boxes. More details on the location and time of distribution are available on the applications.
Applications: Available December 1st. Pick-up at Rays Food Place or Banner Bank (same parking lot) 25013 OR-126, Veneta, 97487
Food Box Pick Up Date: December 18th

Holiday Meal Sites

Junction City Moose Lodge #2238
Phone: (541) 998-1164
Location: 427 Front St., Junction City
The Lodge is partnering with other local organizations for a Community Thanksgiving Dinner and other holiday activities. Call 541-998-1164 for information or visit their Facebook page for updates.
Veneta/Elmira Kiwanis Holiday Food Box and To-Go Meals
Phone: (541) 935-4555 Ext. 100
Location and Hours: To-Go Meals will be provided at the Fern Ridge Service Center at 25035 West Broadway, Veneta on Wednesday, November 24th between 2:00 p.m.- 4 p.m.

Holiday Gift Programs

1. S.A.N.T.A. Project (Sharing Among Neighbors Toy Appeal)

Phone: (541) 935-3282

Location: Veneta Elementary Gymnasium, 88131 Territorial Hwy, Veneta

No application is required. Participants must live in the Fern Ridge Area and proof of child’s age is required.Call for more details or visit their Facebook group for information on eligibility and requirements:

Distribution Time: Saturday December 11th at 9:00 a.m.

2. Cottage Grove Tree of Joy

Phone: (541) 942-2176

Location: 1440 Birch Ave., Cottage Grove

Starting November 1st – 24th, applications will be taken for the annual Tree of Joy program. Applications for Tree of Joy are in-person paper only at our office.

3. Toys for Tots

Want to volunteer? Please register on the website or contact us at EugeneT4T@usmc.mil.

Requirements: Toys for children up to age 13. Requirements: Proof of Lane County residency, proof that the child lives with you, and proof of child’s age is needed. We strongly suggest you do not bring children with you. Tickets are issued to minimize the wait time but are not required to receive toys on the dates of the distribution.

Acceptable Documents:For Parents: Local photo ID or photo ID with local mail (to show Lane County residency)

For Children: The first sheet of a medical card showing both the parent’s and child’s names, IRS tax forms, Renter’s Agreements, ODHS paperwork that includes both the parents and child’s name(s), any other legal document that includes the names of the parent(s) and the child’s name(s) and date of birth(s).

Eugene/Springfield

Tickets Distribution Site: 2525 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Eugene from 3:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 17thToy Distribution Site: 3106 Pierce Parkway, Springfield, OR

Toy Distribution from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 11th
- Toy Distribution from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 12th

Oakridge

Toy Distribution Site: Oakridge Fire Station, 47592 OR-58, Oakridge

Tickets will be issued at the distribution site until December 10th.
- Toy Distribution from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 11th

Cottage Grove

Toy Distribution Site: Cottage Grove Fire Station, 233 E Harrison Ave.

No tickets issued for this distribution.
- Toy Distribution from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 12th

Florence

Toy Distribution Site: 2625 US – 101 Florence, OR

No tickets issued for this distribution
- Toy Distribution from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 4th

Please contact the organizations listed here to verify the information and obtain any updates.

This list was compiled by Community Partnership Coordinators: Maritza Herrera maritza.y.herrera@dhsoha.state.or.us and Tricia Merrick TRICIA.L.MERRICK@dhsoha.state.or.us. Updates? Please contact them at their email addresses.(Revised 11/21)

Grow Your Social Support Network to Reduce Isolation

Posted on September 3, 2021 - 6:09 pm by Early Childhood Hub

Along with all the joys and precious moments with your little one, parenting a new baby can be lonely work. Especially as a new parent – you are adapting to a lot! There are long days of seemingly endless feedings and diaper changes, rocking and swaying, swaddling and then re-swaddling—and, ironically, you are never really alone. The days seem long, and lack of sleep makes them seem even longer. You feel depleted and alone.If you have felt this way, you are not the only one. Many parents report feeling lonely, isolated, and unsupported during the first year of their baby’s life. A lack of support from family and friends, and even a lack of contact with other adults, can increase the chance of developing a Postpartum Mood Disorder—and the COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t helped the situation. You may be afraid to connect with others in person, and virtual connections are difficult with a fussy baby in your arms. Even when family and friends are supportive, there are likely hours and hours every day that parenting is all up to you.But there are ways you can support yourself during this joyful yet challenging time so you can best care for your family. You may even find some fun connections along the way!

Find and connect with other parents

It’s not uncommon to feel isolated as a new parent: your own parents live far away; you are new to the area; you don’t have friends with young children; you just switched jobs or left your job either temporarily or permanently.In Lane County, there are lots of organizations that specialize in creating opportunities for parents to meet one another and make connections. It can be helpful to talk to other parents who have had similar experiences to yours. If you enjoy talking to other parents, find a local group of parents that matches your values and interests. Here are some options:

Parenting Now: Offers parenting groups that are age-specific, including Infants, ONEs, TWOs, and THREEs. Also offers a drop-in Baby Connection program for feeding support for those with infants under one year.

Daisy CHAIN: Offers weekly Baby Pop Music in the Park classes, as well as free birth and postpartum doula services and lactation support. These classes are drop-in and so fun for everyone! Music can lift your spirit, and who doesn’t love a group of babies dancing with their caregivers?

Facebook Parenting Groups: There are many private groups on Facebook for parents. Some are specific to attachment parenting or nursing, while others are more general such as Eugene Springfield Moms, MOM Eugene, The Coolest Mamas in Eugene, Florence Oregon Moms and Dads.

Healthy Families Lane County: Offers free individualized parent support for expecting parents and those with a newborn baby. Call Parenting Now for more information.

Nurturely: Babywearing & Bailando Program: Free in-person meetups in local area parks for parents and supporters. In Spanish and English!

WellMama: Peer-led groups for pregnancy and postpartum support. When you’re feeling down, reach out here to others who have felt that way too.

Talk with a professional

In addition to building your network of parent friends, you could also seek the support of professionals who specialize in postpartum support. Parenting Educators, Family Support Specialists, family therapists, and your OBGYN can all help navigate the ups and downs of parenting and lend a sympathetic ear when you are struggling. Postpartum Support International has many resources to share. You can find them at https://www.postpartum.net/

When it feels like it’s too much

Sometimes even a strong support system isn’t enough to keep you from feeling down.If you start to feel depressed most of the day; feel scared or anxious; develop little interest in things that used to give you joy; feel tired all the time; have trouble sleeping or sleep too much; have trouble bonding with your baby; or have thoughts of harm to yourself or others it is possible that you have developed a Postpartum Mood Disorder.It’s important to note that having a Postpartum Mood Disorder is not your fault. In fact, it is so common that 1 in 5 mothers report experiencing Postpartum Depression. Fathers can also experience PPD. But it is treatable. If you think you have signs or symptoms of Postpartum Mood Disorder, call your healthcare provider right away.Parenting is a hard job. But you are not alone in this journey—there are people who want to help, and lots of parents who are right there with you, ready to support you and your family.

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program

Single Parenting During a Pandemic

Posted on March 5, 2021 - 1:10 am by Early Childhood Hub

It’s no secret that parents are struggling right now as we approach the 1-year anniversary of the COVID-19 quarantine and associated restrictions. This is especially true for single parents. Managing your job, childcare, homeschooling and being responsible for caring for your children all day every day takes a toll.

You’ve heard this before, especially as a single parent: it’s important that you put on your oxygen mask first so you can best care for others, and there are tips and tricks you can try to help manage some of the stressors you may be currently experiencing. Now is the time to really take this to heart.

Remember the basics

We are busy balancing remote school and work, plus all the care and feeding of our children as we spend more time at home than ever before. It can be easy to forget some of the basics of parenting that just make life a little easier. If things are feeling “off” or maybe you just need a fresh start, it might be a good time to remember the basics.

Routines: Having a routine to your child’s day doesn’t mean that you have to micromanage their entire day, penciling in fun activities every hour just to keep your child entertained. Making a routine is more about having a predictable schedule that your child can count on and feel comforted by. When they can know and expect what is next in their day, they feel safe. To get started, make a nighttime routine for you and your kiddos. Do what works for your family—factoring in work schedules, extracurriculars, bedtimes, etc. Generally, dinner, followed by bath, teeth brushing, story, and lights out works well for many families with young children. Whatever your routine, your child will feel comforted by knowing what comes next.

Set Limits: Children of all ages need limits. Toddlers may need limits when it comes to “helping in the kitchen,” while older children may need limits around how much time they are allowed to play video games. As a single parent, setting consistent limits and sticking to them can help you avoid spending too much of your time explaining and re-explaining rules to your child.

Be Consistent: As a single parent, you are the one always saying “OK, just one more story,” or “no, you can’t eat cookies for breakfast.” Whatever limits you need to set, be consistent and follow through. Your child will form needed habits and you can avoid them feeling disappointed and confusion when you are consistent in your rules. Explaining to your child why yesterday there were three bedtime stories, but tonight only one, can cause possible meltdowns, take away quality time with your child, and is also just confusing for them. Try to find rules that you can follow through on both easy and challenging days.

Remember To Have Fun: When you are responsible for all of your child’s discipline and logistics, it can be hard to find time to play together, or just be together. Take even five minutes to look at the clouds together or let your toddler chase you around the table. Remember, that it’s quality over quantity. Meaning, your child will appreciate even just 10 minutes of your undivided attention before you start making dinner. Special time each day for each child, even if it’s only 10 minutes, may make your child more willing to follow the limits you set later. This will build the relationship you have with each other, including trust and respect.

Let It Go: During this busy and challenging time, it’s OK to adjust your expectations and put off “big” projects. Laundry and dishes don’t have to be put away immediately; the attic can be cleaned out later. Your child is the age she is for a very short time. Embrace opportunities for positive interaction over chores sometimes. Let the laundry sit in the basket for a while. Additionally, you will reduce your stress when you don’t expect perfection from yourself.