Protecting The Community, Volunteers Host Vaccine Clinic on MLK Day

On Monday, Jan. 17, a walk-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic was held in downtown Eugene in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. 

Betty Snowden, a local community advocate, said she has been hosting these clinics since last July as a way to increase healthcare access to the community. She felt that it was especially important to host one for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday.

“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday is a day of action, not inaction, and that’s why we decided to hold another vaccination clinic today,” said Snowden. “I just felt there was no better way to show reverence and to honor his legacy than to serve the community.” 

So, on Monday, Snowden—with the help of ten volunteers—set up tables and chairs on the sidewalk along West Broadway, between Olive and Charnelton, offering vaccinations and boosters to the community.

Snowden said that “it’s hard to know the exact number of people we have helped,” but she said that it’s a lot. 

“Anyone can just walk up, without an appointment, and we help them,” she said.

Visitors didn’t need to wait long either, though, Snowden said that it can get pretty busy. “Sometimes we get a rush” she said, but overall she added the amount of people has been consistent during each clinic. 

Qualified and trained volunteers provided visitors with help completing the paperwork, administered the vaccine, and monitored individuals for side effects. The clinic offered all three forms of the vaccine and Monday was the first time they have been able to provide it to children as young as five years old.

The walk up clinic was held between 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and was open to all individuals eligible to receive the vaccine. Snowden’s clinics are in accordance with and compliance of the Oregon Immunization Program and are hosted with the help of community partners.