By Laura Swanson
“It is a breath of fresh air to have the vaccine,” commented Tracy DeLano, Assisted Living Program Director with CARE Inc. “Anyone in our non-profit organization will tell you, it has been a year of sleepless nights, staffing shortages, and ever evolving regulations, and possible exposure. We are so grateful to the greater Tillamook community for rallying to help their elderly!” she said. See below for a video of the historic vacciations.
Residents (and staff) at Kilchis House were “over the moon” to receive the COVID-19 vaccine on Monday January 18th, and Tillamook County’s own 101-year-old centenarian Bunny participated as well. Those that received the doses were monitored for any allergic reaction and all are well.
Tracy DeLano, Regional Program Director, CARE, Inc. Assisted Living Services, and Peter Starkey, Executive Director, CARE, Inc. received their vaccines to encourage all staff by receiving the 1st of two doses of the Moderna vaccine.
According to Tracy DeLano, CARE Inc. Assisted Living Program Director, “We were registered through DHS/OHA through Walgreens who have yet to reach out to us to schedule an undetermined vaccine date in the future.” She continued, “Robin Watts RN BSN with Tillamook County Community Health Centers to the rescue, coordinating the clinics for both communities.”
Nehalem Bay House residents and staff received their first dose of the vaccine, administered by Nehalem Bay Fire and Rescue Chief Chris Beswick on Wednesday January 20th. Residents were monitored for 15-30 minutes after the Moderna shot. “All are well and were pleased to receive it…they lined up out the door!” added DeLano.
“We are just so thankful for Tillamook County Community Health and Robin Watts for reaching out and making this happen,” said DeLano. “I hope that after the second dose is administered the State will allow for family visitation. This definitely seems like a good first step.”
