Tag: Institute for Policy Research and Engagement

Achieving Covid-19 Herd Immunity in Oregon: Progress & Challenges

Posted on by Robert Parker

IPRE researchers Ben Clark and Robert Parker released their second report on perceptions of Oregonians about the COVID-19 vaccine. The study in included 686 respondents; 351 in urban areas and 335 in rural areas. The research concludes that most Oregonians  know someone who had COVID-19 and more than one in four people know someone who died. A small but significant percentage of Oregonians continue to dismiss the risks associated with COVID-19 which could risk the progress seen in combating the pandemic over the last 6 months. ​

At the time the survey was conducted (May-June 2021) 70 percent of Oregonians were fully vaccinated. This is considerably higher than many states, but still leaves a lot of Oregonians at risk. The survey results indicate that Oregon’s urban residents are more likely to be vaccinated (fully or partially) than rural residents by a wide margin. About 47 percent of rural residents are not vaccinated, compared to only about 21 percent of urban residents. The difference between these groups is statistically significant. Compared to our survey in the fall of 2020, more people are saying no to the vaccine, which should be a sign of concern.

Some differences exist based on the location of the individuals who have not gotten the COVID-19 vaccine. Of the non-vaccinated rural Oregonians, 60 percent indicate they have no plans to vaccinate, while another 25 percent indicate that they ’may’ vaccinate but have not yet made their decision. Only about 53 percent of non-vaccinated individuals in urban areas indicate they will not get the vaccine, while 32 percent ’may’ get the vaccine.​

The report includes a series of recommendations related to cash incentives, communication, and information. It will take considerable effort to get the last 30 percent of Oregonians vaccinated and a key concern is that the virus mutates to forms that the vaccines are ineffective on.

Readers can access the full report using the link below.

IPRE_covid_survey_spring21

When Opportunity Strikes…

Posted on by vbinnin2

By Ciara Williams, Program Assistant, Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council

Banner Photo of Author and article title

When you’re the youngest, newest, and least experienced person at the table, you have something to prove. To yourself, to your team, and to the world.

On one particular occasion, the need to highlight my talent and potential overwhelmed me, and I had to act. We were days away from the thanksgiving holidays, and a deadline to submit a draft Regional Housing Council Proposal sprung up. I had already read and delightfully analyzed the first one, written over a year ago. My passion for writing, collaborative governance, and housing solutions all coalesced into one outdated document. I was enthralled by its potential for the future. The moment I read it, I knew I would plug into this work one way or another.

My supervisor, who is hours away from leaving the office for a week, presents his dilemma: “We need an updated Regional Housing Council proposal by the Monday after we return from holiday”. He, being an instant problem solver, was haphazardly rearranging holiday plans in his head to accomplish a rewrite. I, being the youngest and least experienced at the table, saw my opportunity; my eyes widened with eagerness and before giving my workload or holiday plans a second thought, I said I would rewrite the Regional Housing Council proposal. To my disbelief, Scott agreed to my proposition. In this moment, my fate was set. I would be the giddiest and most stressed human for the next 7 days straight. Since I acted without thinking, my workload was slightly unmanageable and therefore, I convinced myself that I would work on the update while I was home for Thanksgiving. My wishful thinking proved to be utterly unfeasible. So I drove back to Bend late on Saturday afternoon and spent the evening and following morning organizing thoughts and concepts and typing our vision into life. Until at last, I had achieved my dream, which was ultimately to write on important things with passion for the topic.

Although what I offered was a very rough draft, and the outcomes of our proposal are yet to be realized, this first step was an immense feat in my service term. My few months of service led me to this moment. All of the knowledge, passion, and experience was culminating to overcome imposter syndrome. As a result, my RARE experience has empowered me in unmeasurable ways and allowed me to step up when called upon. This turning moment has been a catalyst for the remainder of my service projects. I feel empowered by my supervisors and my own worth to plug into regional and community project as I am called to.

Photo of the author in a white sweater, smiling with her arms crossed as the wind blows in her hairAbout the author, Ciara Williams: Ciara graduated from the George Washington University with a Bachelor’s of International Affairs, specializing in International Economics, and minoring in Latin American Literatures, Cultures, and Languages. Ciara is passionate about the intersections of sustainability, economic development, and social justice. Academically, Ciara intends to pursue her Master’s Degree in Urban Studies. Personally, Ciara enjoys exploring local coffee shops, eating ice cream, playing volleyball, and spending quality time with friends.

Does community development work interest you? Are you looking for a life changing experience in rural Oregon? Learn more about serving with the RARE AmeriCorps Program.