M artin L uther K ing J r . 2021 special edition January 13, 2021 Page 21 Hope. Access. Potential… photo couRtesy t ualatin v alley f iRe and R escue Health centers in the Metro area are distributing the new COVID-19 vaccine to health care providers and encouraging people to stay safe by wearing a mask, washing hands, and maintaining physical distancing. COVID-19 Safety Urged Wearing mask, washing hands and distancing still needed Metro-area counties and major health systems announced a new effort Tuesday to increase the rate of vaccinations for all area health care providers eligible for the first distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. Washington, Multnomah, Clackamas and Columbia coun- ties have joined with the Metro region’s large hospital systems including Kaiser Permanente, Legacy Health, Oregon Health & Science University and Provi- dence Health & Services, as well as Health Share of Oregon and CareOregon, to increase access for everyone in the state’s Phase 1A priority group, which also include the elderly in nursing c ontinued on p age 27 H ome Forward remains committed to serving our community by providing housing to those in need. To do so, we require business partnerships. We frequently have contracting opportunities for minority, women-owned, and emerging small businesses in such areas as: • Professional Services • Construction • Social Services • More! Please visit the Business Contracting area of our website at http://www.homeforward.org/work-with-us/business-contracting For more information, contact: Celeste King Peter Garcia Procurement and Contracts Manager 503-802-8541 Celeste.King.@homeforward.org Senior Procurement Coordinator 503-802-8549 Peter.Garcia@homeforward/org homeforward.org