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About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 15, 2021)
8 FEBRUARY 15, 2021 Smoke Signals ‘We’re very grateful for this opportunity’ TRIP continued from front page a Tribal member who is a close friend. Once they learned that the clinic had opened up to anyone 18 and older so as not to waste already thawed vaccine doses, Maya quick- ly secured online appointments for herself and her sister, who is im- mune compromised. Their mother was unable to obtain an appoint- ment before they were filled, but traveled with her daughters for support. “It is all about the kids,” Lauren said. “It’s a long drive and I wanted to make sure they were safe.” The family was undeterred by the prospect of driving in wintry conditions in their Mini Cooper wagon. “It was too late to try and rent a car,” Lauren said. “There was some ice on the way, but we were fine.” The two sisters only made their appointments after being reassured by their Tribal member friend they were not taking a vaccine from someone local who really needed it. It only takes two hours for the vaccine to thaw when removed from a freezer and then the doses are only viable for six hours. “We were all very clear that we didn’t want to take away from any- one else,” Lauren said. “We were told the Tribe didn’t want any of the doses to go to waste. We are so grateful for the generosity from the Tribe.” The three chose to make the 520- mile trip to Grand Ronde from Reno Recreation Specialist Leo Ayala and Maintenance Technician Jason Bailey moved a table while working on setting up the Tribal gym for a COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic on Tuesday, Feb. 2. Vaccinations were available for Tribal and community members on Wednesday, Feb. 3, and Thursday, Feb. 4. Vaccine clinic stats Doses given: 1,636 Elders (55+): 572 Tribal employees: 280 CTGR family members: 69 School employees: 22 Community members: 361 Oldest person: 98 Source: Health Services Executive Director Kelly Rowe due to issues with Nevada’s vaccine rollout. “There really isn’t a clear time- frame and I was feeling pretty Retired Community Health RN Case Manager Peggy Shaver administered a Moderna COVID-19 vaccine dose to Tribal member Kallie Provost during a Vaccination Clinic held in the Tribal gym on Wednesday, Feb. 3. The clinic offered vaccines to Tribal and community members over the age of 18. anxious about it, especially with a sister who is immune compro- mised,” Maya said. “The system in Reno is in disarray.” After getting her vaccination, Maya said her feelings were mixed. “It’s a combination of anxious because of potential side effects and relief at the same time because I will have some protection from COVID,” she said. “I’m also feeling hopeful.” Lauren kept eyeing the gym, waiting for her other daughter to emerge. After receiving the vac- cination, people had to wait 15 minutes or more depending on their health status to ensure there was no allergic reactions. “When she comes out and I find out she is OK, then I will be less ner- vous,” she said. “I’ll be happy to know she at least has some protection.” The Kleins said they will repeat the more than 1,000-mile round trip and be back on March 4 for their second dose. “We’re very grateful for this op- portunity,” Lauren said. Rowe said during the Sunday, Feb. 7, General Council meeting that the person who traveled the farthest to receive a vaccine dose was from North Dakota. Former Tribal Council Chairman Reyn Leno also invoked the words of Tribal Elder and Restoration figure Kathryn Harrison in saying that the Grand Ronde Tribe would care for the community after Res- toration because the community cared for the Tribe during its 29 years of Termination. The Tribe scheduled a second Vaccination Clinic for Wednesday, Feb. 10, in the Tribal gym. The 750 doses available were all accounted for by Monday, Feb. 8. Rowe an- nounced the clinic to the public at 1:06 p.m. and all of the doses were reserved within about an hour. Individuals who registered for the Feb. 3-4 clinic through Eventbright will be contacted with registra- tion instructions for their second dose. Those who did not register through the website should call 503-879-1420 to schedule a second appointment. Maintenance Technician Brent Bruckner works on setting up tables in the Tribal gym for a COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic on Tuesday, Feb. 2. Grand Ronde Pharmacist Dr. Brandon McDonald administers a Moderna COVID-19 vaccine dose to Lorane Hayes of Stayton during a Vaccination Clinic held in the Tribal gym on Wednesday, Feb. 3. The clinic offered vaccines to Tribal and community members over the age of 18. According to Health Services Executive Director, the Tribe’s available allotment of 1,636 doses was used during the two-day event that also continued on Thursday, Feb. 4. Those receiving shots will have to return in early March for the second required dose to build up viral resistance against COVID-19. Photos by Timothy J. Gonzalez