April 5, 2021 3:40 a.m.

Aviva Health is holding COVID-19 vaccination events in Sutherlin and Myrtle Creek this week.

On Tuesday and Thursday, vaccinations will be given at the Sutherlin Community Center on South Willamette Street. Clinics will operate from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. both days.

Wednesday’s clinic will be at the Myrtle Creek Elks Lodge on South Main Street from 8:00 a.m. to 11;30 a.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

To make an appointment for one of the events, call 672-9596. Individuals do not have to be an Aviva Health patient to schedule a vaccination.

Last week, Governor Kate Brown announced that Federally Qualified Health Centers like Aviva Health can vaccinate anyone, including people not currently eligible according to state guidelines. These clinics will vaccinate anyone 18 years of age and older.

Last week, Aviva Health took its COVID-19 vaccination team to north county to administer shots to people living in and around Elkton, Yoncalla, and Drain. 147 vaccinations were administered. The event was also the debut of “Mobile 1”, one of two mobile medical units Douglas County Commissioners gave to Aviva Health to bring health resources to underserved areas of the county.

Aviva CEO KC Bolton said “The mobile medical units are a game changer for the community”. He said it will give the organization tremendous flexibility to provide care where and when its needed.

Bolton said in the near term, the mobile medical units will be used for COVID-19 related outreach. In the future, he said Aviva Health intends to use them to take primary care services on the road to underserved areas across the county.