February 11, 2022 3:50 a.m.

Douglas County officials have distributed 7,500 COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test kits, which came from the Oregon Health Authority.

The home test kits are earmarked for priority distribution to seniors, first responders, city utility and service workers, and to those in rural areas who are most at risk or with limited access to resources.

Teresa Mutschler, Executive Director of Douglas Public Health Network came up with a plan to utilize rural fire departments, cities and senior services to help dispense the kits to the most vulnerable residents, volunteers and vital workers. As soon as the plan was in place, Commissioner Tim Freeman delivered the kits to:

*Douglas County Senior Services who are passing out kits at their Senior Dining Sites and to Meals on Wheels customers

*18 rural fire districts and departments for their staff, volunteers and local residents

*City offices in Myrtle Creek, Sutherlin, Reedsport, Roseburg and Yoncalla, for police, fire, utility and vital services departments, as well as for community members

*Douglas County Fire District No. 2 to distribute to first responders and the communities their serve

*Forest Glen Senior Residence for their employees and renters

*A local women’s shelter for guests and volunteers

*Douglas Public Health Network who will distribute the remaining free test kits as part of their EPI Team response work, and to community members who have barriers in accessing testing resources

For more information about resources in the area, call the Douglas County COVID-19 Hotline at 464-6550