News

In response to recent statewide developments regarding COVID-19, Grande Ronde Hospital & Clinics has made the decision to postpone our annual Free Community Blood Screening events scheduled for April 4 in Union, April 11 in Elgin, and April 25 in La Grande.

The decision to postpone these highly anticipated events in our communities was not made lightly - we understand the value of our free health screenings. We want to be clear that our intent is to reschedule at a later date. However, people age 60 and older are one of the groups more vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19 and that seems to be the demographic we serve most during these events.

It should be noted that currently there are NO presumptive or confirmed cases in Union County as of Wednesday, March 11, 2020.

While we are learning more every day, a clearer picture of COVID-19 and those groups most affected by this disease is emerging, and we continue to refine our responses based on new information. We continue to monitor daily the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Oregon Health Authority, and will reschedule these public events as soon as it is sensible to do so.

We encourage you to remain vigilant with precautionary measures against the spread of all respiratory illness by:

• Washing your hands often and appropriately
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Avoiding contact with sick people
• Staying home if you're sick
• Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing

For additional information on those most vulnerable to this disease, what to do if you think you may have COVID-19, and more; please visit healthoregon.org/coronavirus or call 211 for the most up-to-date information. In addition, we have established a Coronavirus News & Updates section on our website. Please visit www.grh.org/patients-visitors/covid-19-news-updates/ for the latest from your care team at GRH.

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