OHSU study forges community connection

Project seen as a template for public health initiatives during pandemic

By Erik Robinson February 17, 2021 Portland, OR

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Matt Strnad, an OHSU research assistant, and Guang Fan, M.D., Ph.D., associate medical director for OHSU laboratory medicine, prepare testing materials for people arriving at Imago Dei Community Eastside church in November. The research project forged connections between scientists and the broader community. "Normally, Im in a lab looking through a microscope. Here, I'm seeing people in person and it feels like Im making a difference," Fan said. (OHSU/Erik Robinson)

Nichole Watson

Nichole Watson (OHSU/Erik Robinson)

SEI testing

OHSU provided free voluntary COVID-19 testing at Imago Dei Community Eastside church through mid-January. Testing continues at Prescott Elementary School in northeast Portland. (OHSU/Erik Robinson)

Community testing

Northeast Portland resident Perry Lambert stands outside a voluntary COVID-19 testing site at Prescott Elementary School in northeast Portland on Monday, Feb. 8. "Having testing sites like this is really important for the community," he said. (OHSU/Erik Robinson)

Donna Hansel, M.D., Ph.D.

Donna Hansel, M.D., Ph.D. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff

Anthony Deloney

Download video: B-roll of community testing

OHSU employees set up a weekly voluntary COVID-19 testing site at Prescott Elementary School in northeast Portland. (Courtesy of Sheepscot Creative for OHSU)