Linfield University, in partnership with the Oregon Health Authority and county health officials, will loan out a specialized Department of Biology freezer to aid in the storage and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in the state.
The first vaccines, from Pfizer and BioNTech, must be stored in ultra-cold freezers at -70 degrees Celsius. Linfield has freezers with that capability, one of which will be moved off campus and used by Yamhill County health authorities.
“This is a moment when community members come together to help each other in the face of a deadly pandemic,” said Linfield President Miles K. Davis. “We’re happy to do our part and support health authorities who are working to get vaccines to those who need them.”
Lindsey Manfrin, director of Yamhill County Health and Human Services, expressed her appreciation of the Linfield efforts.
“We are grateful for the wonderful partner Linfield University has been throughout the COVID-19 event, including its willingness to share this much-needed asset,” she said. “This is one more example of our great community working together.”
Where the freezer will be taken and how much vaccine will be stored is unclear at this point. Yamhill County officials will work with the Oregon Health Authority on the logistics.
“Linfield University has enjoyed a long and fruitful partnership with Yamhill County Public Health Department,” said Patricia Haddeland, Linfield’s director of student health, wellness and counseling. “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Linfield and the county health department have worked together. We are happy to share this unique asset now for the benefit of the community.”
Linfield is an independent, nonprofit university with campuses in McMinnville and Portland, Oregon. Since 1858, Linfield has connected a traditional liberal arts experience with practical education through 56 majors, including wine studies, sport management and nursing. Linfield has been recognized four years running for having the Best Ethnic Diversity in the Pacific Northwest by U.S. News and World Report. Thirty-two percent of Linfield students are first-generation college students, and more than one-third are U.S. students of color. Linfield competes in the NCAA Division III Northwest Conference. Learn more at www.linfield.edu.
