HydroHub
Take a Sip with Science!
During the COVID-19 state of emergency, the University of Oregon partnered with HIV Alliance to provide COVID-19 testing and vaccines. To share what we've learned, we launched HydroHub. Here, you can find detailed information from our research, made easily accessible through QR codes on water bottles, available for free at various exchange sites through FreeWater.
Breaking Barriers Program
A partnership between HIV Alliance and UO to reduce employment barriers by incentivizing job training opportunities
Make Meaningful Connections
The Breaking Barriers program works to celebrate the strength in each individual's unique journey encouraging the development of new skills and nurturing meaningful connections based on understanding and respect.
Alongside individuals navigating houselessness, engagements with the criminal legal system, and substance use, we aim to create paths of achievement. Our role is to offer practical support, assisting you in building valuable skills and finding resources that suit your needs.
Skills Development
Preventing the Spread of Disease
Connections to Job Opportunities
Resume Building
Overdose Prevention
Community Health Promotion
Community Outreach
Sharing non-judgmental factual information is a great way to support others in taking care of their health.
Helping by the Numbers
Breaking Barriers Participants: 145
Breaking Barrier Engagements: 1,120
COVID-19 Rapid Tests Distributed: 3,912
COVID-19 Rapid Tests Returned: 2,040
We found that 30% of a person’s decision to take a COVID-19 rapid test was linked to who they spoke with about it.
We connected with over 70 locals across Lane, Douglas, and Marion Counties to understand their expectations and desires for the Breaking Barriers program.
“Making a difference- by taking one step at a time. Getting a job is one thing. Once you get a job and earn enough money. From there, if there are any houses open then you can move in. Step-by-step change.”
“[The program can] make you feel good - you’ve done something, accomplished something, and changed things.”
“[I want] an employer to understand that I’m homeless and work with me until something changes.”
COVID Testing and Vaccination Numbers
Timeline May 2021 - June 2023
4,859
Individuals Tested
for COVID-19
10,430
COVID-19 Tests Administered
1,604
Community Members
Vaccinated for COVID-19
77
Community Collaboration Circle Participants
Low Positivity Rate: 5.22%
1. Community
Focus on community engagement and protection
5. Confidence
Building trust in vaccines and healthcare
4. Convenience
Ensuring accessible services
2. Communication
Clear, correct information
3. Concern
Addressing individual needs and fears
(Hardin et al., 2023)
By offering $10 incentives for getting tested, we saw a 20% boost in COVID-19 testing.
(Cioffi et al., 2022)
Chatting with exchange staff boosts COVID-19 vaccination rates 3x!
I want the vaccine!
What other researchers have learned about preventing the spread of COVID-19
This team investigated if COVID-19 vaccinations impact long-COVID symptoms. Analyzing over 2500 studies, they found that vaccination, particularly with two doses, tends to reduce the risk of developing long-COVID post-infection. However, for those already experiencing long-COVID, results vary; some individuals saw improvements after vaccination, while others did not (Nortarte et al., 2022). The research, while promising, indicates that understanding the full impact of vaccinations on long-COVID remains a work in progress.