They are some of the most vulnerable people in our community. People living in nursing homes. Disabled veterans. And children. And the COVID-19 pandemic has taken an especially terrible toll on them. But there are resources, efforts, and people stepping up to help them in Oregon, and throughout the Pacific Northwest. So in this episode, we will focus on them. First: our family members in nursing homes. Across the country, about 40 percent of covid deaths so far, are associated with nursing homes. But in Oregon, it's been much higher. AARP Oregon's Joyce De Monnin says the pandemic's taken an especially horrific toll on Oregonians living and working in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities: but there are important questions to ask and ways you can protect your family members. COVID 19's also posed incredible challenges on our disabled veterans. Their unemployment rate doubled, they suffered from isolation and struggled with getting help for catastrophic illnesses and brain injuries. Jeff Hall, with Disabled American Veterans, explains his group is connecting these heroes, to help. Next: kids, and COVID. It's had a big impact on their education. Hundreds of thousands of Oregonians ages 12 to 16 are eligible for vaccines. And research is underway with a goal of getting a safe effective vaccine for those younger than 12 by this fall. Portland parenting expert, family coach and former teacher Janet Allison, tells us how to talk to a child about getting a COVID 19 vaccine, and how to answer tough questions about the pandemic.