The virus that causes the disease COVID-19 has changed the way the Oregon Department of Human Services – and all of Oregon – are operating. Director Fariborz Pakseresht and Deputy Director Liesl Wendt talk about the Department’s response to the pandemic and the steps being taken to balance the need to protect staff health and maintain services to Oregonians, especially those who are high-risk for COVID-19.   “We all came to this organization because we had the passion of service - and we'll get back to that full force - but for right now, there are a series of different circumstances in front of us that we have to respond to and balance those with our most essential work,” Director Pakseresht said. “I only know one way out of this crisis and that is together.”

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