Norman Regional Health System Protects the Community through Flu Shot Clinics

Category: Community Connection, Foundation Feature
Posted On: Oct 28, 2025

Each year, Norman Regional Health System takes proactive steps to keep our community healthy. This year, our Healers and nursing students teamed up to provide flu shot clinics to vulnerable populations in the Norman area.

In preparation for flu season, Norman Regional’s Transition of Care Coordination team and the Norman Regional Health Foundation hosted 16 flu shot clinics across 10 organizations in our service areas. Nursing students from Rose State College and The University of Oklahoma College of Nursing helped to administer the vaccines, giving them applicable, real-world experience.

Making Flu Protection Accessible for the Vulnerable

Flu season can be especially hard on families, workplaces, and vulnerable populations. That’s why Norman Regional’s team of Healers provides convenient, on-site flu shot clinics at philanthropic organizations throughout Norman and surrounding areas.

These clinics make it easy for those organization’s employees, volunteers and clients to get vaccinated, with no appointment or trip to the doctor’s office required.

By offering these clinics, Norman Regional assists in the removal of barriers to care, helping prevent the spread of illness before it starts. This not only protects individuals, but also supports the overall health and productivity of our community.

Partnerships That Strengthen Community Health

Norman Regional proudly partners with local organizations to make these flu shot events possible. From city shelters and food pantries, to local addiction recovery and mental health centers, each partnership represents a shared commitment to wellness and prevention.

“Through these flu shot clinics, our goal is to deliver compassionate, accessible care with a focus on prevention, and that means meeting people where they are,” said Jessica Harris, RN, population health manager. “By hosting these flu shot clinics, we’re helping keep our fellow community members safe this flu season.”

Norman Regional brings essential preventive care directly to the people who need it most. The health system works closely with partners throughout the community that have a direct impact on the people they serve. Patrons, clients and employees of Bridges, City Care Norman Night Shelter, Food and Shelter, Mission Norman, Rob’s Ranch, Salvation Army, Thunderbird Clubhouse, Transition House, The Virtue Center and Women’s Sanctuary - Norman all had the opportunity to receive their flu shot free of charge this season.

These organizations empower independently living students, assist the unhoused through meals, shelter, and housing, provide food to those experiencing food insecurity, rehabilitate those struggling with addiction and mental health issues, and more.

Flu Vaccines Made Possible by the Norman Regional Health Foundation

Without the Norman Regional Health Foundation, these flu shot clinics would not be possible. The NRH Foundation provided the funds to our Transition of Care Coordination team to purchase the vaccines needed to host the 16 flu shot clinics this year.

“The Foundation is proud to be a part of these flu clinics aiding members of our community,” said Erin Barnhart, executive director of the Norman Regional Health Foundation. “We recognize the need in our community, and our donors do too. Providing something as simple as a free flu shot can make a difference for those in need during cold and flu season, and we’re happy to help facilitate that difference.”

The mission of the NRH Foundation is to elevate health and wellness by financially supporting Norman Regional patient and staff services, health-related scholarships and community initiatives. To learn more about the NRH Foundation and all the ways they help our community, visit their website at NRHFoundation.org.

A Healthier Norman, Together

Getting a flu shot is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent illness. When more people are vaccinated, the entire community benefits, especially children, seniors, those with chronic conditions and vulnerabilities.

Norman Regional’s flu shot clinics are just one example of how the health system fulfills its mission of delivering personalized healthcare with compassion and excellence. By prioritizing prevention and accessibility, Norman Regional and the Norman Regional Health Foundation continue to be trusted partners in community wellness.