GWCO 2021 CONGRESS COVID-19 UPDATE

As of August 26, 2021
Dear GWCO Congress Supporter, 

Thank you for your support of the RETRO GWCO Congress 2021.  The GWCO Board of Directors is committed to hosting a live CE event this year in Portland, Oregon.  We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work within the local and state health authority guidelines to ensure the safest environment possible for GWCO Congress attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, and those who work at the DoubleTree by Hilton Portland.   

We are now requiring a valid proof of vaccination from everybody who will be attending GWCO Congress. 

  • If you have already registered to attend Congress, please login to the website to upload a copy of your vaccine through this form: https://gwco.memberclicks.net/gwcocongress2021vaccination 

  • If you have not yet registered to attend Congress, you will be required to upload your proof of vaccination before your registration can be completed.  

It is GWCO’s top priority to maintain the health and safety of all attendees and our staff.  Thus, our attendees will also be required to wear a face mask at all times, except when actively eating and/or drinking.   These changes align with Oregon’s state-wide mask mandate which has been instituted for all public gatherings. 

Thank you for understanding and we look forward to seeing you October 15-17 in Portland! 

The GWCO Board of Directors


As of August 12, 2021

Dear GWCO Congress Supporter, 

Yesterday's news from Oregon Governor, Kate Brown, announced a requirement that masks be worn at all public indoor facilities, effective Friday, August 13, 2021.  Governor Brown’s order has focused on the need for Oregonians to wear masks and get vaccinated.  In just a few short weeks, there has been an uncontrollable spread of the highly contagious Delta variant nationwide, so safety interventions have become critical.  Over the past 18 months, most of the state shutdowns have been associated with hospital bed shortages in various jurisdictions. 

Following the Governor’s press conference, the Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU) put out a statement projecting that the State of Oregon will be short 400 to 500 needed hospital beds by Labor Day weekend.  Their key messages urged everyone to mask up and get vaccinated, “Vaccination is the backbone of protection and prevention.” 

To ensure the safety of attendees at GWCO Congress 2021, our professional event must comply with all rules and regulations of the city, county, and state officials.  Although GWCO leadership is preparing for an in-person Congress held during October 15-17 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Portland, we are closely monitoring the situation as it develops.  Also, please know that we are currently considering alternative, virtual options in case the need becomes necessary. 

Depending upon information available from the Oregon Health Authority, we are hopeful that the GWCO Board can finalize a decision on/before Labor Day.  For your review, these additional websites may be helpful:  

Thank you for your understanding and support. 

Dr. Hilary Hawthorne
GWCO President
Los Angeles, CA