Adapting to COVID-19 - May/June 2020

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The three equity workgroups met on May 21 & June 4 to discuss how to move forward with equity projects in light of COVID-19 changes to environment, provider capacity, and priorities in the community. Notes, slides, and summaries from those discussion below.

Full notes
Slides

Affordable Housing
This group decided to prioritize Activity 1 (education & outreach to policymakers & landlords), shifting the focus to advocacy on rental assistance needs emerging in COVID. Amber Johnson of SNAP will continue to be activity lead. The group wants to come back to Activities 2 & 3 (transportation pilot & Responsible Renters curriculum) in the future, but focus bandwidth on Activity 1 to start.

Reducing Family Violence & Trauma
This group will move forward with offering parent & caregiver support trainings, and connecting those trainings to resources & incentives such as food and financial assistance. Some adaptations will be needed for trainings & support group format for social distancing.

Accessing Behavioral Health
This group saw that stigma about asking for mental health help may be lessened during this time, because it’s happening to everyone. They saw an opportunity to “skip ahead” to the steps of getting out messaging about available resources. The group still wants to take a look at how to use CHWs/Peers (broadly defined) to reach isolated individuals, but focus on messaging to start.

Resources for Clients

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Washington Department of Health COVID-19 Educational Materials – 26+ Languages

211 Washington Resource Hub

CHW Connect Resource Hub

The Fig Tree Resource Hub

World Relief

Behavioral Health/Mental Health Materials

Calculating COVID Stimulus Payment

Washington Post calculator

DSHS - updates

Telehealth guidance for Medicaid clients

HCA created telehealth guidance one-pager for Apple Health (Medicaid) clients that describe what services are available during the pandemic (see attached). This document will be posted in 15 languages on the HCA COVID-19 page in early June.

Internet access

Dept. of Commerce drive-in WiFi hotspots across the state: https://www.commerce.wa.gov/building-infrastructure/washington-state-drive-in-wifi-hotspots-location-finder/

Education

The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction

Department of Education Federal Student Aid Office

Employment & Paid Sick Leave Information

WorkSource Immediate Employment Opportunities

Washington State Employment Security Department website

Food & Supply Assistance

Spokane Public Schools is offering grab & go meals – a breakfast and a lunch together – for any child aged 0-18, or currently enrolled in high school, at the following locations from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Yes, that's any student -- even those who don't attend Spokane Public Schools!

The Zone Project is currently working to offer culturally appropriate food boxes to be distributed. Please contact The Zone Project at tzp@necommunitycenter.com or 509-209-7227 to get connected to this resource, and many others.

Housing

Washing State Department of Commerce COVID-19 Emergency Housing Grant

CDC Resources for Homeless Shelters

Bankrate Securing Housing After Incarceration

Transportation

Specialty Mobility Services Getting There Guide

Utilities & Energy Program Updates

City of Spokane utility accounts will not be assessed late fees or be discontinued due to non payment. (This includes water service and solid waste pick-up.)

Avista has made the decision to temporarily suspend all collection activity and disconnects for customers as our communities respond to the impacts of the Coronavirus outbreak. Customers who may be facing financial difficulties are encouraged to call Avista at (800) 227-9187.

SNAP assistance, including income-blind assistance for energy – 509-456-SNAP (7627)

Webinars

Peer Workforce Alliance Community Connections Series - More Information HERE

BHT Behavioral Health Forum

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BHT is hosting a call-in forum for partners to discuss challenges and strategies for our behavioral health system responding to the COVID-19 crisis. We are inviting all partners from our health system who are or who interact with behavioral health to join. The call is optional and will be hosted weekly. 

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Oral Health Resources

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Resources for Oral Health Providers

Resources for Other Providers

  • MouthMatters flyer: Education messages for Medical Providers to fill COVID-19 oral health gap

Provider Updates

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Please note, BHT is posting updates to this page as they are provided to us. If you have an update to share, please email sarah@betterhealthtogether.org

HCA List of Treatment Providers Reduction and Closures of Facilities

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American Behavioral Health Systems

Beds available for those who qualify for intensive inpatient SUD treatment including MAT services and co-occurring disorders. Transportation support available. For more information: www.americanbehavioralhealth.net

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Children’s Home Society

As promised, we want to keep you apprised of service updates and modifications during this time. As of March 23, various service modifications and temporary center closures to the public have been implemented across the state, with most employees working remotely. All regional directors and their teams are contacting families individually to discuss the implementation of planned appointments virtually, where appropriate. We are implementing telehealth, virtual home visits and virtual group meetings across the state where possible.

Spokane: Closed to the public at office locations (Galland-Ashlock Family Resource Center, West Plains office and Northeast Community Center), open for appointments only. The Children’s Waiting Room will be closed as of 3/25. Transferring in-home visiting services to virtual home visits.

For questions, contact us via email: coronavirusinfo@chs-wa.org

https://www.childrenshomesociety.org/spokane

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Compassionate Addiction Treatment

We are still open, serving our unhoused population.  The services provided are MAT (Medication for Addiction Treatment), SUD Assessments and navigation into care, Intensive Outpatient treatment for substance use disorders, FCS Housing and Employment case management, and our Recovery Community is still open with capacity limitations to allow for social distancing.  For people struggling with addiction or in recovery and in need of support, we are available.  We are screening all clients for health concerns as they come in and navigate people into healthcare as needed.

Phone: 509.919.3362

More information at https://www.catspokane.org/

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Excelsior Wellness Center

Excelsior is providing virtual walk-in availability for individuals and families needing basic support and emergent assistance with services and resources due to the COVID19 pandemic. The Care Team and clinical providers are prepared to assist our Spokane neighbors as they access healthcare services as well as needed household items.

For direct virtual support from child and family specialist, call 509-559-3100

Excelsior Care’s Project: The Excelsior Care Team operates as a Mobile Pantry distributing food, cleaning supplies and toiletries to service participants or community members in need. Resources will be delivered to a participant’s home and will be dropped at the front door, or the closest available location to the front door. Click the link to learn more and submit a request: https://www.excelsiorwellness.org/care-team/

Family Activities and Schedule [PDF]

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Frontier Behavioral Health
(FBH) is operational and continues to provide services to the community.

FBH mental health professionals are conducting intake assessments, clinical appointments and medication management appointments by phone. For information or to schedule an appointment, please call 509.838.4651.

The following FBH services and programs remain unchanged:

Crisis Response Services: We continue to provide crisis response services to the region without interruption. Our 24/7 Regional Crisis Line (1.877.266.1818) is answered by mental health clinicians from FBH who provide telephone triage and crisis intervention services and make direct referrals to mobile crisis outreach teams. Additionally, our Designated Crisis Responders (DCRs) continue to conduct Involuntary Treatment ACT (ITA) evaluations as required by law.

Inpatient Services: Our Evaluation and Treatment facilities and our Stabilization unit remain open and continue to provide assessment, observation and crisis treatment services to individuals 18 and older. As a safety precaution, visiting hours have been suspended. During this time, we encourage patients to communicate with friends and family via phone.

Eastern Washington 2-1-1: Our telephone resource line provides free information about community resources and human services both locally and statewide. To speak with referral specialists M-F, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., call 2-1-1 or 866.904.9060; text EW211 to 898-211 or search online at wa211.org.

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Ideal Option

During this time of the COVID-19 pandemic we are offering for the first time virtual home appointments for patients to access the support they need.  Currently we have a 24/7 referral process that make it quick & easy to set up appointments for patients.  You can either call the referral line at (509) 581-2908, or access our virtual visit link at https://www.idealoption.com/virtual. 

For general information about Ideal Option please visit our website at https://www.idealoption.com/

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Inland Northwest Behavioral Health

Inland Northwest Behavioral Health (INBH) psychiatric hospital is open throughout the COVID-19 crisis for people in the region who are in behavioral health crisis. Inpatient units as well as outpatient services stand open and ready to serve the community. Any person that needs behavioral health care can walk-in to our hospital or call. All walk-in patients are screened for COVID-19 symptoms following CDC guidelines.

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Lutheran Community Services Northwest

LCS Northwest is providing all services via telehealth to protect your health during this time.

  • Behavioral Health, Intensive Services & Foster Care - 509.747.8224

  • Crime Victim Advocacy & Education 24/7 - 509.624.7273

For more information about services, see our website and summary pdf.

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The NATIVE Project

For Behavioral Health, we do have immediate openings for our youth mental health & youth SUD.  We are able to use DocuSign to get all of the paperwork done with the patient/family prior to the assessment.

Please call ahead at:

If you have any questions, please contact our Clinic Director, Dylan Dressler at (509) 483-7535 for more information, assistance on Zoom & Patient Portal enrollment & access.

More information at http://nativeproject.org/about-us/health-care-news?news=1

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NEW Alliance Counseling Services

Beginning on March 26, 2020 the NEWACS outpatient office locations will be closed to the public.

Our behavioral health professionals will conduct clinical appointments, medication management appointments, intake assessments and many other services by phone in compliance with state and federal recommendations for social distancing.  Groups will be cancelled until further notice. Inpatient services at the Alliance Evaluation & Treatment Facility will remain open, though the facility is closed to all visitors.

To schedule an appointment, call our nearest office location:

  • Chewelah: (509) 935-4808 or toll free at (866) 708-4597

  • Colville: (509) 684-4597 or toll free at (866) 708-4597

  • Davenport: (509) 725-3001 or toll free at (888) 725-3001

  • Republic: (509) 775-3341 or toll free at (866) 807-7131

 More information at https://newacs.stevenscountywa.gov/

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Partners with Families & Children

We are still serving behavioral health clients remotely and “urgent" cases onsite at our CAC. Please contact 509-473-4810 for more information or to schedule an appointment. Partners is considered an "essential business", however our building is closed to the public during this time.

During this COVID-19 pandemic, we have all been asked to follow Washington State’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order, which has led to the closures of schools, dental offices, courtrooms and has even changed the way the Department of Children, Youth & Families – Child Welfare (DCYF) interacts with families. These closures and social distancing efforts have limited mandatory reporters’ access to children and youth, making it harder to detect abuse or neglect and leaving many children at risk. Please be the eyes and ears and report any suspected child abuse or neglect 24/7 by calling 866-363-4276.

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Passages

Passages is here and ready to help during these challenging times, by providing mental health support and services through Telehealth.

We are following the infection prevention guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control for the coranavirus (COVID-19). Effective March 17, 2020 for everyone’s safety, we will be conducting all intakes and individual/group sessions through either phone calls or video chats.  We will continue to post relevant and reliable information about COVID19 and local resources.

For more information, tips and resources, please click HERE or call us at: 509-892-9241

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Pioneer Human Services

We have capacity for providing additional outpatient services and are offering SUD assessments, counseling, and groups through telehealth. Our team has also pulled together a list of resources for recovery support groups (i.e. AA, NA) that are being offered through zoom or other remote options. We know there is still a great need for treatment during this time, so please pass on this information to those for whom it would be relevant.

Organizations can reach out to John Hindman (john.hindman@p-h-s.com), Director at the Emerson Clinic, with questions.

For remotely offered SUD and Mental Health assessments, individual counseling and group treatment, call Pioneer Emerson Clinic: 509-325-7232

For recovery support groups offered remotely, follow this link: https://pioneerhumanservices.org/emerson-clinic-covid-19-self-help-meeting-schedule

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Planned Parenthood of Greater Washington & North Idaho

Planned Parenthood is open and running. 70% appts are being done virtually, but for those appointment types that require being in-person we are still seeing patients in clinic. Our behavioral health appointments are being done virtually and new patients can be seen within the week. Primary care visits are being done virtually and in-person depending on what is needed. Our family planning appointments are being screened virtually and then made in-person if necessary. 

More information, contacts, and phone & online scheduling available here.

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Riverside Recovery Center

Riverside Recovery Center is conducting Telehealth Drug and Alcohol Assessments. We are also providing MAT Services via Telehealth.  Our contact phone number to schedule an assessment or a MAT induction is 509-328-5234

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Telehealth Resources

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Advancing Integrated Mental Health Solutions (AIMS) Center

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

MCO Information

Northwest Regional Telehealth Resource Center

Washington State Health Care Authority

BHT Makes $100K Contribution to COVID-19 Fund

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The Better Health Together Board of Directors approved the first allocation of dollars from our Community Resiliency Fund to go to the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund.

The COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Funds will provide funding to organizations that have deep roots in community and strong experience serving the elderly, homeless, residents without health insurance and/or access to sick days, communities of color, people with limited English language proficiency, healthcare, hospitality and gig economy workers, and low-wage employees, among others.

To view the full story click here.

Inslee signs health care licensing waivers and other COVID-19 related orders

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Gov. Jay Inslee tonight announced several new proclamations and a directive aimed at opening up the healthcare and childcare workforce, reducing transmission between families and children in DCYF custody, and lengthening the deadline for local governments to file their annual fiscal reports.

“We must continue to adapt to the new challenges we face every day during this COVID-19 outbreak,” Inslee said. “We need to allow the rapid expansion of the health and childcare sectors and help communities and families adapt to the changing realities of everyday life in this pandemic to further prevent the spread of the virus.”

Visitation and Remedial Services

This proclamation waives requirements for in-person visitation by children in the custody of the state Department of Children, Youth, and Family (DCYF) with family and DCYF caseworkers. It also waives requirements for DCYF to provide parents and children in child dependency cases with remedial services, which include things like coordinating family visits. The order will help prevent COVID-19 transmission between the foster parents, relatives, group homes, and others caring for children in DCYF’s custody. 

Nothing in this order, or in the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, is intended to prevent compliance with a private parenting plan.

The governor encourages parents who are co-parenting under a parenting plan to communicate with one another during this difficult time in order to both maintain family relationships and to protect the best interests and health of each child.

This proclamation is accompanied by a directive, instructing DCYF to immediately issue emergency rules to bolster video visitation services for children in DCYF’s custody, so that they may interact with family remotely by April 1. 

Waiving licensing requirements for healthcare workers

This proclamation waives requirements necessary for health care workers to remain licensed to practice in the state, including ongoing training and continuing education requirements. These waivers will deliver much needed relief to an increasingly taxed health care system, allowing workers to focus on providing care to Washingtonians during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Waiving requirements for child care and background checks

This proclamation waives several requirements for licensed childcare workers, including requiring federal fingerprint background checks before completing the licensing process. This responds to an increased need for childcare during the COVID-19 emergency, increasing availability by allowing workers to be more easily licensed to provide care to those who need it.

Waiving financial reports filing deadlines

This proclamation waives deadlines for local governments to file their required annual financial reports with the State Auditor’s Office, effective for thirty days. Specifically, this order waives a part of the law that requires local governments to file these financial reports no later than 150 days after the end of the fiscal year.

10th Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act

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On its tenth anniversary, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is helping our state provide health care during a pandemic.

Being at the center of the COVID-19 pandemic shows how critical it is for Washington State to have a strong health system. A virus does not discriminate, and we need everyone, regardless of their income, to be able to access health care to keep us all safe.

Passed by Congress 10 years ago this week, the ACA has helped 600,000 uninsured Washingtonians get health coverage and care. While there’s not a lot for health care providers to celebrate right now, we do want to honor this anniversary and stand strong to protect the ACA.

The Affordable Care Act enabled Washington State to significantly expand Medicaid coverage, greatly increasing health care access and resources. This has been particularly important for access to dental care as the number of Medicaid-insured adults accessing dental care each year has more than doubled since the state expanded Medicaid. In total, our state’s expanded health care safety net now provides health care to more than 1.7 million patients.

The ACA has also increased access to health services that are critical in addressing our state’s homelessness and opioid crises. The ACA created more funding for mental health and substance use treatment, and rural hospitals have been able to remain open thanks to Medicaid expansion. 

Better Health Together launched the Navigator network in 2013 with the audacious goal of enrolling 10,000 participants in qualified healthcare plans. Within the first two years, the Network dramatically exceeded this number, enrolling more than 100,000 participants. Because of this work, more than 96% of our Eastern Washington region now has insurance coverage.

Our network’s tremendous success comes from the web of diverse partners connected across our region. This vast network of partners, which represents many sectors has reached population segments including un/underinsured people, older adults, people with disabilities, low-income individuals and families, people experiencing homelessness, foster youth, prison and re-entry populations, people with limited English proficiency, migrant workers, small businesses, rural populations, and the region’s diverse racial/ethnic populations.

Unfortunately, the ACA has been under attack for the past several years. Federal threats to weaken it put millions of people at risk of losing access to health care. But the fact is that people depend on coverage provided by the ACA. Global health care emergencies such as the coronavirus show how much our health is connected to everyone around us. Washington State policymakers must protect the advances gained through the ACA to ensure that everyone in our state can access health care, keeping us all safer.

 

Eastern Washington Funders Launch COVID-19 Community Response Fund

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Eastern Washington funders launch COVID-19 Community Response Fund to address immediate and long-term needs of communities 

A coalition of philanthropic, government, and business partners has joined together to create a COVID-19 Response Fund that will rapidly deploy resources to community-based organizations at the frontlines of the region’s coronavirus outbreak in Eastern Washington. The fund is designed to complement the work of public health officials, medical providers, businesses and governments to expand regional capacity addressing the outbreak as effectively as possible. 

In the coming weeks, the fund will rapidly deploy resources to community-based organizations working in communities who are disproportionately impacted by coronavirus and the economic consequences of the outbreak. 

Hosted by Innovia Foundation, the COVID-19 Eastern Washington Community Response Fund will provide funding to organizations that have deep roots in community and strong experience serving the elderly, homeless, residents without health insurance and/or access to sick days, communities of color, people with limited English language proficiency, healthcare, hospitality and gig economy workers, and low-wage employees, among others. 

Grants will be administered in partnership with a Regional Pandemic Community Advisory Group consisting of funding partners and community representatives. The Advisory Group will proactively identify potential grant recipients, solicit guidance on potential recipients from community advisors, and recommend final awards. In order to move resources quickly and not further burden organizations on the frontlines of the pandemic, we are not hosting a formal application process at this time. Funds will be released on a rolling basis as fundraising continues throughout the outbreak and recovery phases of the crisis, making it possible to move resources quickly and adapt to evolving needs in subsequent funding phases. The Fund expects to make an initial round of grants within the next few weeks. 

Individuals and organizations can donate and find additional information about the COVID-19 Response Fund via www.innovia.org/covid19. Innovia is working with philanthropy partners in North Idaho to establish a similar response fund in that region. 

“The coming days and weeks will reveal new and unforeseen challenges to our communities,” said Innovia Foundation CEO Shelly O’Quinn. “ This collective action by local funders will provide an immediate, local response to support those who are most vulnerable to the health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.” 

The Fund is anchored by the following initial donations: $50,000 donation from Innovia Foundation; $50,000 from Avista Foundation; and $50,000 from Premera Blue Cross. Additional funders will include Spokane County United Way, Empire Health Foundation, Providence Healthcare, Women Helping Women Fund, and the Community Building Foundation. 

PARTNER STATEMENTS 

“There are many unknowns in this crisis, but we do know all our fund partners are fully committed to providing support to those at highest risk of health and economic challenges. A special thanks to our front-line workers who are risking their own health to keep the rest of use safe. This fund is here to assist you and your organization for as long as it takes.” 

-- Empire Health Foundation Interim President Jeffrey Bell 

“Today feels different because of the crisis we are all in, but I know together we can provide critical support to our community. We are proud to join with local foundations to find innovative ways to support people to ensure every family, child, and individual in our community has access to basic needs. Mobilizing volunteers and financial resources is always a necessity and I thank everyone for your willingness to give and support others in this critical time.” 

-- Spokane County United Way President and CEO Tim Henkel 

“The breadth and impact of this virus make this an unprecedented time, and collective action is our only solution. We’re committed to working with our many partners in eastern Washington and in all of our communities to help us all manage this health emergency.” 

-- Premera President and CEO Jeff Roe 

“Together, we’ve been through fires and storms, recessions and depressions, and our communities have always persevered. We recognize that times like these require compassion, connection and collective action. While the situation we’re facing right now will undoubtedly create a burden for many, we are encouraged by the strength and resilience of our communities. We recognize we have the opportunity to relieve some of this burden, and Avista is honored to be one partner in this collaborative effort.” 

-- Executive Director of the Avista Foundation Kristine Meyer