2022-23 Behavioral Health Initiatives

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2022-23 Behavioral Health Initiatives

As 2021 closes, BHT still has approximately $1.5 million of IMC funds to allocate. At the September BH Forum, partners discussed how they would like to see us use the IMC funds over the next two years. At the November Board meeting, the Board approved allocation for the remaining IMC funds toward behavioral health initiatives in 2022-23.

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Building Oral Health Equity in Spokane

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Building Oral Health Equity in Spokane

With the global pandemic upon us in early 2021 and the disparities in health care becoming glaringly obvious, Smile Spokane started an equity project in partnership with CHAS Health community health workers (CHW), with the support of the Arcora Foundation. The project focused on the oral health needs of Spokane’s Marshallese community members.

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Diabetes Awareness Month

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November is Diabetes Awareness Month. Good oral health is especially important for people with diabetes, who are 3x more likely to have gum disease. As part of Smile Spokane’s Care Coordination Strategy, Aging and Long Term Care of Eastern Washington connects people with diabetes to oral health providers who take Apple Health Medicaid. Accessing dental services helps people with diabetes manage the health of their mouth.

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October is LGBTQIA+ History Month

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October is LGBTQIA+ History Month, an opportunity to reflect on the work and sacrifice of LGBTQIA+ advocates and leaders that have changed the course of our history for our country and globally.

In 1994 a gay high school teacher, Rodney Wilson, and some LGBTQIA+ community members founded LGBTQIA+ History Month with the hopes of giving LGBTQIA+ kids a chance to learn their history and see themselves represented. National Coming Out Day is also observed on October 11 and is an opportunity for LGBTQIA+ people to speak their truths and be supported.

Since the Stonewall riots, which created the foundation for what we now call Pride Parade,  the fight for equality has come a long way, but we have so much more to do.

In the last few years, we have seen the rights of LGBTQIA+ people attacked locally and nationwide legislatively. Trans athletes have been targeted; the right to access to healthcare, education, and other human rights are being challenged by our courts.

Reflecting on the work of those who fought for justice and equity throughout history is one meaningful way we can remain steadfast in our work as advocates and reflect on LGBTQIA+ history. It reminds us that the fight for equity and inclusion is one of hope.

We hope you’ll join us and take time to learn more about and share your favorite LGBTQIA+ historical figure with your community is a great way to honor LGBTQIA+ History Month.

Resources

Tribal Partners Leadership Council meeting notes & materials

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Decolonizing Nonprofits: An interactive online workshop by Tara (Qallaq) Ramos.

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Decolonizing Nonprofits: An interactive online workshop by Tara (Qallaq) Ramos.

Decolonizing Nonprofits is returning in November! This time, Tara will be offering two skill levels. Level 1 is for anyone who is interested and wants to know more. Level 2 is for those who already have a deep understanding of what decolonizing means and who are prepared to start integrating decolonizing themes into their work.

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Fluoridation: Improving Children's Oral Health

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Fluoridation: Improving Children's Oral Health

By Dr. Deb Harper - The first time I saw a child with teeth destroyed to the gumlines, I thought he had ectodermal dysplasia. Never heard of that? It's a very rare inborn condition. I had seen it twice during my training at Cook County Hospital, but I had never seen what this Spokane boy had in the spring of 1985. Cavities had rotted out all of his front teeth. The difference? Chicago's water is fluoridated. Spokane's water is not.

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Office COVID-19 Policy for Staff

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Office COVID-19 Policy for Staff

A committee of staff members convened to develop COVID safety guidelines based on public health guidance, community case rates, and input from the full staff. The committee made the following decisions regarding guidelines and safety measures for those choosing to be at the office. This is point-in-time guidance for BHT staff working at the BHT office.

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Assisting Non-filers with the Child Tax Credit (CTC)

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Assisting Non-filers with the Child Tax Credit (CTC)

The Child Tax Credit (CTC) is intended to cut the child poverty rate in half. Approximately 2,500-3,000 children whose families have usually not filed taxes may not receive the CTC, potentially losing $3.7m to $4.6m in funding for families in the Spokane region. Help spread the word about CTC eligibility for families who usually do not file taxes!

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Toothsavers School-based Sealants Program→

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Toothsavers School-based Sealants Program

Summer is winding down as fall activities ramp up. Are you getting into gear for school and preparing for the school year routines? Make sure caring for your child's oral health is one of those routines!

Sign your primary and middle-school children up for the Toothsavers Sealants program to receive sealant dental care while in school.

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HCA Presentation on 1115 Waiver

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HCA Presentation on 1115 Waiver

BHT was delighted to welcome Michael Arnis, Deputy Policy Director for the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA). Michael shared the early thinking of the agency as they prepare to submit a renewal to our state's 1115 Waiver. This presentation shares the high-level concepts of the renewal for the BHT Board to consider during their strategic planning efforts for BHT. Watch the full presentation to learn more!

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