FollowOver the course of the past week the Association Clinicians for the Underserved (ACU) has been actively engaging with our partners, coalition colleagues and Congressional allies to provide information about the impact of COVID-19 on underserved populations and the support and resources needed to support your work. The list is long and grows daily, but in particular, we have been focused on:
- Adequate PPEs/N95 masks, testing kits and supplies
- Patient supports, specifically for those at highest risk in underserved communities – this takes into account food insecurity, access to medications and personal items, and more
- Seeking clarification on care protocols
- Funding and economic relief for frontline programs and personnel, including the NHSC and overarching health workforce needs
- Consideration for behavioral health implications in time of crisis and high anxiety
We also want to share with you a list of quick resources that might be helpful to you and your work. As we continue to monitor the reach and impact of COVID-19, we will continue to add to and maintain this list of resources.
Upcoming ACU & STAR2 Center Webinars
Wednesday, August 26, 2-3pm ET – Addressing Stigma, Health Disparities, and COVID-19’s Role in Affecting Workforce Retention
Past ACU & STAR2 Center Webinars
- Reducing Stigma and Improving Referrals for Reproductive Health During COVID-19 (ACU Policy & Practice Series #5) (July 30, 2020)
- Delivering Healthcare for Incarcerated Persons During a Pandemic (ACU Policy & Practice Series #4) (July 16, 2020)
- Medicaid Covers US: Protecting Health Insurance that Helps Communities Thrive (ACU Policy & Practice Series #3) (June 18, 2020)
- COVID-19 and Social Determinants of Health (ACU Policy & Practice Series #2) (June 4, 2020)
- Your Voice, Your Power: Effective Advocacy in the Face of COVID-19 (ACU Policy & Practice Series #1) (May 21, 2020)
- Caring for the Healers: Preventing Suicide Among Providers (May 6, 2020)
- Identifying and Caring for Patients at Risk for Suicide during the COVID-19 Pandemic (April 29, 2020)
- Delivering Health Care in Isolation and Quarantine Facilities for People Experiencing Homelessness ( April 28, 2020)
- Engaging Dental Providers in COVID-19 Response Efforts (April 15, 2020)
- Health Center Workforce Deployment in COVID-19 Response Efforts (April 14, 2020)
- ACU COVID-19 Response Webinar (March 24, 2020)
News and Announcements
- ACU Statement on Health Heroes 2020 Act
- Centene Announces New Community Investments to Address Social Determinants of Health (April, 13, 2020)
- Centene Taking Additional Steps to Protect Members – COVID-19 (March 12, 2020)
Resources to Support Care & Response to COVID-19
General Health Center Guidance and Resources
Workforce
Clinical Protocols and Guidance
- CDC – Clinical Protocols & Guidance for Testing for COVID-19
- CDC – Infection Prevention & Control Recommendations
Operations
- HRSA – Emergency Preparedness & Continuity of Operations
- CMS – Coverage & Health Care Facility Resources
Telehealth
- CMS – New and Expanded Flexibilities for Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency – New Payment for Telehealth Services. (April 17, 2020)
- Rural Health Information Hub – Telehealth Capabilities & Outreach
- Telehealth Coding Guidance (March 23, 2020)
- AMA Telemedicine Quick Guide
Patient Resources and Tools
Mental and Behavioral Health
- CDC – Addressing COVID-19 Stigma & Resilience
- CDC – Mental Health & Coping During COVID-19
- NIMH – Coping with Traumatic Events
- AAPCHO – Resources to Address Stigma Related to COVID-19
- IASC Reference Group on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings – Addressing Mental Health and Psychosocial Aspects of COVID-19 Outbreak
- Psych Hub – COVID-19 Resources
- Chartis – COVID-19 Impact on Behavioral Health: Collaborative Care is An Essential, Cost-Effective Solution
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