The COVID-19 outbreak is a public health emergency that has produced widespread fear and anxiety, challenging the capacity of our healthcare system. As such, it is the responsibility of every part of that system to respond with fact-based advice and assistance.
With a special focus on immigrants and the most vulnerable, Community Health Partnership (CHP) has a multi-level responsibility. CHP is committed to working on behalf of our community health centers and partners to advocate for policies that prioritize access to health care services, testing, and safety equipment to help fight the spread of COVID-19.
- Our Community Health Centers remain open and fully focused on providing clinical services to their patients and to others who walk in through their doors.
- CHP’s Medical Director is working closely with Valley Medical Center and other state and federal agencies to provide accurate information to our member clinics, community, and staff.
- We are ensuring that our clinics’ leadership receive frequent and up-to-date information relevant to communication with patients & clinic staff, clinic workflows, and triage, including the care and treatment of patients who exhibit symptoms of the virus.
- Our team is assisting our clinics with procuring testing and necessary supplies and personal protection equipment (PPE) through the County’s Emergency Operations Center.
- CHP advocated for a declaration of a federal state of emergency Tele-Med capability to gain access to federal funding and the ability to evaluate or treat patients remotely, thus reducing risk of further exposure to or transmission of disease.
- We have taken steps to “flatten the curve” by implementing state and local recommendations regarding personal safety, both in the workplace and at home, including allowing staff to take care of their children with no loss of pay or having to take personal vacation hours.
CHP will advocate for those who may experience longer term impacts by fighting for policies that assist those facing financial uncertainty.
- Although COVID-19 is a “health” crisis, it is also a financial and psychological disaster for many. Some policies implemented by state and local government place a significant burden on hourly workers, families with young children, seniors, small businesses, retail workers, as well as those without contingency savings, the ability to work from home, paid time off, or a social support system.
- We continue our advocacy in the areas of Census 2020, voter engagement, and immigrant rights, which are fundamental to ensuring that our community, government, and leaders are adequately prepared for future healthcare crises. This work is more important than ever in light of the disproportionate impacts this crisis is having on the poor and communities of color.
For current information on COVID-19, local, state, and federal public health notices, and resources for those impacted medically or financially, please visit https://www.chpscc.org/covid19.
