- Announcement - September 2023
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Department of Health Public Health Spotlight
The Department of Health has launched its ‘Public Health Spotlight” series with Mayra Colazo honored as the inaugural spotlight for her unwavering dedication to community health and collaboration.
Myra Colazo is live on the DOH blog as the Secretary’s first Public Health Spotlight: September Public Health Spotlight | by Washington State Department of Health | Public Health Connection | Sep, 2023 | Medium.
We celebrate her significant contributions and look forward to highlighting more members from our community Collaborative in the future.
Free at Home COVID-19 Tests
CDC recently made an announcement sharing the news below.
Every U.S. household can receive four free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered to their home through USPS beginning Monday, September 25, 2023.
COVID.gov - Free at-home COVID-19 tests
CDC ENDORSES 2023-2024 COVID-19 VACCINES FOR USE
CDC ENDORSES 2023-2024 COVID-19 VACCINES FOR USE
Following FDA regulatory action, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines for everyone 6 months and older that target the omicron subvariant XBB.1.5. Bivalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are no longer authorized or available in the United States. The new COVID-19 vaccine recommendations are as follows:
- Children 6 months – 4 years old who are unvaccinated should complete a multidose initial series (2 doses of Moderna or 3 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine).
- Children 6 months – 4 years old who were previously vaccinated are eligible to receive 1 or 2 doses of a 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine (timing and number of doses to administer depends on the previous COVID-19 vaccine[s] received).
- Anyone aged 5 years and older regardless of previous vaccination is eligible to receive 1 dose of a 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months since the last dose of any COVID-19 vaccine.
- People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should complete a 3-dose initial series with at least one dose of the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine and may receive 1 or more additional 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine doses.
While 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines have begun arriving in Washington state, supply may be limited for some time as the new distribution mechanisms with commercialization of COVID-19 vaccines are initiated. COVID-19 vaccines will be provided through the Childhood Vaccine Program, Adult Vaccine Program/Bridge Access Program and through commercial purchase for those with insurance. Please help your patient populations and communities understand these considerations and thank them for their patience.
CDC’s Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines page has been updated to provide further clinical guidance on vaccine administration under the updated recommendations. The original Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is currently available for those aged 12 and older, but an updated version that targets the omicron subvariant is currently being evaluated and may be available later this year.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Bridge Access Program has officially launched, providing continued access to COVID-19 vaccines at no cost for the estimated 25-30 million adults who would have otherwise lost access now that these products have transitioned to the commercial market. All children 18 years of age and under have access to COVID-19 vaccines via the Childhood Vaccine Program at no cost to the patient. Under- and uninsured adults can now access COVID-19 vaccine via the Bridge Access Program, which includes partnership with CVS, Walgreens, other pharmacies across Washington and additional Adult Vaccine Providers. CDC's Bridge Access Program provides no-cost COVID-19 vaccines to adults without health insurance and adults whose insurance does not cover all COVID-19 vaccine costs. No-cost COVID-19 vaccines through this program will be available until December 31, 2024, while supplies last. Updates to Vaccines.gov will be made in the coming weeks to include all pharmacy locations of the Bridge Access Program.
To support equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines for adults through the Bridge Access program, CDC is:
- Launching a communications campaign with digital and other advertisements beginning in October 2023. All communication resources such as flyers and social media posts, are downloadable and adaptable should partners want to disseminate them directly through your websites, offices, and social media channels. They are available in English and Spanish.
- Calling on immunization managers and healthcare providers, as trusted sources of information, to support COVID-19 vaccinations and Bridge Access Program.
- Sharing a communication toolkit for partners to expand access to no-cost COVID-19 vaccines and promote the Bridge Access Program. The toolkit includes frequently asked questions and communication resources.
There are three more office hour sessions available for regular updates and opportunities to address your questions regarding the Bridge Program and commercialization.
Office Hours run from 12:30pm - 1:30pm PT on the following dates:
- Sep 27, 2023
- Oct 11, 2023
- Oct 25, 2023
Click the link below to join the webinar:
https://cdc.zoomgov.com/j/1608962758?pwd=RVBFRzJRRE9Ib3R2TXo1S3F3QW9nQT09
UPDATED DOH COVID-19 VACCINE WEBPAGES & RESOURCES
The Washington State Department of Health's (DOH) COVID-19 Vaccine Health Education team has been hard at work to update webpages and materials following the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine recommendations. Below is a list of resources that are now up to date and ready for your use:
General Public Webpages:
- COVID-19 Vaccine Information | Washington State Department of Health
- Vaccinating Youth | Washington State Department of Health
- COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions | Washington State Department of Health
Provider Webpages:
- COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Health Care Providers | Washington State Department of Health
- About the COVID-19 Vaccines | Washington State Department of Health
- Vaccinating Youth | Washington State Department of Health
- Clinical Information for COVID-19 Vaccine Providers | Washington State Department of Health
- Toolkit and Resources | Washington State Department of Health
Resources for General Public:
- Getting Vaccinated to Protect Against COVID-19 Illness
- Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccines What Parents/Guardians Should Know (wa.gov)
Resources for Providers:
- Health Care Provider Discussion Guide: Building Confidence in the COVID-19 Novavax Vaccine
- DOH 820-025 Pediatric Provider Discussion Guide: Building Parental/Guardian Confidence in COVID-19 Vaccination
- 2023-2024 COVID-19 Vaccine Product Characteristics and Information
COVID-19 IMMUNITY WANES OVER TIME, VACCINES REMAIN BEST DEFENSE
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that immunity against COVID-19 is stronger today than at any other point since COVID-19 emerged. Immunity from vaccines and/or previous infection acts like a shield against the virus and reduces your chance of getting a serious infection. The CDC stresses that we still need to be cautious because immune protection decreases over time. This is especially important for older adults, who make up most of the hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 (currently increasing in the United States).
The virus that causes COVID-19 continues to change. For example, researchers are currently learning more about a newer variant called BA.2.86 It’s a reminder to use the tools we have to fight COVID-19. The newest 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine targets the omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 and is our best defense against COVID-19 disease this year.
FALL AND WINTER 2023 IMMUNIZATION MESSAGINGFollowing the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's updated COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for 2023-2024, Public Health Communications Collaborative (PHCC) has created immunization messaging for the fall and winter respiratory illness season. This resource reflects the latest COVID-19 vaccine guidance and answers questions about the array of respiratory illnesses–COVID-19, the flu, and RSV–within your community, including guidance about whether to get multiple vaccines at one time.
PHCC also offers a customizable social graphic toolkit here.
- Announcement August 2023
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- Announcement - July 3, 2023
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Community Collaborative is a collective comprising of members who are involved from many different sectors in partnership with DOH in uplifting communities that have experienced the devastating impacts of Covid-19 through co-designing recovery efforts focused on addressing the structural and social determinants of health with the goal of eliminating further harms on Black, Indigenous, communities of color and others facing harm due to systemic racism & oppression.
If you missed out on our Community Collaborative All Partners Session June 21st, please check out our YouTube recording by clicking on the agenda image below.
Please join the All Partners Session in July for a presentation from Jamilia Sherls-Jones, Office of Immunization Director on Covid-19 vaccination data based on race.
The Community Collaborative celebrates EID alongside our Muslim sisters and brothers. We hope you all had a safe and happy EID with your families.
Stronger Community Engagement
The Community Collaborative continues to strengthen its community impact through the thought leadership of our wonderful community champions who are co-designing our health equity body of work. We thank our thought partners and workgroup members for your continued advocacy on behalf of all of our most impacted populations. Our active workgroups include: NHPI Health Equity, Carceral Health Equity & Disabilities AFN Workgroups. We are looking to stand up our Latin(x) Community Access & Environmental Justice workgroup in the upcoming months. Reach out to Joseph Seia for more information: Joseph.Seia@doh.wa.gov.
Thought Partners Meeting
June 8th 2023
The Thought Partners welcomed Ahmed Ali, Somali Health Board Executive Director to the Thought Partners group. This session also focused on collaboration with the Health Systems Quality Assurance team to ensure communities are engaged in the rulemaking process.
Carceral Health Equity
June 13th 2023
Under the leadership of Thought Partner Cyril Walrond, we were able to launch our Carceral Health Equity workgroup with members from the Black Prisoners' Caucus Community Group, advocates for those at the Northwest Detention Center, and systems-involved youth advocates coming together to help improve the health and well-being of those who are currently imprisoned.
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Health Equity
June 6th 2023
Dr. Raj Sundar, Kaiser Permanente District Director for South King County joined our NH/PI Health Equity workgroup this month to discuss equity strategies employed by Kaiser Permanente to strengthen their collaboration with most impacted Pacific Islander communities. Check out Dr. Raj Sundar's podcast here: Healthcare for Humans
Diversity in Clinical Trials
Washington state just passed a bill to help ensure more equitable access to clinical trials. The bill makes Washington a leader in improving diversity in trials—and provides a roadmap for other states who want to tackle the issue. The purpose of 2SHB 1745 is to increase participation and representation of diverse demographic groups in clinical trials of drugs and medical devices. The Community Collaborative will serve as the community engagement body to support DOH in writing a report on implementing this body of legislation. Please reach out to Anna Kelsey with any questions: Anna.Kelsey@doh.wa.gov.
Data Equity Strategies for AI/AN Communities
Listen in on this podcast with public health experts discussing a recent report by the Federal Advisory Committee on Infant and Maternal Mortality, focused on improving health outcomes for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations. The report stresses the importance of data-driven recommendations to address the social and economic barriers faced by AI/AN communities, mitigate stigma, and promote equitable healthcare through community-centered approaches. Listen here.
Reducing Lead Exposure for Afghan Newcomers
One notable public health challenge that Afghan newcomers face before and after resettlement is exposure to lead and the risk of lead poisoning. Seattle and King County Public Health (SKCPH) has been partnering with Afghan Health Initiative (AHI) to prevent childhood lead poisoning in King County, Washington. Their efforts include home visits and a pressure cooker exchange program.
Learn more about their efforts in reducing lead exposure.
The National Tribal Opioid Summit will be in Tulalip, Washington, August 22-24. The summit will address the intersection of COVID-19 and the opioid crisis throughout our communities. Registration is open through August 15.
What is Long Covid?
Some people who have been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 can experience long-term effects from their infection, known as Long COVID or Post-COVID Conditions (PCC). Long COVID is broadly defined as signs, symptoms, and conditions that continue or develop after initial COVID-19 infection. This definition of Long COVID was developed by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in collaboration with CDC and other partners.
Covid-19 Hotline Sunsets
Following a successful three-year collaboration, the Washington State Department of Health’s (DOH) COVID-19 Hotline partnership with Washington 211 (211) will end June 30. Beginning in July, COVID-19-related questions will be answered directly by the DOH Information Line by calling 800-525-0127. This transition marks a significant milestone as COVID-19-related inquiries received continue to decrease.
Advancing Equity for AA & NH/PI
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NH/PI) communities in the United States—including South Asian and Southeast Asian communities— faced increased xenophobia, religious discrimination, racism, and violence. While the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency has ended, response and recovery efforts must continue to meet the needs of diverse communities. The Office of Minority Health recently released best practice resource guides in supporting the very diverse AA & NH/PI communities.
- Announcement - June 14, 2023
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Facilitator Ι Briefing Ι Community Highlight
Please join us this Wednesday June 21st at 3:30pm to 5pm. See agenda below.
During our June 21st session, come learn more about our Two Spirit kin, and their sacred work of continuing to provide Indigenous expansive ways of understanding gender. Two Spirit people have been here for centuries stewarding the well-being of their communities. The Community Collaborative acknowledges our Two Spirit kin and bring them to the fore of our work.
Mayra Colazo, Community Thought Partner
The Community Collaborative welcomes Mayra Colazo, as our Community Thought Partner co-facilitator for this month. Mayra became a member of the Central Washington Disability Resources team in March 2016 first as an admin and through passion and hard work, she now serves as the Executive Director. Mayra is not only Bilingual (English/Spanish) but champions the leadership of those experiencing disabilities in forming programs, services and policies that are rooted in the leadership of those with lived experiences of disabilities. She provides thought partnership to the Community Collaborative representing Latinx & Disability folks.
Understanding Long Covid
Long COVID is defined as signs, symptoms, and conditions that continue or develop after initial COVID-19 infection. Dr. Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett will join us to lead a community presentation on Long Covid. Bring all your questions!
Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, MD, MPH, Chief Science Officer
Dr. Kwan-Gett has long focused on bringing together people, systems, and ideas—building collaborative relationships with state and local public health leaders in rural and urban regions on both sides of the Cascades. Previously he practiced pediatrics at Virginia Mason for over 12 years with an emphasis on behavioral health and did volunteer work with refugee communities globally and locally. As a medical epidemiologist at Public Health Seattle & King County, Tao led a team responsible for communicable disease prevention and control. Tao has also served as a faculty member at the University of Washington School of Public Health.
2SHB 1745: Improving Diversity in Clinical Trials
Come learn about 2SHB 1745 from Policy Analyst Anna Kelsey with the Executive Office of Policy, Planning & Evaluation. The purpose of 2SHB 1745 is to increase participation and representation of diverse demographic groups in clinical trials of drugs and medical devices. Also learn about DOH's role to produce a legislative report identifying underrepresented demographic groups, barriers to participation, and approaches for improving diversity in clinical trials.
Join us for a presentation from our DOH Community Driven Outreach (CDO) Program Contractors lead by Daniel Hannawalt-Morales. The CDO Program centers racial equity with an intersectional approach, resulting in five priority communities and six priority intersections based on a wide range of public health data. Expand each priority community dropdown below to get to know the CDO program contractors.
Health Commons Project – Sammamish, WA
Center for MultiCultural Health (CMCH) – Seattle, WA
Asia Pacific Cultural Center (APCC) – Tacoma, WA
Momentum Professional Strategy Partners – Tacoma, WA
Yakima Valley Community Foundation (YVCF) – Central Washington
Centro Cultural Mexicano – Redmond, WA
- Announcement - June 1, 2023
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Monthly Celebration I CC Updates I Health Equity I COVID-19 I Resources
Community Collaborative is a collective comprising of members who are involved from many different sectors in partnership with DOH in uplifting communities that have experienced the devastating impacts of Covid-19 through co-designing recovery efforts focused on addressing the structural and social determinants of health with the goal of eliminating further harms on Black, Indigenous, communities of color and others facing harm due to systemic racism & oppression. Please join us in our monthly sessions by signing up below!
Monthly Celebrations
2SLGBTQIA+ Pride Month
The Community Collaborative joins our community in celebrating 2SLGBTQIA+ and Pride Month of June 2023. During this month we recognize and respect our vibrant 2SLGBTQIA+ community and their contributions to the health and wellness of Washington State. This special time we honor the 1949 Stonewall riots in Manhattan led by trans women of color, a tipping point of the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States. Happy Pride Month to all!
The Washington State LGBTQ Commission works to improve the state’s interface with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and ensures that there is an effective means of advocating for 2SLGBTQIA+ equity in all aspects of state government. Please check out their community events calendar for rural and urban celebrations.
Juneteenth Celebration
As we get into June, we also celebrate an incredibly significant moment in our history – June 19th, better known as Juneteenth. This day commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. The freedom that came on June 19th, 1865, represents a vital part of our nation’s history, and serves as a reminder of the resilience, courage, and perseverance of those who fought against the chains of slavery.
Check out this amazing workshop in the continuing fight for liberation. Join Creative Justice Executive Director Nikkita Oliver (they/them) for an Abolition 101 workshop. This workshop will highlight the history of abolition, why abolition in 2023 and some ways that we can get to healthier, safer communities and a world beyond punitive and carceral systems. This is a virtual workshop.
Community Collaborative Updates
Carceral Health Equity Workgroup
The Community Collaborative would like to partner with formerly and currently incarcerated community members and allies in standing up a statewide workgroup that will focus on improving health and wellness and educational programming within carceral settings including prisons, jails, juvenile facilities, and detention center. The Covid-19 pandemic only highlighted the tip of the iceberg for vast health disparities for our members who are incarcerated. We are committed to centering equity to address policies, practices and funding that impact the health of incarcerated members.
Health Equity Updates
Dear Community Letter
The Department of Health is looking to recruit community members willing to participate in Community Focus Group Discussions to learn about the Dear Community Leader Letter Project (DCLL) and to provide valuable feedback that we can use to inform its development. This would include participation in three virtual meetings. Community will be compensated $45 for their participation. We invite anyone to participate in the focus-group discussion as individuals, no matter the organization they belong to (LHJs, other agencies, etc.), with priority given to most impacted populations (BIPOC communities, Tribal Communities, 2SLGBTQIA+, persons with disabilities, limited English proficiency, rural individuals etc..).
What is the DCLL?
The goals of the DCLL is to: make it easier for community members to receive information, to connect with the DOH programs and scope of work, and place greater emphasis on the subjects that are important to community members. We hope to make it easier to connect with each other around areas of shared interest.
RSVP to Kevin Stam at (kevin.stam@doh.wa.gov)
COVID-19 Updates
Care-A-Van Updates
The Care-a-Van comes with all the necessary equipment and supplies to host indoor and outdoor events and serves communities most impacted by COVID-19 and other vaccine inequities. Care-a-Van COVID-19 clinics have availability of the following services: Pfizer and Moderna, Flu, Monkey pox, and childhood vaccines. Other services provided are blood pressure and blood glucose screening. If no registration link is available, clinics will see patients on a walk-in basis.
COVID-19 Testing
COVID-19 testing remains ongoing. The following webpage includes links to our most up to date testing resources: https://doh.wa.gov/emergencies/covid-19/testing-covid-19.
The WA State Department of Health website maintains a directory of testing sites available in each county, with operating hours and requirements. You can also check with your local health department or district. For additional information on testing sites, call 2-1-1 or the State COVID 19 Information Hotline: dial 1-800-525-0127, then press #. Language assistance is available.
Community Resources
- Covid-19 Boosters fact sheet
- Pediatric Covid-19 Boosters fact sheet
- Immunization Requirement for Upcoming School Year
- Environmental Justice Speaker Series
- Covid-19 Mental Health Resources Available
- COVID-19 Annual Report 2020 (wa.gov)
- Care Connect Washington | Washington State Department of Health
- What To Do if Exposed Toolkit | Washington State Department of Health
- Announcement - May 15, 2023
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Facilitator Ι Briefing Ι Resource Ι Community Highlight
Please join us this Wednesday May 17th at 3:30pm to 5pm to hear critical updates from DOH. Formerly the Vaccine Implementation Collaborative, the Community Collaborative is a collective comprising of members who are involved from many different sectors in uplifting communities that have experienced the devastating impacts of COVID-19 through co-designing recovery efforts with the goal of eliminating further harms on most impacted communities by focusing on the structural and social determinants of health.
Register for Session Zoom Link Session Facilitator
Cyril Walrond, Community Thought Partner
The Community Collaborative welcomes Thought Partner Cyril Walrond as our Session facilitator for the month of May. Cyril is a committed Anti-Racist community organizer and advocate for racial and social justice. As someone that is formerly incarcerated and system impacted Cyril utilizes his lived experience to confront the perpetual harms that exist throughout the criminal legal system, work that includes fighting to remove barriers to successful reintegration for our returning community members. Cyril is the Outreach & Advocacy Manager for the University Beyond Bars and a member of the Black Prisoners Caucus Community Group. Currently embarking on his own journey of reintegration after having been incarcerated since the age of 17, Cyril continues to remain committed to healing and humanizing work within himself and the community he serves.
During our May 17 session, we will have the amazing opportunity of hearing from Lin Crowley, Chair of APIC South Puget Sound on what they are doing to honor AA & NH/PI Heritage Month. We will also highlight Tongan Artist Toka Valu to honor NH/PI contributions to the Pacific Northwest.
Agency Briefing
Public Health Emergency Ending
DOH leadership staff will be with us in this session to present on the impacts of the end of the federal Covid-19 public health emergency declaration and to provide space for community conversations. Come with questions and we hope to follow up with all community members regarding your concerns. Click on image to hear our gratitude for your partnership with DOH & the Community Collaborative.
End of the Federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) Declaration | CDC
Heal Act
The 2021 HEAL Act is a historic step in eliminating environmental health disparities and promoting equitable distribution of health and environmental benefits among communities of color and low-income households. It's Washington's first law to establish a coordinated state agency approach to environmental justice. Leah Wood will be joining us at this month's session to discuss ways for community to engage in the process of standing up the HEAL Act.
Environmental Justice | Washington State Department of Health
1-page summary of HEAL Act deadlines and obligations: The HEAL Act
Resource Highlight
Care-A-Van Mobile
Care-a-Van is an advanced mobile health clinic in Washington, designed to deliver vaccinations directly to communities. By reaching people where they are, it ensures convenient access to this crucial healthcare service. We will provide latest updates in our Community Collaborative session this Wednesday.
Learn about Care- a-Van Mobile
Community Highlights
Join us for a presentation from our DOH Community Driven Outreach (CDO) Program Contractors. The CDO Program centers racial equity with an intersectional approach, resulting in five priority communities and six priority intersections based on a wide range of public health data. Expand each priority community dropdown below to get to know the CDO program contractors.
Health Commons Project – Sammamish, WA
Center for MultiCultural Health (CMCH) – Seattle, WA
Asia Pacific Cultural Center (APCC) – Tacoma, WA
Momentum Professional Strategy Partners – Tacoma, WA
Yakima Valley Community Foundation (YVCF) – Central Washington
Centro Cultural Mexicano – Redmond, WA
Learn more about CDO Program Contractors -
Announcement - May 1, 2023
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Formerly the Vaccine Implementation Collaborative, and envisioned jointly by community leaders and DOH staff in February of 2021, the Community Collaborative is a collective comprising of members who are involved from many different sectors in uplifting communities that have experienced the devastating impacts of Covid-19 through co-designing recovery efforts with the goal of eliminating further harms on Black, Indigenous, communities of color and all those facing harm due to systemic racism & oppression.
Our next Community Collaborative Session is set for May 17, 2023 and is set to occur monthly on 2nd Wednesdays from 3:30-5pm. Join us!
Register for Monthly Community Collaborative Session Zoom Links here
Celebrating AA & NH/PI Heritage Month
The Community Collaborative joins our diverse Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities in celebrating AA and NH/PI Heritage Month of May 2023. During Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we recognize the innumerable contributions, vibrant cultures, and rich heritage of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AA and NH/PIs) that continue to enrich our communities throughout Washington state.
When we categorize AA and NH/PIs as a single group, it masks the diversity of languages, cultures, and customs of Indigenous people from a US State, US territories, and migrants from the many countries and the regions of Asia and of Oceania that are represented. In fact, this monolithic view of AA and NH/PIs also makes it difficult to understand the disparities within the AA and NH/PI communities from heath, education to socioeconomic status. Let us lift up the diversities of our AA & NH/PI communities by honoring and acknowledging the uniqueness of all of our communities through shared learning.
National Strategy to Advance Equity for AA & NH/PI Communities
NH/PI Health Equity Workgroup
We at the Community Collaborative would like to partner with Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander community caretakers in standing up a statewide workgroup that will focus on addressing the vast health disparities that plague Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander communities. We hope to create spaces for NH/PI community stewards across the state to partner with DOH and with each other in standing up collaborative efforts focused on improving the health and wellness of Pasifika communities most especially in rural settings.
Public Health Emergency Ending
Pubic Health Emergency Ending
The federal government declared a Public Health Emergency (PHE) at the start of the pandemic. That declaration cleared the way for flexibility in funding and operating health and social service programs. COVID-19 remains a serious illness, but the “Public Health Emergency” label is ending in a recent announcement from the White House. Several programs connected to the PHE is changing in the months to follow.
More information regarding who will be affected, how states and communities are responding, and what people should do to adapt to the change will be forthcoming. For now, it’s important for outreach organizations to know about this upcoming federal action and take note of how it may affect the communities they serve. Here’s what we know so far...
Please see links to Vaccine Equity Cooperative webinar from April 11 to hear state and local experts shared their reflections regarding public health successes and barriers during the pandemic and provided hope for continuing equity centered work after the PHE ends.
- National Resource Center for Refugees, Immigrants, and Migrants (NRC-RIM) has lots of resources for organizations and communities on the end of the public health emergency, including translations in 20 languages
- New Jersey Department of Health hosts a online training program to bolster a robust community health worker (CHW) workforce
- Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) gives a COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Transition Roadmap in this helpful fact sheet
- Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) hosts a page full of key resources examining how the eventual expiration of the PHE will affect the healthcare system
Community Catalysts created this guide to help navigate the unwinding of the Public Health Emergency (PHE), particularly related to healthcare coverage
Workshops & Trainings Updates
Compassion Fatigue Workshop, May 9
Join us for this workshop led by Dr. Yvonne Ito, DSW, with Care Connect Washington. Compassion fatigue describes the physical, emotional, and psychological impact of helping others, due to lived realities or through exposure in work experiences.
Long Covid: Q & A for Community Providers, May 12
An opportunity for health care providers to ask questions to our panelists from The University of Washington Post-COVID Rehabilitation and Recovery Center.
De-escalation & Effective Communication Presentation, May 26
This presentation shares information and strategies about understanding when effective communication can and should take place from a neurological standpoint, being aware of obstacles, and engaging effectively (and reducing risk) when supporting people in crisis or those who are angry.
Covid-19 Vaccine Updates
Updates to COVID-19 vaccine recommendations have come out this week via the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and while there is a lot to digest, there is one thing we can say: vaccinating those 6 years and older just became a lot easier!
People who have not received a COVID-19 vaccine yet who are aged 6 years+ now only need a single COVID-19 bivalent dose. For those 6-65 years
+(who are not immunocompromised) who have already received a bivalent mRNA dose, vaccination is complete at this time.Individuals ages 6 years and older who have already received an updated mRNA vaccine do not need to take any action unless they are 65 years or older or immunocompromised.
Read below for further information on additional doses for specific populations.
Community Resources
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Announcement - August 3, 2022
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This meeting was canceled to allow partners an August recess.
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Announcement - April 12, 2022
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Please see upcoming partner engagement opportunities and resources below.
Join an Evaluation Committee: COVID-19 Community-Driven Outreach – express interest by April 19!
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We are in the process of establishing an Evaluation Committee to identify successful Bidders in response to the COVID-19 Community Driven Outreach RFQQ and to ensure the equitable allocation of funding (all related RFQQ material and amendments can be accessed on the Washington State Department of Health Contracts and Grants website). Collaborative Partners who represent Black/African American, African Diaspora, Hispanic/LatinX, Asian, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander communities or priority intersections* and who are interested must not be a representative of an organization that has submitted a bid or named as a partner by a Bidder. All Collaborative Partners serving on the Evaluation Committee must also sign a conflict of interest and confidentiality statement.
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The Evaluation Committee is tentatively planned to launch the week of April 25th. If you are interested in serving on the Evaluation Committee, please contact Frances Limtiaco, Community Investments and Partnerships Manager, at Frances.Limtiaco@doh.wa.gov and/or directly respond to this email by April 19th, 2022! We estimate the time commitment to be a minimum of 2 hour and a half virtual meetings and approximately 20 hours for bid review. Collaborative Evaluation Committee members are eligible for compensation. (*See priority intersections outlined on page 7 of the RFQQ.)
Upcoming 4.14 LatinX Community Partner Space (workgroup name may change based on partner input)
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Thank you to those who had a chance to drop by an informational session and learn more about the workgroup. As a reminder this space is intended to center and prioritize community members, leaders, and/or advocates identifying and/or directly serving LatinX population. The space will serve as an opportunity for partners to share concerns, needs, leverage efforts, resources and collaborate on community informed strategies. The workgroup is set to launch this Thursday on April 14th 11:00am-12:00pm. If you are interested in joining, please register here.
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If you have not already, please fill out an interest form in Spanish or English to ensure you receive all ongoing workgroup communication including meeting details.
Upcoming 4.21 National Minority Health Month Webinar: Give Your Community a Boost!
Join Region 10 for a webinar highlighting Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) serving organizations providing accurate and timely COVID-19 vaccination information to community members. In addition, we will focus on best practices on translating vaccine and booster information for this community, encouraging community leaders to take an active rose in encouraging vaccinate, and addressing vaccine hesitancy in specific BIPOC communities.
Thursday, April 21, 2022 | 12:00 – 1:30 pm PT | https://bit.ly/NMHMRegion102022
Upcoming 4.21 Webinar: Questions about the COVID-19 Vaccines for Children under 5?
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The FDA will consider authorizing the COVID-19 vaccine for children under 5 this spring. If authorized, children 6 months and older will become eligible for COVID-19 vaccination. The panel of medical experts will discuss the most important issues surrounding COVID-19 pediatric vaccination, as well as answer any of your questions.
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Thursday, April 21, 2022 | 5:00-6:00pm | Register here. ASL and Spanish interpretation will be provided.
Spotlight
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Nisqually Tribe's COVID-19 Immunization Docu-Story in Partnership w/ American Indian Health Coalition Tribal and Urban Indian Health Immunization Coalition: Boosting COVID-19 Vaccine in their Community Upcoming Community Events
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‘A New Beginning’ community celebration and building hosted by LatinX Unidos of the South Sound
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April 15th, 2022 | 5:00pm- 9:00pm | Fife Community Center
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COVID-19 Vaccination Pop-Up Clinic hosted by FMS Global Strategies x Tabor100 x Purpose Driven Girl
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Saturday, April 16, 2022 | 11:00am– 3:00 pm | Register here.
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For additional event details, please see attached flyers and/or check out the partner calendar for all upcoming events. Have an upcoming event - let us know!
DOH/DH Community Media Outreach (CMO) Highlights
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The CMO Weekly Highlights (attached) share the efforts of community partners funded and supported by the DOH Community Relations and Equity Team, in collaboration with our statewide contractor, Desautel Hege (DH), to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 information, vaccines, and resources. Each week, we spotlight the phenomenal efforts of community partners and provide insights to better support communities though the community feedback section. You will also find a current list of funded community partners, community partner assets, events, materials in development and more.
Additional Resources
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Do I need a COVID-19 booster? Updated Graphic in English and Spanish
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I am immunocompromised – am I recommended to get these doses? Updated Graphic in English and Spanish
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Uninsured Care Expansion Grant: Health Care Authority (HCA) has received $35 million in federal resources for the provision of health care services for uninsured and underinsured individuals under 200 percent of the federal poverty level, regardless of immigration status. For more information and details on how to apply, please visit the HCA website.
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Care-a-Van is a mobile vaccination effort serving priority communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Since launching last summer, over 12,318 doses have been administered at 239 mobile events. If you are interested in partnering with the Care-a-Van, check out more details here.
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Announcement - March 3, 2022
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Please see below partner opportunities and follow-up resources from our conversation on March 2.
Join the Access Functional Needs Disability Partner Space
Access Functional Needs (AFN) Disability Workgroup space is intended to center and prioritize people with disabilities and intersecting marginalized identities who experience compounded oppression such as BIPOC, queer, and/or unhoused persons with a disability. AFN Interest Form Link; Register for the March 7 AFN Workgroup Launch.
Join the LatinX Community Partner Space
LatinX Community Partner Workgroup space is intended to center and prioritize community members, leaders, and/or advocates identifying and/or directly serving LatinX population. The space will serve as an opportunity for partners to share concerns, needs, leverage efforts, resources and collaborate on community informed strategies. Latinx Partner Interest Form Link Want to learn more? Join an informational session on March 19th. Register here
Partner Spotlight - Dr. Abdul at Dunia Health Clinic
At Dunia Health Clinic, a private medical practice, board-certified advanced registered nurse practitioner Abubakar Abdul-Rahman DNP, ARNP-BC, and the team provide comprehensive general and preventative health care to adults and teens living in Seattle and throughout King County. Visit Dunia Health Clinic Duniahealthclinic@gmail.com.
Resources
Funding: Group Foundation - Community Learning Grant (March 10 - April)
Mentira Mariachi - Video campaign addresses vaccine misinformation with simple facts that empower individuals within Hispanic/LatinX community to choose to get vaccinated against COVID-19
WeConsider: Josephine's Story.
Here For Us - COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign. Our stories are honest and transformative portraits of the Black experience during the COVID-19 pandemic stories
