Sharing Resources

[Sara Ramos]

Good morning Partner,

 

Happy Monday! I am sharing the below information packed with resources pertaining to COVID-19 and Flu Season. I am also sharing a few attachments from 3 events L.A. Care and Blue Shield Promise Community Resource Centers are hosting. Events are open to everyone, first come first served basis. Please share the information with your contacts and clients. Hope you have a wonderful day.

 

Best,

 

Sara

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this email in your browser   Metropolitan Los Angeles Regional Health Office (SPA 4) LA County DPH Bi-Weekly Update November 7, 2022       VEA EN ESPAÑOL   Please see below for important COVID-19 updates to help you and your clients stay informed. Click to navigate to a section: Respiratory Illnesses Circulating in LA County FAQs About the Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines Antigen Test Request & Distribution Monkeypox Update COVID-19 & Monkeypox Resources SPA 4 Community Resources November 2022 Calendar of Events   Respiratory Illnesses Circulating in LA County   With three serious respiratory illnesses already circulating in LA County, the healthcare system is likely to see an increased demand for medical care. Flu cases in LA County are more than double what has been reported in October for the past five years and is already impacting the health care system.  There has also been an increase this October in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which can cause serious illness in both the very young and the elderly. Currently, 7% of emergency department visits among children 0 to 4-years-old is related to RSV, an unusually high number for October.  High levels of flu and RSV cases, coupled with a possible winter COVID-19 surge, could easily stress the healthcare system later this Fall and coming Winter. Although there are no vaccines against RSV, fortunately, there are some simple actions we can take to prevent respiratory illness: Getting the annual seasonal flu vaccine and the updated Fall COVID-19 bivalent booster. Washing hands frequently. Staying home if you have symptoms of respiratory illness. Wearing a well-fitting, high filtration mask when indoors. Testing for COVID-19 and if there are persistent or significant symptoms, calling your healthcare provider because they can provide additional tests and appropriate treatment for Flu, RSV, and COVID-19. The flu vaccine and the updated Fall COVID-19 bivalent boosters are readily available at Public Health sites, pharmacies, and other locations across the county; to find a site near you call 211 (LA County Info Line) or enter your zip code at VaccineFinder.org. Seniors and residents who can’t easily leave their home can contact Public Health telehealth services at (833) 540-0473, seven days a week, from 8:00 am to 8:30 pm to arrange for an at-home Fall COVID-19 bivalent booster and primary series vaccinations or for transportation to a vaccination center. Insurance is not required, and callers can be assisted in multiple languages. FAQs About the Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines    Who should get the flu vaccine? Everyone 6 months and older is eligible for the flu vaccine. This is an annual vaccination which we all need to get every year.  Who should get the Fall COVID-19 bivalent booster? Everyone 5 and older should get one fall (bivalent) booster at least 2 months after their last COVID-19 vaccine dose (either the final primary series dose or the last monovalent booster). This is regardless of how many boosters or which type of vaccine (s) they got in the past. People 6 years and older can get either the Pfizer or Moderna fall booster. Note: children who are 11 years old and under get a lower dose of the updated booster than teens and adults. Children who are 5 years old can only get the Pfizer fall booster. There are no booster doses authorized for children 6 months to 4-years-old. If you have recently had COVID-19, wait until after you have recovered and met the criteria to discontinue isolation before getting the COVID-19 bivalent booster. You may consider delaying getting your COVID-19 booster up to 3 months after having COVID-19, however, there are no disadvantages to getting the booster dose earlier.  Learn more about the Fall COVID-19 bivalent booster here. Can I get both the COVID-19 bivalent booster and the flu vaccine at the same time? Yes!  Where can I get both the annual flu vaccine and COVID-19 bivalent booster? Both the Fall COVID-19 bivalent booster and the flu vaccine are already widely available at most pharmacies.   All of our Public Health Centers and vaccination sites already offer the COVID-19 bivalent booster, and they will offer the flu shot by mid-October at no cost. Mobile Vaccine Clinic offers services for workplaces and events. Go to VaccinateLACounty.com and select HOST A MOBILE VACCINE CLINIC. For in-home vaccination for homebound residents visit ph.lacounty.gov/VaxAtHome.  To find a location, please visit www.VaccinateLACounty.com. Antigen Test Request & Distribution   With the approaching Thanksgiving and winter holidays, along with a concern we will be experiencing another COVID-19 surge in cases, it is important to continue to protect the most vulnerable. Therefore, LA County DPH will be working with organizations and agencies to help ramp up it’s distribution efforts for over-the-counter test for the community. If you organziaiton or agency is interested in requesting antigen tests, please complete the COVID-19 Antigen Test Request Form via the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YJTH9S9.  Please note: Shipments are sent out on a weekly basis and can take up to 3 weeks from the time of your request to arrive at your location. For more information, click here.  Monkeypox Update As of November 4, 2022, there have been 2,356 total reported cases of monkeypox in LA County, including 122 cases reported in Long Beach and 30 cases reported in Pasadena. The risk of monkeypox in the general population remains very low based on the information available. If you think you may have been exposed or may have monkeypox: See a healthcare provider as soon as possible and tell them about your exposure or symptoms. If you're immunocompromised – including living with HIV – and are exposed to monkeypox or develop a rash or illness consistent with monkeypox, seek medical care. If you were exposed to monkeypox through sexual contact, get tested for HIV and other STIs. If you’re diagnosed with monkeypox: Follow Public Health’s isolation instructions for people with monkeypox: Ask your provider whether TPOXX, which is prescribed for people with severe monkeypox disease or at high risk for severe disease, is recommended for you.  *If residents do not have a provider, residents can call the Public Health Call Center for more information on monkeypox, including general information, testing, treatment, and vaccines at (833) 540-0473 (open 7 days a week 8 am – 8:30 pm). For more information, read our Frequently Asked Questions or visit: publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/monkeypox/. COVID-19 & Monkeypox Resources   COVID-19 and Monkeypox Media Briefing   If you missed the latest Public Health virtual media briefing, the recording is available. Click here to watch the recording on YouTube.   NEW Podcast Episode: Fentanyl, Opioids and “Fentapills”    In our new podcast episode, Dr. Gary Tsai, Division Director of Substance Abuse Prevention and Control, and Ed Ternan, who with his wife founded Song of Charlie, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness about “fentapills,” chat about fake pills made of fentanyl. Listen by clicking here.   Vaccine Clinics We’re partnering with LA County Library to provide free flu vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines, and updated bivalent boosters (which protect against both the newer Omicron strains) to people 6 months of age and older, no health insurance required. For a list of flu clinics, click here. Free UBER rides to Monkeypox Vaccination Sites   Equality California and Uber are partnering to provide free roundtrip UBER rides to Monkeypox vaccination sites across California to individuals and community groups and organizations. For more information, click here. Need a presentation on a Public Health topic?   The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health offers an array of presentations, including COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccines, and Monkeypox. If you would like to schedule a presentation for your organization, click here. Vaccinate LA Newsletter   Sign up for the COVID-19 Vaccine Newsletter to stay updated on COVID-19 related facts. Visit VaccinateLACounty.com to learn more about: Eligibility Vaccine appointments Vaccine safety Frequently asked questions Report A Complaint   With the recent reopening of certain sectors, it is imperative that businesses follow all the reopening protocols and directives to keep employees and customers safe. If you see a business not following these directives, you may report it to Environmental Health.   To report a COVID-19 related complaint online, click here. Customer Call Center: (888) 700-9995 Mon - Fri 8:00 am - 5:00 pm SPA 4 Community Resources   November 2022 Calendar of Events   The Hollywood-Wilshire Wellness Community offers a place for community members to gather, find resources, or participate in wellness activities. At the Wellness Community, there are a variety of activities such as physical activity classes, nutrition and health resources, and other support resources. All activities are FREE and open to the community.    Click here to see the November 2022 calendar of events   Reading & Rhythm Program Virtual The Reading & Rhythm Program is a FREE reading program that addresses the needs of struggling readers using the universal appeal of rhythm. The program runs for 6 weeks, bi-weekly, for 60-minute per class led by a certified Reading & Rhythm facilitator. The reading & rhythm program increases reading scores by an average of 52%. Date: December 6, 2022 - January 12, 2023 Days: Tuesdays & Thursdays Time: 4:30pm - 5:30PM Location: Zoom link will be provided. Eligibility: For grades pre-K and up Limit: Maximum of 6 participants per group.  Details: Click here for more information.           Click here for flyer Free Produce Distribution: November 17 @ 9:30am In-Person Date: Thursday, November 17, 2022 Time: 9:30am - 11:30am Location: Hollywood/Wilshire Public Health Center                  5205 Melrose Ave.                  Los Angeles, CA 90038 (Parking Lot) Details: Drive-thru or pedestrian pick-up. Open to all. No eligibility requirement! Priority is given to individuals who register online or by phone at 213-288-8715. Produce may be picked up first-come, first-served after 10:30am while supplies last.           Click here for flyer Substance Use Presentation: Relapse Prevention and Healthy Coping In-person The Connecting to Opportunities for Recovery and Engagement (CORE) Center is a community space to get information about how to prevent alcohol and drug use, learn more about substance use disorders, and find out where to go for free or low-cost treatment services.  This week's workshop topic: Relapse Prevention and Healthy Coping Date: Tuesday, November 8, 2022 Time: 10am - 11am Location: 5205 Melrose Ave #210, LA 90038 Receive a free Naloxone kit for joining!           Click here for flyer To learn about more substance use workshops or join virtually, contact Barbara LaBon, Substance Abuse Counselor, at (626) 375-6422 or BLa...@ph.lacounty.gov. Emotional Wellness Workshop:  Childhood Disorders: Anxiety & Depression In-person   Join Mental Health Promoters every Friday as they discuss a new topic related to emotional wellness. Workshop Topic: Childhood Disorders: Anxiety & Depression Date: Thursday, November 10, 2022 Time: 3pm - 4:30pm Location: 5205 Melrose Ave #210, LA 90038 For any workshop questions, please call (323) 671-2606.           Click here for flyer Substance Use Webinar Series Virtual   The CORE center is offering substance use webinar series get information and resources about how to prevent alcohol and drug use, learn more about substance use disorders (also known as addiction) and find out where to go for free or low-cost treatment services. Topic: Your Teen & Vaping Date: Wednesday, November 9, 2022 Time: 3:00pm - 4:00pm Location: Click here to join on Microsoft Teams.   To join, visit here or contact Barbara LaBon, Substance Abuse Counselor: (626) 375-6422 BLa...@ph.lacounty.gov   Youth Presentation: Vaping & You Virtual The CORE center is offering a safe space for youth to talk about substance use confidentially with a trusted adult. Topic: Vaping & You: What You Need To Know Date: Tuesday, November 15, 2022 Time: 3:00pm - 3:30pm   To join, visit here or contact Barbara LaBon, Substance Abuse Counselor: (626) 375-6422 BLa...@ph.lacounty.gov Southern California Health and Housing Council Meeting   The Southern California Health and Housing Council is a diverse and culturally competent network of experts, educators, health and housing professionals, advocacy groups, CBOs/NGOs and community members working to eliminate childhood lead poisoning and other environmental hazards to promote healthy living and healthy housing.  You are invited to join their next meeting on Thursday, November 17 from 10:30AM-12PM. Guest speaker will be Justin Robertson, Senior Planner with LA Public Health PLACE Program. The presentation and discussion will cover: What Trees Do for Us LA County’s Urban Forest How You Can Help Please RSVP to get the meeting link:  forms.office.com/g/V2N4mV2nxu For questions, contact: Juan Sigala, 323-659-6237, jsi...@ph.lacounty.gov Pandemic EBT is back!   Pandemic EBT (or P-EBT) is a federal program that gives eligible families food benefits in addition to free or reduced-price meals at childcare or school. You do not need to apply to P-EBT. P-EBT cards are automatically sent to eligible families based on information from other programs, including CalFresh Food benefits and free or reduced-price school meals. You can apply for free or reduced-price school meals through your school. To apply for CalFresh Food benefits visit GetCalfresh.org. Learn more at capandemic-ebt.org/  Cool LA Initiative   Cool LA is an initiative to help older adults, low-income neighborhoods, and those living in communities with a lack of applicable programs to better manage the impacts of extreme heat caused by climate change.  Initiatives include cooling rebates on various types of energy-efficient cooling units and Level Pay, to help customers smooth out their summer bills across 12 monthly payments.   For more information and other programs, visit ladwp.com/cool-la.   Free Support Groups In-Person & Virtual Join a free support group to connect with folks and take care of your own physical and mental health. For any questions or to register, call and leave a message with your name & number on a secure and confidential voicemail to:   Martin Rodarte, LCSW (He/Him/His) 213-266-3432            Click here for flyer To learn more about various support group topics, click on the link below:     *new* Ask A Therapist *new* *new* Virtual Wellness *new* Black Women's Support Group Coping Skills* Gender-Affirming Support Group Grief & Loss* Latino Men's Group* Life Since COVID* Men's Trauma Survivors Group* Social Skills Group Partner with Hollywood-Wilshire Wellness Community Are you interested in offering free services or activities at Hollywood-Wilshire Wellness Community? We are always looking for new opportunities to collaborate with community partners. You can e-mail Hollywood...@ph.lacounty.gov or click the image below to submit your interest today.     Useful Links and Resources    California Rent Relief Program COVID-19 Post-Surge Dashboard COVID-19 Vaccination Distribution Dashboard COVID-19 Vaccine Information COVID-19 Vaccination Records COVID-19 Surveillance Dashboard COVID-19 Testing FEMA Funeral Assistance Financial Navigators Program Flu Vaccines Free Snack Program Free Tax Preparation Services Get Ahead LA Financial Resources Headspace: Free mindfulness app iPrevail Online Mental Health Resource LA County America’s Job Center of California LA County’s COVID-19 Tenant Protections Resolution LA County’s Office of Immigrant Affairs LA County Youth Suicide Prevention Project LA Department of Water & Power Bill Credit LA Public Health Podcast Masks – Free N-95 Mental Health Support (800) 854-7771 or text “LA” to 741741) Metro LIFE Program National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Opportunity LA: Child Savings Account for LAUSD Students Request a Mobile Vaccination Team Report a violation (888) 700-9995, Monday – Friday from 8:00AM to 5:00PM SoCalGas Assistance Fund Southern California Edison Assistance   For additional resources please dial 2-1-1 For more information, please visit our website: publichealth.lacounty.gov/Coronavirus/    Follow LA County Public Health on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube:   @lapublichealth

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