March 16, 2022 @ 3:15 p.m.
Every Tuesday, Sherrill Brown, M.D., Medical Director, Infection Prevention; Olivia Lee, Manager, Legislative and Advocacy Affairs; and Denise Gomez, Benefits Specialist, Human Resources, update our clinic and corporate lines of business leaders.

You can listen to the recording here.
Get Boosted!

Human Resources reminds all AltaMed staff, employees, contracted workers, and volunteers, who are currently eligible and due for a COVID-19 booster, that they are required to comply with the booster mandate immediately. Only those who had a breakthrough infection from December 2021 to present are eligible for an extension until May 1 upon Employee Health's approval.
 
Contact Employee Health to submit proof of your COVID-19 booster vaccination, schedule your booster dose, or discuss an extension.
Rapid COVID-19 Home Antigen Testing Kits
 
AltaMed has received more antigen testing kits, and so we are able to use them again in all clinics to test patients coming out of isolation early after day five.

The kits are available to give to patients and staff for home use:
  • Given to patients with URI symptoms who may require repeat home testing.
  • Ordered and given to staff members—two kits per employee at each time.
 
See the attached slide with updated recommendations on testing use. For any questions, contact Sherrill Brown, M.D., Medical Director, Infection Prevention.
Community Vaccine Event

AltaMed, in conjunction with ¡Ándale! ¿Qué Esperas?, will host a free "March Into Spring" COVID-19 community vaccine event on Saturday, March 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at AltaMed Medical and Dental Clinic – South Gate.

Participants of all ages are welcome and can receive food boxes, COVID-19 safety kit, and gift cards. The vaccine will be available to those five years and older, and the booster to those 12 years and older.

Click on the flyer for information; please share with your patients and the community.
Grand Rounds Update

Sherrill Brown, M.D., Medical Director, Infection Prevention, presented on COVID-19 Treatment, Vaccine Updates, and Q&A Forum at the Tuesday, March 15 Grand Rounds.

Topics Discussed:
  • COVID-19 Vaccines in 5- to 17-year-olds
 
Resources:
 
Video Presentation Timestamps:
  • Presentation: 0:00 – 29:48
  • Q&A Session: 29:49 – 41:52
Free Support and Resources Offered by CalHOPE
 
In partnership with CalHOPE, Health Education and Wellness is offering free crisis counseling and other support services to patients, employees, and community members affected by COVID-19. Informational cards have been distributed to all clinics and PACE centers.
 
For questions about this initiative or to request more cards, contact Michelle Madrid, Manager, Health Education and Wellness. 
Safety Reminders While At Work

  1. Wear your masks—Face masks are to be worn at all times over your nose and mouth (except when drinking or eating), and should be stored properly or discarded. Patients need to wear masks at all times in examination rooms as well.
  2. Maintain hand hygiene—Staff should have easy access to hand sanitizer dispensers to clean hands frequently, and should wash their hands for 20 seconds at a time.
  3. Practice physical distancing—Stay six feet apart from other individuals whether inside or outside.
  4. Wipe down any work surfaces you touch.
  5. If employees need to be within six feet of someone for a prolonged period of time, wear a face shield and face mask in both administrative and clinical settings—avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. In addition, a face shield and face mask need to be worn at all times when interacting with patients.
  6. Employees must wear appropriate PPE when on site. 
Questions and Communications

We welcome your questions, suggestions, and input. We do review each question and respond appropriately, so please continue to email us—click here. Know that this is a safe space and most questions will be answered individually prior to being shared anonymously with staff.

How to Stay Informed

FAQs
  • Click here to read the most recent FAQs (answers to new questions are pending).
  • Refer to earlier editions of the COVID-19 Alert to see if your questions have already been answered.
Please Note: If you are contacted by the media with questions about the coronavirus outbreak or for any other reason, email Christina Sanchez, Vice President, Public Affairs. The Public Relations team monitors all media coverage of AltaMed (social and traditional platforms) to uphold our reputation. If you have questions and concerns regarding media coverage, call Christina at (310) 420-1135. If you'd like to read news releases from AltaMed, visit our external website, AltaMed.org under Newsroom.