July 6, 2020
MESSAGE FROM THE SUFFOLK CARE COLLABORATIVE

Dear Partners:
 
This will be the final issue of Suffolk Care Collaborative's DSRIP in Action newsletter.
 
At this time we would like to reiterate our heartfelt appreciation to you and your organizations for your hard work, support and ongoing efforts throughout the program to improve the health of our population and to bring resources to those most in need.  The accomplishments achieved under the DSRIP program would not have been possible without our combined efforts and your support. An Executive Summary highlighting some of the successes of the program in Suffolk County can be found here. The SCC website will remain accessible as a resource until December 31, 2020.
 
As we have discussed throughout the program, the intent is not that 'DSRIP' simply end but that gains will be sustained, new partnerships will continue to develop and future opportunities to collaborate will be realized. 
 
Thank you and best wishes to all for continued success.
HEALTH CARE STAFF WELL-BEING WEBINAR
Hand writing Webinar with white marker on transparent wipe board.
As a result of the current environment, discussions regarding health care staff well-being are more important than ever. That is why The Joint Commission and the National Council for Behavioral Health have come together to host a webinar, "COVID-19 Health Care Staff Trauma and Resilience-oriented Healing."

During this presentation, experts with real world experience from both organizations discuss evidence-based and best practices that can be immediately implemented.

At this webinar you will:
  • Identify signs and symptoms of burn-out and vicarious traumatization.
  • Gain best practices to cope with post-traumatic stress (PTS) and compassion fatigue.
  • Learn emotional regulation techniques to manage anxiety and feelings of grief.
This important on-demand webinar can be viewed at your convenience by clicking here.
AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION UPCOMING VIRTUAL LEARNING

The American Lung Association will be hosting the below webinars:  

Wednesday, July 15, 2020,  4 p.m.- 5 p.m
Air Quality and COVID-19:  Connections, Health Impacts and Racial Disparities

This webinar will discuss the preliminary implications of findings that suggest higher rates of COVID-19 infection and mortality in individuals who have faced long-term exposure to poor air quality.  Speakers will include both health experts and environmental justice leaders working to combat these synergistic health threats.  



Wednesday, August 12, 2020, 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
COVID-19 and Mental Health: Spatial Distancing, not Social Distancing

The limiting of face-to-face contact with others has helped reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.  Yet the physical distancing required to keep the virus at bay may invite unwanted emotions such as loneliness, anxiety and feelings of helplessness. Top experts will review coping strategies and techniques to manage your mental health while maintaining your physical health.

NORTHWELL HEALTH CAREER DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATE




THE EMOTIONAL PPE PROJECT
For Healthcare Workers in Need of Mental Health Services

The Emotional PPE Project connects healthcare workers in need with licensed mental health professionals who can help.   All services provided through The Emotional PPE Project are free of charge, n o insurance - just a trained professional to talk to.  

The Emotional PPE Project is a directory that provides contact information of volunteer mental health practitioners to healthcare workers whose mental health has been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

The Emotional PPE Project is an independent tax-exempt nonprofit (501(c)(3)) organization fully staffed by volunteers.  Contact: [email protected].   Click here to read FAQs.
COVID-19 INFORMATION FOR PROVIDERS  

New York State provides up-to-date information about the COVID-19 outbreak for NYS healthcare providers, including:
  • Weekly health care provider updates
  • COVID-19 webinars, health advisories, printable materials and guidance
  • COVID-19 Testing Information
  • Joining the NYS health care provider reserve workforce
  • Creating a Health Commerce Account
  • Weekly Healthcare Provider Update Compilation


The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance has been updated.  Click here for  CDC Healthcare Provider Guidance about Coronavirus.
RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR COMMUNITY ON COVID-19

The Association for Mental Health and Wellness (MHAW) has increased the capacity of its Mental Health Helpline in response to the overwhelming need resulting from the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

The Helpline, which can be accessed by phone at 631-471-7242 ext. 2, is open for calls Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm or via email at [email protected].  Emails can be sent 24/7 and will be responded to the same day or next day.  Additional COVID-19-related resources can be found on the Mental Health Helpline webpage .
 
In addition to the Mental Health Helpline, MHAW has expanded the hours for its Peer Support Line and online Peer Support Groups.  

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The American Lung Association has updated guidance on how to protect yourself and your family from becoming infected. Click here to learn more.

The Lung HelpLine is staffed by medical professionals ready to answer questions about COVID-19 and other lung-related concerns. This service is available for free in more than 250 languages. Contact the Lung HelpLine by calling 1-800-LUNGUSA or submitting a question online.  

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website provides various resources and can be found by clicking on the below links.   

World Health Organization (WHO) Coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak

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The American Heart Association advises caution and preparation for heart patients and stroke survivors because they are at higher risk of complications from the coronavirus COVID-19.  Visit their website for helpful tips and information from leading experts on the below topics:
  • Precautions for patients and others facing higher risks  
  • What heart patients should know about coronavirus
  • What people with diabetes need to know about COVID-19
  • Understanding the risky combination of diabetes and the coronavirus
  • Keeping a lid on blood pressure during the coronavirus crisis
Videos are also available on these topics:
  • Some may die because people aren't calling 911
  • Coronavirus: What heart and stroke patients need to know
MOBILIZATION AND EMPOWERING THE NATION AND TECHNOLOGY TO ADDRESS LONELINESS AND SOCIAL ISOLATION 

The HHS Administration for Community Living (ACL) and the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH) announced the M obilizing and  E mpowering the  N ation and  T echnology to  A ddress  L oneliness & social isolation ( MENTAL ) Health Innovation Challenge

The goal of this challenge is to increase consumer awareness and use of technology tools that keep racial and minority populations, older adults, people with disabilities and Veterans socially engaged and connected to families, friends, communities and activities of interest.

To learn more about this challenge click here.   Deadline for registration is July 15, 2020.  
JULY HEALTH AND WELLNESS OBSERVANCES

July provides an opportunity to promote health and wellness awareness. Listed below are resources to help community leaders and healthcare providers start planning ways to communicate, educate and involve the community they serve.  If you would like to promote special events in recognition of any of these observances on our Community Bulletin Board, submit them here .

NATIONAL MINORITY MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
During National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, recognized during the month of July, the HHS Office of Minority Health (OMH) will launch a free and accredited e-learning program:   Improving Cultural Competency for Behavioral Health Professionals. This new program is part of OMH's Think Cultural Health E-learning Curricula, which are developed to help build knowledge and skills related to the National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health and Health Care (National CLAS Standards).  

In addition to the launch of the behavioral health e-learning program, OMH will join partners at the federal, state, local, tribal and territorial levels to help raise awareness about mental illness and its effects on racial and ethnic minority populations.
Community word cloud with magnifying glass, concept
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT HIGHLIGHTS
Opportunities for community engagement throughout Suffolk County

FAMILY SERVICE LEAGUE RESOURCES
Family Service League (FSL) considers the health and safety of our clients, staff and community members of utmost importance.  As this recent health crisis continues, most FSL counseling and support programs are operating via secure digital telehealth methods such as video conferencing, email and phone.  FREE Counseling is also being provided to healthcare and essential workers!  The DASH Crisis Care Center is open 24 hours. Call anytime 631-952-3333 to speak with a therapist or schedule a visit.   Click here for the full list of current services.

CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION OF SUFFOLK COUNTY
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County Family Health & Wellness educators have a wealth of resources online.  Most importantly, "How to talk to your kids about COVID-19" helps families navigate this sensitive topic.  Visit their website for the latest updates.  

VETERANS PEER SUPPORT GROUPS ONLINE
During the COVID-19 public health crisis, Online Support Groups sessions are scheduled to help Veterans stay connected. The groups are hosted on Zoom and can be joined online or by phone. Visit the website for more information,

The Association for Mental Health and Wellness Peer Support Line is also available 7 days per week:   Monday - Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm;  Saturday: 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm; Sunday: 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm  --   631-471-7242 ext 1217

Also available to assist is the Veterans Crisis Line at 1 (800) 272-8255 & Press 1
or Response Crisis Hotline of Suffolk County at (631) 751-7500

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
Visit SCC's Community Engagement page for on-going neighborhood programs here.  Partners can request to have their community events posted on the bulletin board, including job opportunities, which will be posted free of charge for 30 days.  To request to post on our bulletin board, click  here .  





Please visit our Community Engagement page  for our calendar of events and  resources.
NYS DOH ANNOUNCEMENTS

ELECTRONIC VISIT VERIFICATION (EVV) APPLICABLE BILLING CODES
The NYS Department of Health has posted EVV Applicable Billing Codes to the NY Medicaid Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) website.  The purpose of this document is to inform Medicaid providers of the Personal Care Services (PCS) and associated billing codes that are subject to federal and state EVV requirements.   The document can be found here.

NYS MEDICAID FEE-FOR-SERVICE (FFS) GUIDANCE FOR COVID-19 TESTING AT PHARMACIES
The NYS Department of Health released an updated New York State (NYS) Medicaid Fee-for-Service (FFS) Policy and Billing Guidance for COVID-19 Testing at Pharmacies.  This guidance replaces the original version, first issued on May 22, 2020.  Changes to the original have been highlighted in the updated copy.   This guidance is posted on the COVID-19 Guidance for Medicaid Providers webpage, which is updated regularly with guidance and information.

TRANSITION OF THE MEDICAID PHARMACY BENEFIT FROM MANAGED CARE TO FEE-FOR-SERVICE
The NYS Department of Health (DOH) is hosting an informational webinar regarding the Medicaid Redesign Team (MRT) II SFY 2020-21 budget initiative to transition the Medicaid Pharmacy benefit from Managed Care to the fee-for-service (FFS) program. This is the first of a series of recurring monthly webinars regarding this topic which will be open to all interested MRT stakeholders. The All Stakeholder Call - Medicaid Pharmacy Transition webinar will be held on July 13, 2020, from 3 pm to 4 pm.  This webinar requires registration. To register please click here.  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information about joining the webinar.  Following the webinar, the presentation will be posted to the DOH website.  
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