Redwood Rural Health Center's April/May 2022 Newsletter

Eligibility for Medi-Cal is changing!

The pandemic rules that expanded Medi-Cal coverage for many Americans are expiring and your coverage will either automatically renew or you'll need to reapply.

How will you know? You will receive a letter indicating if you need to reapply or if your coverage will automatically renew.

Make sure your county office has your updated address! Local County office info: 929 Koster Street, Eureka, CA 95501; 877-410-8809 or update online: KeepMediCalCoverage.org

Egg Hunt & Spring Carnival

Redwoods Rural Health Center was a proud sponsor of the Kiwanis of the Redwoods Egg Hunt & Spring Carnival which was held at the Southern Humboldt Community Park on April 8th.

During the event Tulio and Andrea, our Outreach Assistors, staffed a booth with throwing games, stickers, and activities for the kids.

They were able to inform the public about Medi-Cal, Cal-Fresh, General Relief and Cal Works enrollment assistance Redwoods Rural Health Center provides. They also explained the implications of the COVID emergency declaration coming to an end, and the need for all Medi-Cal users to update their personal information so they can continue their coverage.

If you need help with enrollment please contact Tulio or Andrea at 707-923-2783 to make an appointment.

May is Better Sleep Awareness Month

May is National Better Sleep Awareness Month. According to the CDC ‘1 in 3 US adults don’t get enough sleep’. Not getting enough sleep is a problem and is linked to many chronic diseases like Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease, obesity and depression just to name a few. ‘Getting enough sleep is not a luxury—it is something people need for good health.’ Importantly, not getting enough sleep can increase your risk of developing health problems and make your days tougher by increasing mistakes at work or behind the wheel. So what do you do when you do not get enough sleep?

Here are some helpful tips when Mr. Sandman is nowhere to be found:

Be consistent. Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning, including on the weekends
Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, relaxing, and at a comfortable temperature
Remove electronic devices, such as TVs, computers, and smart phones, from the bedroom
Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime
Get some exercise. Being physically active during the day can help you fall asleep more easily at night.
Set a bedtime alarm. Remind yourself to begin your nightly bedtime rituals as studies show bedtime preparation may help you fall asleep faster.

If you’ve tried these tips and nothing works, it may be time to speak to your provider, many things can be done, including a sleep study. Patients of RRHC can call 707-923-2783 and schedule an appointment today. www.cdc.gov/sleep/index.html

Community Baby Shower on April 29th

Redwoods Rural Health Center will be at the FREE Community Baby Shower which will be held at the Southern Humboldt Community Park Barn in Garberville on April 29th from noon to 3pm.

RRHC's perinatal team will have gift bags, nutrition information and our Outreach Assistors will be there with information about Medi-Cal, Cal-Fresh, General Relief and Cal Works enrollment assistance.

We hope to see you there!

April Team Member

of the Month & Welcome RRHC's Newest Employee

What does it take to be a TEAM member of the month? At RRHC one employee is recognized each month by their fellow workers as going above and beyond in the course of their job.

Samantha Ponts is April's TEAM member of the month. Samantha is our Integrated Services Care Manger and is a valuable part of the Community Supports team. Congrats Samantha!

~~~

You may have noticed new staff members around RRHC. Please help us in welcoming our new TEAM member!

• Niki Genolio, Dental Front Desk

RRHC's Transportation Service

RRHC's Transportation Van is available to RRHC's patients Monday through Friday and is able to coordinate care when you need a ride to and from health related appointments from McKinleyville to Santa Rosa and Shelter Cove to Alderpoint.

If you would like to book a ride, or if you have questions, please call RRHC’s Transportation Line at 707-923-2784. Your calls will be answered or returned Tuesdays-Thursdays. Rides are free and are booked on a first come, first served basis.

Arts in Healthcare

Studies have proven that integrating the arts into healthcare settings helps to cultivate a healing environment, and support the physical, mental and emotional recovery of patients. Thank you to local artists Ingrid Leon and Mark Alder for exhibiting during the winter of 2022, their art added beauty and calm to our interior during construction. And now that spring is upon us, we are excited about the new art installed in the medical building by watercolorist John Jameton (below) as well as the multiple artists displayed in dental by the Shelter Cove Arts at Heart Maker’s Collective (above).

Thank you!

Redwood Rural Health Center would like to thank Redwood Empire Roofing, Inc. for replacing the roof on our Medical and Dental buildings!

Redwood Empire Roofing was accommodating of our team’s requests in order to minimize the impact to patient care and they completed the project expeditiously so the health center can launch our next project – solar installation!

Sidewalk & Parking Lot Paving Project

RRHC is excited to announce that sidewalks will soon be connected along our medical and dental buildings located at 101 West Coast Road in Redway. The Sidewalk and Parking Lot Repaving Project funding was provided by State Community Development Block Grant funds of Humboldt County and is set to start when the April 24th and continue into early summer.

We send our thanks to all patients who adapt to the parking lots being closed for repaving and sidewalk installation. This will not only help keep patients safer by connecting sidewalks on the property, but will also increased safety to cut down on staff & patients walking in the street to get around the facilities. Again, our gratitude to everyone for your patience as we conduct this important project.