COVID-19 UPDATE REMINDER

Please remember that the current California health order requires anyone entering our building to wear a mask. 

• Patients with scheduled appointments should receive a phone call no earlier than 24 hours before determining symptoms. Patients showing specific symptoms will be asked to remain in their cars, and providers will come to patients' cars to be seen. We would greatly appreciate your cooperation as SVCHC works to ensure the health and safety of our patients and staff. 
• You may notice that our staff continues wearing masks. This is our effort to keep our patients safe.
• If you need help, please call SVCHC at (707)939-6070, or for an emergency, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room.
• Please note that behavioral health services will continue via telehealth and during clinic services. If you need assistance, call (707)939-6070.

• Please note that CURATIVE and LHI are NO longer offering Covid-19 testing.
• For SONOMA COUNTY Covid-19 Vaccine information, please go here
• Roseland and Rohnert Park Covid-19 vaccine clinics to close at the end of February.
• For other testing sites around Sonoma County, please visit here.

To combat the virus' spread, White House officials announced that each household can order four free at-home tests. The tests will be mailed directly to homes starting the week of Dec. 19.

Order a free at-home test here

What you need to know about the Bivalent booster shots

• Bivalent: The authorized bivalent COVID-19 vaccines, or updated boosters, include an mRNA component of the original strain to provide an immune response that is broadly protective against COVID-19 and an mRNA component in common between the omicron variant BA.4 and BA.5 lineages to provide better protection against COVID-19 caused by the omicron variant.

• As of 12/13/2022, the bivalent vaccines age ranged lowered to 6 months.

Which brand to get?

• Moderna Bivalent Booster It is authorized for use as a single booster dose in individuals six months of age and older.

• Pfizer BioNTech Bivalent Booster It is approved for use as a single booster dose in individuals 5 years of age and older and as a third initial dose for ages 6 months to 4 years.

When to get it?

• Bivalent Booster: At least two months after their primary dose or any previous monovalent booster.

Additional Dose- Moderately or severely immunocompromised people ages six months and older who completed their Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine primary series should plan to get an additional dose at least eight weeks after their second dose. People ages six months and older who completed their Moderna COVID-19 vaccine primary series should plan to get an additional dose at least 28 days after their second dose.

Please note: physical paper vaccination cards are required for 2nd and booster doses.

For questions, please email us at community@svchc.org or call us at 707-939-6070 or click this link.

We continue hosting on-site and pop-up Covid-19 vaccination clinics in February.

Current Covid-19 Vaccination Clinic Hours

WEDNESDAY VACCINATION CLINIC

• Every Wednesday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Pfizer and Moderna vaccine brands are offered for people five years old and older.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Moderna availability: Bivalent Booster shots (2 months after complete series or previous monovalent booster) Pediatric (6-11 years old) and Adults (12+) years old. 

• Pfizer availability: first dose, second dose (3 weeks after 1st dose), and Bivalent Booster shots (2 months after complete series or previous monovalent booster). Pediatric (5-11 years old) and Adults (12+ years old). 
• Pfizer Additional dose: For people with an immunocompromised system.

• Appointments can be made via https://myturn.ca.gov/

• For more information, please visit our website below: 

POP-UP VACCINATION CLINICS

For detailed information regarding pop-up clinics around the Valley, click the button below for more information

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR FIT (COLON SCREENING ) WINNERS!

Resources for Sub-Freezing Temperatures

Individuals who are unhoused are encouraged to move to the nearest shelter if possible. Winter shelters have expanded capacity on a first-come, first-served basis, with many providing wraparound services as well. The following locations are offering services and/or shelter:

● West County Community Services located at the former Bank of America building in Guerneville, Ca. Visit in-person for services and resources. More information can be found here

● Social Advocates for Youth - Nightly shelter for youth ages 18-24 to escape the cold temperatures. Call the crisis line before 5 p.m. (1-888-729-0012) to reserve a spot, or drop in at Coffee House Teen Shelter at 1243 Ripley St. in Santa Rosa before 5 p.m. to reserve a spot.

● Homeless Action Sonoma is operating a navigation center and warming station at 867 West Napa St. in Sonoma. The center is open from 2 p.m. until 10 a.m. seven days a week, for anyone who needs a place to get out of the wet and cold nights.

For the most up-to-date information about warming centers and the availability of shelter space around Sonoma County visit here

SONOMA PHARMACA'S CLOUSURE

If you had Pharmaca, please note that your prescription files have been transferred to Walgreens #11822.

If you need to change pharmacies to stay local, you can do the following:

1. Call SVCHC's pharmacy at (707) 939-2278 to update your new preferred pharmacy. Our hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 9:00 am-5:30 pm. (Our pharmacy is not open on Saturdays).

2. Ask your new pharmacy to request files from Walgreens - easier because they can get your entire list of medications.

3. Please note that you also have both the primary default and secondary pharmacies on your chart.

February 7th-13th was Children's Mental Health Awareness Week

This week spotlights the importance of caring for every child’s mental health and reinforces that positive mental health is essential to a child’s healthy development. For most children, mental and emotional functioning is predominantly shaped by the social, economic, and environmental factors into which they are born, live, and grow.

These are some anxiety disorders. They might be easy to miss/ Some signs that a child may be struggling with possibly include:

• Avoiding situations and social gatherings by pretending to be sick.

• Being a perfectionist, bossy, or having the need to control situations.
• Worrying about things that are unlikely to happen.

• Being overly shy and sensitive to criticism. Low self-esteem and lack of confidence.

• Having meltdowns at home but possibly not at school.

If you think your child is experiencing any of these or any other signs, feel welcome to contact our Behavioral Health Department. Our Health Clinicians have tools to help children in our community.

A little more about this Department

Meet MICHAEL MABANGLO, LCSW, PHD

(Director of the Behavioral Health Department)

Our behavioral health clinicians, as part of your primary care team, work with your primary care practitioner to evaluate barriers to your health and address those barriers by providing brief, solution-focused interventions.

Behavioral Health Clinician can offer:

• Consultation
• Screening and mental health assessment
• Brief behavioral health interventions (typically 1-12 visits)
• Stress management
• Psycho-educational skills training
• Support groups
• Psychiatric medication evaluation and management
• Referral services to specialty mental health clinicians
• Resource referrals

Examples of behavioral health concerns include:

• Stress
• Chronic Illness/Pain
• Anxiety/Fears/Phobias
• Depression
• Insomnia/Sleep Disturbance
• Grief/Bereavement
• Struggling to take medication as prescribed or following your plan of treatment
• Substance Use/Chemical Dependency

Call us to make an appointment at: (707) 939-6070 or click here to visit our website.

• For local resources, visit the County services on this site
• To find support for you and your little ones, click here.
• The young LGBTQ community can visit this link.

Did you know that heart disease is a leading cause of death in the US?

February is American Heart Month, and focusing on your heart health has never been more important. People with poor cardiovascular health are also at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

Make heart health a part of your self-care routine with these tips from Dr. Richard Pacca, from Granville Heart and Vascular.

1. Stop smoking. We know quitting is difficult, but you will reap the benefits for years. Your primary care physicians will be happy to assist you with this, including medications, patches, or talking through it.
2. Focus on eating healthy. Eat foods low in saturated fats and sodium, and increase your intake of fruits and vegetables.
3. Move more. Not getting enough physical activity puts you at higher risk for heart disease and stroke. Try to increase your daily activity. Pressed for time? Try doing 10 minutes of activity three times a day.
4. Visit your primary care provider regularly to have your blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly and help prevent heart disease.
5. Follow the 7 Days of Self-Care tips described in the image above. (Hint: Clicking on the picture will take you to the main website, so you can learn more about this campaign).
6. Don't Skip a Beat: Prepare for Heart Attacks by following the CDC guidelines here.

Source

While February is a month when many of us, metaphorically speaking, give our hearts to loved ones, it is also the month to recognize those who literally give their heart and other organs to others. They give life! February 14th was National Donor Day!

Valentine’s Day has a different meaning when you need an organ transplant to survive. According to the "National Today" website 120,000 Americans are currently waiting for organ transplants. They depend on the public to sign up with their state’s organ donor registries.

If you think about it, becoming a donor is a more meaningful way to show love than giving heart-shaped candy, roses, and red velvet teddy bears. By donating organs such as corneas, tissue, marrow, platelets, and blood, you create a living legacy of your generosity with the ultimate gift of love.

If you have thought about it but haven't made a concrete decision, here are five reasons that might change your mind:

Five perceptions why people say "No" to organ donation.

I just haven’t given it full thought.

1. If you consider the thousands of people waiting for transplants, your organ donation can keep one person from dying of organ failure every day.

I'm not supporting the consequences of someone's negative lifestyle.

1. The truth is that only about 5 percent of those waiting for an organ transplant are drug users or alcoholics.

I have diabetes, so I don't think I can be an organ donor.

1. Here's the real deal — you can donate organs even if you have diabetes, and some donor recipients have even become donors themselves.

I don't have time to sign up.

1. It's easy to register online, and consider this — if your organs were failing, wouldn't you want someone to make time for you?

I'm too old to donate.

1. You're never too old to save someone's life with an organ donation.

Source

Health Centers Are Rooted in Black History and the Civil Rights Movement

During Black/African American History Month, we honor the culture and contributions of African American community and especially honor and express gratitude for the health center movement that sprung from the 1960s Black Civil Rights Movement. Thanks to this movement, FQHCs exist in the United States, serving underserved and low-income communities and being one of the primary care providers for more than 30 million individuals in the US.

#BlackHistoryMonth

To learn more, click here.

10 minutes of your time can make a difference in the lives of those more vulnerable in our valley.

Starting January 2023, the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is seeking your feedback about the need for programs for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers in Sonoma County. Paper copies of the survey are available at your local senior center.

To participate in the survey, click here.

February is Children's Dental Health Month

The American Dental Association selected February to create awareness about children's oral health.

Did you know that tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease?

That’s why promoting children's dental health is important.

Developing good dental habits early, including scheduling regular dentist visits, helps children have healthy teeth and gums. They can also avoid many problems resulting from poor oral health, like gum disease, cavities, and tooth decay.

Having a Healthy Mouth will also help them with

• Healthy growth and development

• Being able to focus and learn

• Lower dental care costs for your family

This year's theme for Children's Dental Health Month is: "Brush, Floss, Smile!"

Help or make sure your child follows the daily habits below:

• Brush your teeth 2x/day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Clean between your teeth daily.
• Eat healthy foods and limit sugary beverages.
• See your dentist at least twice a year.

To learn more about SVCHC's dental program, click here

For local dental resources: click here

COVERED CALIFORNIA

SPECIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD

Covered CA Open Enrollment ended on January 31st. However, individuals can qualify for Covered CA Special Enrollment period under specific circumstances within 60 days of the event. Circumstances include:

• Lost Health Insurance
• Turned 26 Years Old
• Moved to or Within California
• Married or Entered a Domestic Partnership
• A Child is Born, Adopted, or Received into Foster Care
• Change of Household Size
• Domestic Abuse or Spousal Abandonment
• Affected by Wildfires
• Returned from Active Military Service
• Released from Jail or Prison
• Gained Citizenship or Lawful Presence
• Current Enrollees Who Experience a Life Event

For more information, you can visit the Covered California Website. You may also check the list of Qualifying Life Events.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with SVCHC's eligibility department at (707) 939-6070.

We have the following positions open. Help us find great candidates for our team!

“What is the essence of life? To serve others and to do good.”

(Aristotle) 

Send us an email!

Stay up to date through our social media platforms, where you will find videos, resources, and information about current topics.

Subscribe today! 

Don't miss the opportunity to make a difference while you shop, before February 20th!

Thank you for investing in health for Sonoma Valley children, families, and seniors.

Sonoma Valley Community Health Center has been on the front lines, providing care to our community since 1992. Low-wage jobs, minimal health benefits, and the high living cost mean too many of our neighbors lack access to affordable health care. SVCHC spends approximately $1 million each year on providing care to our patients who are under or uninsured. Thanks to generous, community-minded people like you, we can ensure that all of our neighbors have access to quality care.

Thank you for your support!

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

· Appointments for SVCHC W.I.C Office must be made via phone prior to visits. Please call 707-565-6590.

· REFB Food Distribution is at SVCHC every 1st and 3rd Friday of each month. Distribution hours are from 8:45 am-9:45 am or until supply lasts. 

· Visit the Sonoma County Website for more info about Covid-19 vaccine clinics and testing.

To find more community resources available click the button below.

SVCHC is part of the health consortium "Aliados Health", formally known as "Redwood Community Health Coalition." Aliados Health is a network comprised of 17 community health center members with sites in Marin, Napa, Sonoma, Contra Costa, Solano, and Yolo counties. Formed in 1994, their mission is to improve access to, and the quality of care provided for under-served and uninsured people in the six counties. Aliados Health’s major focus is to strengthen the capacity of member health centers to act as a regional network of comprehensive primary care that provides access to consistently high-quality clinical care, effective care coordination, and reduce health disparities. The member health centers provide patient-centered primary care health homes to 295,016 patients, including 175,587 Medi-Cal patients and over 55,219 uninsured individuals.

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Sonoma Valley Community Health Center | Sonoma, CA

Mission: To provide accessible quality health care to those who need it, especially the underserved.

Vision: To be recognized as a leader in providing Patient and Community-centered care in collaboration with other organizations.

707-939-6070 * www.svchc.org * community@svchc.org